In today’s competitive job market, the necessity of requiring university degrees in job adverts is a topic of increasing debate. For recruiters, HR staff, and business owners, including or excluding degree requirements can significantly impact the diversity and inclusivity of their hiring practices. With evolving educational pathways and a growing emphasis on skills-based hiring, understanding the pros and cons of this criterion has never been more critical. Our blog explores whether asking for a degree is essential or if alternative qualifications and experiences could suffice. We will provide insights into current trends, legal considerations, and practical examples of inclusive job adverts. Additionally, you can benefit from our free job advert template and access our comprehensive job description library to enhance your recruitment processes.

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Highlights And Key Takeaways:

1. Certain professions inherently demand a degree due to the specialised knowledge and regulatory requirements involved.
2. New data shows a 90% increase in UK job postings that don’t require a degree, with three-quarters of recruiting professionals prioritising skills-first hiring within the next 18 months, highlighting the growing recognition that focusing solely on degrees may not be the best approach to finding the right talent.
3. Crafting a job ad without degree requirements involves identifying and articulating the necessary skills and experience a candidate needs to succeed in the role.

Quick Links:

• The Argument For Requiring A Degree
• The Argument Against Requiring A Degree
• Legal And Ethical Considerations
• Inclusive Hiring Practices For Today’s Job Market
• Crafting A Job Ad Without Degree Requirements
• Example Job Advert Wording
• Valuable Hiring Resources
• University Degree In Job Adverts FAQs

The Argument For Requiring A Degree

Higher education and specific qualifications are essential in certain roles to ensure candidates possess the necessary knowledge and skills. A degree requirement can serve as a benchmark for employers, simplifying candidate screening and guaranteeing a certain level of competency.

Here are four benefits of having a degree requirement:

1. Ensures a certain level of knowledge and skills: University degrees often indicate that graduates have undergone rigorous academic training, equipping them with theoretical and practical insights.
2. Simplifies candidate screening: Degrees can act as a clear, initial filter in the recruitment process, helping employers quickly identify candidates who meet a baseline standard.
3. Demonstrates commitment and discipline: Completing a degree typically requires years of dedication, which can signal to employers that a candidate is capable of sustained effort and perseverance.
4. Provides assurance of specific qualifications: Degrees often cover specialised areas, ensuring that graduates have relevant expertise for the job at hand.

Certain professions inherently demand a degree due to the specialised knowledge and regulatory requirements involved. To explore how student grades work for degrees, read our guide: 2024 Student Grades Explained For Your Job Descriptions And Adverts.

Here are some examples of professions that demand a degree:

• Medicine: Doctors must undergo extensive higher education and training to safely and effectively treat patients.
• Law: Lawyers need specific qualifications and rigorous training to understand and apply complex legal principles.
• Engineering: Engineers often require a strong foundation in mathematics and science, typically gained through a degree programme.
• Education: Teachers and academic professionals generally need degrees to validate their ability to educate others.

For further guidance on the necessary qualifications to include in job descriptions, refer to our blogs, What Qualifications Should I Include In A Job Description? and What Is The Effect Of Requiring Too Many Qualifications In Job descriptions? These resource provides detailed insights on tailoring job adverts to attract the right talent effectively.

The Argument Against Requiring A Degree

While degrees can indicate certain qualifications, insisting on them in job adverts can raise concerns about discrimination and exclusivity. Degree requirements may inadvertently exclude talented job candidates with relevant skills and experience but who do not have formal higher education. This exclusion can particularly affect those from disadvantaged backgrounds, where access to university education might have been limited.

Degree requirements can also significantly limit the talent pool. Only some people who can excel in a role have had the opportunity to pursue higher education. Many employers are recognising that valuable skills can be gained through alternative pathways. The evolving nature of skills and knowledge acquisition through online courses, vocational training, and real-world experience provides a rich reservoir of potential talent.

“Degree requirements can significantly limit the talent pool and many employers are recognising that valuable skills can be gained through alternative pathways.”

New data from LinkedIn shows a 90% increase in UK job postings that didn’t require a degree, with three-quarters of recruiting professionals prioritising skills-first hiring within the next 18 months. This trend highlights the growing recognition that focusing solely on degrees may not be the best approach to finding the right talent.

