A new tool aimed at helping applicants locate openings for state government positions in Ohio based on their specific experiences, skills, and training was rolled out this week.
The new search function based on skills was developed in response to Governor Mike DeWine’s Executive Order 2023-10D establishing the State of Ohio as a Model Employer for Skills-Based Hiring Practices.
🗞️ @GovMikeDeWine and Lt. Governor @JonHusted today announced the launch of a new tool that helps applicants for state government positions locate openings based on their specific experiences, skills, and training, not just academic degrees.
Full details: https://t.co/Y0NPHyQyGz
— Lt. Governor Jon Husted (@LtGovHusted) October 16, 2023
DeWine’s executive order, signed on May 15, states, “Ohio’s innovative practice of using a skills-based hiring approach enables the State of Ohio to identify and engage with a broader range of talent, providing opportunities for those with non-traditional educational backgrounds or practical experience to contribute meaningfully to the state’s workforce. It is in the best interest of the State of Ohio to build upon this approach and ensure that its workforce remains competitive and innovative by recognizing the value of various types of education, training, and practical experience.”
The Buckeye State is one of the first states in the country to adopt the skill-based hiring practice to recruit employees.
The search function is currently ready for use at careers.ohio.gov.
On the website, state job postings display a primary job skill on each opening and additional technical and professional skills associated with the positions. Applicants must first create an account if they do not already have one to use the new feature.
Once applicants create an account or login to an existing one, they can begin customizing their profile with their skills and other preferences to find open positions that match their profile.
“The most important qualification is whether someone has the skills and temperament to get the job done,” Lt. Governor Jon Husted, director of the Governor’s Office of Workforce Transformation said in a statement. “For most jobs, there are many ways to acquire those skills and a college degree shouldn’t be an artificial barrier for employers to find the best person for the job. Nor should a degree requirement be a barrier to entry for someone who has the right skills, but does not have a college diploma.”
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Kaitlin Housler is a reporter at The Ohio Star and The Star News Network. Follow Kaitlin on X / Twitter.
