8 min read

Identifying Your Edge: Mastering Skill Gap Analysis

When performance dips or projects stall, the root cause is often a skill gap—and identifying it through Skill Gap Analysis helps teams move from guesswork to targeted action. RefHub's assessment tools make it easy to spot gaps, prioritise development, and build confident, high-performing teams across Australian workplaces.

You know that feeling when something is just a little off, but you cannot quite put your finger on it? That is how many businesses feel when performance stalls, projects fall behind, or turnover starts rising. The talent is there—but something is missing. That something is often a skill gap. And identifying it is not just helpful—it is necessary.

Skill Gap Analysis gives you a clear picture of where people are, where they need to be, and what stands in between. Whether you are building a new team, planning a training program, or preparing your people for change, this process can save time, money, and a whole lot of guesswork.

What is Skill Gap Analysis?

Skill Gap Analysis is the process of comparing current skills to required skills. Think of it like a map. You have a starting point (what your team or candidate knows) and a destination (what they need to know to meet goals). The gap in between? That is your development area.

This is not just about technical know-how. It covers soft skills, leadership traits, and even job readiness. By spotting competency gaps, you can take action before small cracks turn into big problems.

Why It Matters in the Australian Workplace

Australia’s workforce is changing. Technology is shifting job roles, while industries like healthcare, mining, logistics, and digital services face serious skill shortages. Hiring is tough, and finding someone who ticks all the boxes is rare.

So what is the smarter path? You can upskill the people you already have or hire with the intent to develop. Either way, you need a clear understanding of training needs.

That is where RefHub steps in. Our tools help you break it all down—who needs what, when, and why. You can take a closer look here: RefHub Skill Assessments

Who Should Use It?

Skill Gap Analysis is useful for just about anyone who works with people or talent. If you fall into one of these roles, you are in the right place:

Human Resources Professionals – Build targeted development programs.
Hiring Managers – Spot gaps before making a hire.
Recruiters – Match candidates to job expectations.
Team Leaders – Develop high-performing staff.
Business Owners – Make smarter growth decisions.
L&D Specialists – Plan training with intent.
Job Seekers – Understand where you stand.
Career Counselors – Support career planning.
Educators and Trainers – Align content with workplace needs.

Common Signs You Need a Skill Gap Analysis

If any of these sound familiar, it is time to act:

People are underperforming despite experience.
Projects miss deadlines due to knowledge gaps.
Training feels like guesswork.
New hires struggle to meet expectations.
Your team avoids certain tasks.
Roles evolve, but skills stay the same.

You would not try to fix a car without first checking what is broken. The same logic applies here. A Skill Gap Analysis helps you figure out what is missing before throwing more training, hiring, or pressure into the mix.

How to Run a Skill Gap Analysis

You do not need to be a data scientist or spend months in planning. Follow this clear path and you will be on your way:

Step 1: Define the Role or Goal

What does success look like? Start by outlining what skills are needed for a specific role, team, or business goal. Think of the hard skills and the soft ones.

Step 2: Assess Current Skills

Next, evaluate what skills your people already have. This can be done through:

Direct assessments
Performance reviews
Manager feedback
Observation checklists

(Yes, RefHub can help with these too—Skill Assessments).

Step 3: Identify the Gaps

Now compare the two. Where is the mismatch? This is where your competency gaps show up. Are there missing technical skills? Weak communication? Gaps in problem solving?

Write them down clearly and link them to outcomes. This helps you avoid “gut feel” decisions and stay focused on facts.

Step 4: Prioritise Training Needs

Some gaps are urgent, others can wait. Sort them by how they impact your business. Focus first on the ones that affect safety, client satisfaction, deadlines, or revenue.

Step 5: Create a Development Plan

This is where change begins. A development area is not a weakness—it is a growth opportunity. Choose the right support, whether that is mentoring, courses, coaching, or job shadowing.

Keep it practical. Give people a target, a path, and a reason. Motivation is half the battle.

What You Can Gain from Doing This Right

Once you get the hang of Skill Gap Analysis, the benefits show up fast:

Better Hiring – Spot what is missing before making an offer.
Targeted Training – Stop guessing and start teaching what matters.
Smarter Planning – Support business goals with actual data.
Increased Confidence – Give people a clear direction for improvement.
Improved Retention – Help staff feel valued and invested in.

It is not magic. It is just clarity.

When to Review Gaps Again

Skill Gap Analysis is not a one-time task. Review regularly, especially when:

You change systems or technology.
You promote someone or restructure a team.
A new project starts.
Business goals shift.
Someone returns from extended leave.

Think of it like going to the dentist—it is easier to stay on track with regular check-ups than to fix a big mess later.

Common Missteps to Avoid

Even smart people can trip up here. Keep these in mind:

Guessing instead of measuring – Use actual assessments.
Overloading staff with training – Focus on the most relevant skills.
Assuming experience equals ability – Test, do not assume.
Doing it once and moving on – Review it often.

You would not fix one broken light and ignore the rest of the house. Look at the full picture.

How RefHub Supports You

At RefHub, we help Australian organisations make better hiring and development decisions. Our assessment tools are built to show you where the gaps are, so you can act with confidence.

You can find everything you need to start here:
👉 Skill Assessments with RefHub

Ready to Take the Guesswork Out?

Knowing where you stand is half the battle. Whether you are hiring, training, or building a strategy, Skill Gap Analysis gives you the facts. It is not hard. You just need the right process—and the right tools.

Start building stronger teams today.
Visit RefHub Assessments to get started.