Furthermore, while degrees might be ‘nice to have’, they are not always essential. Emphasising relevant skills and practical experience can lead to more inclusive hiring practices. For instance, vocational training and online certifications often provide targeted education directly applicable to specific job roles.

For further insight into the skills needed for different jobs and how to include them in job descriptions, our blog What Skills Are Needed For Different Jobs? offers a comprehensive guide. Our resource can help employers create job adverts that attract a diverse and qualified pool of candidates without relying solely on school grades and degrees.

Legal And Ethical Considerations

When deciding whether to require a degree in job adverts, it is crucial to consider legal and ethical implications. In the UK, anti-discrimination laws ensure that no person is unfairly excluded from employment opportunities based on protected characteristics such as age, race, gender, or socioeconomic background. A company must ensure its hiring practices comply with these laws, taking responsibility to avoid indirect discrimination that might arise from unnecessary degree requirements.

Requiring degrees can also raise significant ethical concerns. By mandating that job candidates hold a degree, a company might unintentionally favour graduates over equally capable individuals who have gained relevant skills through alternative means. This can perpetuate social inequalities, as only some have equal access to higher education.

“A company must ensure its hiring practices comply with UK law, taking responsibility to avoid indirect discrimination that might arise from requiring unnecessary degree requirements.”

Ethically, employers should strive to create inclusive hiring practices that value diverse backgrounds and experiences. This approach broadens the talent pool and fosters a more equitable workplace. Companies should assess whether a degree is essential for the role or if equivalent experience and skills can suffice.

For more detailed guidance on crafting job adverts that promote inclusivity and comply with legal standards, we encourage you to refer to our blog, How Do You Write An Inclusive Job Description? Our resource offers valuable insights into creating job descriptions that attract a diverse and qualified pool of candidates, ensuring fairness and equity in the hiring process.

Inclusive Hiring Practices For Today’s Job Market

The benefits of removing degree requirements are increasingly recognised in today’s job market. Employers can create a more inclusive and diverse workforce by focusing on skills, experience, and potential. Here are five key benefits of eliminating degree requirements:

1. Expands the talent pool: Not everyone has had the opportunity to attend university, but many possess the necessary skills and experience.
2. Promotes diversity: Focusing on practical skills and experience allows individuals from varied backgrounds to compete fairly, enhancing workplace diversity.
3. Encourages a wider range of applications: Removing degree requirements can attract candidates who might otherwise be discouraged from applying, including career changers and those with non-traditional education paths. To widen your talent pool, we encourage you to read our ‘how to’s,’ How Do You Recruit Someone From A Different Industry? and How To Recruit People With Transferable Skills.
4. Reflects real-world capabilities: Many job-related skills are acquired through experience, vocational training, and self-study, which can be equally valuable as formal education.
5. Supports employee development: Employers can identify and nurture potential in their employees, leading to greater success and retention within the company.

Focusing on skills, experience, and potential rather than just formal education can significantly promote diversity within a company. This approach recognises that only some follow the same educational or career path, but they can still contribute valuable skills to the industry. By valuing diverse experiences, employers can build more innovative and adaptable teams.

Moreover, this inclusive hiring practice aligns with the needs of today’s students and graduates, who may possess a variety of skills and experiences outside traditional degree programmes. Employers emphasising related experience and skills over formal education can better match their industry’s evolving demands.

For more detailed information on setting job requirements that promote inclusivity and reflect the needs of modern workplaces, refer to our blog, What are Job Requirements? Our resource offers practical advice on crafting job descriptions that attract a diverse and highly skilled candidate pool.

Crafting A Job Ad Without Degree Requirements

Crafting a job ad without degree requirements involves identifying and articulating the necessary skills and experience a candidate needs to succeed in the role. Employers should focus on the practical abilities and qualifications essential for the job rather than assuming a degree is necessarily indicative of a candidate’s capability.

Examples of effective job adverts that do not require degrees:

Field Marketing Manager:

We seek a dynamic Field Marketing Manager to lead our regional marketing initiatives. The ideal candidate will have:

• Proven experience in field marketing or a related role.
• Exceptional communication and organisational skills.
• Ability to develop and execute marketing strategies.
• Experience with data analysis and reporting.
• A proactive attitude and the ability to work independently.

Preferred but not required: Certifications in marketing or related courses.

