Even as the job market evolves, many employers continue to prefer candidates with college degrees over those with hands-on experience. According to a survey by Morning Consult, 52% of employers still hire primarily from degree programs, despite growing discussion about the value of skills-based hiring.
Degrees as a Default Filter
For many organizations, a degree remains a simple signal of commitment, discipline, and baseline knowledge—even if it doesn’t always correlate perfectly with job performance. In sectors like government contracting, this preference is reinforced by statements of work that require specific degree qualifications, leaving experienced but non-degree candidates at a disadvantage.
Experience vs. Risk
A degree can feel like a safer choice for employers. Even when a candidate demonstrates strong real-world skills, employers may see a degree as a more predictable credential. Research shows that while many hiring managers value skills, they often still fall back on degrees because it feels less risky to them when making hiring decisions.
A Growing Skills-Based Movement
Across industries, there is momentum toward valuing demonstrated ability over formal credentials. Skills-based hiring—which focuses on an applicant’s competencies rather than their academic background—is gaining traction as businesses look for faster, more flexible ways to fill talent gaps.
However, simply removing degree requirements isn’t enough to overhaul entrenched hiring practices. Experts note that unless employers also change how they assess candidates and train hiring managers to evaluate skills effectively, degree preferences may persist.
What This Means for Employers and Job Seekers
Both employers and job seekers must adapt to a shifting landscape:
- Employers need to rethink job requirements and consider broader indicators of potential, including portfolios, certifications, and practical assessments.
- Job seekers without traditional degrees should highlight tangible skills, certifications, and real-world project results to stand out in a market where experience increasingly matters.
The debate between credentials and competence continues, but one thing is clear: the future of hiring will require greater balance between academic credentials and demonstrable skills.
THEÂ CLEARED RECRUITINGÂ CHRONICLES:Â YOUR WEEKLY DoD RECRUITING TIPS TO OUT COMPETE THE NEXT NATIONAL SECURITY STAFFER.
