Strategies to Close Skills Gaps with Training, Technology, and Flexible Hiring

Illustration of a woman standing on the edge of a cliff holding a handbag, wearing a white top and gray skirt with black shoes. She has short dark hair and is shown with question marks above her head, indicating confusion. There is a large gap between two cliffs, with the other side empty. The background is light blue with a few white clouds.

The job market is quickly evolving, and the skills gap remains a challenge for businesses. Disparities between the skills your company needs and those possessed by available candidates in the talent pool can slow hiring and impact productivity. Solving the skills gap is complex, but there are steps companies can take to find the right talent.

The Shift to Skills-Based Hiring

Shifting from traditional degree requirements to skills-based hiring broadens the talent pool and brings candidates who have the right skills to the table, even if they lack formal education.

Fill Skills Gaps with On-the-Job Training

Training programs, continuous learning opportunities, and professional development help new hires learn the skills they need to succeed. While some hiring managers prefer to wait for candidates who meet all the requirements, others opt to provide training to fill skills gaps.

Leveraging Technology for Efficiency

Adopting AI and automation can streamline recruitment and aid in finding the right talent more efficiently. From analyzing resumes to identifying potential candidates, AI can enhance the hiring process by screening for candidates who can help fill skill gaps in your company.

Use Flexible Hiring Practices

More flexible hiring practices attract a diverse range of candidates. Considering candidates with non-traditional backgrounds like career tech education or microcredentials can shorten the time investment needed to build work-ready skills.

Emphasize and Build Soft Skills

Soft skills like work ethic, teamwork, and communication are highly valued, and businesses are investing in training to develop these skills. Soft skills are also being emphasized during the hiring process.

If your company is facing the challenges of skills gaps, Express Employment Professionals offers solutions to bridge this gap. Learn more about how we can support your top challenges.

About Express Employment Professionals

At Express Employment Professionals, we’re in the business of people. From job seekers to client companies, Express helps people thrive and businesses grow. Our international network of franchises offers localized staffing solutions to the communities they serve across the U.S., Canada, South Africa, Australia, and New Zealand, employing 427,000 people globally in 2024 and more than 11 million since its inception. For more information, visit ExpressPros.com.