Event Coordinator:

Join our team as an Event Coordinator, where you’ll play a key role in planning and executing successful events. The ideal candidate will have:

• Demonstrated experience in event planning or a related field.
• Strong organisational and multitasking skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to manage budgets and negotiate with vendors.
• Creative problem-solving abilities.
• Preferred but not required: Training or coursework in event management.

Are you recruiting for these roles? View, edit, and download a comprehensive Field Marketing Manager job description example or Event Coordinator job description example for these roles.

Five Tips for attracting qualified candidates through alternative criteria:

1. Highlight specific skills: Clearly outline the skills necessary for the role, such as communication, project management, or technical abilities.
2. Emphasise experience: Focus on practical experience demonstrating the candidate’s ability to perform the job tasks effectively.
3. Include training and certifications: Mention relevant courses or certifications that can be beneficial but not mandatory.
4. Describe soft skills: Detail important soft skills like teamwork, leadership, and problem-solving.
5. Provide examples: Give examples of past achievements or projects that illustrate the desired capabilities.

For more detailed guidance on writing effective job adverts, check out our guide, How To Write A Job Advert. Our resource will help you create compelling, inclusive job ads that attract many qualified candidates.

Example Job Advert Wording

Example 1: Account Executive

Are you a driven professional looking to achieve success in a dynamic environment? Join our team as an Account Executive.

Responsibilities:

• Manage client accounts and develop strong relationships.
• Create and implement strategic plans to meet client goals.
• Monitor market trends and identify new business opportunities.
• Collaborate with internal teams to deliver exceptional service.

Requirements:

• A university degree in Business, Marketing, or a related field or equivalent experience.
• A few years of experience in account management or a similar role.
• Exceptional communication and negotiation skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to multitask and manage multiple projects simultaneously.

Preferred but not required:

• Relevant certifications or coursework in account management.

If you have the necessary qualifications or equivalent skills and are ready to take on new challenges, apply now to join our innovative team.

Example 2: Videographer

We seek a talented Videographer to join our creative team and help us achieve outstanding visual storytelling.

Responsibilities:

• Plan, shoot, and edit high-quality video content.
• Collaborate with clients and team members to develop creative concepts.
• Manage video projects from start to finish, ensuring deadlines are met.
• Maintain and operate video equipment efficiently.
• Stay updated with the latest trends and techniques in videography.

Requirements:

• Proven experience as a videographer, with a strong portfolio showcasing your work.
• Proficiency in video editing software like Adobe Premiere Pro or Final Cut Pro.
• Strong understanding of lighting, sound, and composition.
• Excellent attention to detail and creative vision.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Preferred but not required:

• A few years of experience in videography or a related field.
• Relevant courses or certifications in video production.

We want to hear from you if you are passionate about creating compelling video content and have the skills to bring our stories to life. Apply today!

For more examples and to customise your job adverts, view, edit, and download a variety of job descriptions from our extensive library including our Account Executive job description sample and Videographer job description sample.

Valuable Hiring Resources

To assist recruiters and business owners in making informed and effective hiring decisions, we offer a range of valuable recruitment resources:

• A Guide On How To Hire: This comprehensive guide covers every step of the recruitment process, from defining the role to making the final offer. It provides practical advice and best practices to ensure a smooth and efficient hiring experience.
• Job Advertising Overview: Explore the benefits of job advertising with Hiring People, including our heavily discounted job advertising packages and associated services.
• How To Shortlist Job Candidates: This guide is designed to streamline the shortlisting process, enabling you to identify the most suitable candidates quickly and efficiently. It includes tips on assessing applications and narrowing your list to the top contenders.
• How To Evaluate CVs: This resource provides criteria and methods for reviewing applications to help you make informed decisions. Discover effective techniques for evaluating CVs to find candidates who best match the job requirements.
• Our Recruitment Blog: Stay updated with the latest trends, tips, and insights in the recruitment industry. Our blog covers various topics, from modern hiring practices to legal considerations, helping you stay ahead in the competitive job market.

Advertise For A Job Today

Recruiters and business owners are strongly encouraged to consider their specific needs and legal obligations when crafting job adverts and conducting the hiring process. By utilising our resources, you can create an inclusive, efficient, and compliant recruitment strategy that attracts and retains top talent.

University Degree In Job Adverts FAQs

Many recruiters and business owners are asking about degree requirements in UK job postings, and we tackle those questions here: