Companies need people, not collections of degrees. Despite this obvious truth, many people who would otherwise be excellent candidates for open positions do not apply to positions that advertise educational requirements that they do not meet, even when their other experience and skills in would make the ideal candidate.
Related: 5 Ways to Pursue the Job You Want
This phenomenon is more apparent in some industries than others. According to a Harvard Business School study, while 67% of production supervisor job postings in 2015 said they required a degree, only 16% of people in these positions had a college degree.
This genre numbers shows the difference between what companies think they want and what they really need. The truth is that non-graduate candidates can perform tasks just as well as their peers with them. In the 20-week apprenticeship program we use to prepare candidates for roles in software development, we found no difference in completion rates between those with PhDs and those with of a GED. Our experience shows that while degrees can be helpful in some areas, they are not reliable substitutes for a person's ability to do their job well.
Unfortunately, degrees make it easy to reduce application piles , so candidates in a competitive job market must learn to stand out. By following these four tips, people without a college degree can demonstrate their worth to potential employers.
1. Think outside the application.
If your resume doesn't meet the education requirements, think creatively about other ways to set yourself apart. Offer a portfolio with work examples to demonstrate marketable skills. This can include a personal website, writing samples, coding projects, podcasts, or anything else that demonstrates drive, passion, and following.
“It's great to see engaging and detailed LinkedIn profiles,” says senior recruiter Karen Whyte. “Added bonuses are CV attachments, project work, videos or blogs. »
Non-traditional resume boosters like these offer rare insight into your skill set that companies wouldn't otherwise see. By offering content that validates your credibility, you can convince potential employers to look past your lack of a degree and consider the proven value you offer.
2. Understand the pain points of the company.
If everything was going perfectly at this company, its hiring managers wouldn't need to hire anyone. Do some research ahead of time to determine business needs, then come up with potential solutions to the problems this role is supposed to solve.
Sometimes that means solving a problem that the business didn't know existed. If you have experience in an area where the business is lacking, point out easy earning opportunities. As the interview rolls around, ask pointed questions to show that you not only understand the pain points of the business, but also see where the potential solutions lie and how to successfully implement them.
The Guru of recruiting, Liz Ryan, calls it a “painful interview.” By focusing on the problem and brainstorming solutions, you can show the hiring manager how you deal with problems and prove that you are the right person for the job.
3. Demonstrate an ability to learn.
Companies need people who know things on day one and can hone their skills on days 30, 90 and 365.
Mark Hoplamazian, CEO of Hyatt Hotels, said said, “We hire more for personality and growth mindset than for a specific skill set. We believe that curiosity, passion and a love of learning together can outweigh a person's previous experience. Care comes from a place of empathy and understanding – traits you can't learn from a book but produce better results. »
Research the company and consider industry trends before applying Show readers of your resume that you are invested in learning the job, then follow through with that impression by learning more about the company and its role as the application process progresses.
4. Build an industry network.
Find out where you want to go, then get to know the people who are already there. Even a brief connection with someone who works at your target company can be the difference between a rejected resume and an invitation to interview.
Attend networking events, meetups, career development workshops and other events featuring industry leaders. Connect with us on LinkedIn and other social media platforms – keep these profiles accurate and updated – to grab the attention of people who will remember you when it's time to fill a relevant role.
Degrees alone cannot explain passion, motivation and the will to grow. Companies value lifelong learners who show a desire to grow professionally. See challenges as an exciting way to prove yourself, rather than obstacles, to show potential employers that you're the solution-focused hire they've been waiting for.
Even if you don't meet the requirements qualifications or experience, you can still land your dream job. Now that you can learn almost anything online, the value of a degree diminishes in favor of proven skills and a willingness to learn. Don't let your lack of a degree interrupt your professional progress. Follow these tips to stand out and show employers what you have to offer.
Related: 13 simple steps to land the job you want
