Obstacle: Lack of Degree

Feeling like a lack of "formal education" might put you out of the running, is a common complaint that we hear from a lot of job seekers.

It's true that some companies require/prefer certain educational credentials. However, a lot of them do not. And the ones who say, they do "require" a bachelor's degree or something similar, will often bend the rules for the right candidate.

"I may not have [degree], but I do have extensive experience in [skill(s) or accomplishment(s) that directly relate to the position] and I believe my passion and drive for this role, will enable me to excel above all other potential applicants."

Hard skills can be taught, so if you can prove the experience you have earned is worth more than a degree, then you are one step closer to getting the job offer you seek.

  • If you're making it into interviews often enough, but not closing with a job offer - we recommend amping up your relevant experience. Add/specify metrics (percentages increased, dollars saved, hours spent, employees trained, units sold, ect.) in your stories and highlight accomplishments that particularly pertain to the job(s) you are applying for.

  • If you feel like your lack of degree holds you back in your specific industry, consider job hunting via networking. Hiring managers ALWAYS prefer a referred applicant over one they've never met or even heard of. So attaining interviews through people, who know people, who know you... is often the key to tapping into the "hidden job market".

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Last updated on 29th December 2020