What I’m referring to is management’s age-old trick of requiring job applicants to possess a college degree for consideration. Which makes for a lot less review work for management when they only receive half the resumes.

But, does it unintentionally work against our best interests by blocking an insanely talented professional that, for whatever reason, chose not to complete college? Like Steve Jobs? Or Richard Branson?

It’s happening to a friend of mine. His resume is about as polished as they get. Senior management experience at an exceptionally high level. Turning an enterprise that was $3 million in the red to a multi-million surplus in a couple years. Hands on experience in the industry in which he wishes to return. Great references.

And an Associates Degree...because he just couldn’t wait to get out in the world and start leaving a mark. Which he has done.

But all that experience, all those successes and a killer network of like-professionals means nothing if he doesn’t make the first cut.
I know college grads that can barely construct sentences. I know college grads that wouldn’t know red ink from black. I know college grads that could no more run a Destination Marketing Organization than build a spaceship.

And they’re qualified for consideration...ummmm, why? Because they put in two extra years of partying their asses off at the State U?

As you can tell from my tone, I ache for my friend. If I had a position in a DMO to offer, I’d hire him. And, yeah, I used to put “College Degree Required” on all my employment posts when I ran a DMO too.

Knowing what I know now, I realize how limiting that was to the organization and to the destination. And, how I just might have passed over some great talent.

All to save a little time and aggravation in the hiring process.
On your next job posting...consider real hard how important a college diploma is to the job at hand.