Executive Order #627
What does Executive Order #627 require?
Executive Order #627: Instituting Skills-Based Hiring Practices requires:
- All executive department agencies to utilize skills-based employment practices. Hiring managers must consider the full set of competencies that a candidate brings to the job beyond traditional education.
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New or updated Classification specifications will not include education in the minimum entrance requirements (MERs), unless it is deemed necessary after completing job analysis.
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Job postings issued or updated after the date of the E.O. to only include education, in excess of the MERs, as a preferred qualification with Cabinet Secretary and Human Resources Division’s (HRD) approval.
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HRD to develop a skills-based hiring policy consistent with the E.O.
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HRD to implement skills-based hiring training that will be required for managers and supervisors.
Skills-based hiring specifics
What is skills-based hiring?
Skills-based hiring focuses on the skills a candidate may bring to the role, instead of focusing on how those skills were gained.
How does skilled-based hiring impact diversity and inclusion?
Skilled-based hiring promotes diversity and inclusion by focusing on the range of relevant experience and skills candidates bring to accomplish their jobs successfully rather than focusing exclusively on educational background. Prioritizing skills-based hiring practices helps remove barriers that may have prevented candidates from being considered, reducing bias in the hiring process, identifying a wider pool of qualified candidates and creating more opportunities for individuals with different kinds of skill sets.
How is skills-based hiring different than what I’ve been doing?
Skills-based hiring is about changing the focus of how candidates are assessed during the recruiting and hiring process to look at the full set of skills and experiences that they bring, that will allow them to succeed in the position. When looking at a candidate, consider the whole candidate, and the skills they possess rather than placing an unnecessary premium on their education.
Collective Bargaining Agreements
Does this mean we should no longer comply with a collective bargaining agreement that uses education as part of the promotional process?
No – we will continue to follow all the promotional criteria outlined in our union contracts. The Executive Order instructs that we do not place an unnecessary premium on educational degrees.
Will skills-based hiring give an advantage to external candidates rather than internal promotions?
No – skills-based hiring focuses on the skills of the applicant whether they are internal or external. This initiative also supports the retention and development of current employees by recognizing the importance of the skills a candidate learned on the job.
MassCareers Questions for Hiring Managers
What do I need to do to my current postings on MassCareers to ensure compliance with Executive Order #627?
If a job was posted on or after January 25, 2024, and it includes an educational requirement as a preferred qualification, please remove that requirement from the job posting. Jobs posted prior to the signing of the Executive Order do not need to be updated. HRD recommends reviewing and editing continuous (pipeline) postings to ensure compliance with the Executive Order.
I have a job opening that requires education in excess of the minimum entrance requirements (MERs). How do I seek approval?
Both your Cabinet Secretary and HRD are required to approve any job posting that includes an educational requirement, in excess of the MERs, or lists education in the preferred qualifications. Please work with your agency’s HR department to ensure that your Cabinet Secretary (or their designee) and your agency’s HRD Classification and Compensation Analyst are on the approval path in MassCareers and have approved the inclusion of education on the posting prior to posting the job to MassCareers.
Can I include an asset question on a MassCareers job posting that asks about a candidate’s education?
No, unless there is Cabinet Secretary and HRD approval to include education in the job posting as a preferred qualification
Are contractor and student intern job postings subject to Executive Order #627?
Yes.
Training and Resources for Skills-Based Hiring
The Executive Order states that managers must take skills-based hiring training. Where can I find the training?
HRD is developing the training required by the Executive Order. Please stay tuned for more information once the training is ready.
Where can I learn more about skills-based hiring?
The Human Resources Division has developed a skills-based hiring toolkit. The toolkit details what skills-based hiring is, best practices for hiring teams, and ways to implement skills-based hiring at the Commonwealth. The toolkit links to practical resources including identifying and reducing bias, writing a job description, crafting a job posting, conducting screening and interview processes, and more. To further assist in your hiring efforts, please see the toolkit for succeeding with skills-based hiring.
As a hiring manager, how do I know what to do in the interview process to ensure I am promoting a candidate’s set of skills, knowledge, and abilities?
The new skills-based hiring toolkit provides practical examples, resources and education to help hiring managers and all who are involved in the recruiting and hiring process to succeed in skills-based hiring.
| Last updated: | February 9, 2024 |
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