Education Vs. Experience: Making The Grade

By Lily Henderson

A debate has gone on for years about the importance of an education verses real world job experience. Many people are convinced that they will not be considered for a job that they want to apply for because the job posting states that they want someone with a Bachelor’s degree. While we all know that you won’t be able to become a doctor, or lawyer, or even a Certified Nurses Aid or Paralegal without some form of education, however, in most industries there is some leniency as to the requirements. Education vs. experience can be debated by both sides endlessly, but much like the topics of religion or politics, the answer is just as obscure; it depends on the one making the decision.

The Importance of Experience

When I first graduated from college I thought that I would be getting job offers left and right, almost effortlessly. I graduated from a university, I had my degree in hand, along with all of the knowledge that I had obtained. I had a solid work history as a server, with recommendation letters from both my employer and the Dean from the university. I just knew that someone would hire me immediately. I based this on the experience my sister had when she graduated from college. The difference between me and my sister was that she had gone to a trade school to become a paralegal.

My sister had earned an Associate of Arts degree as a paralegal, making her slightly more marketable than a paralegal with only a trade certificate (also sufficient to become a paralegal in the state of Oregon). Yet it wasn’t her degree that helped her land her first position as a paralegal, it was the on-the-job internship required for graduation. That was something that my fancy four year university had not required. The lawyer that she worked with for her internship offered her the job before she had even graduated, and she has been working with the same lawyer for more than 10 years. I, on the other hand, worked as a server for a year and a half after graduation before I landed my first professional position. What was the difference between me and my sister? Experience.

Education: The Sound Investment

I can make the same argument for education. When I began looking for work after graduation I had begun to apply for jobs that were only in my field of study, health science. As time wore on, and I greatly desired a professional career verses my current serving job, I contacted the career counselor I had worked with briefly before graduating from the university. I asked him what I should do about finding a job. He cited the falling economy and rising unemployment rate, which in 2004 was only 5.5%, compared to the national unemployment rate of 9% today. He said that I would need to apply for jobs outside of my field of study. I was confused. Why spend tens of thousands of dollars on an education if a degree didn’t matter? That’s when he corrected me; it wasn’t that education isn’t important; he wanted me to understand that I wasn’t limited to jobs in science.

When I expanded my job search to include other fields I found that I was going on a lot more interviews, and eventually landed my first professional job. I was hired as a Customer Relations Specialist for a co-op buying program for independent restaurant owners; a job that had absolutely nothing to do with my education, but that I never would have been considered for if I hadn’t graduated with a Bachelor’s degree.

What Employers Look For From a College Graduate

The main reason why an employer would list that they are looking for someone with a college degree is that the position they look to fill requires it; as in the case of doctors, lawyers, accountant, etc. Yet, there are more positions that don’t necessarily require a degree, but the employer wouldn’t consider anyone without an education, as in my case with my first professional position. This is based on the personal bias of the employer. They believe that someone with an education would make a better applicant because it proves that the individual has a proven ability to analyze problems and produce solutions, has the ability to learn complex subject matter, and has drive, motivation, and better interpersonal skills. They tend to believe that having a degree proves intelligence, and ensures the applicant has more credible qualifications.

We all know, however, that this is just personal biases that the employer has, and does not necessarily define one’s ability and qualifications to be successful at the job they are seeking. So, take the time to properly identify the required abilities, knowledge and skills necessary for the position, and make sure that your experience proves more valuable by reflecting these qualifications. Make sure that your resume reflects these skills, regardless of your education. Apply for the position, even if it states that it requires a degree, and if given an interview, sell yourself on your experience. If the topic of education does come up bring the employers attention back to your experience and qualifications. You could even pose the question: Do you really think I am any less qualified because my education comes from on-the-job experience?

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Negotiating For A Better Salary

A “How To” Series on Marketing Yourself to Employers

By Lily Henderson

How much are you worth? Have you determined your value yet? If you are unemployed it is easy to feel worthless, but that is a cop-out. By determining that you are worthless, you are stating that IF you ever find a job again, you will work for any amount of money they will pay you, even if it were under the table at the median income of a third world country. I know that it can be challenging to put a dollar amount on your worth, but what it truly takes is some research.

Along with your research you must also consider the other factors that impact your salary, besides your work history and educational background. These factors include where you live, what field you are in, the size of the company you work for (or will be working for), and especially how well you can “sell” yourself to the employer. While it may not seem fair, you will be judged by the person interviewing you, based on personality. So when determining your worth you must evaluate every factor that establishes your worth.

What Factors Determine Your Worth?

In my article last week, “How To Estimate Your Worth” I discussed figuring out how much you need to earn to pay your bills, reflecting on what your experience is worth, and the importance of being honest about your background. It’s easy to know how much you need to make, and it shouldn’t be too difficult for you to be honest. But what can you do to translate your experience into your true worth? Salary survey web sites can be helpful when looking for this information. Another great tool would be to talk to other people in the same field.

