Hiring for potential: how a skills-based approach benefits refugees and businesses

Trinh Tu is Managing Director, Public Affairs at Ipsos

Looking beyond the traditional CV to uncover true potential is crucial for building a strong and diverse team. Since 2018, our blind recruitment approach for future talent at Ipsos has done just that, by eliminating grade requirements and focusing on understanding candidates’ long-term potential. Instead of submitting CVs, candidates answer two questions specific to the team they want to join, allowing them to showcase their curiosity and passion.

Since implementing blind recruitment and removing grade requirements, 13% of all our Future Talent hires would have been initially rejected under the old system and 32% of all Future Talent hires have come from Ethnic Minority Backgrounds. As an organisation that provides insights about society, we believe it’s vital that our workforce reflects the society we study.

Our approach has been nationally recognised for its diversity and inclusion focus, earning us awards two years running in the National Graduate Recruitment Awards, Best D&I Strategy Category.

Building on this success, since 2019 we’ve partnered with Breaking Barriers to apply skills-based hiring to refugee recruitment. This approach aligns perfectly with our commitment to building diverse and inclusive teams. Organisations like Breaking Barriers provide valuable support to businesses looking to implement skills-based hiring, especially when it comes to hiring refugees. They can offer valuable insights and connect you with a wider talent pool.

So, what is skills-based hiring, why is it better and how do you go about implementing it?

Skills-based hiring is about looking at what a person can do, not just what’s on their CV. It recognises that people gain skills in many ways, not just through traditional jobs. For example, a refugee might have amazing organizational skills from managing difficult situations, even without formal work experience.

Why is it better?

Traditional hiring methods often present unintentional barriers for refugees. Gaps in employment history, unfamiliarity with local qualifications, or unconscious bias can lead to missed opportunities. Skills-based hiring removes these obstacles, giving everyone a fair shot.

• For refugees: It levels the playing field, lets them show off their talents, and helps them rebuild their lives.
• For employers: It opens the door to a wider, more diverse pool of talent. Refugees often bring resilience, adaptability, and cultural understanding – valuable assets to any team!
• For society: It fosters inclusion and help boost economic growth.

How to make it work

Transitioning to a skills-based approach requires a shift in mindset and some practical adjustments:

1. Identify Essential Skills: Before posting a job, figure out exactly what skills are needed to succeed.
2. Update Job Descriptions: Ditch the corporate jargon and years of experience demands. Instead, use language that focuses on the skills needed. For example, instead of “5 years of experience in project management,” try “Proven ability to manage projects, including planning, execution, and communication.
3. Embrace Skills Assessments: Use practical tests, work samples, or skills-based interviews structured around hypothetical scenarios and problem-solving questions to see what candidates can actually do.
4. Train Hiring Managers: Make sure they know how to conduct skills-based interviews and assessments fairly, without bias.

The key is to be open-minded. Recognise and appreciate the valuable skills refugees have gained through their diverse experiences, even if those experiences weren’t gained in traditional work settings.  Provide training that helps hiring managers understand the unique challenges refugees may face and fosters a welcoming and inclusive environment.

Our partnership with Breaking Barriers has shown us first-hand the impressive potential of skills-based hiring for refugees, and his approach has led to the successful recruitment of talented individuals. By embracing skills-based hiring, we can unlock the potential of refugees, build stronger, more diverse teams, and create a more inclusive and equitable society.