No Degree? You Might Want To Consider These Tips When Job Seeking

It seems that with many jobs, experience isn't necessary, but a degree is. That puts a lot of smart, experienced and hard working people off the management grid.   Today on the Top 5 at 7:45, I'll highlight some ideas that may work for you when applying for a job position, but you don't have a degree.

1. Complete The Degree - After you have done all you know to do, just go and complete the degree if you are able to. You should be able to do this online so that you can work during the day and do the work at night.
2. Send In The Application - Send in apps where you may not have the required level of education. This could potentially open up to a great position in the company. Some years ago that happened to me and it worked out quite well.
3. Add Your Professional Development and Certifications - If you have taken self-help or management classes and have been certified or have a certificate that you passed the class, be sure to add that to the "Professional Development" section in your resume' or on the application.
4. Don't Forget To Add Unfinished Education - There is a myth out there that states one should not include unfinished education on their applications. You could write "Expecting Degree By 2017" or something like that. This lets the interviewer know that you are in the process of completing your education.
5. Highlight All Work-Related Accomplishments and Awards - A lot of times, an employer is looking for consistent, work history rather than just your education. They want to see that you were able to consistently hold a job position for 2-5 years without 'job hopping.' If you can show that you are qualified for the position because of your work history, that could trump any education that you think they might be looking for.

If you lack a degree, it can certainly be an obstacle for you, but if you consider the top 5 here, you can still land the job of your dreams and be successful in 2015. Special thanks to John Scott for the idea.

The Top 5 at 7:45 airs weekdays with me, Gary Freeman and sponsored by First Education Federal Credit Union.