In this episode of The Talent Fix, Barry Prost speaks with Dr. John McMackin, Associate Professor at DCU Business School, to explore why traditional CVs are becoming obsolete — and how a skills-first approach can futureproof your hiring strategy.From skills taxonomies to internal mobility barriers, we unpack the research and offer practical advice for HR and TA leaders navigating this evolving landscape.

00:00 - Introduction & Guest Welcome

00:54 - Skills vs Experience in Hiring

02:20 - Why Skills Predict Performance Better Than Qualifications04:55 - Challenges of Adopting a Skills-First Approach

06:45 - Importance of Shared Skills Language (Taxonomy)

09:00 - Resistance to Skills Transparency & Internal Mobility

12:00 - Starting with Pilot Projects in Skills-Based Hiring13:30 - How to Assess Skills Beyond the CV

15:40 - The Role of Self-Assessment & Performance Management

17:00 - Rethinking Job Descriptions & Qualifications

19:45 - Addressing Bias in Hiring Decisions

21:00 - Skills Passports: Empowering Employee Development

22:50 - Where to Access the Full Research

23:30 - Closing Remarks & Outro

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