Discover what the difference in pay scale between entry, senior and executive level positions. How many years do you have to be in a position before you are no longer considered “entry-level?” Or do you only move up after receiving a curtain number of achievements within that position? These answers can vary greatly, usually depending on the company you work for, and which position within that company that you hold. If you are unemployed, just review your resume, and reflect on how long you spent at your last position. How did you grow within that position? What additional skills and experience did you gain with your time with that company? Do you now have the know-how to move up from an entry-level position to a senior-level, or to an executive position? Don’t underestimate yourself. If you have spent 5 or more years at any one position, or combination of two different positions in the same field, you probably have the experience to move up to the next professional level. The only thing left is to convince yourself that you are worth it, and begin applying for those positions. You may just surprise yourself with the results.

Evaluate Your Position

To evaluate your position you first need to ask yourself what you bring to the table. The best way to do this is to assess your professional progress. Have you received any positive work evaluations, or exceeded any goals? Have you received any awards or special recognitions? These are the things you should be documenting. Keep them in your employment file, and when it comes time for your job search and interview you will have this information readily available to let the employer know that you have the evidence to back up why you feel that you are worth that salary you will be asking for.

The Power of Networking

When I first began to work as a freelance writer one of the toughest things I had to do was to determine how much I should charge my clients for my writing services. I bought a few books on how to make it as a writer, and each of the books I read had a “price list” of services, each differing vastly. One book was written by an author from New York City, another from Chicago. I knew that I would not be able to command the same fees that these other writers were asking. Not to mention, I was an entry-level freelance writer. While my work history had given me many opportunities to grow as a writer, I had absolutely no idea what each service should cost for my client. I overcame this by speaking to other writers in my area. I was amazed at how forthcoming they were with the information, thinking they would view me as their competition. However, they were all more than willing to help, and several writers recommended me for assignments that they knew they wouldn’t have the time to complete before their client’s deadline. It was a great way for me to network with others in my field.

The Art of Negotiating

“Let’s get down to the brass tax.” My favorite line from the movie, Bruce Almighty. While I know it was a popular adage long before Bruce Almighty hit the big screen, every time I read it I hear Jim Carrey’s voice repeat those words, with the character expression that only he has mastered. If you haven’t seen the movie, I strongly recommend it. Not for its power of negotiations, but simply for its humor and lessons of good will. Yet, the character Jim Carrey portrayed was one of a push-over, knocked around by life until “God” gave him some of His heavenly power, at which time the character suddenly had the confidence to get the big promotion he had been longing for. Was it his sudden boost of power, or was it his new found confidence that was his power. Now the moral to that story was not how to negotiate, but some of the lessons are still good ones to take away from the movie.

Timing is one of the most essential aspect to consider when negotiating your salary. If you are making this negotiation at the time they offer you the position the employer is anticipating, in most cases, that you may want to ask for more than what they have listed as the approved salary for the position. This is when you should bring up your professional achievements. But it is important to first discuss the job before bringing up the salary. Once you have negotiated the job, that is when you should start negotiating salary.

If the employer has not yet discussed the salary for this position it is perfectly acceptable for you to ask the question, “how much is the salary for this position?” Employers don’t expect you to work for free, yet so many people will leave an interview, even a second interview, and have no idea what the pay is for the position for which they just interviewed. Some employers will even use this as a test. If an employee never mentions salary, when it does come time to discuss the pay the employer already has it in his mind that you will take whatever number he throws out. Take a little initiative, and ask how much they think the position is worth. You may find they are willing to pay you more than you expected, but in most cases you will be worth more than the price they quote you. Before throwing out another number, ask, “is there room for negotiations?” If the salary is set in stone, having been voted on by a board of trustees, then you can move on to discussing the benefits package. But if there seems that there is room to negotiate the employer will follow your question with another question. Most likely, “Well, what were you thinking the salary should be?” Again, be careful. You don’t want to be the first person to throw out a number. This would be the perfect time to mention your achievements. Site specific reasons why you are worth more than what they are offering, without putting a price tag on your work.

Also, you should never be afraid to turn down a job offer. Just as you shouldn’t take a job that you are overqualified for, you should not take less than what you are worth. Set a “walk-away” amount, and know that you can NOT work for anything less. You are a professional, and should be paid accordingly.

Visit http://www.absoluteknowitall.com/ for the latest job postings in your area.

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How To Estimate Your Worth

A “How To’ Series on Marketing Yourself to Employers

By Lily Henderson

In my article last week I touched up briefly on the importance of knowing what your qualifications are. This week I want to discuss not only being able to list your qualifications, but knowing what value your job experience has brought to you, your former employer, and soon to your new employer. This will help you in how to conduct a proper job search, how to create a polished resume that reflects your value, and give you the confidence to know what you are worth.

How Much Do You Need To Earn?

A very important decision you need to make when looking for a job is how much money you need to earn. There will obviously be limitations to what you can earned, based on past job history and educational background. But knowing how much you want to earn will help you pin point your search and help you to find the job that suits you best. While it may not seem like much of a “decision” it is important for you to determine your “asking price.” What is the minimum salary you need to earn to pay your bills? Do you need to earn the same as you did at your last job? Are you in a position to take an offer to earn less money if you stand to gain more in the future, such as experience in a new field, or more benefits with a lower income? When you begin your job search these are things you need to consider. Whether you are currently unemployed, or looking for a change from your current career, you have to first know what you are looking to earn.

