How to overcome not having a required degree during your job search
How to overcome not having a required degree during your job search
How to overcome not having a required degree during your job search
By Samantha Nolan
December 04, 2020
Summary
Am I wasting my time sending a resume when the job posting defines a degree as a requirement? I do have 60 credit hours of college, but I am not sure how to note that.
Jim.Dear Jim: There are several strategies you can employ to minimize the impact of not having the degree required for a particular opportunity.
Never mention it: The worst thing you can do is to explain on your resume or cover letter that you do not hold a degree.
There is a possibility that if you present a strong enough image of your past, a hiring manager could qualify you for an interview before even noticing you do not hold a degree.
I always tell my clients to avoid mentioning potentially disqualifying factors, when possible, and not having a degree when one is required would fall into this category.
Review your background and identify what makes you different from candidates that hold a degree but may have less experience.
If you are brought in for an interview and are competing against those who have degrees, you will need to sell yourself by articulating how you are more qualified for the job despite lacking the required credential.
Lastly, in response to your question of whether to apply for these positions when you lack the degree required, I would answer YES every time! Exceptionally few candidates will be perfectly qualified; where you lack a degree, another candidate may lack a particular piece of experience.
I often tell clients that a degree is a "Check the box" requirement; one candidate possessing a degree is equal to another having the same.
I would hazard a guess that it is not just your degree holding you back in your search; revamp your resume to ensure it is genuinely reflecting your value, and I am sure your job search will be more successful with or without a degree.
Reference
Nolan. S., (2020, December 04). How to overcome not having a required degree during your job search. Retrieved December 06, 2020, from https://www.oregonlive.com/business/2020/12/how-to-overcome-not-having-a-required-degree-during-your-job-search.html