Report Shows Limited Impact of Degreeless Hiring Practices on U.S. Workforce, Companies Falling Short

Many large companies are now favoring skill over degrees when hiring, targeting jobs that don't necessarily require a college education. However, a new report suggests that these efforts may not be translating into actual hiring practices. This could impact over 60% of U.S. workers who don't have degrees, affecting their job prospects and salaries. The study, based on data compiled by the Burning Glass Institute, also reveals that a significant number of companies have not made tangible changes in their hiring practices despite removing degree requirements from job postings. The research provides a snapshot of how top employers in the U.S. are faring in their efforts to prioritize skills over degrees when hiring.

Challenges in Skill-Based Hiring

Joseph Fuller, a professor of management practice at Harvard Business School, recommends using the American Opportunity Index to compare companies in the same sector based on their hiring and promotion practices for non-degreed workers. The study suggests that many successful companies are still hesitant to hire people without degrees, despite removing degree requirements from job postings. Additionally, the observers identify a group of firms that initially made progress after removing degree requirements but later reverted to their previous hiring practices. These findings highlight the challenges and complexities related to skill-based hiring, emphasizing the need for clear articulation of required skills and robust assessment processes.