Focusing on Skills as well as Titles is Key in Today’s Job Market

Basil Coaching Services

Is your title still defining you?  In 2024, employers are increasingly prioritizing skills over traditional titles, creating new opportunities for career changers and job seekers to stand out by showcasing their true value.

This is great news for candidates with diverse experiences and allows them to compete for roles where expertise matters more than titles. I have talked with so many of my clients that have led and completed projects and achievements far outside the realm of their title that are worth including to show additional valuable for potential employers.

Job titles often fail to tell the full story of a person’s capabilities. The Harvard Business Review reports that 63% of professionals feel their skills go beyond their job title, emphasizing a growing disconnect between titles and actual expertise. Employers are looking for candidates who can demonstrate the skills required to solve problems and drive results, often regardless of what their previous roles were called. This change in hiring priorities is especially beneficial for those transitioning into new industries.

When reviewing your resume start by identifying your core strengths, including both technical and soft skills.  Move away from a title-focused resume and emphasize accomplishments tied to specific skills, such as leadership, data analysis, or project management.

Transferable skills like communication and adaptability are particularly valuable and can help bridge the gap when moving into a new field. And, show your relevance by continuing to grow and learn with new certifications, online courses, or volunteer opportunities to learn in-demand skills.

Focusing on skills over titles allows you to present yourself as adaptable, capable, and ready to tackle challenges in a rapidly changing job market. It can improve your opportunity and position you to stand out in today’s competitive landscape. By highlighting the value you bring through your skills, you can open doors to exciting new roles and opportunities that might have seemed out of reach before.