Lets say you are one of the unfortunate ones that is out of a job and you feel that your qualifications are up to par as expected for the positions you have in mind. We are assuming here that the most generic academic requirement is a bachelors degree. There are quick fix that we can suggest here to at least improve your chances. The recommendation is to stay away from websites that sell what is called life experience degrees.
1. Credential Evaluation - Assuming you have over ten years of good experience, the best first step is to consider getting an evaluation done by a credential body against the relevant degree level. The best evaluators are the NACES members. There is one evaluator called CUFCE that offers an equivalency diploma which looks like a degree and could useful in employment cases. We would suggest checking out the NACES evaluators first then CUFCE.
2. Certifications - Think about it this way, in most fields there is one certification that is considered well recognized to the point that if you present it, there would be no issue about having a degree or not. This is the certification that you should aim for. If there is no stand out one in your field try and find a generic one that could help substitute. An example certification is the Project Management Professional (PMP) which is useful for projects or management and in networking the Cisco CCIE. Even if you cannot get the big ones, try and get some basic certification to help your case. Check out Brainbench for their certification exams. There are several other certifications in other fields.
3. University Certificate Programs - Most universities offer short certificate programs without the strict entrance requirement as the standard academic programs. The good thing about this is that you could put a recognized university name on your resume. Learn more about Certificate programs at - Certificate Programs Explore.
4. Professional Associations - Another important piece that can be useful is to join a professional body in your field of interest. In some cases especially in the UK, certain membership levels give you letters after your name and is recognized at degree level just by meeting their requirements and probably taking an interview. In any case, joining a professional body inside North America is just as good. The overall effort shows that you are serious about the profession and would at least get you considered for the next level.
5. France VAE Process - If you really consider yourself really competent in your field with lots of certificates from job training and some university courses, then the French VAE approach maybe the best for you. Now you have to be careful as many fake schools do offer this so consider visiting France as a means to complete this process. Basically, it allows you get a degree at the appropriate level based on your previous experience and knowledge. Here is one reference to how the process works - VAE process. You can then contact the regular French University to find out the process especially in English or other languages.
As you can see there are several ways to improve your credentials quickly and that could help land the job of your desire. The key is to be competent. Don't be arrogant about this, try to understand what makes you a better worker in your field, not just to say you have 20 years experience.
1. Credential Evaluation - Assuming you have over ten years of good experience, the best first step is to consider getting an evaluation done by a credential body against the relevant degree level. The best evaluators are the NACES members. There is one evaluator called CUFCE that offers an equivalency diploma which looks like a degree and could useful in employment cases. We would suggest checking out the NACES evaluators first then CUFCE.
2. Certifications - Think about it this way, in most fields there is one certification that is considered well recognized to the point that if you present it, there would be no issue about having a degree or not. This is the certification that you should aim for. If there is no stand out one in your field try and find a generic one that could help substitute. An example certification is the Project Management Professional (PMP) which is useful for projects or management and in networking the Cisco CCIE. Even if you cannot get the big ones, try and get some basic certification to help your case. Check out Brainbench for their certification exams. There are several other certifications in other fields.
3. University Certificate Programs - Most universities offer short certificate programs without the strict entrance requirement as the standard academic programs. The good thing about this is that you could put a recognized university name on your resume. Learn more about Certificate programs at - Certificate Programs Explore.
4. Professional Associations - Another important piece that can be useful is to join a professional body in your field of interest. In some cases especially in the UK, certain membership levels give you letters after your name and is recognized at degree level just by meeting their requirements and probably taking an interview. In any case, joining a professional body inside North America is just as good. The overall effort shows that you are serious about the profession and would at least get you considered for the next level.
5. France VAE Process - If you really consider yourself really competent in your field with lots of certificates from job training and some university courses, then the French VAE approach maybe the best for you. Now you have to be careful as many fake schools do offer this so consider visiting France as a means to complete this process. Basically, it allows you get a degree at the appropriate level based on your previous experience and knowledge. Here is one reference to how the process works - VAE process. You can then contact the regular French University to find out the process especially in English or other languages.
As you can see there are several ways to improve your credentials quickly and that could help land the job of your desire. The key is to be competent. Don't be arrogant about this, try to understand what makes you a better worker in your field, not just to say you have 20 years experience.