When applying for a job, candidates without a degree may feel they are at a disadvantage. However, not having a degree doesn't mean you don't have the skills or experience needed to succeed in your career. This article will provide guidance on how to tackle the interview question: "Why don't you have a degree?", and how to present your skills and experiences in a positive light.

Why You Don't Have a Degree

If you don't have a degree, it's important to be honest and upfront about it. However, it's equally important to emphasize the skills and experiences you do have that make you a strong candidate for the job. Here are some tips on how to explain why you don't have a degree:

Be honest:

Explain the circumstances that prevented you from obtaining a degree, such as financial difficulties or family responsibilities.

Emphasize your experience:

Highlight any relevant experience you have gained through internships, volunteer work, or on-the-job training.    
Talk about your education: Even if you don't have a degree, you may have taken relevant courses or completed certifications that demonstrate your expertise in a particular field.

How You Overcame the Lack of a Degree:

While not having a degree can be a challenge, it's important to show how you have overcome this obstacle and succeeded in your career. Here are some tips on how to demonstrate that you have the skills and experience needed to excel in the job:

Focus on your accomplishments:

Talk about your successes and how you have achieved them through hard work and dedication. 
Highlight your transferable skills: Even if you don't have a degree in the specific field you are applying for, you may have transferable skills such as leadership, problem-solving, or communication that are valuable in any job.

Show your enthusiasm:

Demonstrate your passion for the job and how eager you are to learn and grow

Transferable Skills :

One of the keys to overcoming the lack of a degree is to emphasize your transferable skills. These are skills that can be applied in any job, regardless of the specific field or industry. Here are some tips on how to highlight your transferable skills:

Identify your skills: 

Take some time to think about the skills you have that are transferable to the job you are applying for. These might include leadership, communication, problem-solving, or time management, among others.

Example: Once you have identified your transferable skills, provide specific examples of how you have used them in previous jobs or situations.

Connect the dots: 

Explain how your transferable skills will enable you to excel in the job you are applying for, and how they are relevant to the role and the company.

Examples of Your Success :

Another way to compensate for the lack of a degree is to provide examples of your success in previous jobs or projects. These success stories can demonstrate your skills and experience, and show that you are a capable and accomplished candidate. Here are some tips on how to showcase your success:

Be specific: 

Provide concrete examples of your achievements, such as increasing sales by a certain percentage, completing a project ahead of schedule, or receiving recognition for your work.

Quantify your results: 

Whenever possible, provide numbers or data that illustrate the impact of your success. This can help to make your achievements more impressive and tangible.

Show your problem-solving skills: 

If you faced any challenges or obstacles in achieving your success, explain how you overcame them and used your problem-solving skills to find solutions.    
 

Not having a degree can be a challenge when applying for jobs, but it doesn't have to be a deal breaker. By emphasizing your skills, experiences, and successes, you can demonstrate that you are a capable and accomplished candidate. Remember to be honest about why you don't have a degree, but also be confident in your abilities and passionate about the job. With these tips and strategies, you can overcome the "no degree" stigma and land your dream job.