One question that comes up quite often is in regards to not having a degree when a job specifically requires one. I will be the first to admit, even holding a Master’s degree from a well-known University, that having a degree alone should not necessarily be a deciding factor in whether or not a candidate gets a job. Case in point: are you going to hire someone who has 20 years of experience and a track record of upward growth in accounting, or the candidate who as zero experience but has a degree? In my estimation, you are taking a much bigger risk hiring the candidate with zero experience. Hands-on job experience does make a difference. There is only so far a textbook or lectures can take you without practical application. The problem is how can you convince a prospective employer to hire you when they are adamant about having a degree?
Don’t panic, because there are a few ways to overcome this. First, and as I alluded to, many employers will overlook the lack of a degree if an applicant has sufficient experience directly related to the position. The key is to place the spotlight on the achievements, unique skill set, and distinctive background you do possess. You can also boost your candidate standing by emphasizing professional development or training endeavors in order to display a commitment to particular development within your field of expertise. If you have attended some college, then stress the coursework you have completed. If you have not completed any college, think about enrolling in a degree program so that you can list the name of the institution and anticipated degree and graduation date on your resume. Finally, do not mention on your resume or cover letter that you don’t have a degree. This unnecessarily brings attention to an issue that can be overcome, and you may as well raise the white flag in defeat by so doing.
The following is a quick checklist and summarization to follow for each point:
Employers will overlook a degree – but only if you have the necessary experience, and you need to make sure it is adequately highlighted in your resume. Incorporate quantifiable measures (dollar amounts, percentages, comparisons of improvement), and explain how you were able to identify issues and transform them by instituting new procedures. Bottom-line results such as profits are always an attention grabber.
Highlight your unique skills and background – this can be a huge advantage over applicants who do have a degree, because you have something they may not, like a specialized skill or knowledge of a computer program. Stress the areas you do excel in, and thus shift the focus to your potential contributions.
Emphasize professional development and/or training – you may have gained more specialized knowledge relevant to the position than your competition through additional training than they possess with a degree. Highlight it!
List the college education you do have – even if it is only a couple years or classes, it is better than listing nothing. You may have compelling reasons for having not finished, and these can become a talking point in an interview. The other strategy you can use is to enroll in a degree program in order to list an anticipated graduation date. It is a useful way to incorporate key words that would otherwise be missing – without being dishonest or misleading. The worst thing you can do is make up a degree when you do not have one. It will eventually catch up with you, trust me.
Don’t bring attention to the fact you don’t have a degree – if the reader is seeing a picture being painted of a candidate who has unique skills, an excellent background and plenty of additional training and professional development, it would be throwing in the towel if you directly bring attention to the fact you don’t have a degree. Let your entire background speak for itself. Don’t present red flags.
In short, put your best foot forward, and don’t waste your time and energy on areas that will show you in a negative light. If your thoughts are negative, the following results will be too.
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