New OneTen Case Study Highlights Cisco's Skills-First Hiring Model as a Powerful Blueprint for Companies

Core Insights - OneTen, in partnership with Cisco, released a study titled "Cisco's Skills-First Success: A Powerful Playbook for the Private Sector," highlighting the benefits of a skills-first talent management approach that enhances business impact, organizational agility, and inclusion [1][2]. Company Transformation - Cisco transformed its hiring practices by adopting a skills-first model after joining OneTen in 2021, moving away from traditional degree-based hiring to focus on competencies, experience, and potential [2]. - The skills-first strategy has significantly expanded Cisco's talent pipeline and achieved a remarkable 96% retention rate among skills-first hires, showcasing its effectiveness in a competitive labor market [2]. Leadership and Commitment - Cisco's leadership emphasizes the importance of creating equitable career pathways for underrepresented talent, particularly Black individuals and those without four-year degrees [3]. - The company has centralized funding for its skills-first hiring program and conducted initiatives to gain buy-in from senior leadership and hiring managers [3]. Key Strategies for Success - Establishing a clear vision and values is crucial for successful skills-first hiring, as demonstrated by Cisco's commitment to workforce equity [3]. - Empowering leaders with relevant experience and fostering a culture that values skills over degrees are essential components of Cisco's approach [3]. - Cisco's "OneTen cohort" model promotes community among new hires, enhancing job satisfaction and integration [3]. - The company actively measures retention and growth metrics to ensure alignment with skills and to facilitate employee development [3]. About OneTen - OneTen is a nonprofit organization focused on creating career opportunities for talent without four-year degrees, aiming to close the racial wealth gap in the U.S. by removing unnecessary degree barriers [4][5].