Eleanor Finch
When a job posting mentions equivalent experience, it means that employers will consider applicants with relevant experience in lieu of some educational requirements, such as a bachelor's degree. Equivalent experience can include paid work experience in the same field, or unpaid experience such as internships, volunteer work, or other defined experiences. When applying for jobs, it is important to clearly state in your application, cover letter, and interview how your experience matches the requirements of the job.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | To allow candidates without the required educational qualifications to apply for a position, based on their experience |
| Examples of equivalent experience | Internships, volunteer work, leadership experience, community service, foreign language proficiency, computer knowledge, word processing, or a degree or certification in a specific career field |
| Level of experience | Equivalent to a bachelor's degree: 10+ years of relevant experience |
| Level of experience | Equivalent to a master's degree: 10+ years of work experience in a related field |
| Level of experience | Equivalent to a doctorate: Level 8 qualification |
| Level of experience | Equivalent to a high school diploma: GED or another equivalency certificate |
| Level of experience | Equivalent to 6 months of experience: Unit secretary, ward clerk, medical office assistant, or nursing assistant |
| Accreditation | All degrees should come from a regionally accredited institution or a comparably recognized non-U.S. institution |
| Application process | Clearly state in your application, cover letter, and interview how your experience matches the requirements of the job |
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What You'll Learn
Internships, volunteer work, and leadership experience
When it comes to job applications, internships, volunteer work, and leadership experience can often be considered equivalent to a degree. While there is no standard definition of "equivalent experience", it generally refers to a combination of education and experience that is comparable to the qualifications typically required for a position. In many cases, while a degree is preferred, employers may also accept a combination of coursework and experience, extensive related professional experience, or other forms of equivalent experience.
Internships are a great way to gain practical experience in your chosen field and can often be a stepping stone to full-time employment. They can vary depending on the company, with larger companies often offering structured internship programs with mentorship and support. Internships may be paid or unpaid, with unpaid internships typically being part of a charity or degree course. However, it's important to know your rights and ensure you are compensated fairly for your work.
Volunteer work is another form of non-paid experience that can be considered equivalent to a degree. Volunteering allows you to develop your skills and strengths while contributing positively to the lives of others. It often takes place at charities or private companies and can be a fulfilling way to use your spare time during your studies or job search. Like internships, volunteering looks great on your CV and demonstrates your commitment and motivation to potential employers.
Leadership experience is a valuable soft skill that can be gained through internships, volunteer work, or other extracurricular activities. It involves the ability to guide and motivate others, as well as strong communication, problem-solving, and mediation skills. Leadership experience can be particularly advantageous when applying for supervisory or management roles and can set you apart from other candidates.
When applying for jobs that require a degree, it's important to clearly articulate your equivalent experience in your cover letter and interviews. Highlight the relevant skills and competencies you have gained through your internships, volunteer work, and leadership roles, and explain how they make you a strong candidate for the position. Be prepared to provide specific examples and showcase your unique value proposition. Remember, the definition of "equivalent experience" can vary depending on the employer and the specific job requirements, so always read the job posting carefully and tailor your application accordingly.
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Work experience in a related field
When applying for a role, it's important to understand what the employer means by "equivalent experience". This can refer to experience in place of educational requirements, or non-paid experience, such as internships or volunteer work.
If you are applying for a role that requires a degree and you don't have one, you may still be considered for the role if you have extensive related professional experience. For example, a role may require a bachelor's degree, but if you have 10+ years of relevant experience, this could be considered an equivalent.
When applying for a role, your cover letter is a great place to explain how your experience matches the requirements of the role. If you are successful in getting an interview, you will then have the opportunity to elaborate on your experience in person and explain why you are a strong candidate for the role.
If you are entering the workforce and don't have significant work experience, it can be beneficial to include any previous work experience, even if it's not directly related to the role. For example, a recent graduate may include work they did in high school or college, detailing all the skills they used and how they are transferable to the role.
When determining what to include on your resume, consider the specific duties and skills mentioned in the job listing. Focus on these elements when listing your related and unrelated experience. If you have performed similar duties in a different field, include these to show how your previous work has prepared you for this new opportunity. For example, if you are applying for a management position, you could include a role where you demonstrated leadership abilities.
Remember, there is no standard for what is considered equivalent experience, and it can vary from role to role.
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Trade school and coursework
Trade schools, also known as vocational or technical schools, are educational institutions that focus on providing students with specific skills for particular jobs. Unlike traditional colleges, trade schools offer hands-on training and practical knowledge to prepare students for immediate entry into the workforce. The programs are typically shorter, ranging from a few months to two years, and are more affordable.
