The hiring game has officially flipped.
Degrees are taking a backseat. Skills are in the driver's seat. And your LinkedIn presence? It’s your résumé, portfolio, and first-round interview—all in one.
As we head into 2026, companies have dropped degree requirements by 20% since 2022, yet they’re screening candidates more intensely online. Hiring managers are Googling you before they even open your résumé.
No memo. Just new rules.
A recent poll revealed something fascinating: job seekers aren’t betting on one strategy—they’re stacking them.
Smart move. But in a market where the median time to first offer has stretched to nearly 70 days, you need to focus your energy, not scatter it. (Huntr Q2 2025 Job Search Trends Report)
Three hiring managers told us the same thing recently:
“We check their LinkedIn before anything else.”
Not the certifications. Not the portfolio. LinkedIn—first.
One recruiter didn’t sugarcoat it:
“If they’re invisible on LinkedIn, I assume they’re not serious.”
It sounds harsh. It’s also the reality. By the time you hit “submit,” someone has likely already:
You’re being evaluated before you ever get to speak.
Skills-based hiring is great news for career changers and nontraditional paths. Fewer roles demand degrees or strict years of experience.
But here’s the twist no one talks about: When degrees matter less, proof matters more.
That proof shows up in micro-credentials, certifications, case studies, project summaries—and how you talk about your work online.
Visibility is now part of your skill set.
Here’s what’s driving results in 2025:
Online Brand (Visibility) If people can’t find you, they can’t hire you.
Credentials (Credibility) Certifications show commitment and currency.
Work Samples (Proof) Case studies and portfolio pieces turn claims into evidence.
Network Growth (Opportunity) Referrals still win—meaning genuine visibility beats passive networking.
If you focused on one strategy this month, which would move the needle most for you?
Thanksgiving is a moment for reflection—so maybe the real question is: What are you building now that your future self will be grateful for?
Your move. Where are you putting your energy?
Share what’s working for you. Your insight might help someone else today.
To learn more about Sharp Decisions, get in touch with us here. For more insights, follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter, and find job opportunities on our careers page.
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