~ I am a volunteer at a facility that aids the elderly by providing free breakfast, & lunch to seniors over 60 yrs of age. They also provide all types of hobbies to keep them busy, like online card games, quilting , sewing , playing the wii game etc. They even have a gym for the seniors, & it's all absolutely free...I noticed that some of the volunteers wear inmate clothing & they too are ex-convicts, ex-felons that are on work release. They get paid pennies compared to minimum wage & this helps with their skills when they get back out into society...I am amazed at their compassion, quick response to help the elderly especially if the elderly person is in a wheelchair or has some type of ailment. They're always quick to respond & help. I hope you will give this ex-felon a chance. He or she may just have the go getter type of attitude that's needed as well as being hungry. My husband uses that terminoly (being hungry) when he's watching the Basketball playoffs. Whoever is the hungriest gets the trophy. I hope this helps!

Good question Kevin, you did not mention confidence, interview comfort, personality and attitude. As a 58 year old female with tons of work experience, a little vocational college those things would matter a lot to me. So would the reasons for the termination of previous positions and how up to date each are in trends, fads, technology and who your clients (target audience will be, how flexible and adaptable you are, and how dedicated and committed I think you will be. But if after all of those considerations were same for both job candidates, it would choose experience over a graduate degree.

Why? Because experience in sales and working with people sitting behind a desk trump being told or reading about something. There is education and learning in experience that you can not gain in a classroom no matter how high the degree. So those would be my reasons for hiring the seasoned job candidates over the college graduate provided I liked his personality and attitude and answers. Hope that was what you were wanting to know. Of course, candidate A, would have a chance to explain his felony and what he learned from it but I would also gladly hear about why you did not get your degree and whether you still intend to. For some of us, a straight 2 to 4 years, in a classroom are not possible. And I do truly believe when a person works and gains experience and a paycheck to support themselves, a family etc. they are still investing in themselves and learning via a different educational path.

I hope you get at least your Associates but it is sad that some employers feel the only educational investment into one's self comes from a classroom and the only proof of that investment is a degree, felony or not.

I'm hiring the non graduate who is mature and has lots of experience in his field and can provide work and character references. Most likely his people skills are more polished as a result of acquiring experience in the work world.

attitude is everything

Depending on what kind of felony conviction this person has is the first thing I would look at. Having minimal experience does not mean the candidate should be overlooked. His personality, his work ethics, goals he has set for himself. I believe people should be given a second chance. If this individual is hired and does not work out, then you have your answer and he can be let go. Don't over the fact what if it was you.

In reading your initial question... I have to agree with Mariah... I need more information about the candidates.

In reading your "add" to the twist. What are you asking for, that the company has you explain why you don't have a degree?

A degree is an investment in yourself and your future. If you don't invest in yourself, then why should I, as a hiring manager, invest in you? You have no potential upward mobility within my company. I want people to learn and grow with my company, not make excuses as to why they don't have a degree (even an associates degree) and then feel they were "ripped off" in getting a promotion.

Invest in yourself, so businesses will want to invest in you.

That is an extremely complicated question, congrats on stumping us! I would honestly need more information to make a decision. There are so many factors to take into consideration. This would be one of those instances where it all comes down to the interview. I would want to hear candidate A explain his/her past so that I could get a better idea of his/her character and how they learned from their past. I would want to hear about candidate B's experience and what led them to where they are now. Who makes better eye contact? Who exudes more confidence? Sales depends so much on a person's disposition. For me it would honestly come down to which candidate had that x-factor, that THING that helps people make sales. Does that make sense?

I agree with Mariah. And then of course it's going to depend on their personality. Sales definitely takes a certain kind of personality, so someone who seems shy and reserved may not be a good fit.

Hi Kevin: Really interesting question - thanks for posting! For me, I'd need to know more about the felony - was it a violent one? Or was it something that happened years ago as a result of something stupid, and they've been making up for it ever since?