Latest news with #skillsbasedhiring
Forbes
5 days ago
- Business
- Forbes
Why Human Skills Beat Qualifications In The Age Of AI
Artificial intelligence has the potential to revolutionize how we work, making mundane tasks more efficient and slashing the cost of many back-office jobs. But there's a dark side associated with this efficiency and progress - the loss of those people skills that set one individual apart from another, those human qualities that engage others with your business and how you do things. These are often the essence of your business brand and the 'glue' that gets employees and customers to stick. A woman addressing staff in a private meeting Think about the pre-Internet days when we might use a paper map to navigate a car journey. After a few trips, the human brain would begin to understand where the roads were and build a mental picture of the route. With generative AI tools such as ChatGPT and Gemini, that work is done for us so we lose the muscle memory of building up that picture. It's the same in the workplace - when employees are producing the same output for a task because they're all using the same tool, there is no differentiation and no reason to see your business as unique. This is why it's an important shift that more and more companies are looking at skills over traditional qualifications. According to a global survey by hiring platform Indeed, 67% of jobseekers and 51% of hiring managers believe that skills and on-the-job experience carry more weight than someone's qualifications or job titles. Skills-based hiring prioritizes these personal qualities such as communication and engagement skills over whether someone attended a certain university, for example, or they might favour someone who had acquired transferable experience volunteering while their peers were at university. Of course there will be industries where an academic qualification is essential, but our knowledge-based economy will need people who can set themselves apart with human qualities. The World Economic Forum's 2025 Future of Work report spells this out - alongside digital skills and data literacy, creative thinking, resilience, flexibility and agility are rising in importance. From a recruitment perspective, this means not setting up processes that rule people out based on non-essential criteria. In practice, this could mean removing the requirement for a degree or reducing the number of years' experience needed (and in some countries, it's unlawful to ask for these anyway). Look for ways that candidates can demonstrate qualities such as resilience and adaptability through the questions you ask or assessments you set. Why is this important? While AI can reduce the cost of doing business, this should not be the ultimate goal. Take customer support - a role that is increasingly being taken over by chatbots or other AI tools. Although these bots can handle basic questions and troubleshooting, customers with more complex issues will always value the more nuanced input and critical thinking of a human employee. Or if your business is in the creative industry and responsible for producing written communications, the team that can create something innovative and different from others is the one that will stand out in selection over one that has asked a generative AI tool to write its pitch. From a brand perspective, focusing on skills-based hiring and human qualities over algorithms could be more valuable in the long term. Of course, qualifications offer a measurement or benchmark by which we can compare people. But there are other approaches we can use in the recruitment process that can gauge if people have achieved in different ways. Perhaps they have excelled in a sport and are effective within a team, for example, or their previous experience and career trajectory in their career shows them to be a successful client advocate, even when they don't have the same level of qualification as another candidate. As with AI, we cannot rely on qualifications alone to secure the right path forward for the business - it's about the whole person, the whole 'problem' we're trying to solve for customers, and the multiple qualities that make an effective team that will deliver on targets. Ultimately, leaders need to build a business that is adaptable and resilient in a fast-changing market. Although AI tools can support employees to get up to speed quickly with some aspects of their role (it can generate drafts for those who struggle with blank page, or help people to communicate in other languages for example), they cannot replace someone who can create an engaging first impression, alternative way to solve a problem, or put themselves in someone else's shoes. As markets change, quick-thinking and empathetic humans can adapt quickly, contributing to sustainable business growth in the long term.
