Meaning ● Skills-Based Hiring, in the context of Small and Medium-sized Businesses (SMBs), denotes a recruitment strategy prioritizing a candidate’s demonstrated abilities and competencies over traditional qualifications like degrees or years of experience. This method becomes critical for SMB growth, particularly when implementing new technologies or automating processes. ● SMBs leverage skills-based hiring to efficiently fill specialized roles demanding particular expertise, fostering operational agility. ● Focused assessment methods, such as practical exercises and skills testing, validate a candidate’s capabilities, reducing the risks involved in hiring for complex, automated systems. This targeted approach supports scaling by ensuring that new hires can rapidly contribute to core business functions and digital transformation initiatives. Embracing skills-based hiring allows SMBs to tap into a wider talent pool, gaining a competitive edge through specialized skills without the constraint of conventional hiring parameters.