Should I hide my education?

[shengmei]

I have two masters: Genetics and Biotechnology. I am trying to stay in a very small town to be with my husband. However, there are no life science companies in town. I have tried to apply for every single job available, but I have always been turned down because I have too much education. I am thinking about hiding my two masters and only tell my potential employer about my college degree. Is this a good move?

[Shewillbemine]

If you need a job, do what you have to do.

[cschin4]

It depends on what you are ultimately trying to accomplish. I don't think you have to hide anything. However, if you are looking for work because you need work and it isn't in your field , then you don't want to overemphasize your degrees. And, if you do, they might view you as giving the impression that you are "too good" to do whatever it is you are applying for. I would just fill out the app and put down my college degrees including masters but i would not spend a lot of time talking about that in interviews if it isn't relevant. Just point out that you are making your home in this small town and looking for work and are planning to stay.
But, one point, why are you settling in a town with no opportunities for you? Is that your choice as well? Are you going to be satisfied with never using your degrees?
I choose "small town" life and that is what i enjoy and who i am but there are very limited opportunities as well. If the trade offs are worth it, then enjoy, but make sure it is something you are happy with as well.

[Frugal]

If you hide it, you may feel like you are selling yourself short, despite all your hard work. However, if you have to not mention your degree to have the chance to earn money, I say go for it. There is a difference between hiding your degree, if they ask you directly, and volunteering that information. I have been told before to not list my degree if it overqualifies me, but I list in anyway, because I feel like I am selling out if I don't. I know the hard work and financial sacrifice I went through to earn it, and I want to list it and not have to hide it or deny it.

Good luck! It sure is a tough job market out there, for all of us!!

[DebbieL]

I would definitely hide them. You will not be hired for "lesser" type jobs with that educational background (and since those are the only type of jobs available to you in your town then you have no choice).

Another option is the long distance relationship. My DH is a highly qualified chef who got let go from his job a short time ago. There are NO good paying chef positions in this city (and those who are in good situations have to be dragged away from them with a toe-tag on). DH got the call the other day to go cook for a camp up in the Alberta Oil Sands (= huge money), and I told him he'd be insane not to take it. He'll be up there 3 weeks, home for 1. I can live with that schedule (especially for 3x the salary he could even hope to earn here.

PS - DH had many interviews locally, and the one good paying job was a 2nd cook's position, and the chef told him he wouldn't hire him because he was "grossly overqualified" for the job. It's a drag, but it happens all the time.

[jpg7n16]

I would still disclose it, and bring it up in a cover letter.

"I realize my advanced education is not relevant to the position, but I feel it shows my determination to go after my goals. I am excited by Acme, Co. and the opportunity it offers and would apply to same diligence to my work if hired."

Something like that. I'm sure someone could make it sound better - but the very fact that you stuck with your education says a lot about your determination and follow-through. It also says that you're very intelligent - always a good thing to appear in an interview.


Though you really need to come up with a good answer to the question - 'so I see you've got degrees in genetics and biotechnology, so what makes you interested in selling air conditioners?' or whatever the job happens to be.

[shanecurran]

Some people make the mistake of using the same resume over and over, even when the resume is not tailored for a particular job. For example if you are trying to get a job in a restaurant you should not post your masters degree, or if you do spin it in such a way that it is relevant to the particular job.

[jpg7n16]

Originally Posted by shanecurran

For example if you are trying to get a job in a restaurant you should not post your masters degree, or if you do spin it in such a way that it is relevant to the particular job.

Depending on the position, in a restaraunt, I may not even submit a resume. Waiter - nope, just ask the hiring manager if there are positions open. But for a position as a general manager - absolutely.

This thread just sounded like more of a 'biotech companies aren't in the area, so I'm looking into other firms' - not 'biotech companies aren't in the area, so I'll work as a greeter at Wal-Mart.'

[DebbieL]

Originally Posted by jpg7n16

I would still disclose it, and bring it up in a cover letter.

"I realize my advanced education is not relevant to the position, but I feel it shows my determination to go after my goals. I am excited by Acme, Co. and the opportunity it offers and would apply to same diligence to my work if hired."

Something like that. I'm sure someone could make it sound better - but the very fact that you stuck with your education says a lot about your determination and follow-through. It also says that you're very intelligent - always a good thing to appear in an interview.


