The Imperative for Unbiased Hiring: Unlocking the Potential of Skilled Young Talent

Intro

In today's competitive job market, finding and retaining top #talent is a priority for every organization. #HR managers and #recruiters play a crucial role in ensuring that the hiring process is fair and #unbiased. In this blog, I will explore the importance of unbiased hiring, considering factors such as the shortage of skilled young talent, the evolving landscape of technical skills, the rise of online learning, the expectations of Generation Z, and the balance between soft and hard skills.

The Shortage of Skilled Young Talent

According to a survey conducted by ManpowerGroup , 69% of global employers reported talent shortages in recent years, the highest percentage since 2006. The World Economic Forum estimated that by 2025, there could be a shortage of over 85 million skilled workers globally. In the #technology sector, the shortage of skilled workers is particularly acute. A report by Korn Ferry suggests that there could be a global shortage of 4.3 million technology professionals by 2030.

Technical Skills and Evolving Landscapes

The digital (r)evolution has transformed the #business landscape, placing a strong emphasis on technical skills. In this era of rapidly advancing technology, traditional hiring practices that solely focus on university degrees may no longer be sufficient. Embracing unbiased #hiring means considering alternative paths to acquiring technical skills, such as online learning platforms, coding boot camps, and self-paced certifications (a little promotion might be allowed here - please look at GDEXA | Mentoring & Skillbased Hiring and learn more).

A study by LinkedIn found that 92% of talent professionals and hiring managers believe that #softskills are equally or more important than #hardskills . The World Economic Forum's Future of Jobs Report highlighted that by 2025, #analyticalthinking , #innovation, and #activelearning will be among the most sought-after skills. Therefore, while technical skills are important, the inclusion of candidates with exceptional soft skills should not be overlooked.

University Degree vs Online Learning

While a #university degree has long been seen as a symbol of #knowledge and #expertise (and trust me I am still proud of mine from RheinMain University of Applied Sciences ), it should not be the sole determining factor in the hiring process. #onlinelearning platforms have gained tremendous popularity, allowing individuals to #upskill or gain specialized knowledge conveniently and affordably. According to a report by Deloitte , #generationz (those "kids" born between 1997 and 2012 like my own) values personal development opportunities (like offered via Liya, our new platform currently in German but soon in English as well) and a positive work environment more than previous generations. Recognizing the value of online learning and considering it alongside traditional degrees ensures that recruiters don't overlook skilled candidates who have pursued alternative educational paths.

Expectations

Generation Z is the most #diverse generation in history, with higher percentages of racial and ethnic diversity compared to previous generations. They value #diversity, #inclusivity, and #socialresponsibility. According to a report by Deloitte, 56% of Gen Z individuals believe that diversity and inclusion are important factors when choosing an employer. HR managers and recruiters must adapt their hiring practices to align with the expectations of Gen Z, attracting and retaining this talented cohort.

Soft Skills vs Hard Skills

A survey by the National Association of Colleges and Employers found that the top five skills employers look for in candidates are all soft skills: #teamwork, #problemsolving, #communication, #leadership, and #workethic. While technical skills are essential, a balanced mix of soft and hard skills is critical for success in today's #collaborative work environments. Unbiased hiring practices that consider both skill sets ensure that HR managers and recruiters identify individuals who possess the necessary expertise and the ability to #thrive in a team-based setting.

Conclusion

#Unbiasedhiring is not just a moral imperative but a #strategic advantage for organizations. The shortage of skilled young talent, the evolving landscape of technical skills, the rise of online learning, the expectations of Generation Z, and the importance of soft skills all underscore the need for HR managers and recruiters to embrace unbiased hiring practices. By recognizing diverse talent, organizations can tap into a broader #talent pool and unlock the #potential of individuals from various backgrounds and educational paths. By championing unbiased hiring practices, HR professionals can pave the way for a more inclusive and successful future.

The statistics reveal a clear demand for skilled young talent and the growing significance of soft skills in the workplace. With talent #shortages reported by a significant majority of global employers and projections of future skill gaps, organizations cannot afford to overlook any potential source of talent. Embracing unbiased hiring practices will help bridge the #talentgap and ensure access to a wider pool of qualified candidates.

Furthermore, understanding the expectations and values of Generation Z is crucial for attracting and retaining this diverse generation. By promoting #DandI and social responsibility, organizations can create environments that align with the #preferences of Gen Z individuals, who value #personalgrowth opportunities and positive work cultures.

Lastly, balancing soft skills and hard skills is essential for building #highperformance teams that can adapt to the rapidly changing business landscape and allows organizations to identify candidates with the right mix of abilities to thrive in collaborative work environments and contribute to long-term success.

Management Summary (please copy when forwarding this blog)

Unbiased hiring practices are imperative for organizations to unlock the full potential of skilled young #talent. By addressing the #shortage of talent, embracing evolving #technical landscapes, considering #alternative educational paths, catering to the expectations of Generation Z, and valuing both soft and hard skills, HR managers and recruiters can position their organizations for success in a competitive market. The journey towards unbiased hiring may require adjustments to traditional hiring practices, but the #rewards in terms of #innovation, #productivity, and #diversity will undoubtedly be worth it.