I have applied for 2 positions, both of which state they require a degree.

Anonymous

March 10,2022 at 4:52PM UTC

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I have applied for 2 positions, both of which state they require a degree. Both firms have invited me to interview. I did go to a state university but I don’t have my degree. I do have almost 20 years of experience doing these exact jobs and 30 years of management. I’m older and my original intended degree is now obsolete anyway. In my interviews, should I bring this up for discussion? What is the best way to respond if they bring it up first? I obviously don’t want to lie. Should I cancel these interviews?

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AnonymousMarch 10,2022 at 5:04PM UTC
Don't cancel the interviews. Many jobs accept work experience in lieu of degrees. Which may be why they want to interview you.
Lesa Edwards, Career Coach & Master Resume WriterMarch 10,2022 at 5:07PM UTC
Don't cancel! If you didn't lie on your resume or application, then the onus is on them to see that you don't have a degree. If they did see it, then that tells you that requirements isn't a hard-and-fast one.
Yes - I would bring it up, possibly when they ask you what your greatest weakness is relative to the position. This is your opportunity to sell yourself with the 20 years' experience and 30 years' management experience you have. Believe in yourself and your ability to be great at this job - and you'll convince them, as well.
SamanthaMarch 10,2022 at 5:38PM UTC
Don't cancel! My husband doesn't have a degree, he's working towards finishing it, but it takes time. He's been hired in a position that they say "requires a degree" He has a coworker who is even further behind and doesn't have as many credits towards his degree (I'm not sure if he's even working towards it).
It's on them to read your resume, if they bring it up I would just be honest - Yes you don't have a degree, but emphasize the experience you have.
I personally think there are a lot of jobs out there that you don't necessarily need a degree for, on the job training is way more important! But with the amount of experience you have, it seems like it shouldn't be an issue!
SamanthaMarch 10,2022 at 5:39PM UTC
I will add, sometimes it's some kind of company requirement for it. My mom also doesn't have a 4 year degree, and a large company said they can't hire her as a full time employee, they could only hire her as a contractor (which my mom didn't want). So It could really just be a requirement from the company and if they turn you away because of it, then it's probably their loss!
Rebecca AliMarch 10,2022 at 5:42PM UTC
If asked, answer honestly. If you're not asked, then don't worry about it. As long as it's clear on your resume and application, there shouldn't be any issue for you. The only reason this becomes a problem is when people fudge it on their official info and then get caught. Good luck!
Samantha s.March 10,2022 at 6:07PM UTC
Please don't cancel these interviews. I too would feel awkward about the technical difference but you can present how your skills and experience are aligned with curriculums despite not having the official degree. A degree cannot give you experience or situational discernment.
Priya KeefeMarch 10,2022 at 6:45PM UTC
Heck no, don't cancel the interviews! They did a vetting process and chose to interview you - that's wonderful! If they bring it up, be honest without oversharing. You can mention relevant classes you took, but bring the focus back to your experience in the field, and the skills and learning you gained there. Good luck / break a leg!
Alexis GladstoneMarch 10,2022 at 6:56PM UTC
I agree, don't cancel it!
They invited you to interview. If it's clear on your resume that you don't have one, they already know. If they bring it up, answer honestly. If they don't, then you shouldn't either.
Many companies are starting to rethink the degree requirement in light of having a hard time finding good employees. As long as it's not a requirement for the actual type of work you will be doing, they are being much more forward thinking (actually looking at job experience!) It could also be that the job posting wasn't updated externally to reflect internal decisions. I have a client who relies on their main office to post openings and they pull old job descriptions quite often.
Good luck!
Sabrina CortesMarch 10,2022 at 8:52PM UTC
Definately don't cancel these interviews. I always tell my clients that you are interviewing them, just as much as they are interviewing you -- you want to learn about their management styles, company culture, and other things like this during the interview.
As far s the degree is concerned, I wouldn't bring it up if they don't. I'd highlight your skills and experience and give examples of how you're an effective leader and problem-solver.
Best of luck to you!
AnonymousMarch 11,2022 at 2:03AM UTC
Please don’t cancel. I’ve conducted hundreds of interviews and never once asked about a degree. If they bring it up, you could describe relevant coursework. There are few situations where a degree is truly “required.”
Doris AppelbaumMarch 12,2022 at 4:07AM UTC
WI would not hire me as a teacher even though I had two college degrees (BA-English and MS-Education) and 10 years of experience. I was, however, certified in NY.