Understanding Educational Requirements for Job Listings

Understanding Educational Requirements for Job ListingsUnderstanding Educational Requirements for Job ListingsMany occupations require a certain level of education in order to be eligible to work in that profession. Employers usually include the educational requirements for a job in their descriptive write-up or location advertisement. Job postings can appear on an off-site job board such as Indeed.com, the newspaper, or on the companys website. Levels of Education In some cases, when applying for jobs, the employer may list work experience or equivalent experience may be substituted for education. In some cases, they may allow you to augment some educational requirements of a position with experience. Less Than High School The completion of any level of primary or secondary education that did not result in the awarding of a high school diploma or an equivalency diploma. High School Diploma or Equivalent The completion of high school, or the equivalent, resulting in the awarding of a high school diploma or the equivalent, such as the General Education Development (commonly referred to as a GED) award. Some College, No Degree The awarding of a high school diploma, or the equivalent, in addition to the completion of one or more postsecondary courses that did not result in any college degree or award. Associates Degree A degree usually awarded for the completionof at least two years of full-time academic study beyond high school, typically at the community college level. Bachelors Degree A degree usually awarded for at least four years of full-time academic study beyond high school. Postsecondary Non-Degree Award A certificate or other award that usually is not a degree. Certifications issued by professional (i.e., industry) organizations, or certifying organizations, are commonly not included in this category. unterstellung certification programs may last for only a few weeks, or for as long as two years. Examples include certificates for health aides, parame dics, EMTs, and hairstylists. Masters Degree A degree usually awarded for one or two years of full-time academic study beyond a bachelors degree. Doctoral or Professional Degree A degree usually awarded for at least three years of fulls include degrees for lawyers (JD), physicians (MD) and surgeons, scientists (Ph.D.), and dentists. Examples of Education in Job Postings Examples of a required education level listed in job postings Must have a GED or high school diploma.Must have a high school diploma or equivalency.A bachelors degree is required.An associates degree, or equivalent, is required. This usually boils down to a minimum of 34 credit hours plus one additional year of relevant full-time experience.A masters degree and three years of experience or Ph.D. degree with no prior experience are acceptable. Education Levels and Job Applications One factor to keep in mind when applying for a job is that when employers list educational hiring criteria, the chances of getting an interview are slim if you dont have the requirements, or come close to having the requirements. In some cases, if your resume and the skills and background required for the position are fairly well aligned, you may have a chance at getting an interview. For example, if you have robust work experience that correlates well with the position and youre only one or two credits shy of the required bachelors degree, you should submit your resume. However, in general, it is better to focus on applying for jobs where you do have the appropriate educational and experiential qualifications.