I Have Years of Experience, but No Degree. Is That Enough to Get Hired? – Answers from HR Professionals
Published: July 2020
Last Updated: August 2025
Reviewed by: Katie Creel, Chief Strategy Officer, 15+ years higher ed research and writing
Imagine you’re midway through your career, working your way up from the factory floor to a management role. You’ve put in nearly 20 years, but now the physical demands are taking their toll, and your family needs are shifting. You’re ready for something new. There’s only one problem—you never finished college.
After sending out dozens of resumes for management positions, you’re surprised to receive zero interview calls. On paper, you just don’t have the qualifications. Frustrated, you’re tempted to stretch the truth on your resume, but HR professionals will notice the missing degree. Suddenly, you realize that without a degree, job security and advancement may be harder to achieve.
So, what now?
Degree vs. Years of Experience—How do they compare?
There’s no single answer. The value of experience versus education depends on the industry, but the HR professionals we spoke with shared common themes.
“At the end of the day everyone always wants the top candidate,” said Briona, an HR administrator. “The person with a degree is always going to have the upper hand. As harsh as it sounds, it’s true.”
Employers often assume that candidates with a degree already have the foundational knowledge needed for the job. Applicants without a degree may be seen as requiring more training—an additional cost for the company. As a result, many without a degree find themselves limited to entry-level positions, which usually come with lower pay and fewer benefits.
Still, employers look for a balance.
“Employers and HR professionals are looking for a healthy mix of education and experience,” Briona added. “No matter what, you sometimes have to work your way up.”
Applicant Tracking Systems and how they affect the success of your resume:
Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) automatically filter resumes for keywords like “bachelor’s degree.” If your resume doesn’t include them, you may be rejected before a person even looks at your application.
“Screening resumes takes about six seconds,” said Tiffany, an HR generalist with seven years of experience. “We’re looking at presentation—is it readable, is it tailored? The more detailed you are, the better.”
Pro Tip: Even if you don’t have a degree, make sure your resume includes keywords from the job posting. Focus on skills, certifications, and measurable achievements that align with the role.
How to List Your Experience on a Resume Without a Degree
This is one of the most common questions candidates ask—and one of the top searches bringing readers to this article. If you don’t have a degree, here’s how you can still make your resume stand out:
- Highlight skills and certifications first. Put technical skills, licenses, or industry certificates (like Google Analytics, PMP, or trade certifications) near the top.
- Focus on achievements, not just job duties. For example: “Led a team of 6 and boosted sales by 15% in one year.”
- Be transparent about unfinished education. If you started college but didn’t finish, write:
Education University of XYZ – Coursework toward B.A. in Business Administration 2018–2020 Professional Development: Google Analytics Certification - Use a functional or hybrid resume format. This emphasizes skills and experience over education.
“Bachelor’s Degree or Equivalent Experience”—What Employers Really Mean
Many job postings say “Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience.” What counts as equivalent?
- Years in the field: Often 2–4 years of relevant work can stand in for a degree.
- Certifications or technical training: Industry-recognized credentials carry serious weight.
- Proven results: Portfolios, references, or metrics that show you’ve already done the job successfully.
“Don’t self-eliminate,” Tiffany advised. “If you meet 70–80% of the requirements, apply. A strong candidate without a degree can still get the interview.”
Do employers help fund workers’ education?
Some companies invest in employees by offering tuition reimbursement or education benefits.
“Employers are trying to keep talent in-house by helping them upskill,” explained Holli, a senior HR assistant. “I don’t know anyone who regretted going back to finish a degree—it only creates more opportunities.”
Industries like healthcare, tech, and gaming often provide partial or full tuition support for employees willing to grow with the company.
FAQs: Getting a Job Without a Degree
Some employers use degrees as a simple filter. But this is changing—especially in industries where skills and results matter more.
Yes. Many professionals advance through certifications, apprenticeships, or proven on-the-job performance.
Yes, but be clear. For example: “Coursework toward B.A. in Marketing.”
It means employers are open to considering work experience and training as substitutes for formal education.
The best way to make yourself marketable is…
Connections can help, but they won’t override basic requirements. The HR professionals we interviewed agreed: education plus experience creates the strongest candidates.
Whether you’re finishing your bachelor’s or pursuing a master’s, committing to education shows discipline, problem-solving ability, and long-term potential.
“My advice is always get as much education as possible,” said Holli. “Don’t be afraid to start something new—there’s too much opportunity to stop at one degree.
More Helpful Resources:
Top Reasons Why You Should Finish College
6 Reasons to Pursue a Bachelor’s After Earning Your Associate’s Degree
