Top 6 Tips for Getting a Job Without a College Degree in 2021

    A college degree is not for everyone and some people don't want to spend time in college, or they can't afford it, or they just want to try different things before settling on a career path. There's nothing wrong with choosing a job path that doesn't require a college degree - there are plenty of positions out there where you can make great money without ever stepping on a campus! There are loads of jobs that you can do without a degree.

    However, before you jump into writing and submitting your resume, keep in mind that with an ever-shrinking talent pool, employers will evaluate job applications more thoroughly than ever before. This means looking at their personality and work ethic in order to find the best "match" for their business. They will also take into account whether or not you have the skills needed for that position and if you have relevant qualifications.

    In addition, try to find out what you like and enjoy before choosing a job. For example, if you are someone who likes to use your creativity, working in an industry or a company that requires a lot of repetitive manual work may not suit your interests. Since you are choosing a job that you might hold for a long period of time, feel free to try different things and reflect on your interests and strengths.

Now let’s move on to the top 6 tips for getting a job without a college degree in 2021!

1. You have skills that can be transferred to the job market

    Many people are not aware of the skills they have that can be used in the job market. Let's explore the different ways that an individual can tailor their resume and make their skills more apparent to potential employers.

    The first step is to identify what you have done in your past jobs that is relevant to your new desired field. You may need to start by identifying what skills you've gained from previous jobs, and then take a look at what qualifications are required for the new field. For example, if you want a position as a web designer but you've never taken any coding courses, it might be difficult for an employer to believe that you're qualified for the position without having those qualifications on your resume or applying for a less technical position.

2. You have experience in the field you are applying for

    In addition to having relevant skills, it is equally important to show your potential employer that you have experience related to applying your skill sets. For example, your resume or interview can stand out to the employer when you can tell them:

    “I have been using digital marketing tools for over two years. I am experienced in writing and editing text for web pages, blogs, emails, social media posts, etc. I also have an understanding of SEO and how to optimize content for search engines. Furthermore, I have been writing articles and blogs on my own time that get high visibility and engagement rates. Because of this practice, I am adept at writing with my audience in mind so they can easily understand what is going on in the article or story being read.”

3. There is demand for your skillset in the area you live in

    Spend some time doing research online to find out whether the skillsets that you have can be useful to various employers in your area. This will include researching about the trends in the industry, such as whether the demand for such skills is increasing or decreasing. Also, unless your are willing and capable of moving to another city or country, you want to check that the companies demanding such skills are nearby. Many people can make the mistake of finding out that they have a promising skill but there may not be a company hiring in your area.

    While you are doing research, do not forget that there will always be competition for jobs in major cities. The Internet provides people with the opportunity to learn and develop their abilities so it makes sense that you will have to compete against others.

4. The job is able to pay for your basic needs

    Many people are often faced with the challenge of choosing between a high-paying job that offers less than desirable lifestyle or a lower-paying job that offers a more comfortable lifestyle. This is a personal choice so there is no definitive answer as to what is right or wrong. However, try to think further into the future and from different perspectives. For example, if you are currently single and planning to get married, a job that pays enough for your personal needs is most likely not enough for your family several years down the road. In addition, don’t forget to think about other employee benefits such as health insurance and pensions.

If you need some help, the following are good places to start your research:

• The Bureau of Labor Statistics

• Glassdoor.com

• Salary.com

5. Learn how to promote yourself

    The most important skill that an individual needs to convince the potential employer for a job is to be an excellent communicator. People who are good at communicating their thoughts, feelings and emotions in a positive way find it easier to secure careers. This is because the key to success in the job market is not only matching your skillset with the company but also proving that you can be a valuable asset to them. In order to do this, you need to make sure that you are presenting yourself better than others and know how to market yourself. For example, a survey by the American Association of Advertising Agencies found that top marketers believe the best way to stand out from the competition is to take a personalized approach.

    This may sound a little obvious but a successful career starts with winning the job interview, which means first of all, knowing exactly what the interviewer is looking for. This means that it is important for you to show them that you have exactly what they need.

6. Start networking as soon as possible to be ahead of the game

    Networking is one of the most important steps to building a successful career. People with strong networking skills are able to get their foot firmly in the door and move up the ladder much more quickly. Networking can be done through social media sites, conferences, and other meet-ups. It's always important to have a balance between online and offline networking. It's also important to remember that networking is not just about making contacts, it's about making connections that last.

    If you don’t have a social media account, now may be the best time to create one! Also, as you expand your network, take a careful look as to how other people promote themselves. They can serve as a great starting point especially if you are not used to promoting yourself.