Skills-based hiring is solving one of the industry’s biggest headaches—the talent shortage. A recent Motion Recruitment report highlights that 89% of tech companies are thrilled with ditching degree requirements for a focus on skills. Why? People with the right know-how stick around. In fact, workers without a four-year degree are 20% more likely to stay in their jobs.
This shift isn’t just filling desks; it’s changing the game. By prioritizing hands-on expertise, companies are unlocking a larger, more diverse talent pool. It’s also leveling the playing field, giving skilled workers a shot at jobs they might have been boxed out of before. In a field where what you do matters more than what you studied, this trend is turning the traditional hiring process on its head—and it’s working.
Layoffs: LinkedIn
LinkedIn has laid off approximately 200 employees, about 1% of its global workforce, primarily affecting engineering and customer support teams. This move is part of ongoing restructuring efforts, including the discontinuation of its China-focused job app in 2023. Parent company Microsoft has also implemented layoffs, cutting over 1,000 jobs across various divisions in 2024. Despite these reductions, LinkedIn is investing in generative AI tools to enhance user engagement, aligning with Microsoft’s broader AI strategy.
Hiring: L3Harris
L3Harris won a significant new contract with the U.S. Navy. The company secured a $999 million indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity award to provide advanced communication systems for U.S. and coalition forces over the next five years. This work will include delivering a critical tool for secure and resilient communication across air, land, and sea platforms.
With this contract, L3Harris continues its 24-year legacy of supporting communication interoperability for U.S. armed forces and 57 allied nations. To meet the demands of this effort and many other key projects, the company has 400 open positions on ClearanceJobs.com. Opportunities span a range of clearance levels, including Secret (287 positions) and Top Secret/SCI (64 positions), and are available in key locations such as Florida (84 positions) and Texas (65 positions). For those with the right skills and clearances, this is a chance to contribute to critical national security missions and work on cutting-edge technologies.
Cleared Employer at Work: ClearanceJobs
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Opportunity to Watch
Hiring for cultural fit is becoming a hot topic in the workplace, and for good reason—it’s about more than just getting along; it’s about creating a team that thrives together. Think about it: if your company is all about collaboration and open communication, hiring someone who prefers flying solo could lead to frustration and tension on both sides. Experts say that finding the right fit means looking beyond skills and job descriptions. It’s about matching values, work styles, and priorities.
Here’s why it matters: cultural misalignment can cost you time, money, and morale. Unhappy employees don’t just underperform—they often leave, forcing you to restart the hiring cycle. On the flip side, bringing in someone who’s excited about your mission and clicks with your team can boost productivity, keep the vibe positive, and even save you money in the long run. The data backs this up: 94% of entrepreneurs and 88% of job seekers say workplace culture is a big deal. Bottom line? Hiring for cultural fit isn’t about building a clique—it’s about building a powerhouse team where everyone works toward the same goals.