Though you really need to come up with a good answer to the question - 'so I see you've got degrees in genetics and biotechnology, so what makes you interested in selling air conditioners?' or whatever the job happens to be.

She can say that until she's blue in the face, but the fact is they won't hire her if she is what they consider overqualified for the job she is applying for. She should definitely tailor her application for the position she is applying for - and not mention the masters when it will result in her not getting hired (and it most likely will result in that).

[Scanner]

I think the problem is not so much your education. As an employer who hires high school graduates for the type of positions you may be looking for, I'll be frank - I am scared to hire someone like you because you will ditch me at the first opportunity you get when something else better comes along.

I realize that's life - all well and good. . .all is fair in love and the workplace.

However, if you could somehow assure an employer that you will help transition and train the next person, I'd be more open to it. It takes about 90 days to train a good assistant and then about 6 months before they are a real asset to your business.

Most people though give you a 2 week ci-a-nara though.

So anyway, yes, in short, I would hide it.

The problem is you still have a lot of gaps to fill in. What were you doing during that time you were getting an education? A few lies to cover up the deception?

[jpg7n16]

So you guys are saying that it's better not to go for advanced degrees so that you can keep your employment options open? Don't want to get pidgeon-holed into a single industry. So just get a HS Diploma. Mediocrity - it keeps your options open.

Seriously? My dad had a masters in biology, but went into an administrative accounting position with a religious college. Stayed at that job for 22 years. So I just don't believe that it's impossible to get a job without a related degree - or that if you have such degrees, you cannot be hired. Even today, one of my coworkers has a degree in political science. We're an accouting firm. She's been here 5-6 years as her first position out of college. (obv her and my dad have moved up in the company over time)


What do you think would happen when you hide the degrees, and somehow your boss finds out that you have advanced degrees in genetics? 'Why didn't you tell me in the interview? What else are you hiding?'


If I were running a company, and hiring for a position that requires reasonable intelligence, I would much rather have some with a masters (in any field) than just a HS diploma. And I would be concerned if I found out that one of my employees was deliberately keeping relevant information behind the company's back. (or if you feel the degrees are irrelevant, why are they the reason OP cannot get hired?)

But oh well.. this is just an online discussion. I would prob still be unemployed if in the OP shoes, cause I'd disclose it. I think it says a lot about the type of person the OP is. (in a good way)

If she removes it and it works out, then good for her.

[Lindsey23]

Yea if you really need a job, do what you have to do

There is no reason that you have to show them your degrees unless it's a big company


but anyway good luck

[DebbieL]

JPG - nobody is saying don't get advanced degrees - sheesh. Where did you leap to that dumb conclusion? The fact is that when applying for jobs FAR below your education it will work against you - so don't mention the advanced degree when applying for positions that obviously wouldn't hire you if they were aware of it. Employers will assume you are always going to be looking to "jump ship" if a job more suited to your education came up (and they are right to think that).

My advice to her really would be to move away from this "small town" that doesn't have any career opportunities for her, but if that isn't something she wants to consider she would be wise not to mention her high education.

[jpg7n16]

Originally Posted by DebbieL

JPG - nobody is saying don't get advanced degrees - sheesh. Where did you leap to that dumb conclusion?

Make a stupid argument, get a stupid counter-argument.


Because the 'advice' is saying that it is clearly such a better position to be in to not have the advanced degrees. Even Scanner admits that he's scared to hire someone with advanced degrees, and prefers high school grads. But why?

Maybe she could get a job if she were just a high school graduate. Cause if it's true that she has too much education and it's hurting her job chances, then it's also true that if she didn't have the education, it wouldn't hurt her job chances. Therefore, it's better not to have the education at all. (if you follow the logic of the posts) You'd qualify for many more jobs since 'high school grad' can apply anywhere, but 'masters in genetics' can only apply to a genetic research facility.

It seems like you feel that advanced degrees like this make it impossible to get a job in a different field. Therefore if you get degrees in genetics, you can never find a job outside of the field of genetics again. Everyone will always think you're just biding time before you leave. So if you'd like to keep your employment options open, don't get a degree.

