Hiring for Skill: Building Stronger Teams by Bridging the Skills Gap

By Kristen Flowers
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Hiring for skill is about more than just checking off boxes for qualifications. It’s about finding the right mix of abilities, experiences, and personal attributes that align with your organization’s needs and culture. So, how can you make sure you’re hiring the best talent to bridge the skills gap on your team?
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Identify the Skills Gap Before bringing on new hires, it’s essential to understand where your current team stands. Gather your hiring team and staff to discuss what skill sets your team excels in and where there are gaps. Are you missing certain technical capabilities, leadership qualities, or innovative problem-solving skills? By assessing your team’s strengths and weaknesses, you can make informed decisions on what’s truly needed in a new hire.

Decide What You Can Train On No candidate will check every box. The key is figuring out what skills are must-haves and what can be taught. Hiring someone with strong soft skills like adaptability, communication, and teamwork might be more beneficial in the long run if you’re willing to train on technical competencies. Focus on candidates who bring a balance of both qualities and who have the capacity to grow with the team.

Recognize Transferable and Complementary Skills Sometimes the best hire doesn’t come from the same industry. Look for candidates who possess transferable skills that can apply across different roles, or those with complementary skills that can strengthen areas where your team might be lacking. The goal is to find someone who adds something new to the table rather than simply replicating what you already have.

At Lion Heart Recruit, we believe in a heart-centered approach to staffing that focuses on the whole person, not just their resume. If you're looking to build a well-rounded, high-performing team by hiring for skill, we’re here to help. Our tailored recruitment process ensures we find candidates who not only meet your technical needs but align with your mission and values. Let us help you bridge the skills gap and create a team that thrives.
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