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Qualification Questions in Online Job Applications

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Qualification Questions in Online Job Applications

I just want to ask what is the best course of action on this. I am an experienced accountant looking for work. I have great experience and skills. I started my career at an older age. I originally received my BA in English. When I was older, I went back to college and got an AS in Accounting and have worked in the field ever since. Problem is, some of these online job applications ask specifically "Do you have a BA in Accounting.." well no, but I have AS and experience would be my answer but there is never a text box to explain. Just a straight yes or no answer. I fear I am being filtered out just based on that question alone, but the Girl Scout in me doesn't want to lie. I applied for a job which was a good fit as I even have experience with a particular software that alot of people don't have. But I received a message that employer didn't select me. Would it be lying if I said I had a BA in Accounting, just to prevent being filtered out.

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  1. Anonymous

    I would make a cover letter part of your resume.

  2. Anonymous

    I absolutely wouldn't lie about it - because then they see your resume and would be like "but she said on the qualifying question that she did" or you fudge it on your resume but then education verification shows you don't. Is it an automatic disqualifier? If not - meaning if it doesn't immediately bounce you out following the OG anonymous suggestion below and include a cover letter describing your relevant experience and how you would be a great fit for the role. Also, make sure your resume is tailored to the job description (without fabricating details).

  3. Anonymous

    Never good to lie, people work hard for their degrees.

  4. Anonymous

    I wouldn't lie. I use LinkedIn to see if you can find the talent acquisition team or the hiring manager and send them a message. Expressing interest and focusing heavily on your software qualifications/experience.

    You are the exception. If the filtering question triggered the automatic response then your resume was not seen.

  5. Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition Specialist

    I don't mean for this to come out mean, correct me if I'm wrong - you're asking if lying on your application would be lying?

    If you do not have a BA in Accounting and you say you do, how is that anything other than lying.

    If you lie and say you have a BA to prevent being filtered out, what will your response be if you speak with the recruiter (that's if you don't get rejected when they see you don't have a degree) and they ask about your degree that you said you had?

    In some companies, certain positions require a Bachelor's degree. Some hiring managers require a Bachelor's. I'm not saying that's right - I push back and ask if we can accept experience in lieu of a degree - but they can set whatever requirements they feel they need.

    You can try to reach out to the recruiter on LinkedIn - explain you're very interested in the position, give your elevator pitch on how you meet the requirements and explain that you do not have a BA, would they be open to considering you as a candidate.

    My guess is if that is set as a knockout question, it's a requirement - but you can still ask. Please don't lie.

  6. Kat

    Don't lie. It doesn't look good and starts you on the wrong foot. I would address the degree issue in your resume and cover letter, emphasizing the skills and experience you have that make you a good candidate for a job. Have you considered getting a BA in Accounting? Some employers will pay for you to go to school, which might help advance your career.

  7. Anonymous

    Never lie about your education, ever. I'm in higher ed, former recruiter.

    If you can get an HR contact of the company (companies), email them and let them know your education and work experience. Letting them know the application doesn't allow for an AS option.

  8. Anonymous

    Never a good idea to lie on a job application. Ever.

    Its a small world when you're looking for a position and you never know who knows who in the industry.

    Don't limit your opportunities making that mistake.

  9. OLIVIA JOHNSON

    I would recommend being transparent in your applications. My suggestion would be to adjust your job search strategy to include networking and maybe even smaller or local companies. Reach out to the recruiters or 1 or 2 other employees within the company or department on LinkedIn, etc. Hope this helps!

  10. Anonymous

    If it is a check box and its only yes or no, check the yes. And when you get an interview explain your experience. It will be your opportunity as well to give them the feedback on your experience as a candidate if it is appropriate to do so. These days most ATS (applicant tracking systems) have filtration questions intended to do just what you are concerned about, but if real humans do read your resume they will get it. You have to get into the YES pile first.

  11. Anonymous

    I am torn when asked if I know a language. I do better reading and writing and can carry a conversation but I don't think in the language so my replies are slow if it pertains to business.

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