Telegraph
22-05-2025
- Business
- Telegraph
The five highest-paying jobs with no experience required
The job market is entering a tricky era. Uncertainty about the future, higher employer National Insurance contributions and increased wage bills mean many firms are either cutting back on staff, or at least pausing plans to expand their workforce. This is difficult enough for skilled workers with experience, but for anyone who's just starting out – or perhaps those who want to make a career swap – it may seem as though there are very few options, and all of them low-paid. However, that's not necessarily the case. James Neave, head of data science at job-matching platform Adzuna, said: 'There's a surprising number of roles out there that don't require a degree, apprenticeship or prior experience. Some, such as executive assistant, audit assistant – and even door installer – are paying more than £40,000. 'Many of these roles offer on-the-job training, giving you a chance to explore your interests and strengths before committing to a long-term career.' Good grades, it seems, no longer define your future. At the same time, we are seeing a shift from experience-based hiring to skills-based hiring – giving workers the chance to consider a range of roles they may not have previously thought about. Katie Elliott, an HR consultant, said: 'You don't need a long CV to land a decent salary, but you do need to show you're someone who will turn up, learn fast and crack on. Common sense and a great attitude will open more doors than a lengthy 'history of all my jobs ever' will.' Here, Telegraph Money reveals some of the lucrative careers that don't require experience, qualifications or training. The five highest-paying 'no experience' jobs The table below shows the list of jobs that pay more than the average UK salary of £37,500, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS) – and don't require any specific qualifications or training. Using data from Adzuna, this list was compiled from the number of advertised job ads in April specifically mentioning 'no experience required', and then by ranking those roles by average advertised salary. By 'no experience', Adzuna means roles that don't require any prior relevant working experience. As such, all the roles listed don't require a formal qualification, such as a degree, certification or apprenticeship. That said, Adzuna points out that employers may still expect certain basic skills. For example, audit assistant roles may call for proficiency in Microsoft Office and strong attention to detail, while all driver roles will require a valid UK licence. Executive assistant As the name suggests, these roles involve being an assistant to an executive – you'll need to be highly organised, as common tasks include scheduling meetings, preparing reports, sorting their logistics and handling communications. In simpler terms, you may find yourself having to book travel and hotels for business meetings, taking and relaying messages and making sure they never get double-booked. There are courses and qualifications that exist for these roles, but you can often learn on the job too. You'll need to have good IT skills and be able to navigate business software packages – such as email and calendar systems. Salaries range from £28,000 to £60,000 a year, according to the National Careers Service – but an executive assistant to the stars could earn much more. Door installer If your area of interest lies more in the trades you might want to think about door installation. Some of the key skills required for this role include patience, attention to detail and problem-solving. For many roles, you may also need a full UK driving licence. The work can be physical and might involve installing doors on new homes, repairing doors on older homes, as well as dealing with garage doors, fire doors and more. While you may find apprenticeships for these roles, you don't necessarily need one to start work, as you can also find entry-level jobs in door installation. One of the best ways to learn is on the job where you'll get the opportunity to work alongside established installers and gain real-life experience of the tools and materials required. Once you've got some experience, the key is to build on that – and hone your skills. Over time, you can hopefully become a professional door installer, and could earn closer to £50,000, and possibly more – especially if you end up running your own business. Audit assistant It is the role of an audit assistant to examine and evaluate the financial records of organisations – to check whether they are accurate, and whether they comply with financial regulations. You'll probably work closely with accountants and other financial professionals. You'll need to have good analytical and problem-solving skills, and be a stickler for detail. Top-notch verbal and written communication skills are key, too. Being proficient in Microsoft Office and spreadsheet software will be important, while understanding audit procedures and regulations would be helpful. There are no specific academic requirements, although professional qualifications are available from bodies such as the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA). You may be able to study for these through your employer once you're in the door. Salary offerings can vary, based on factors such as skills and geographic location, but you could earn north of £40,000. Equally, by taking up a role as an audit assistant you will gain experience in the financial industry. If you're ambitious, you can then potentially go on to work in other areas. Social media marketing assistant Roles in social media have soared in popularity, but in order to succeed you'll need to be clued up on the various platforms and able to do your job in a fast-paced environment. As a marketing assistant, you'll work closely with social media managers and marketing executives, and need to have a knack for creating engaging content. Day-to-day you are likely to be involved in carrying out market research, building brand awareness and working up social media strategies. You'll need top-notch writing skills, with an eye for the latest