By Sara Pentz

Some 500 Orange County companies were recently posed with the following question: If you have two qualified candidates interviewing for a job and one has a college degree and one doesn't, are you more likely to hire the person with the degree?

This question was presented in a survey created by Headway Corporate Resources* to research what part education played in the hiring process of their clients. Some results were predictable such as: 74% of Headway clients agreed that having a degree was necessary, 18% said it wasn't and 8% responded that it depends on the position. In addition, 92% said they would pay a higher salary to a candidate who has obtained a college degree and 64% said they cared about the subject matter of the candidate's degree.

Other survey results were not so predictable. "What I found interesting is that 89% of companies surveyed said they did not require a degree to promote from within," explains Executive Account Manager Wendy Lieberman. "Many companies recognize that a candidate is valuable once they have seen their work ethic and productivity even though they don't have a college degree."

An example of this is Kate Ventura who was hired as a clerk in the accounting department at Armstrong Robitaille, a national firm based in California and ranked one of the top 100 insurance brokers in the United States. Six years and two promotions later she is the Accounting Team Leader in charge of six people in her department. "I made myself a stronger asset to my employer by taking a number of professional self-improvement classes offered by the company," explains Kate.

Companies agree that they do hire and promote on these intangible qualities. A degree will get your foot in the door, but it won't always get you ahead. Furthering your education with certificate courses or attending seminars to sharpen your skills are valued and necessary. Assimilating into the culture of the company is another key element. Going above and beyond, offering ideas and taking action are critical to advancing in your career. Taking the stance of, what can I offer my company, rather than, what can my company offer me, is a mentality that will get you ahead.

Understanding the job market and knowing how to market yourself is something else that will help you stand out. "It is important to recognize that companies are being more creative in how they hire talent," adds Katie Hardie-Nguyen, Assistant Vice President, Accounting and Finance Recruitment. "With such a large number of baby boomers retiring there is a need to bridge the gap between a new generation of workers. Many companies are taking advantage of the mentorship and expertise that baby boomers can offer to a younger generation of workers by hiring them on a contract basis."

"It is important to watch the market and follow its trends. It is what has kept us on top and profitable for the last 30 years. I would offer the same advice to those seeking employment. Follow the market and really hone in on how to market yourself," says Linda Elder, EVP West Coast.

Headquartered in Raleigh, NC, Headway Corporate Resources is a full-service human resources support company, specializing in full time, temporary and contract positions including accounting and finance, legal, administrative support, insurance, mortgage, HR solutions, and office outsourcing.
Headway Resources Corporation, Newport Beach, 949-260-9400, www.headwaycorp.com.