Trade schools offer a range of programs in various fields, including culinary arts, electrical, HVAC, mechanics, information technology, nursing, health sciences, automotive technician training, and medical assisting. Upon completion of a program, students receive a diploma or certificate and can often get a job directly related to their field of study. For example, a graduate of a dental assisting program can become a dental assistant, and a graduate of a plumbing program can become a plumber.
Trade schools are ideal for those who want to advance their skills and education but are unsure about committing to a four-year college. They are also beneficial for students who may not have excelled academically but possess a strong passion for a specific trade. The hands-on experience and technical skills gained through trade schools can be valuable in the job market and increase the chances of securing stable employment.
When applying for jobs, it's important to emphasize how your experience matches the requirements of the job. In your cover letter and interviews, highlight the relevant hard and soft skills you have acquired. Hard skills refer to teachable proficiencies such as computer knowledge, foreign language proficiency, or specific certifications. Soft skills, also known as "people skills," include leadership, motivation, communication, problem-solving, and teamwork.
By combining your trade school education with relevant experience and showcasing your skills effectively, you can demonstrate equivalent experience to a degree when applying for jobs.
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Soft skills and hard skills
Hard Skills
Hard skills are technical knowledge or training that you gain through life experiences, including your career or education. They are concrete, measurable abilities that are often specific to a job. For example, coding, data analysis, and graphic design are hard skills. They can be acquired by taking training courses, studying, and then honing them in a work environment. They form the backbone of the job and are essential for specific professions, such as a heart surgeon who performs surgery or a software engineer who writes computer programs. You can demonstrate your proficiency in hard skills through certifications, portfolios, skill assessment tests, and completed work.
Soft Skills
Soft skills, on the other hand, are the personal habits, traits, and qualities that shape how you work, both independently and with others. They are often seen as personality traits that you develop over your lifetime. These include traits like empathy, creativity, adaptability, punctuality, and effective communication. Soft skills are transferable and useful from job to job, helping you build long-lasting relationships with coworkers and customers. They are challenging to measure, especially during the hiring process, as they are less defined and more nebulous. However, employers value them highly, and they become evident through daily interactions and work experiences.
Developing Hard and Soft Skills
It is important to invest in both your hard and soft skills to advance in your career. You can develop hard skills through education, hands-on experience, and on-the-job training. Soft skills, meanwhile, are improved through experiences, introspection, and learning from mistakes. Understanding your impact on those around you is crucial to enhancing your soft skills.
Showcasing Hard and Soft Skills
When applying for jobs, you can showcase your hard skills by discussing completed projects and providing concrete evidence of your technical expertise. Soft skills can be highlighted during interviews by sharing specific stories from your past experiences that demonstrate these skills in action. Both types of skills can be featured in your resume's skills section, with soft skills elaborated on through sentences that showcase their positive impact on your team or organization.
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Equivalent certificates
When a job posting mentions "equivalent experience", it usually refers to experience in place of some educational requirements or non-paid experience. Equivalent experience can include internships, volunteer work, or other forms of related professional experience. For example, a year of paraprofessional work in law can be considered equivalent to a bachelor's degree in law.
There is no standard for what is considered equivalent experience, but generally, one year of directly related experience is equivalent to one year of education. This can vary, however, depending on the job posting. For instance, some jobs may require a bachelor's degree and two years of related experience, which could be substituted for by an associate degree and four years of related experience.
When applying for jobs, it is important to clearly state in your application, cover letter, and interview what constitutes your equivalent experience. Emphasize the components of your experience that are most related to the job and that prove you have the core competencies to excel in the position. You can also highlight your particular qualifications for the position due to your individual life experiences at college or in the workforce.
In terms of formatting your resume, you can list your education and experience in either order, depending on when you graduated from college and how long ago it was. If you have equivalent experience, create a separate section on your resume dedicated to this.
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Frequently asked questions
When an employer mentions "equivalent experience" in a job listing, it means that they will accept experience in place of some educational requirements. This could include paid or unpaid work experience, internships, volunteer work, or other defined experiences.
There is no standard for what is considered equivalent experience, and it can vary depending on the job and the employer. However, some examples of equivalent experience include a combination of coursework and experience, extensive related professional experience, or a demonstrated proficiency in relevant hard and soft skills.
When applying for jobs, it's important to clearly state in your application, cover letter, and interview how your experience matches the requirements of the job. Emphasize the components of your experience that are most relevant to the position and highlight your core competencies and skills.
Yes, educational equivalencies typically refer to degrees or certifications from accredited institutions. For example, a college degree is often considered equivalent to a high school diploma or a GED certificate. It's important to check the specific requirements mentioned in the job posting.
Yes, some examples include: "Bachelor's degree required, master's degree preferred", "Bachelor's degree preferred", or "Minimum six months of experience in sales, customer service, or equivalent experience". These listings indicate that employers are open to considering candidates with equivalent experience in place of a degree.
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