news and trends. While there are degrees for these roles, you can also learn on the job, with internships often turning into full-time roles. Land yourself the right role, and you could earn close to £40,000. Over time, you could – according to job site Indeed – get promoted to take on roles such as account executive, digital marketing specialist, marketing director or brand director. Climb your way up the career ladder and your earnings could increase considerably. Delivery driver If you hold a valid UK licence and have a good driving record, you could land a pretty well-paid job as a delivery driver, with the potential to earn almost £38,000 a year, according to Adzuna. While there are apprenticeships on offer, you can also apply directly. It may be useful to have experience in storage, working in a warehouse or other driving work. But crucially, you need to be happy with the idea of interacting with people and spending your days behind the wheel. Navigational skills and organisational skills will also come in handy. For a delivery driver role for a supermarket, such as Tesco, for example, you'll need tip-top customer service skills combined with the ability to be calm and collected. You'll also need to be clued up on health and safety protocols both in and out of the van. As the commercial sector has grown, there is a big call for delivery drivers, with lots of job opportunities related to this profession, including the likes of Royal Mail, UPS, Yodel and AO. How to get a high-paying job with no experience Don't underestimate your skills When you're job hunting and see a title you've not held before, you might assume there's no point in applying – but that's not always the case. 'Try to put the title aside and look at the job description for the skills. What skills do you have from parenting, volunteering, hobbies or past jobs, and how do these overlap with that description?' said Sam Kennedy Christian, a career coach at The Float Space, who supports parents navigating careers with young children. 'You need to determine your transferable skills,' agreed Emily Button-Lynham, a career and leadership coach. 'When I'm working with clients, I get them to summarise their most recent jobs, along with the key skills they used and developed. Examples of this may be problem-solving, project management or communicating to multiple stakeholders.' It may also be the case, she said, that even if a job description asks for specific experience, your skills and experience can still hit their list. Do your research Even if you have no experience when applying for a role, there's a lot to be said for being able to demonstrate just how much you want it – skills can be taught, but enthusiasm can be far more valuable. Ms Button-Lynham said: 'Try reading recent news articles about the industry and refer to these in your application or during the interview. See if you have a contact in the company you can speak to, or someone you know in that role that can share insights.' Get networking You might not think you have a 'network', but there are opportunities to make helpful contacts wherever you go. As well as contacting people you already know – old colleagues, family or friends who are in, or know people in, the industry you are interested in – it may be worth seeking out relevant events where you can make more connections. This could be talks, conferences or exhibitions, for example. 'Connect not only with potential contacts, but also people in your ideal role and company,' added Ms Button-Lynham. 'See if you can schedule coffee chats to find out more.' Attitude is key, according to Ms Elliott. 'My advice is to focus on what you bring to the table,' she said. 'Be clear about this, whether that's brilliant customer service, exceptional organisation skills or just good old-fashioned common sense.' Sort out your CV It may seem obvious, but the humble CV still plays an important role for recruiters. 'Tailor your CV to each role, keep it focused on relevant achievements,' said Ms Elliott. And, don't forget, your CV isn't just a piece of A4 any more – 'For goodness' sake, make sure your LinkedIn profile doesn't look like it was last updated in 2012,' she added. Natalie Ellis, managing director of Rebox HR, suggested using LinkedIn as a way to showcase yourself more than you can with a standard CV. 'If you are actively job-seeking, don't just use it to regurgitate your CV [on LinkedIn],' she said. 'Show some personality and highlight what makes you different. 'Employers are scrolling through dozens of profiles that all look the same, so it really doesn't hurt to stand out a bit.'
Yahoo
18-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
AGS to Host Panel, "It's Not About Skills," at SIA's CWS Summit Europe
Allegis Global Solutions, the leading provider of global workforce solutions, will host a panel, "It's Not About Skills," at Staffing Industry Analysts' (SIA) CWS Summit Europe, on Tuesday, 20 May. LONDON, May 18, 2025 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Allegis Global Solutions, the leading provider of global workforce solutions, will host a panel, "It's Not About Skills," at Staffing Industry Analysts' (SIA) CWS Summit Europe, on Tuesday, 20 May. Driven by the need for more cost-effective solutions, many businesses are adopting a skills-based hiring model that focuses on the skills of candidates rather than solely on experience and credentials. However, the label of 'skills-based hiring' is only one piece of the puzzle. It needs to be part of a broader strategy. The panel, moderated by AGS Managed Services Vice President of International Markets Simon Bradberry, will explore why, when optimising a cost-effective workforce, it is not just about the skills – it's about the work. Bradberry will be joined by industry practitioners Jonathan Evans, Human Resources Director for Ambition 2030: Axial at AstraZeneca; Cat Halliwell, Executive Director – Service Excellence for EMEA at AGS Managed Services; and Victoria Murphy, Global Head of TA Operations at JLL. "CWS Summit Europe is one of the premier events in the contingent workforce industry, and I am thrilled to engage in this dialogue with an