The employers need candidate with strong ablity to learn urgently

Jobseekers need to be aware of the changing profile of the ideal candidate, with learning aptitude – or the ability to learn – the next battle ground in the war for talent.

Employers are starting to prioritise learning aptitude, in some cases over the technical skills and experience required in suitable candidates. It’s not just about finding the right skills and experience and matching cultural fit anymore. Today the ideal candidate also has a desire to learn and the aptitude to do so.

Advice for employers:

With this in mind, Hays says a traditional and rigid skills-based approach to assessment and recruitment is no longer good enough. Aptitude testing has a long history in HR and recruitment, but while tests have a part to play in many recruitment processes, they are not enough to target an aptitude for learning.

Recruitment strategies targeting learning aptitude will need to evolve incrementally for most businesses, and will likely begin with existing roles. As businesses adapt to the changing demands of the market, it will become increasingly clear which parts of the organisation will need a greater affinity for acquiring new skills, and which will remain consistent.

Recruiting for learning aptitude also demands a well managed commitment to learning and development, with systematic opportunities for employees to develop themselves.

Advice for candidates:

When it comes to candidates, educational and career background remain relevant but they are far from the only factors by which employers will measure suitability for a role.

At all stages of the recruitment process, from coverletter to interview, promote your ability and willingness to continuously develop and update your skills as the business and market demands.

Also expect to be asked specific questions about your ability to adapt and learn new skills. Prepare examples of how you have updated your skills in the past to the benefit of your previous employer. Link your learning back to the success it brought the business. Examples could include learning a new technology or language, working in an overseas office or any situation where you have learnt and experienced something new.