In recent years, the job market has witnessed a clear shift: many employers are placing less weight on formal degrees and more on what a candidate can do. Skills-based hiring, prioritizing competencies, experience, and demonstrated ability over educational credentials, is becoming a leading trend in recruitment. According to NACE’s Job Outlook 2025 Spring Update, almost two-thirds of employers surveyed reported using skills-based hiring to help identify candidates with potential. Below, we explore why this is happening, what the data shows, and what organizations and job seekers should be thinking about as the change accelerates.
I recently posted a story on LinkedIn of a candidate who did everything right when resigning from their role. You can check the post out here. This story has inspired me to expand on the idea of how to leave your job the right way.
Committing to the core value of Inclusivity can have a powerful, positive impact on your organization's culture and long-term performance.
When leadership transitions occur without planning, organizations often struggle with disruption, turnover, and loss of institutional knowledge. In today’s environment, succession planning should rank among the top priorities for executive and HR leaders.
A Galaxy of Talent Awaits…
In a galaxy not so far away—right here in the Midwest, actually—SkyWater Search Partners is celebrating May the 4th, a day when Jedi, droids, and job seekers alike come together to harness the Force (and maybe their LinkedIn profiles).
If you're an in-house HR professional or recruiter, you're likely juggling a wide range of responsibilities—from managing internal teams and navigating compensation benchmarks to ensuring a smooth candidate experience. But sometimes, despite your best efforts, a particular role remains unfilled longer than it should. Or maybe you know that filling it requires a more targeted, strategic approach. That’s when partnering with a search firm can make all the difference.
As an executive search firm rooted in long-term partnerships and thoughtful hiring, SkyWater Search Partners understands that small actions can lead to big results. This Earth Day, we're turning our focus to sustainability, not just for the planet, but as a business mindset.
Insights from SkyWater on job growth, economic uncertainty, and hiring trends in the Upper Midwest.
At SkyWater Search, we stay ahead,
Finding top talent with skill and cred.
But news just broke—oh, what a thrill!
Recruiting is changing… and changing at will.
