The Employers are After Your Skills, Not Your Degree

What you can do counts more than your qualifications in today’s job market

You go to a job interview with a portfolio full of academic credentials, training certificates, and all other papers you believe will support your candidacy. However, the interviewer doesn’t ask you about any of those. Instead, they get straight to the problem the company is presently going through and the kind of skill sets needed to resolve it. You are unprepared.

This is an imaginary situation but entirely plausible. Companies often recruit people with all the relevant degrees and qualifications only to find they don’t know how to perform the assigned tasks. How can you stand out in such a situation as a young professional or someone soon to graduate? Or, perhaps you have been in the industry for several years but are currently unemployed due to a market shift.

The world is changing so fast that degrees cannot keep up. New technologies are constantly emerging, and employers need people who can learn and adapt quickly.

In the gig economy, people are hired for their skills, not their degrees. This is because gig workers are often hired for short-term projects, and employers need to know that they have the skills to get the job done quickly and efficiently.

So, what does this mean for you? It means that you need to focus on developing your skills. Even if you have a degree, you need to show employers you have the skills they need.

What Skills Do You Need?

The skills you need will depend on the job you want. However, some skills are in demand across all industries. These skills include:

• Technical skills: This could include coding, software development, digital marketing, data analysis, or any other specialized skill related to your field.
• Digital literacy: The ability to use computers, software, and online tools is essential in today’s job market. It also means using digital resources to learn new skills and adapt to changing market needs.
• Data analysis: The ability to collect, interpret, and use data to make decisions is becoming increasingly valuable.
• Creativity and innovation: Employers seek people who can think creatively and generate new ideas.
• Communication: Strong written and verbal communication skills are essential for collaborating with colleagues, clients, and customers.
• Critical thinking and problem-solving: Analyzing information, identifying problems, and finding solutions is crucial in any role.
• Adaptability and resilience: The ability to adjust to change and overcome challenges is essential in today's dynamic work environment.
• Leadership and teamwork: Working effectively with others and leading a team are highly valued skills.
• Time management and organization: Managing time effectively and staying organized is crucial for productivity.

You can also gain experience by working on projects, volunteering, or freelancing.

How to Showcase Your Skills

Once you have the skills you need, you need to be able to showcase them to employers. Here are some tips:

• Highlight your skills on your resume and LinkedIn profile. Use strong action verbs and quantify your achievements whenever possible.
• Create a portfolio of your work. This could include projects you've worked on, articles you've written, or presentations you've given.
• Network with people in your industry. Attend industry events and connect with people on LinkedIn.
• Get involved in your community. Volunteer your time to a cause you care about.

In addition to the skills listed above, employers also look for soft skills. Soft skills are personal attributes that enable you to interact effectively and harmoniously with other people. Some important soft skills include:

• Communication
• Teamwork
• Problem-solving
• Time management
• Critical thinking
• Decision-making

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Having a positive attitude and being a lifelong learner are also important. Employers want to hire enthusiastic people who are willing to learn new things.

Examples of Skills Over Degrees

• Software Developer: Instead of just a Computer Science degree, employers might prioritize a candidate with a strong portfolio of projects on GitHub, demonstrating proficiency in specific coding languages and frameworks.
• Marketing Manager: Today, employers might look for someone with proven experience in digital marketing, SEO, content creation, and data analytics, demonstrated by successful campaigns and measurable results, regardless of their formal education.
• Project Manager: While certifications are valuable, employers might prioritize candidates who can demonstrate experience with Agile methodologies, collaboration tools, and a track record of successfully leading projects, even if their background is in a different field.

Bottom Line

In the ever-competitive job market, having the right skills can give you an edge over other candidates. Focusing on your skills can increase your chances of getting hired and promoted. That way, you will also stay relevant and in demand in the future.