Tell them, " I could imagine that. While, I plan to further my education in the near furture, I might still be a better fit for your company because I have something more unique than a higher degree." PAUSE FOR EMPHASIS, then make eye contact and say with CONFIDENCE AND CONVICTION "Common Sense!! As we both know, ITS NOT SO COMMON THESE DAYS"

You say: “well I can certain imagine that - it’s an excellent opportunity and there are so many out there unfortunately finding it difficult to find placement. However, While a higher education is always great to have - real world experience can be much more valuable to your firm/company. You would need someone that would hit the ground running from day one - and that’s what I bring to the table. Experience, expertise and someone who can get the job done from day one.”

Britt B, I'm in the IT field with a similar background as yours. I freelance sometimes as a corporate trainer and I've been ask this question as well during an interview. I normally say "I'm sorry. I couldn't tell due to the lack of knowledge and experience my students had in my classroom after paying over $200,000.00 for their education in a university." A smart employer would pick up on this right away and hire you on the spot. A place I want to be. An employer just looking for articulation and wittiness? Time to move on. Cheap politics is everywhere. You will find your spot. It took me almost a year to find mine. Now I won't work for less than 6 figures. Patience. It will come.

You explain that although they may have a higher degree they may not have the dedication and hard work ethic that you have.

So if this is the case, did that make them more qualified? If it did why are still interviewing?

There is no value for the employer mentioning that in an interview. What qualifications was advertised on the job description? If you have the qualifications, simply mention that you have met the qualifications advertised for the job, and looking to gain experience and grow a career in that field.

Sell your work experience

Hi Brit! HR Pro Here! I had this happen a few times earlier in my career. It can be heartbreaking after six rounds of interviews!! The job market especially in IT is experiencing a major shift from a focus on degrees to skills. In a skills based ecosystem you excel over typical BS Degrees with clear examples (artifacts perhaps) to display your applied skills. You could pull the job posting and send it through Emsi skills to see what it isolates as skills needed and you can adjust your application, interview stories. Traditional Education often falls short in IT (assuming we aren’t taking engineer level or data scientist. Your mix of skills is what makes you spectacular. It’s important to mention that your broad education allows you to understand the business in both marketing, finance and beyond. I’m sure you are very resourceful and curious and interested in many different things based on your education mentioned. Having a learning portfolio is always helpful and could be something as simple as a little graphic, slide-share, or something within LinkedIn to start. I’m finding most employers are seeking certifications these days and higher education is having to hustle to manage this shift. I think Emsi Skills will also show you education courses that are usually Coursera, Edx, Type programs where you can totally bootstrap you education.

Are you hiring a degree, or an individual. I bring that something extra to your company.

Speak to your accomplishments post-education, not to your degree.