The rise of skills-based hiring: how to focus on abilities rather than formal qualifications
It used to be all about the CV. What university you went to, what qualifications you had, whether your background matched a job description word for word. But things are changing. More and more employers are shifting their focus from what’s on paper to what someone can actually do.
For jobseekers, especially those who’ve just moved to the UK from Australia or New Zealand, this is great news. Skills-based hiring gives people a fairer shot, no matter their background, and puts the spotlight on real experience.
Why skills-based hiring is on the rise
In a fast-moving job market, companies need people who can hit the ground running. Formal qualifications don’t always reflect real-world ability. Someone might have all the right letters after their name but no clue how to deal with a busy inbox or a tricky customer.
On the flip side, someone else might have hands-on experience in admin, customer service or HR but no formal UK qualification. With skills-based hiring, that person can still get through the door and shine.
What employers are doing differently
Instead of relying purely on CVs, many employers are now:
- Setting small tasks as part of the interview process
- Doing practical assessments that reflect the real role
- Asking behavioural questions to understand how a person thinks and solves problems
It’s about shifting the focus to potential and capability. And it works. Teams end up more diverse, more capable and often more engaged.
What it means for jobseekers
If you’re a candidate, especially one new to London, skills-based hiring gives you a chance to stand out for the right reasons. You can show what you’re made of, even if your background doesn’t follow a traditional UK route.
To make the most of it:
- Focus your CV on achievements, not just job titles
- Share examples of how you solved problems or added value in past roles
- Be ready to talk through your process in interviews
And don’t be shy about what makes you different, employers are more open than ever to transferable skills and fresh perspectives.
If you’re job hunting and want to make sure your skills speak louder than your CV, Australasian Recruitment Company is here for it. We work with candidates and employers who care more about what you can do than what box you tick, and we’d love to help you find the right match.