If you are unemployed it may seem like any job is worth applying for, no matter what they are willing to pay, but I urge you to be careful of falling into this frame of mind. An Account Executive who is custom to making $70,000 annually should not take a job working for minimum wage at a local fast food place, unless of course it is the absolute last resort. The last resort being that every Account Executive, Sales Rep, or Administrative Assistant position in your area is filled. Save the fast food jobs for teenagers and college students. Can you really afford to take less than what you are worth for the sake of employment? If the answer to this question is “yes” then apply to any and every job you come across. Just be prepared to continue your job search, on a part-time basis, until you find the job that truly reflects your worth. Ultimately, I would encourage you to hold out for the better job, because if you do beginning your minimum wage job, you won’t have enough time to do a thorough job search, and may miss out on a better opportunity.

What Is Your Experience Worth?

In 2004 I graduated college ready to step into the work force. Bright eyed and bushy-tailed, with my fancy college degree in hand, I was sure that the first job I interviewed for would hire me on the spot. 15 months later I was still working as a cocktail server, making more money than any of the entry-level positions I applied for. I felt stuck and frustrated. When I had interviewed for what seemed like the 700th time for a job that had nothing to do with my major in college I was completely amazed when they called me back and offered me the job. It was a job in sales, working for a company that offered a co-op buying program for independent restaurant owners. My official title was Customer Relations Specialist, and for the first month on the job I wasn’t even sure what my responsibilities were. All I knew on my first day was that I was being paid $15,000 more a year than I had made the previous year as a server. As I learned the position, and what my boss expected of me, I also learned how to streamline my work, increase program membership, and boost the company’s profitability. As my experience within the position grew so did my worth to the company. Four years later, I was making twice what I had earned as a server. When I had made the decision to move out of state and leave my position my boss even offered to pay me more to keep me at the company. Why? Because he knew that I had made him a lot of money, and that losing me would cut into his profits. When I began my job search after moving to Portland, Oregon I realized that I was worth more than an entry-level salary, and began applying for jobs in senior-level positions. It took me less than 3 weeks to find work in Portland. After a year at my senior-level job I had set my sights on an executive level position. I approached my bosses, tried to negotiate myself a better position, and when I was turned down for the promotion I began to shop for my executive level job. Within a week I was recruited by a local telecommunications company in an executive-level position. Just as we matured from infancy, so does the experience we gain as we continue on in our careers. As you learn and grow within your position so does your value as an employee. This offers excellent tools for negotiations.

Negotiating Your Pay

So many people are afraid to negotiate, especially when it comes to asking for a higher salary. It is an unfortunate side effect of being an American. We live in a “price as marked” society, where people are conditioned not to negotiate a better deal. What happens when you visit the marketplace in another country? If you take a step back from your shopping and observe how the locals shop you will see patrons negotiating with the merchants in almost every transaction. In our country car shopping is one of the few transactions where American’s find it acceptable to negotiate. If you are someone who can get a great deal on a new car you are someone who can negotiate a higher income for yourself at an interview. If you are not someone comfortable with negotiating be prepared to take whatever they are willing to give. If you can muster up the courage to negotiate your worth, you might just possibly recognize your value. I will touch up more about this in an article next week, but it is important to mention this week as well. Knowing your value is crucial for negotiating your worth.

Why Not To “Bend” The Truth

When it comes time to update (or create) your resume, or go on an interview you must be able to sell yourself to the employer, this doesn’t mean that you should lie to get the job. Most people will offer the “Hollywood Spin” when speaking about their past experiences. Making yourself seem appealing to the employer by exaggerating your expertise is acceptable, however you can’t say that you have experience in a field that you have never worked. Giving the Hollywood Spin is not the same as bending the truth. The Hollywood Spin would be to say that you have extensive knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite when maybe you are an expert with Word, Excel and Outlook, but are not familiar with operating Access. Bending the truth would be to say that you have payroll experience, when the only payroll experience you have is cashing your own pay check, or summiting your direct deposit paperwork. I have beautiful, mesmerizing brown eyes. Well, I have brown eyes, and when I apply make-up just right they really stand out. Both statements are true, but if you were to read only the first statement, it suggests that my eyes are effortlessly stunning. I’m not lying, or bending the truth, I am simply leaving out unnecessary details. Lying would be to say that I have the most beautiful brown eyes of anyone in the world. It’s important to know the difference between lying and amplifying your experience when marketing yourself to employers. You don’t want to gain the reputation of a “fool’s gold” salesman.

When you are looking for a job it is important to know what you are worth. If you have limited experience look for work in an entry-level position. If you want to make a change in your career path, don’t underestimate what your past experience has to offer. If you have been unemployed for so long that you begin to question your worth you may forget that you have value as an employee. Whenever you feel unsure of what someone with your background should be making I encourage you to do some research. There are websites that will tell you what someone in your field with your years of experience in your local community should be making. Once you see the numbers you will begin to appreciate your worth to an employer.

For more information, please visit:  www.absoluteknowitall.com