Cisco, a global leader in technology, is pioneering a skills-first hiring approach to unlock career opportunities for talent without four-year degrees. Partnering with OneTen since 2021, Cisco has transformed its hiring model, focusing on skills, experience, and potential. This strategy has not only expanded its talent pool but also achieved a remarkable 96% retention rate among skills-first hires.
Key Highlights of Cisco’s Skills-First Journey
- A Commitment to Equity and Inclusion:
- Cisco’s transition to skills-first hiring is part of its mission to build equitable career pathways.
- Partnered with OneTen, a coalition focused on creating opportunities for talent without traditional degrees, especially Black talent.
- Remarkable Business Outcomes:
- Achieved a 96% retention rate among skills-first hires.
- Enhanced workforce diversity and resilience, showcasing the business value of inclusive practices.
- Scaling Success:
- Cisco’s approach offers a replicable playbook for other companies aiming to innovate their hiring practices in competitive labor markets.
Key Elements of Cisco’s Skills-First Playbook
- Set a Clear Vision and Values:
- Aligned leadership goals with workforce equity.
- Defined a purpose to build an agile and inclusive workforce responsive to business needs.
- Empower Leadership:
- Selected leaders with experience in promoting equity.
- Fostered a culture where success isn’t dependent on a four-year degree.
- Budget and Buy-In:
- Centralized funding for the program.
- Conducted roadshows to educate and gain support from senior leadership and hiring managers.
- Support Hiring Managers:
- Provided comprehensive resources and guidance for hiring managers to recruit based on skills and capabilities.
- Foster Community:
- Created a “OneTen cohort” model to build a sense of belonging for new hires.
- Prioritized employee satisfaction and integration.
- Measure and Adapt:
- Monitored retention, promotions, and skills alignment.
- Made strategic adjustments to ensure hires had growth opportunities and avoided turnover.
Leadership Perspectives
- Chuck Robbins, Chair and CEO of Cisco:
“With OneTen, we’re building pathways for Black talent and others, creating a more inclusive workforce of the future.” - Debbie Dyson, CEO of OneTen:
“Cisco’s skills-first hiring unlocks untapped talent and drives innovation, setting a benchmark for workforce equity.” - Kelly Jones, SVP and Chief People Officer of Cisco:
“OneTen plays an instrumental role in removing barriers and building meaningful careers at Cisco.”
Cisco’s skills-first hiring strategy exemplifies how businesses can unlock untapped talent while fostering diversity and innovation. By shifting from traditional degree-based hiring to a competency-driven model, Cisco has set a powerful example for other organizations aiming to create a more equitable and resilient workforce.
