City launches interactive hiring resources for local employers

Medicine Hat – Medicine Hat Economic Development is launching a comprehensive suite of interactive tools designed to help employers make more informed hiring decisions by focusing on observable competencies, skills and behaviours that drive success in the workplace.

Developed in collaboration with workforce development experts and local employers, Competency Match provides a structured approach to recruitment that helps organizations look beyond traditional credentials and better assess a candidate's ability to perform in a role.

The program was created in response to ongoing labour market challenges across Medicine Hat and southeastern Alberta, where employers continue to face workforce shortages while many skilled newcomers and experienced workers encounter barriers to employment despite possessing valuable education, experience and transferable skills.

"Employers want confidence in their hiring decisions, and that starts with having the right tools," said Selena McLean-Moore, Director of Economic Development with the City of Medicine Hat. "Competency Match helps employers focus on the skills and abilities that matter most, making it easier to identify strong candidates who might otherwise be overlooked."

Unlike traditional hiring approaches that focus heavily on third party credentials, education, or years of experience, competency-based hiring emphasizes how individuals apply their knowledge, solve problems, communicate, collaborate, adapt, and perform in real workplace situations. The Competency Match employer playbook guides users through the various stages of the hiring journey and includes six practical tools that can be used together or independently. Each tool was designed to help employers create a more transparent, consistent and evidence-based hiring process.

The initiative builds on extensive engagement with employers and workforce stakeholders and reflects growing interest in modern hiring practices that recognize both technical qualifications and transferable skills. Competency Match is expected to be particularly valuable for employers seeking to better understand international education and work experience, while also helping candidates clearly demonstrate their capabilities through structured assessments and interviews.

The tools are available free of charge and can be adapted for organizations of all sizes and across a variety of sectors.

To explore the Competency Match Playbook and access the tools, visit: https://www.medicinehat.ca/medicine-hat-economic-development/competency-match/

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