Have you noticed the requirements for some job openings these days?
It has changed a lot over the past couple years!
Not only is a High School Diploma or GED an absolute must, but an Associates and even a Bachelor’s Degree is coming more and more mandatory to land even entry level positions!
Suddenly, college seems like more of a necessity than ever!
*32% of HR professionals said they’re hiring more employees with college degrees for positions normally performed by staff members with only high school diplomas, according to a new survey.
*These requirements span across many industries, including:
- Financial Services – 53%
- Health Care – 40%
- Manufacturing – 38%
- Transportation & Utilities – 37%
- Information Technology – 33%
- Professional & Business Services – 31%
- Retail – 28%
- Hospitality – 20%
*Nearly 18% of employers said they’ve increased their educational requirements for jobs over the last five years.
*More than 54% of employers reported that they require an associate’s degree or higher for their positions; 44% percent require a four-year degree or higher!
The lack of a college education is not the only obstacle for some candidates seeking jobs, but also for loyal, long term employees trying to climb the ladder at their place of employment.
*37% of employers said they were unlikely to promote someone without a college degree.
This trend may be coming more popular due to a very competitive job market which is causing many college graduates to accept jobs below their skill level.
The positive effects of college level labor:
*Most employers who have hired more workers with college degrees for jobs historically held by high school graduates reported positive effects on their business effects, like:
- 64% Noticed a higher quality of work
- 45% Increased productivity
- 22% Increased revenue
- 18% Customer loyalty
Which do you think is the best way to screen out candidates for a job? Bachelor’s degree, Associates Degree, some coursework completed, on the job experience, high school diploma or just available to show up for work tomorrow?
*Survey by CareerBuilder and Harris Interactive© among 2,611 hiring managers and HR professionals