A
female
age
30-35,
anonymous
writes:This isn't a relationship question but I could use some advice. I was laid off from my job of 4 years almost a year ago and since then have had no luck finding a new job. I believe I have a great resume, I have put in applications both online and in person and have followed up on them. If I go to any interviews (I have only had 3) I leave a thank you note. My interviews have seem to have gone well. The only thing I can think of that turns off the hiring managers is the fact that I don't have a college degree, I have not gone to college. Could this be the reason I'm not finding a job? I live in a big city so I know there's a lot of competition in any job around here. I understand jobs are hard to find everywhere but I have to make a living so what is someone like me to do? Reply to this Question
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female
reader, llifton +, writes (21 September 2015):
 It all depends on what you're applying for. Of course there are some positions that require a degree or special licensing, like nursing, law, or real estate etc. But there are certainly plenty of other fields that don't require it. However, having a degree certainly never HURTS your chances, that's for sure. But it's not a requirement.
You just have to sell yourself. Think of how many people are probably applying for that position. You must do or say something that sets you apart from those other people. You have to stand out somehow. Like one of the other posters said, he gave a fantastic and creative response to a question that probably was out of the norm. The employer remembered him because of that and liked him because it was different. He set himself apart from the crowd. That's how you win during interviews. Make sure your resume not only is good and detailed, but that you make yourself noticed and stand out. Good luck.
A
male
reader, olderthandirt  +, writes (21 September 2015):
 I too never got a formal degree and had one heck of a time finding a job. However when I did get the job I wanted it had NOTHING to do with or without a degree. I luckily found a job that advertised for an Operations and maintenance manuals editor. I applied; the first question they asked me was 'what makes you think you can write O&M manuals for a wastewater plant?" My answer was, "Because i don't have a clue what you do, who else better to explain in writing to an operator how to operate a plant than someone that is himself learning?" They apparently thought that was a reasonable answer and ten years later I was making nearly as much salary as most of the degreed engineers. I think you just have to be quick and nimble in your approaches to finding work. Give your propective employer something that he didn't know he or she wanted and put your heart and sole into it so they never regrete the decision to hire you. That has more value than a degree in the long run. good Luck
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A
female
reader, So_Very_Confused +, writes (21 September 2015):
 I do not know if it is or it is not the issue.
Honeypie makes great points.
I will only tell you my story.
In 1978 I graduated high school and went to college.
In 1981 I left college in my senior year and got married and did the baby thing.
IN 1989 I went back to work. I also went back to school part time to finish my degree.
All in all it took me 23 years to finish my degree.
In 2004 I was offered the job I do now. Out of 1000s of applicants I got the job without a face to face interview... I was told by the hiring official that the reason I was hired was not that I had the degree but that I spent 23 years on and off and GOT the degree.
My degree is in Psychology. My job.. Network security for the Windows platform.
my sub-specialty is social engineering.
so what got me my dream job was my degree.
often they don't look at WHAT the degree is in, just that you have it or are working towards it. It shows initiative and drive.
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A
female
reader, anonymous, writes (21 September 2015): No its not the degree. I have a college and uni degree had the same trouble finding work as you I also held a voluntry job for 3 years and never got paid work in that. I knew someone with a 1st degree in literally rocket science and he was working temp in a factory the only job he could get. Degree or no degree it is tough to find work at the moment. They say it is picking up but I haven't seen this myself. One thing me with a degree does have that you don't is debt! Just hang in there and kept trying, be open to new things and different types of work. sounds like you have a good attitude and eventually someone will notice this. Good luck :)
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A
female
reader, Honeypie +, writes (21 September 2015):
 It could be, even if the jobs you are applying for doesn't require a degree.
I know when I was in charge of hiring assistants and even a receptionist that we had a TON of "over qualified" applicants. I went through a good 500 applications and guess what? In the end we hired the temp from the temp agency as she was a perfect match, personality wise and skill wise.
So, you have a couple of options here.
1. GO sign up at a temp agency. ASAP. It will give you FURTHER work experience and out of the house/off benefits.
2. Consider which classes can benefit YOU in the jobs you are looking for and take some online or community college classes.
3. Rebuild your resume. Having a "pretty" resume is great, but so far it hasn't gotten you a job.
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