I have two questions

[windy252]

I am noticing in looking for work that a lot of employers are looking for degrees. Does it actually help to have one? And, a couple of weeks ago, I temped for a labor job and actually talked to a co-worker who had worked at a previous I had worked too were we were both terminated. I kind of knew that the person at that company had a history of doing this but I'm wondering why some of them (companies) are acting like this lately. I just read a story on some nearby forum where someone was told they wouldn't be locked out of their accounts and then was. Also, while I currently have a job, it doesn't pay too well so I'm trying to get a second pt job to supplement it. Is it because I'm in school that this is so hard or is it something else?

[SCRUBDASHRUB]

1. I think it helps to have a degree (depending on what type of

job you are going after); however, sometimes experience can be substituted for education.

I'm having a hard time finding a job after being terminated (going on my 2nd month of unemployment). I've applied for over 20 jobs, and have had only 2 interviews. I have over 10 years of experience in marketing and business development. Up until this last job (which I was at for only 4 mos.), I had a really good employment record.

I'm hearing I'm either over-qualified (i.e., we don't want to pay you what you're worth) or nothing at all (as in companies won't even bother to send me a courtesy form letter telling me "thanks, but no thanks."). I think it's an employers' market, unfortunately. Also, I'm thinking the fact I was let go is screwing up my chances of getting interviews.

[Vincardog]

2. I have been out of work for 6 years. IT has nothing to do with me

it has everything to do with the War on the Middle Class.
They say you need a degree, I have several.
They say you need experience I have to 20 years experience.

What it comes down to is the radical reich wing has/is dismantling the economy and leading us straight back into the dark ages.

Why? They are on a power trip.
They know that an educated Middle Class in necessary for a Democracy to work.

That is why they are dismantling the Middle Class.

[Zandor]

3. FWIW

I think getting 2 interviews from 20 applications isn't a bad ratio at all in the current market.

[Zandor]

4. Degrees help for some jobs

If it's a position traditionally held by people with degrees, it's a great help. It's an employer's market, by and large, and they can use things like lack of a degree to eliminate applicants. If that's the case, play up your strengths like experience and mention the fact you are seeking a degree if that's the case, with the expected date of completion if possible.

On the flip side, having a degree can be a deterrent if the job doesn't normally require a degree. An employer may feel he would have to pay you more or you would soon be leaving for a better position.

Good luck!

[butterfly77]

5. If you have...

an high school diploma, they want an associates degree,if you have that they want a bachelors degree, if that they want a masters or phd. They want 3 to 5 years experience, a drivers license,a motivation,knowledge of every type of computer skill ever invented, and on and on and on...I have put in so many applications with some responses but usually none...They usually want temps or seasonal workers to fill a contract then they get rid of you its all a bunch of bull... another thing is the longer that you are out of work they want to know what you have been doing and the only thing some could say is working looking for work...