In episode 159, Coffey talks with Mark Smith about employers’ shift towards skills-first hiring. They discuss the evolution of applicant evaluation to skills-first hiring; the diminishing relevance of college degrees in hiring; the importance of soft skills in employee retention; the process of developing a skills-based hiring approach; the use of assessments and structured interviews in hiring; preventing cheating in skills assessments; and the ethical considerations of candidate projects or role-play assessments. Mark Smith best-selling book “A Better Choice: The Manager’s Guide to Skills-First Hiring.”

Good Morning, HR is brought to you by Imperative—premium background checks with fast and friendly service. For more information about our commitment to quality and excellent customer service, visit us at https://www.imperativeinfo.com. Please take a moment to rate and review Good Morning, HR on Apple Podcasts! This episode is pre-approved for .5 hour HR (General) recertification credit for HRCI-certified professionals and .5 professional development credit for SHRM-certified professionals. Slide down the page to claim your recertification credits!

Mark Smith

Mark Smith, Ph.D., is a distinguished HR expert and the Principal Consultant at A Better Choice Hire, specializing in candidate assessments. He is the author of the recent best-selling book, “A Better Choice: The Manager’s Guide to Skills-First Hiring.” With a Ph.D. in Industrial-Organizational Psychology from the University of South Florida, Mark has dedicated his career to advancing hiring practices and talent management strategies. Named one of the top 50 HR Professionals and Leaders of 2024, he also serves on the Advisory Board for Xobin. Mark’s innovative approaches to candidate assessment and his extensive experience in HR assessments and validation have earned him a reputation as a leader in the field. He presented expert testimony about skills-based hiring to the U.S. House Committee on Education and the Workforce and has collaborated with the National Academy of Science on the future of work. In addition to his consulting work with various organizations, Mark has made significant contributions to HR research and certification exams for HR professionals. His primary focus is helping companies stay competitive by hiring the right people. Beyond his professional achievements, Mark is also an accomplished ballroom dancer alongside his wife, Kira. They have reached the Gold level at Arthur Murray Dance and have performed in the Nutcracker and Don Quixote with the Virginia Ballet Company. Originally from Kalamazoo, Michigan, Mark brings a unique blend of scientific rigor, creative problem-solving, and passion for human potential to all his endeavors.

Contact

Mark Smith can be reached at
www.abetterchoicehire.com
www.linkedin.com/in/mark-smith-ph-d-1776201a8