Employers and hiring platforms are accelerating a shift toward skills‑based recruitment: Coursera and other industry leaders argue microcredentials will shape 2026 hiring, while research shows skills assessments reduce mis‑hires and screening time. TestGorilla and Applied research indicate firms using role‑specific testing cut mis‑hires dramatically and prefer candidates with demonstrable, job‑aligned competencies. For higher‑education leaders, the trend increases pressure to embed stackable credentials, employer‑validated assessments, and competency frameworks into degree programs.