The traditional narrative of a “skills gap” in hiring is being challenged by job seekers, who now point to a “training gap” as the real issue. According to a recent survey by Express Employment Professionals and Harris Poll, a large majority of U.S. job seekers believe companies are passing over qualified candidates due to reluctance to provide training. Furthermore, there is a strong push for skills-based hiring instead of rigid degree requirements, signaling a shift in how talent acquisition and workforce development should evolve.
1. Job Seekers Call Out the Training Gap
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79% of job seekers say the skills gap is less about ability and more about employers’ unwillingness to train.
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87% want companies to prioritize skills-based hiring over formal degrees.
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74% believe employers should relax some job requirements to better match candidates’ potential.
2. Core Skills Valued Across Generations
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More than 80% of job seekers prioritize soft skills such as communication, work ethic, problem-solving, accountability, and demeanor.
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Technical skills (71%) and cultural fit (69%) are important but slightly less emphasized.
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This highlights a growing recognition that soft skills often drive long-term employee success.
3. Generational Differences in Perception of Job Requirements
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Younger candidates (Gen Z and millennials) feel job requirements are often too strict (77% millennials, 71% Gen Z vs. 53% Boomers/Seniors).
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71% of younger generations want education requirements waived more often, compared to 55% of older generations.
4. Employers’ Perspective and Adaptation
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69% of hiring managers perceive the skills gap as wider than ever, yet 84% believe their companies have resources to close it.
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83% report waiving some job requirements to fill roles, including:
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Years of experience (47%)
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Educational degrees (34%)
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Soft skills (34%)
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Hard skills (29%)
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Professional certifications (28%)
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60% are willing to make exceptions to job requirements; 69% open to waiving degree requirements.
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However, 35% of employers admit difficulty in evaluating certifications or online degrees, hindering broader acceptance.
5. Common Ground and Moving Forward
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Express CEO Bob Funk, Jr. notes the importance of adaptability for both employers and job seekers.
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Emphasis on flexible qualifications and onboarding programs that foster long-term employee growth bridges gaps and supports sustainable success.
The survey results underscore a critical shift from blaming a “skills gap” to recognizing a “training gap,” where employers’ willingness to invest in employee development is paramount. Aligning hiring practices with skills-based criteria and embracing flexibility in requirements could unlock significant workforce potential. Both job seekers and employers show readiness to adapt, paving the way for a more inclusive and effective talent ecosystem.
