Applying for a job I'm not qualified for,part II

[lovely]

i read over admin's thread about applying for a job youre not qualified for but it didnt really cover what i need.

there is a job i am interested in doing. REQUIRES a BA, which i do not have. yet for two years i worked in that envirornment, so i have the experience. my question is...if i apply for it and send a cover letter, should i say something to the fact of: i know the job requires a BA and although i do not have a degree i have worked in the field for a couple of years. (of course a bit more polished than that). or should i just submit the application with a cover letter without mentioning my lack of education.

also..i know my last boss would give a great recommendation for this position. should i ask him to write a letter of recommendation to send with the resume and cover letter to give me a bit of a needed boost?

[aintnojoke]

I dont see why not, won't hurt to ask.


Add:

Never mention what you dont have, that's a red flag for any employer. I agree with MBS you must hightlight your skills and experience. All the jobs I apply for ask for a BA. I figure my experience can outweight a BA in some cases.

[MndBdySoul]

I don't think I'd mention not having a BA in the cover. Highlight your skills, not what you don't possess. A recommendation letter from the old boss I would definately include.. good luck.

[Iris21]

i read over admin's thread about applying for a job youre not qualified for but it didnt really cover what i need.

also..i know my last boss would give a great recommendation for this position. should i ask him to write a letter of recommendation to send with the resume and cover letter to give me a bit of a needed boost?

Question: do you have any college? Are you currently in school? If the job required that you pursue your degree w/ company supported financial aid, would you get it?

I would certainly apply and mention it; here's a quick example:

I am writing to apply for the _________ position. I am a dedicated employee with over _____ years of experience in __________, _________, ____________, and _________. The job description currently calls for _________, ______, and ________ all of which I possess. In addition it asks for a B.A. Currently I have _______ number of credit hours and would submit my years of experience in lieu of a degree as I am currently working to complete coursework.

(you can change last sentence as needed)


I am only telling you to mention it because this is an internal job, they already know you and know what you do and do not have by way of degree. I'd cut them off at the pass so there are no suprises, i.e. you get far into the interview process then get cut because you don't have the papers. This way they know up front and you've already made your argument, so when they call the subject is already out of the way and you know they are serious about your candidacy, no surprises.

[lovely]

I am only telling you to mention it because this is an internal job, they already know you and know what you do and do not have by way of degree. I'd cut them off at the pass so there are no suprises, i.e. you get far into the interview process then get cut because you don't have the papers. This way they know up front and you've already made your argument, so when they call the subject is already out of the way and you know they are serious about your candidacy, no surprises

thanks for yalls responses.

this job is not an internal job. although the job i was layed off from is pretty much the exact job, just different organizations. this org. being completly state funded and a whole lot larger than the one i used to work for.

so iris, in know that, does your answer change?

[Iris21]

thanks for yalls responses.

this job is not an internal job. although the job i was layed off from is pretty much the exact job, just different organizations. this org. being completly state funded and a whole lot larger than the one i used to work for.

so iris, in know that, does your answer change?

Sorry, Lovely, I misread. Yes it does change my answer. The company will see on your resume that you lack a B.A. so no point in putting it in the cover letter however do highlight all of your experience that matches the job description.

Some companies will hire experience in place of education so don't be afraid to apply.

[lovely]

Sorry, Lovely, I misread. Yes it does change my answer. The company will see on your resume that you lack a B.A. so no point in putting it in the cover letter however do highlight all of your experience that matches the job description.

Some companies will hire experience in place of education so don't be afraid to apply.

ok...cool.