OneTen, the nonprofit coalition advancing career opportunities for talent without four-year degrees, has published “Insights from Hiring Managers: How Employers Can Turn a Skills-First Mindset into Sustained Impact.” Conducted with Ipsos, the study examines why strong belief in skills-first hiring (86% support) has not yet translated into consistent practice across organizations.
While conviction remains high, procedural, personal, and structural barriers continue to slow meaningful adoption. Nearly half of hiring managers lack formal training in defining or assessing skills, and one-third cite unclear skill requirements in job descriptions. Fear of making the wrong hire and resistance from leadership or peers further complicate progress.
Organizations that have fully or partially implemented skills-first strategies see dramatically stronger outcomes: 91% report hiring more qualified candidates (vs. 68% at non-implementing firms), 87% cite greater efficiency (vs. 60%), and 86% note improved retention (vs. 58%).
"Belief in skills-first hiring is stronger than ever. However, sustainability and execution remain barriers to success," says Debbie Dyson, CEO of OneTen. "Our research shows that when leaders are aligned around a skills-first strategy, organizations are better positioned to transform their talent pipelines, strengthen retention and drive stronger business performance."
Legacy degree screens persist: one in four job postings still requires a four-year degree, and 19% of hiring managers report that candidates without degrees never reach them.
The report delivers an actionable framework for employers:
Hiring managers respond strongest to messaging focused on efficiency, cost savings (84%), performance gains (85%), and retention improvements (83%)—especially when backed by real examples of successful non-degree hires.
The full report is available for download at OneTen’s blog: The Skills-First Belief Gap: Why Hiring Managers Say They Value Skills but (Mostly) Still Hire for Degrees.
OneTen is a nonprofit organization committed to unlocking opportunity for talent without four-year degrees. As a coalition, we work with leading CEOs and their companies to transform hiring and advancement practices through skills-first strategies and connect talent without traditional college degrees to in-demand jobs at America's top employers. OneTen is dedicated to closing the opportunity gap for all talent without traditional college degrees. By prioritizing skills over degrees, we can create greater economic mobility for talent while investing in America's workforce.
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