Confused about qualifications

stingeylass

If a job advert states that a particular NVQ is essential/preferred, and I don't have that NVQ, but have a degree, is it worthwhile me applying for that job or do I not stand a chance?

A lot of office jobs ask for an NVQ in administration, and although I don't have this I do have a humanities degree. A JobCentre advisor told me that a degree 'trumps' an NVQ so I am qualified for, and stand a good chance of getting, jobs asking for this NVQ.
But I'm not convinced! Surely an NVQ in administration proves to an employer that the applicant has the skills and knowledge required to work in an office, whereas having a degree doesn't really qualify me for the job at all. I know I have to 'sell myself' in my application forms and covering letters, but I can't help but think that even if I can demonstrate through examples that I am able to do the job, an applicant who has the actual required qualification would have an edge over me in that they can prove themselves capable, whereas I can only suggest that I am capable.

So I feel confused about what I am actually qualified to do, because non-graduate jobs often ask for specific qualifications, and obviously not having those qualifications I don't know where I stand.

cardiffgrad1

Essential and preferred are two different things. If its essential that you have an NVQ then no, I wouldn't bother applying for the job. A degree might be a higher qualification, but it's still not the specific qualification that they want.
If it's just preferred that you have an NVQ then yes, I would give it a shot.

aardvaak

They are all totally useless

stingeylass

aardvaak wrote: »

They are all totally useless

What do you mean aardvark? Is experience more relevant than qualifications?

aardvaak

stingeylass wrote: »

What do you mean aardvark? Is experience more relevant than qualifications?

No nothing works so whats the point!

Sambucus_Nigra

They aren't all totally useless.

I've known people to get a job without an essential qual as they meet other criteria - and I've given jobs to people who didn't have essential quals and they have studied that qual whilst in the job.....so of course it is possible.

The main thing to remember when applying for jobs is that you can demonstrate each and every point in positive language to meet and exceed their 'wants' and 'needs'.

What your advisor meant was that a degree trumps an NVQ in the same arena - so degree in construction would trump an NVQ - but not if the NVQ was in brickwork and the job was being a brickie....in that case it would be better to have the experience and work towards the NVQ if needed.

So for you - I don't have an NVQ in admin, I have a degree in X and am willing to work towards an NVQ, and I have bags of experience in administration specialising in Y and would love to demonstrate my enthusiasm at interview.

Caroline_a

NVQs are vocational qualifications, with on-job assessment, whereas a degree tends to be much more theory based. In your application I would give examples of how you use computer packages such as Office that would be used in the workplace, and also stress any work experience you have had in an office environment, answering phones, typing, customer care, etc.

I would say it's worth a try, rather than give up before you start! The worse thing that can happen is that you don't get the job.

Sorry Sambucus - crossed post :-)

Hammyman

stingeylass wrote: »

If a job advert states that a particular NVQ is essential/preferred, and I don't have that NVQ, but have a degree, is it worthwhile me applying for that job or do I not stand a chance?

A lot of office jobs ask for an NVQ in administration, and although I don't have this I do have a humanities degree. A JobCentre advisor told me that a degree 'trumps' an NVQ so I am qualified for, and stand a good chance of getting, jobs asking for this NVQ.
But I'm not convinced! Surely an NVQ in administration proves to an employer that the applicant has the skills and knowledge required to work in an office, whereas having a degree doesn't really qualify me for the job at all.

Lets put it this way. I have a business repairing, upgrading and refurbishing laptops. If I had two applicants for a job, one with a NVQ in Computer Studies or electronics and one with a degree in Humanities, then based solely on qualifications, the guy with the NVQ would be the one to get the job because in the job, a degree in Humanities is as much use as a chocolate fireguard.

Sadly it is advice like you've got from the JCP advisor which leaves many graduates dispondent when they find lower qualified people getting jobs because the JCP moron has told them it doesn't matter what the degree is in, just that you have one.

But...
As cardiffgrad1 points out, if it only states it is preferred then its not a requirement and you might as well chance your arm but don't be too downhearted if you don't get it.

DCFC79

Look at the prefered colum and see if you fulfill that criteria then look at the essential to see if you can fulfill any of the essentials

bouncydog1

When we take on staff we look at the whole picture rather than just focus on the qualification. A qualification demonstrates that you have studied and passed exams in that particular subject, but if we also have someone with x number of years experience, we would assess them in a similar way.

We also look for other all round qualities and how they will fit with the teams we already have. I would apply and include items such as team skills, organisational ability, willingness to learn etc. You need to ensure that your c.v. stands out but don't lie as you will only get caught out.

Good luck.

Sammyantha

If you feel your skills meet the general job spec, apply for anything and everything that interests you. They can only turn you down if you are unsuitable