You don’t have to be perfect to apply

Dear Sam:

I am 49 years old, and for the past seven years I was senior plant manager of a small food-processing plant. I was recently laid off and have been conducting an unsuccessful job search.

I think that there are two major issues confronting my quest: One, I am near 50 years old, and two, I don’t possess the coveted trophy called a degree. Don’t take this the wrong way — I am not criticizing those who have degrees — but it frustrates me that so many employers require it with positions for which I would otherwise qualify.

Am I wasting my time sending a resume when the job posting says degree required? I have 60 hours of college credit, but I’m not sure how to note that.

– Jim Dear Jim:

There are a number of strategies you can employ to minimize the impact of not having a degree when one is required for a particular job opportunity:

Never mention it.

1. 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 experience, a hiring manager could qualify you for an interview before even noticing you do not hold a degree.

2. Define unique skills and strengths.

You possess a unique background and skill set based on your breadth of experience. Your challenge is to sell that to the hiring manager.

Review your background, and identify what makes you different from candidates that hold a degree but may have less experience. This is of key importance. 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.

3. Highlight professional development.

When you lack a degree, it is imperative you highlight your related training and education.

Whether these were employer-sponsored or selfinitiated training programs, include them on your resume to show continued professional development.

4. Highlight the education you do have.

You have completed two years of college, which is probably worth noting. If doing so, your education section would appear as such:

• State University • Completed 60 Hours Toward Bachelor of Science Degree As previously stated, you could also omit the education section entirely — there is no rule that a candidate has to have an education section on his/her resume — if you feel it does not add value to your candidacy.

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. Very few candidates will be perfectly qualified. Where you lack a degree, another candidate may lack a certain piece of experience. Sell what you have, and be confident in your presentation.

I often tell clients that a degree is a check-the-box requirement. Experience is truly what makes a candidate unique and what actually qualifies you for opportunities.

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 truly reflecting your value, and I am certain your search will be more successful with or without a degree. Samantha Nolan is a certified professional resume writer and owner of Ladybug Design, a full-service resume-writing firm. Have a question for Sam? She can be reached at dearsam@ladybug-design.com or 614-570-3442.