How To Apply For A Job Without A Degree

How do I apply for a job without a degree?

When applying for a job without a degree, you have to pre-empt the problem. You must write a job application letter that explains why it's wiser to choose you because you don't have a degree. I'll give you a rough example of a letter: "Dear Mr. Johnson. I'm really excited about your job number 4833B that you put on Monster.com. However, I'm afraid you're going to throw my application in the trash because I don't have the required MBA. I want to let you know that I very carefully considered getting an MBA, but having spoken to so many people who said that the main thing they got out of that degree program was the piece of paper, I decided to emphasize the substance over the style. Thus, I found two great mentors who are directors at major corporations and I apprenticed with them for six months. I've attended conferences that they recommended I attend. I read books and articles they thought it would be most useful for me to read and I have written a few white papers that synthesize my understanding about how to be an effective manager. I believe I have emphasized the steak over the sizzle. Will you choose to interview me?" I have found, when I give keynote speeches and I ask people who are executives, "Would you interview this person?" 80% of people raise their hand, even though this person not only didn't have an MBA from Harvard, he didn't have an MBA from anywhere! Going for the substance over the sizzle is critical, but you have to sell it in your cover letters and in your interviews.