audience of industry leaders, practitioners and partners," said Bradberry. "Despite an unprecedented pace of change and uncertainties in the market, today's workforce leaders still have to get work done. And whilst a focus on skills isn't wrong, we believe that in a rush to solve productivity challenges, the industry has over-prioritised skills, inadvertently narrowing the focus and overlooking other critical elements for successful work execution such as role deconstruction and harmonising multiple channels to work. I'm excited to talk with this experienced panel and hear how they're evolving their workforce strategies in enterprising ways." Allegis Global Solutions is proud to be a platinum sponsor of CWS Summit, one of the premier industry conferences and a destination for multiple Fortune 2000 companies around the world. In addition to the speaking panel, AGS will host a roundtable discussion on AI-enabled sourcing and an exhibit at the Royal Lancaster Hotel in London, 20-21 May. For more information about Allegis Global Solutions' industry-leading products and services, visit or subscribe to our blog at Media Contact Lyndsay Westwood, Allegis Global Solutions, + 44 1344 382 112, lwestwood@ View original content: SOURCE Allegis Global Solutions Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Forbes
07-05-2025
- Business
- Forbes
10 High-Paying Teaching Jobs That Don't Need a Degree
As the education sector evolves, it will move toward greater personalization, online learning and a ... More focus on skills over traditional credentials. getty While many assume education careers require college diplomas, the sector offers numerous high-paying job opportunities that value in-demand skills and experience over formal credentials. This approach reflects a growing movement where organizations prioritize skills and experience over degrees. In a Workday survey of 2,300 business leaders, 81% agreed that a skills-based hiring approach improves innovation, productivity, and organizational agility. McKinsey and Company also reported that skills-based hiring is five times more predictive of job performance than hiring for education and more than twice as predictive as work experience. If you're passionate about making an impact without a college degree, consider these 10 education roles where your expertise can outweigh the absence of a diploma. Corporate trainers develop and deliver educational programs for businesses to improve employee skills and boost organizational performance. This high-paying job combines teaching expertise with business acumen. Industry expertise in your subject area Exceptional communication skills Strong presentation abilities Real-world experience over academic credentials The estimated total pay for a Corporate Trainer is $71,260 per year, with an average salary of $55,887 per year. Build industry expertise, develop presentation skills, obtain relevant certifications (CPLP, ATD CI), and create a portfolio of successful training materials. Those who excel at explaining complex concepts, enjoy public speaking, and have deep business, technology, or healthcare knowledge. 2. Online Course Creator What is an Online Course Creator? Online course creators develop and sell educational content through digital platforms based on their expertise in specific subjects or skills. This career offers substantial earning potential with limited startup costs. Subject matter expertise Basic digital marketing skills Content creation abilities Effective communication The estimated total pay varies widely, with successful creators making 1k-10k monthly and top creators earning six-figure annual incomes. How to get the job Identify your expertise niche, research market demand, create compelling content, and build your audience on platforms like Udemy, Teachable, or Skillshare. Who should consider this role Self-starters with specialized knowledge who enjoy creating educational content and have the persistence to build a profitable online business. 3. Educational Sales Representative What is an Educational Sales Representative? Educational sales representatives market and sell products or solutions to schools, districts, universities, and other academic institutions. This role typically offers lucrative commission structures and competitive base salaries. Required qualifications Strong sales skills Relationship-building abilities Knowledge of educational products Understanding of the education market (can be learned on the job) Estimated average salary The estimated total pay for an Educational Sales Representative is $120,154 per year, with an average salary of $76,319 per year. How to get the job Develop sales experience, learn educational purchasing cycles, and network with professionals in academic institutions. Who should consider this role Those with natural sales abilities who enjoy relationship building and want to connect educators with solutions that genuinely help students. 4. Standardized Test Scorer What is a Standardized Test Scorer? Standardized test scorers evaluate student responses on exams using rubrics to assess written answers and non-multiple-choice components. Despite minimal requirements, this high-paying job offers excellent compensation for analytical assessment work. Required qualifications Strong subject knowledge Excellent analytical skills Attention to detail Ability to pass company assessments Estimated average salary The estimated total pay for a Standardized Test Scorer is $97,731 per year, with an average salary of $76,637 per year. How to get the job Apply directly to assessment companies like Pearson or ETS, especially during major testing periods when seasonal positions are available. Who should consider this role Methodical individuals who can apply consistent evaluation criteria and make objective assessments across numerous responses. 