Today, it’s less about being “manager of this” or “director of that” and more about what you can actually do.
Skills are the new job titles.
Work is more flexible than ever, career growth looks completely different and hiring is smarter. So, it only makes sense that we start focusing on people's potential rather than what they're labelled in the corporate world.
Why are skills taking over?
Think about it: when you’re hiring someone, what’s more important – their title history or what they can do?
Take something like data analytics. Whether someone mastered it through a degree, a bootcamp or by spending late nights teaching themselves, doesn’t matter. What counts is that they can analyse data and deliver results.
This shift could also make the process more beneficial for those looking for new opportunities, where they can interview for roles based on their strongest skills, taking sidewards steps and growing in a non-linear way.
The power of soft skills
Looking ahead, the value of soft skills – like leadership, communication and creativity – is only going to grow.
Why? Because these are the things machines can’t replicate. AI can automate tasks, sure, but it’s the human touch – things like empathy, critical thinking, and adaptability – that sets great employees apart.
And, honestly, that’s where hiring managers should be putting more of their focus. Titles and qualifications show where someone’s been, but soft skills and potential show where they could go. If you’re hiring, ask yourself: are you looking for someone who checks every box, or someone who can grow and make your team better in unexpected ways?
What does this mean for employers and job hunters?
For employers, this is your cue to break free from the box-checking mindset. Stop obsessing over rigid job descriptions and perfect resumes.
Instead, focus on uncovering the unique strengths and potential of your candidates — even if their background doesn’t look “traditional.” The best way is to pick up the phone, have a conversation and see where it leads you.
For job seekers, it’s time to flip the script. Instead of worrying about your title history, think about how to frame your skills and accomplishments. What problems have you solved? What can you bring to the table that sets you apart?
The bottom line is job titles aren’t dead, but let’s be honest, they’re on life support. And that’s not a bad thing!
At the end of the day, employers need to make hiring decisions based on what’s best for the business. The right people for the right jobs. Not everyone will be ready to do away with traditional recruitment paths but there is a clear move in that direction.
Moving toward a skills-first approach gives us all more freedom – freedom to grow, to take risks and to create careers that align with who we are and what we’re capable of. We need to be in places where we can be ourselves and grow to be the best version of us.
The workplace is evolving, and it’s up to us to lead the way.
Katie Miller
Permanent Recruitment Consultant
