ARE DEGREES STILL IMPORTANT IN SHAPING YOUR HIRING STRATEGY?

Posted on 13th September 2023

Data from LinkedIn shows a 90% surge in vacancies not requiring degrees. So what’s causing this mood shift? Many might claim employers are ditching traditional qualifications in favour of industry experience. Others might simply say employers are widening the goal-posts to expand their candidate pools. Identifying common strengths and weaknesses of candidates with and without degrees is more important than ever - particularly for degrees that aren’t directly aligned to a specific career path. Luckily, we’re on hand to outline some of the pros, cons and common viewpoints to be aware of.

HIRING CANDIDATES WITH DEGREES - STRENGTHS

1. PROVEN INDICATOR OF ABILITY

Whatever the course, those sought-after 1st and 2:1 degrees are a clear indication of abilities across a range of areas - something that gives employers real peace of mind.

2. GREAT TRANSFERABLE SKILLS

The common structure of university courses centres on seminars, lectures, independent study, and strict deadlines, all developing undeniably advantageous skill-sets.

3. THE GRADUATE MINDSET (+)

Depending on who you ask, the graduate mindset can embody fantastic traits underpinned by long-term planning, strong self belief and a desire to embrace details.

HIRING CANDIDATES WITH DEGREES - WEAKNESSES

1. LACKING INDUSTRY EXPERIENCE

Do transferable skills compete with direct industry experience? Many hiring managers simply can’t accommodate windows for ‘getting to know the industry’ for new hires.

2. WILL THEY STAY LONG ENOUGH?

While a speculative view, graduates have taken on debt with expectations of rapid progression. Some employers might feel uneasy setting a groundwork to match such expectations.

3. THE GRADUATE MINDSET (-)

Again, depending on who you ask, the graduate mindset can throw up some potential red flags. Do some graduates pursue higher education to postpone embracing the world of work?

HIRING CANDIDATES WITHOUT DEGREES - STRENGTHS

1. PREVIOUS DIRECT EXPERIENCE

By removing the necessity of degrees, the hiring process will inevitably place a greater weighting on direct experience. For many roles, this is a primary indicator for long-term proficiency.

2. REMUNERATION ADVANTAGES

Graduate roles often come with expectations around remuneration. Unless the degree is fully correlated to the role and industry, insisting on graduates could unnecessarily inflate salaries.

3. EXPANDED CANDIDATE POOL

One of the clear advantages is the widening of your candidate pool. Again, unless the degree is perfectly correlated with the vacancy, it’s always a good idea to question its necessity.

HIRING CANDIDATES WITHOUT DEGREES - WEAKNESSE

1. HARDER TO ASSESS SOFT SKILLS

Without a degree, it could be harder to be certain as to whether a candidate will have the soft skills necessary for a seamless fit beyond the immediate required skills of the job at hand.

2. WORKPLACE REFERENCES UNRELIABLE

References from previous employers are less reliable than degree grades. References could be overly generous or fail to truly reflect the what the candidate was like to work with.

3. MISSING BROADER COMPATIBILITY

At Netbox Recruitment, we have the expertise to advise on the best possible approach to your hiring strategy. Whether that be around the qualifications or experience sought from your candidates, or other key tips to stand out as an explorer of choice!