5. Curriculum Writer What is a Curriculum Writer? Curriculum writers develop educational materials, lesson plans, and assessments for schools, publishers, and edtech companies. Demand for quality educational content makes this a financially rewarding career path. Required qualifications Strong writing skills Understanding of educational standards Subject matter expertise Ability to create age-appropriate content Estimated average salary The estimated total pay for a Curriculum Writer is $92,462 per year, with an average salary of $78,473 per year. How to get the job Create sample materials in your expertise area, learn current educational standards, and build relationships with publishers or content platforms like Teachers Pay Teachers. Who should consider this role Detail-oriented writers who understand how students learn and can translate complex knowledge into engaging learning experiences. 6. Private Tutor What is a Private Tutor? Private tutors provide personalized educational support to students in academic subjects or for standardized test preparation. Top-performing tutors can command premium rates, especially in high-demand subjects or test prep specialties. Required qualifications Deep subject knowledge Clear communication skills Patience with different learning styles Results matter more than formal credentials Estimated average salary The estimated total pay for a Private Tutor is $69,082 per year, with an average salary of $51,438 per year. How to get the job Demonstrate expertise through assessments, start with competitive rates on platforms like Wyzant or Varsity Tutors, and then build an independent client base through referrals. Who should consider this role Those who excel at one-on-one teaching, have deep subject knowledge, and prefer flexible work arrangements. 7. Homeschool Teacher What is a Homeschool Teacher? Homeschool teachers provide customized education to small groups of students outside traditional school settings. With increasing demand from families seeking alternatives to traditional education, this high-paying job offers growing income potential. Required qualifications Teaching ability Knowledge across multiple subjects Curriculum development skills Ability to design engaging learning experiences Estimated average salary The estimated total pay for a Homeschool Teacher is $52,596 per year, with an average salary of $45,235 per year. How to get the job Build experience with children, develop a teaching philosophy, network with homeschooling families, and consider specializing in project-based learning or specific educational approaches. Who should consider this role Creative educators who value customized learning and can adapt to different learning styles and family educational priorities. 8. Educational Technology Support Specialist What is an Educational Technology Support Specialist? EdTech support specialists help schools implement and use technology effectively, providing training and support for digital learning tools. The technical expertise required in this role commands above-average compensation in the education sector. Required qualifications Familiarity with learning management systems Technical troubleshooting skills Clear communication with non-technical users Relevant technical certifications Estimated average salary The estimated total pay for an Educational Technology Support Specialist is $81,732 per year, with an average salary of $64,821 per year. How to get the job Develop expertise with educational technologies, obtain certifications like Google Certified Educator, and build experience supporting technology users. Who should consider this role Technically inclined individuals who enjoy helping others use technology and can translate between technical concepts and educational needs. 9. Admissions Consultant What is an Admissions Consultant? Admissions consultants guide students through college, private school, or specialized program application processes to maximize acceptance chances. This high-paying job rewards those who can help students access competitive educational opportunities. Required qualifications Knowledge of admissions processes Excellent writing and editing skills Strong interpersonal abilities Track record of successful placements Estimated average salary The estimated total pay for an Admissions Consultant is $79,009 per year, with an average salary of $62,597 per year. How to get the job Learn admissions processes, build a track record of successful outcomes, obtain relevant certifications, and develop relationships with educational institutions. Who should consider this role Detail-oriented individuals who enjoy helping others navigate complex systems and can stay current with changing admissions requirements. 10. Learning Experience Designer What is a Learning Experience Designer? Learning experience designers create engaging learning journeys across digital and physical environments, combining instructional design with user experience best practices. As one of the most financially rewarding educational roles, it offers excellent compensation without degree requirements. Required qualifications Design thinking abilities Digital tool proficiency Understanding of learning principles Portfolio of engaging learning experiences Estimated average salary The estimated total pay for a Learning Experience Designer is $106,866 per year, with an average salary of $82,204 per year. How to get the job Create sample learning modules, learn e-learning tools, develop a portfolio, and join professional communities like the Learning Guild or ATD. Who should consider this role Creative problem-solvers with a good aesthetic sense who enjoy making complex information accessible through technology. Breaking Into Education Without a Degree As the education sector evolves, we will move toward greater personalization, online learning, and a focus on skills over traditional credentials. This shift creates unprecedented opportunities for individuals without formal degrees to secure high-paying jobs. To break into this field, identify your transferable skills and build a portfolio showcasing results. Connect with professionals already working in your target field through industry events, online communities, and informational interviews. Finally, pursue relevant certifications or microcredentials that align with your chosen path. Industry-specific credentials give you credibility in these high-paying jobs while demonstrating your commitment to professional growth.
