How to get a job with no degree at any age
Achieving Goals, Career Discovery, Career Enrichment, Career Transitions, Life Coaching, Self Awareness
Are you feeling stuck in your job search because you lack a college degree? You’re not alone. In fact, according to CNBC “62% of Americans don’t have a degree.” The good news is that it’s entirely possible to build a rewarding career at any age without one.
Here’s how you can get a new job at any age by building a strong personal brand, focusing on transferable skills, engaging in your network and embracing lifelong learning without going back to school.
The Importance of a Strong Personal Brand
Knowing your personal brand is crucial in today’s competitive job market. It helps you stand out from other candidates and showcases your value to potential employers.
You can incorporate your experience and professional persona which allows you to be memorable and trustworthy. It helps companies and potential employers value your character and experience, regardless of a degree.
Here are two steps to help you get started building a strong personal brand.
Define Your Unique Value Proposition
What specifically sets you apart from other people in your field? Think about your skills, strengths, and experience and focus on your unique qualities.
Take some time to reflect on what you enjoy doing, what people ask you for help with, and even what you have done in previous work—inside or outside the office.
Do not limit yourself to traditional work experience! For example, you have probably worked on a team in some capacity, maybe even led one. That is a valuable strength you can showcase, no matter what your formal background is. Just because your previous experience may not have been paid, that doesn’t mean it wasn’t valuable!
Want some more help? Download our free Career Method Guide to get full workbook of questions.
Once you have a sense of what sets you apart from other people around you, write a clear and concise statement that explains who you want to be known for professionally.
This statement becomes the foundation of your own personal brand and guides how you present yourself in your resume, cover letter, and what you talk about in interviews.
Develop Your Online Presence
These days, most networking and job searching happens online. Whether you’re using LinkedIn or another social media tool or website, by putting yourself out there and making a connection with more people, you’re bettering your chances of learning about new career opportunities you might not have otherwise known.
Take the time to build out your professional profile on whichever site you decide to use. You can keep your unique value proposition close as you do it to remind yourself what you want to highlight.
Then, take time to find other people who talk about what you’re interested in learning more about and connect with them. You can respond to what they write or post, share your own thoughts, and maybe even form a real connection with them.
If writing is something you enjoy, you can also create content of your own to position yourself as an expert.
You can dig in deeper to developing your personal brand right here.
Leveraging Transferable Skills
When you don’t have a degree, leveraging transferable skills becomes essential because it allows you to demonstrate your ability to perform job functions effectively based on your previous experiences, even if they were in different roles or industries.
These skills show employers that you have the practical capabilities to succeed in the job, regardless of your education.
To do this, look up job postings and descriptions that you are interested in and read what the hiring managers are looking for in candidates. Don’t get overwhelmed at the long list of criteria—no one meets those 100%!
Instead, look for key themes and repeated experiences. Many of those you may already have or be able to learn through an online course or just reading a book from the library.
Next, tailor your resume to highlight your experience that is most relevant to that role. Remember to share the outcome, not just the task. For example, if the role focuses on project management, you can highlight how you led projects that consistently delivered under budget or within a tight timeline. Be specific and use numbers to prove your strengths.
Networking for Career Success
Imagine having access to a wealth of career opportunities that never make it to online job boards.
For someone without a degree, having a professional network is even more critical—it opens doors that may otherwise remain closed, creates connections that bypass formal education requirements, and often leads to your next great career move.
Stay connected to industry events and meetups for your selected field. As you speak with people, ask for advice on what the newest trends are and what skills are the most important. Continue the connection on the appropriate social media platforms, especially LinkedIn.
Building professional connections is important because it allows you to tap into the hidden job market, gain valuable industry insights, and build relationships that can advance your career.
Curious about how to build your networking skills? You can read more about it here!
Embrace Lifelong Learning
Even people with advanced degrees need to keep learning new things. In fact, life-long learning is a trait that many employers look for as they’re hiring.
It’s no secret that technology is advancing at a quicker and quicker pace. As overwhelming as this can seem, it’s also an amazing opportunity. With all these advancements, most people who know how to use this technology are self-taught.
Companies are moving towards skill-based hiring so demonstrating that you are continuing to learn and grow can give you a real advantage.
As long as you continue to build knowledge, you can remain competitive, adaptable, and attractive to potential employers. The ability to learn and the desire to keep growing in and of itself is so valuable! Lean into this opportunity as you change careers or go back to work.
Explore Certifications
Certifications can be very helpful when you’re looking for high paying jobs with no degree—they provide tangible proof of your knowledge and dedication to professional growth.
To figure out which certification you want to explore, start by researching careers that interest you—read more about that here. Once you’ve found roles that you want to look into further, you can research which certifications would help you build the experience you need.
Next, look for certification programs that are respected in your industry. Ensure they come from accredited organizations and align with your needs. Think about factors like financial cost, length of the program and how flexible it will be.
Free resources
Don’t forget to explore your local free university, libraries or community colleges to see what low price and time commitment programs they have available. Many of these institutions offer valuable certification courses that can fit within your schedule—and often you won’t need to spend a dime.
By focusing on lifelong learning and obtaining relevant certifications, you can prove you’re the right person for a role, even without a college education or degree. Showcase your expertise, dedication, and readiness to excel in your chosen career.
Examples of Jobs That Require No Education
You might feel that the only option is to apply for jobs that have no education requirement. These can be a great place to start, but there are other options out there for you!
Instead, start by exploring your interests and figuring out what you like to do. Create a list of 20 things you enjoy doing that might be something that could turn into a job. Then research those activities.
For example, if you love working with your hands, you could consider working with a carpenter to learn woodworking. You can pursue opportunities as a real estate agent (where you often get to be your own boss!) and have an unlimited salary potential.
Focusing on what you enjoy and researching job opportunities around those topics can give you a lot of exciting ideas to get a job without a degree. This method ensures that you’re not just employed but engaged and satisfied with your work, leading to a more rewarding career path.
Exploring Entry-Level Positions
Entry-level jobs with no degree requirements can be a great starting point for anyone looking to enter the workforce or switch careers. These might be sales roles where you’re meeting with clients or working on more tactical pieces of the business.
You can expect that there will be a lower salary for these entry-level roles, though your pay will increase as your experience does.
Seeking Apprenticeships
Apprenticeships are a wonderful option because they offer hands-on training and the opportunity to earn while you learn, without having to go back to school.
These programs provide practical experience in various trades and industries, allowing you to build a solid skill set and network within your chosen field.
By starting as an apprentice, you can gain the necessary experience and qualifications to advance in your career, often leading to well-paying and stable job opportunities.
Finding a Job Without a Degree
Finding a job without a degree is not only feasible but also offers numerous avenues for success. By focusing on building a strong personal brand, leveraging transferable skills, pursuing certifications, exploring apprenticeships, and considering age-specific career paths, you can navigate the job market effectively. Embracing lifelong learning and targeting roles that value skills over formal education are key strategies that empower anyone to forge a fulfilling career path regardless of educational background.
Feeling overwhelmed with the options available? Book a free call to learn how a career coach can help you figure out your next step.
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