"Skills-First Approach: The Future of Jobs, According to Ashutosh Gupta of LinkedIn India"

LinkedIn India Country Manager Highlights Skills-First Approach as the Future of Hiring

In today's rapidly changing world, the skill-first approach is gaining prominence as the new method of sourcing fresh talent. This approach primarily focuses on an individual's skills and capabilities rather than their job profile, degrees, or educational institutions. Ashutosh Gupta, Country Manager of LinkedIn India, emphasized the effectiveness of this approach in developing a highly skilled and inclusive workforce.

Gupta stated that the skills-first approach, known as "Skills First," is not only a trend in India but also a global phenomenon. He highlighted the shift away from traditional template-based hiring processes, where recruiters now recognize workers based on the skill sets they have shared on their LinkedIn profiles. The industry is gradually embracing this approach, considering individuals based on their skillsets. Gupta further emphasized that skills will serve as the new currency of the future.

At LinkedIn, the team is actively working with various stakeholders in the industry, including companies, institutions, colleges, and schools, to build upon this new approach. Focusing on skills allows employers to discover non-traditional talent and enables employees and job seekers to understand market trends, identify their existing skills, and determine the skills they need to acquire.

According to a LinkedIn survey, an increasing number of people are willing to acquire new skills and transition from their traditional roles to adapt to the evolving market. Gupta revealed that eight out of ten Indians are open to the idea of pivoting their roles into new functions.

The shift towards skills-first hiring is evident as companies such as Accenture, Apple, General Motors, EY, Google, IBM, Merck, and PwC eliminated degree-based application requirements for various roles in 2022, opening doors to non-traditional applicants.

Discussing the impact of AI on jobs and the role of Chat GPT, Gupta stated that AI is not about displacing jobs but rather enhancing productivity in certain roles. He emphasized that the human brain will remain as relevant as it is now. However, he emphasized the importance of upgrading skills to effectively embrace the AI revolution.

In conclusion, the skills-first approach is gaining momentum in the hiring process, enabling companies to build diverse and highly skilled workforces. LinkedIn India, along with various industry stakeholders, is actively promoting this approach to meet the demands of the evolving job market. As individuals adapt to the changing landscape, acquiring new skills becomes crucial for success in the future.