Eliminate degree requirements as the only way to qualify for jobs
- Agency plans for competency-based hiring
- Anti-bias training and objectives
- Communication and organization change management plan
- Competency-based hiring
- Competency-based hiring resources
- Eliminate degree requirements as the only way to qualify for jobs
- OLRS consistency guidelines
- OLRS standardization checklist
- Pay equity lens guidance
- Toolkit for improving equity in hiring and recruiting
StateHR@ofm.wa.gov
Contact information
Executive Order 24-04 | Toolkit | Part One
SHB 2216 requires agencies to remove degrees as the only way to meet a required qualification (unless the degree is required by law to perform the essential functions of the job). So, how else can we assess candidates? Agencies must look at job requirements differently. Agencies must either offer at least one other alternative way to meet that qualifciation or list competency-based requirements.
We have provided some examples on how to remove degree requirements below:
Examples of job requirements for job postings
Required Competencies:
- Interview and Assessment Techniques – Develop structured interview guides and use assessments to evaluate skill sets of applicants.
- Process Improvement – Monitor and evaluate recruiting processes and update recruiting and sourcing methods to improve the quality of candidates and reduce time to hire.
- Interpersonal Skills – Guide conversations to assess applicant’s eligibility and qualifications in person and over the phone; build relationships with community partners to hire their clients/students.
- Judgment and Decision Making – Assess eligibility and qualifications of applicants during recruitment, screening, and interviewing; partner with HR and hiring managers to decide on new hires.
- Writing – Communicate clearly in writing as appropriate in email, digital platforms, and hiring documents (e.g., job postings).
Preferred Competencies:
- Employment Law – Knowledge on legality for acceptable conduct and questions during interview and hiring process; understanding of employment eligibility.
- Recruitment Software – Use application tracking systems to track applicants for multiple open positions.
- Persuasion – Persuade top candidates online and at job fairs to apply to our positions.
We're looking for candidates with a strong blend of skills and experience, gained through a variety of career paths:
Core Competencies
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Strategic Insight: Ability to align HR initiatives with business strategies and goals.
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Project Management: Proven ability to manage complex HR projects and processes.
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Data-Driven Decision Making: Analyze workforce trends to deliver actionable recommendations.
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Relationship Building: Strong interpersonal and communication skills to influence and partner with key stakeholders.
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Coaching and Advising: Expertise in providing guidance on employee development, retention, and engagement.
Technical Proficiency
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Proficient with Microsoft tools such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
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Familiarity with HRIS systems and workforce planning tools.
Rather than requiring a degree, we welcome candidates with demonstrated competencies in human resources, leadership, and talent management. Relevant experience may include:
Qualifications
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Certifications and Training: HR certifications (e.g., PHR, SHRM-CP), specialized training programs, or self-directed learning in HR practices.
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Occupational Experience: Previous roles in HR, employee relations, workforce planning, or business advisory positions.
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Alternate Career Paths: Experience gained through military service, volunteer leadership, consulting, or self-employment.
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Foundational Skills: Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills, gained in any professional setting.
Physical and Work Requirements
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Remote work environment requires reliable internet and electricity. A monthly stipend is provided to cover related expenses.
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Ability to travel up to 10%, occasionally on short notice.
Skills-based job posting example
Job Title: Community Engagement Specialist
About the role
We are looking for a Community Engagement Specialist who can develop outreach programs that connect Washington residents with critical public services. This role involves public speaking, stakeholder coordination, and digital content creation.
What you’ll do
Build relationships with community partners to expand outreach efforts.
Plan and deliver presentations to various audiences.
Develop accessible, engaging digital content for social media and websites.
Analyze engagement data to improve outreach strategies.
Skills we’re looking for
- Strong communication and public speaking skills.
- Ability to develop community partnerships.
- Experience using social media for professional outreach.
- Comfort analyzing data to improve engagement efforts.
What we don’t require
A specific degree—if you have the skills, we want to hear from you!
A traditional career path—skills gained through volunteer work, self-learning, or non-traditional jobs are valued.
Required qualifications:
Qualifying candidates will meet one of the following criteria options:
Option 1:
- Seven years of the required experience below.
Option 2:
- Associates degree in accounting or a closely related field and
- Five years of the required experience below
Option3:
- Bachelor's degree in accounting or a closely related field and
- Three years of the required experience below.
The required experience includes:
- Professional auditing or accounting experience.
- Ability to travel statewide using a state-owned vehicle.
- Knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), Governmental Accepted Cash Accounting, and Auditing Standards.
- Ability to interpret policies, procedures, financial reports, legislation, and other financial data.
- Ability to effectively communicate both orally and in writing with peers, contractors, executive management, and staff from other agencies.
Preferred qualifications:
- Master’s degree in public administration or related field, with two years of professional experience working with large, complex financial systems/information (experience within state or government entities strongly preferred).
- Seven years of experience in the financial field.
- Four or more years of experience in financial modeling.
- Two or more years of experience querying data using programs such as SQL.
- Expert/advanced skill level with Microsoft Excel, including designing complex models, structuring data for pivot tables, and composing nested formulas.