7 Things Employers Care About More Than Your Degree
A college education is a great asset. You'll gain the foundation for great careers, life experiences, and lifelong friendships. However, just having a degree does not make you an ideal candidate for a job. Employers are looking for key elements that set you apart.
1. Work experience
Education is great, but it's not like life in the trenches, and employers know it. Years of experience can often replace a degree or other form of training. And that means there are references from people in the industry. This is the best way to stand out from your competitors. 2. Problem-solving ability
It doesn't matter if you work in the office, in the garage, or out in the fields every day. No matter what profession you choose, you will encounter problems. It's an everyday part of any job. Any way to deal with this situation would be beneficial to you and any problem solver would be highly appreciated.
Do you think laterally? Could you summarize this issue in terms of key issues to be addressed? Will you be held accountable when faced with difficulties? If you can hold your head high and demonstrate your ability to solve problems quickly and effectively, future employers will find you very attractive.
3. Communication skills
How you communicate is just as important as what you communicate, as it directly relates to problem solving. If you're afraid to speak up or can't direct your thoughts in a workable direction, there's no point in not having a proper solution to your problem. Someone who can communicate well in a way that motivates and produces results is a great asset to any employer.
4. Collaboration skills
Lonely people don't do well in most jobs. Of course there are some exceptions, but most of the time you need to be able to work well within a team. In fact, one of his most commonly found keywords in job postings is "team player." Employers want candidates who can easily and quickly become part of a team, even when there are significant differences between individuals within the group. Candidates who can put these differences aside and create great teamwork are truly worth gold.
1. Work experience
Education is great, but it's not like life in the trenches, and employers know it. Years of experience can often replace a degree or other form of training. And that means there are references from people in the industry. This is the best way to stand out from your competitors. 2. Problem-solving ability
It doesn't matter if you work in the office, in the garage, or out in the fields every day. No matter what profession you choose, you will encounter problems. It's an everyday part of any job. Any way to deal with this situation would be beneficial to you and any problem solver would be highly appreciated.
Do you think laterally? Could you summarize this issue in terms of key issues to be addressed? Will you be held accountable when faced with difficulties? If you can hold your head high and demonstrate your ability to solve problems quickly and effectively, future employers will find you very attractive.
3. Communication skills
How you communicate is just as important as what you communicate, as it directly relates to problem solving. If you're afraid to speak up or can't direct your thoughts in a workable direction, there's no point in not having a proper solution to your problem. Someone who can communicate well in a way that motivates and produces results is a great asset to any employer.
4. Collaboration skills
Lonely people don't do well in most jobs. Of course there are some exceptions, but most of the time you need to be able to work well within a team. In fact, one of his most commonly found keywords in job postings is "team player." Employers want candidates who can easily and quickly become part of a team, even when there are significant differences between individuals within the group. Candidates who can put these differences aside and create great teamwork are truly worth gold.
5. Work related achievement
Think about what accomplishments you can use as plus points in the application and hiring process. Have you written a successful blog or book about your industry? Have you been a guest speaker at an industry event? Have you appeared on television or radio? Have you ever won an industry award?
All of these things go a long way in recruiting and are often far more valuable than a degree. It shows you are knowledgeable and well-informed. Don't be afraid to list your accomplishments, even if they aren't directly related to your job. They are still counted and marked with the seal of approval. 6. Volunteer activities
Philanthropy can do a lot to highlight who you are, and employers will welcome that on your resume. First and foremost, doing something for the greater good is sacrificing personal time, and that says a lot about your personality. The type of charity you work for can also have an even greater impact on your employer.
For example, volunteering at an animal shelter is great, but helping those in need, like veterans, is much more rewarding. How long you have been volunteering is also important. If you've been there for 10 years, despite the bad economy and many job changes, that shows true dedication. And of course you get great reference material from anywhere you volunteer, which brings us to the last point.
7. Great References
The old adage, "It's not what you know, but who you know" applies directly to your career. In fact, regardless of skills or achievements, many people climb the corporate ladder quickly because they know the right people.
For example, let's say you are in the film industry and have no formal training in video production, editing, sound, or any other required skill. Of course, employers would miss all of this with recommendations from Steven Spielberg, Ron Howard, and Martin Scorsese. Of course this is an extreme example.
Think about what accomplishments you can use as plus points in the application and hiring process. Have you written a successful blog or book about your industry? Have you been a guest speaker at an industry event? Have you appeared on television or radio? Have you ever won an industry award?
All of these things go a long way in recruiting and are often far more valuable than a degree. It shows you are knowledgeable and well-informed. Don't be afraid to list your accomplishments, even if they aren't directly related to your job. They are still counted and marked with the seal of approval. 6. Volunteer activities
Philanthropy can do a lot to highlight who you are, and employers will welcome that on your resume. First and foremost, doing something for the greater good is sacrificing personal time, and that says a lot about your personality. The type of charity you work for can also have an even greater impact on your employer.
For example, volunteering at an animal shelter is great, but helping those in need, like veterans, is much more rewarding. How long you have been volunteering is also important. If you've been there for 10 years, despite the bad economy and many job changes, that shows true dedication. And of course you get great reference material from anywhere you volunteer, which brings us to the last point.
7. Great References
The old adage, "It's not what you know, but who you know" applies directly to your career. In fact, regardless of skills or achievements, many people climb the corporate ladder quickly because they know the right people.
For example, let's say you are in the film industry and have no formal training in video production, editing, sound, or any other required skill. Of course, employers would miss all of this with recommendations from Steven Spielberg, Ron Howard, and Martin Scorsese. Of course this is an extreme example.
However, with a referral from a reputable industry expert, you are in the right place. When it comes to getting a job, you should take advantage of whatever advantages you have. Especially if you don't have the "proper" training for the job. But if you're smart and ingenious, you can get the job without a degree. Good luck.