I was just making a ridiculous argument to show how stupid that idea truly is. (clearly I'm in favor of advanced degrees, and don't think they hurt employment chances as much as made out above)


It's a very easy thing to say to a prospective employer:

'If you have these degrees in genetics, why are you looking into a position with Lowes?'

'Because there are no genetic research companies in the area, but my husband works for Acme, Co. and we plan on being in the area for a long time. So, since I also love home improvement and wanted to get a job to make some more income to help out at home, I thought 'why not Lowes?' Lowes is a great company, and I'd be glad to work here. I'm certain I could learn your systems and would be a great addition to the company because (insert relevant home improvement experience here)'


The degrees don't really matter much, except to show that she's an intelligent person who is dilligent to work towards her goals. The pay won't be any different. I don't see how they'd hurt your chances. I would much rather hire her than a high school grad. At least I know she'd be intelligent, committed, and would easily pick up the training.

I mean really, if you could pick the new member of your team at work (all other things held equal, like experience, etc.), would you prefer:
- the girl who couldn't make it in college, and dropped out? or
- the girl who could understand genetics and biotechnology?

[Snodog]

Leave it off if you think it will help you.

You are simply not disclosing something that a potential employer may view in an unfavorable light.

Those who believe in complete honesty I only have one question. Do you personally offer ANYTHING and EVERYTHING an employer could view as unfavorable on your resume?

[jpg7n16]

Originally Posted by Snodog

Do you personally offer ANYTHING and EVERYTHING an employer could view as unfavorable on your resume?

Anything and everything highly relevant yes. Good or bad.

Relevant:
Recent work history - experience history
Related job skills - qualifications
College history (including GPA) - education history

What else would there be?

Irrelevant:
Where I worked mowing lawns in high school
Elementary school attendance record
Status of traffic tickets (I've never received a traffic ticket, but that information is useless)
SAT scores


I would think that master's degrees would be relevant. Especially, if the reason for not being hired is that the degrees were there.

Clearly, it's relevant to the employer - and therefore misleading to not show it.

[MonkeyMama]

I wholly agree with leaving off education on a resume. Certainly no one said don't get an advanced degree. But, yes, there are cases (like this economy) where it will work against you.

I've completely been there with my spouse. You can debate this all day, but when it comes to supporting your family, I don't really give a flip about 100% honesty when employers treat you unfairly and won't give you the time of day because you have a degree. To ignore that means we should just be unemployed and starving rather than downplay our education. I Can't agree with that. My spouse is an EXCELLENT employee - so it's only their loss when employers profile and judge so strictly.

[Snodog]

Originally Posted by jpg7n16

Anything and everything highly relevant yes. Good or bad.

Well then congratulations your the only person I know who is so honest that they even put bad things on their resume!

[DebbieL]

Or so stupid...

[Scanner]

I guess I didn't get a chance to elaborate on my Degree Prejudice.

Here's the thing. . .if you approached me for a front desk position (assistant) that involves mostly mundane clerical work and good customer service/phone skills AND you had an advanced degree in Genetics. . .here is the only way I would entertain hiring you:

If you said, "I can see you need someone who is a self-starter and can jump in and figure things out without you doing a lot of training since Crystal just left you 2 weeks ago. I know and you know with my Genetics degree, it's highly doubtful I'll be here when the economy recovers.

That being said, I am willing to commit to you for a year (or even 6 months). I'll even sign a contract that says I need to give you 90 days notice before leaving.

Or we can just operate on a handshake.

Whatever you are comfortable with."

You see. . .now as prejudiced as I am on this subject, I may bite on that kind of a thoughtful offer instead of just sitting there through an interview and asking questions and saying things that cutesy internet articles tell you to say.

The problem has become in America is most people think of jobs as an entitlement. When is Obama going to create jobs? Obama needs to create jobs. I need a job.

Well, it ISN'T about what YOU need.

It's about what my business needs. What my customers need. If you can provide that, then I am open to that.

My customers don't need a person to plop at the front desk while sifting through Monster Dot Com for the first available Geneticist job open, get to know you and like you, and then be ditched.

It's either that. . .or just hide the degree.

If you have some fancy MBA or something, it may be better to chalk up such degrees as a "lesson learned" in money and time often misspent and realizing the Education Sector is a business and they are in the business of selling degrees.