Unlocking New Talent: The Best Non-Traditional Education Platforms for Your Hiring Needs

In today's fast-paced world, traditional education is no longer the sole source of knowledge and skills. With the advent of the internet and digital technology, non-traditional education platforms have gained significant traction. These platforms offer a wealth of opportunities for individuals to acquire skills and knowledge, making them valuable resources for employers seeking new talent. But with so many options available, how can you determine which non-traditional education platforms are best for your hiring needs? In this article, we will explore some of the top non-traditional education platforms and provide guidance on how to evaluate their suitability for your organization.

Udemy

Udemy is a popular online learning platform that offers a wide range of courses on various subjects, from programming and digital marketing to personal development and creative arts. What sets Udemy apart is its vast library of courses, many of which are taught by industry professionals. However, it's important to note that course quality can vary significantly. To determine if Udemy is right for your hiring needs, consider the reviews and ratings of specific courses, the expertise of the instructors, and whether the content aligns with your job requirements.

Coursera

Coursera partners with top universities and organizations to provide high-quality courses and specializations. Their courses often include graded assignments and peer reviews, making them a good option for assessing candidates' skills. When evaluating Coursera for hiring needs, look for courses that offer certifications or specializations relevant to your industry. Additionally, consider Coursera for Business, which offers enterprise-level solutions for employee training.

LinkedIn Learning

LinkedIn Learning is an excellent choice if you're looking to enhance your team's professional skills. It offers a wide range of video courses on business, technology, and creative topics. An advantage of LinkedIn Learning is that courses can be integrated with LinkedIn profiles, making it easy for candidates to showcase their certifications. When using LinkedIn Learning for hiring, examine potential candidates' profiles to gauge the relevance of their learning and the credibility of the courses they've completed.

edX

edX is a platform that provides courses from top universities and institutions worldwide. It offers a diverse selection of courses, including verified certificates and MicroMasters programs. One of edX's key benefits is the option to audit courses for free before deciding to pay for certification. When assessing edX for hiring, consider the quality of the institutions offering courses and whether they align with your organization's values and industry.

Skillshare

Skillshare focuses on creative and practical skills, making it ideal for roles in design, marketing, and other creative fields. It offers a subscription-based model, granting access to thousands of classes. However, Skillshare doesn't provide formal certifications, so it may be more suitable for assessing a candidate's creative potential rather than technical skills. To evaluate Skillshare for hiring, review the quality and relevance of the courses within your specific field.

Pluralsight

Pluralsight caters to technology professionals, offering a vast library of tech-related courses, assessments, and skill paths. It's a valuable resource for hiring in tech-oriented roles. When considering Pluralsight, assess the comprehensiveness of their course offerings and look for hands-on labs and assessments that allow candidates to showcase their practical skills.

Khan Academy

Khan Academy focuses on K-12 education but also offers courses in various academic subjects, making it a valuable resource for assessing candidates in teaching and educational roles. While it may not be the primary platform for hiring, Khan Academy can provide insight into candidates' potential as educators or subject matter experts.

Assessing Candidates' Fit Based on Non-Traditional Education Platforms

When it comes to determining the suitability of candidates based on their completion of non-traditional education platforms, recruiters should employ a comprehensive approach. The following criteria can guide you in evaluating the potential fit of candidates who have completed courses on such platforms:

Relevance:

Examine the relevance of the courses to the specific job requirements. Are the skills and knowledge acquired aligning with the needs of the position? Evaluate whether the content is directly applicable to the role.

Credentials:

Assess the certifications or verifiable credentials that candidates have obtained through these platforms. A relevant certification can validate the candidate's proficiency in a particular skill or subject matter.

Quality of Learning:

Consider the quality of learning. Does the candidate's completion of courses on these platforms demonstrate a depth of understanding and practical application, or is it merely a superficial exposure to the subject?

Completion vs. Audit:

Distinguish between candidates who have completed courses with distinction and those who have merely audited them. Completion often signifies a more dedicated and thorough engagement with the material.

Reviews and Ratings:

Leverage user reviews and ratings of courses or certifications. High ratings and positive reviews can indicate that the candidate has engaged with well-received and valuable content.

Practical Application:

Determine whether the candidate can apply the knowledge gained effectively in a real-world context. This can be assessed through interview questions or practical assessments.

Versatility:

Evaluate the candidate's versatility in applying knowledge from non-traditional education platforms to different aspects of the job. Adaptability and the ability to transfer skills are crucial.

Learning Attitude:

Consider the candidate's commitment to continuous learning. Candidates who have regularly updated their skills on these platforms may be more adaptable and eager to stay current in their field.

Demonstrated Results:

Look for tangible results or accomplishments that can be attributed to the candidate's learning experiences on non-traditional education platforms. This could include personal projects, freelancing work, or contributions to previous employers.

Professional Networking:

Check whether the candidate has leveraged non-traditional education platforms for professional networking and collaboration, which can be an asset in team-oriented roles.

Cost and Investment:

Analyze the candidate's investment in their education on these platforms. This could reflect their commitment to self-improvement and skill development.

By considering these criteria, recruiters can effectively evaluate candidates who have completed non-traditional education programs. This approach goes beyond the traditional resume and interview and allows recruiters to make more informed decisions about the suitability of candidates for specific roles within their organizations.

Ultimately, the best non-traditional education platform for your hiring needs will depend on your industry, the skills required, and the specific roles you're looking to fill. By carefully evaluating these platforms based on the criteria mentioned above, you can make an informed decision that will help you identify the most qualified candidates for your organization. Non-traditional education platforms have opened up a world of opportunities, and embracing them in your hiring process can be a game-changer for finding top talent.