Ep 555: Using Skills To Predict Job Performance

When we're talking about the future of talent acquisition, Generative AI has been taking all of the limelight this year. However, arguably, although it grabs fewer headlines, the steady evolution of skills-based hiring is potentially even more disruptive to traditional recruiting norms.

There is an enormous amount of data, science and research going into understanding the relationship between skills and job performance, and the results are smashing some of our longest-held assumptions about hiring.

My guest this week is Andy Nelesen, Global Head of Talent Acquisition Solutions at SHL. SHL has done an enormous amount of work to establish the link between skills and performance, and their research has revealed 12 skills that universally predict success. There is also a significant discrepancy between the skills employers ask for in job ads and the skills the science shows they actually need, so this is a must-list interview for everyone who wants to hire more effectively.

In the interview, we discuss:

Why understanding skills is so important

The adoption rate of skills-based hiring

What does potential mean?

Overlaying soft skills against performance

The 12 skills that universally predict success

Why a growth mindset is more important than resilience and adaptability

Moving away from academic credentials and previous experience

Are skills the key to diverse hiring?

Talent mobility

What does the future of work look like?

Listen to this podcast on Apple Podcasts.