Paper Education vs. Job Experience? Read on....?

DaveInSeoul

As someone who has recently hired an employee with a degree from a four year university over interally hiring a candidate for the job, let me give you the rational for my hiring decision.

It has nothing to do with any kind of harassment.

The reason why I hired the new college graduate was because he impressed me with the way he could write, think on his feet, communicate, and be flexible and adapt to new opportunities. This is a place where, given all the potential he has, he can go as far as he wants. In short he gives me all I need - and he comes at a reasonable price.

NONE of my internal candidates had anywhere near the level of potential as my college candidate. Sure they had experience, but none showed the willingness to do be extra-ordinary at the job, nor did they want to go any higher in the organization. On top of that, all the internal applicants came with (and contininue to come with) very unrealistic salary expectations our organization can not meet.

Our business thrives only if we can recruit, develop, and keep the best people. Internal candidates who aren't going out of their way to improve or develop themselves, are only adequate performers, and are only concerned about a bigger paycheck don't put themselves at the top of any internal hire list. I would much rather hire internally than externally if I could, because the downside of a new college graduate is all the money you have to invest in order to get a reasonable return. However, if I had to choose between stellar new college graduate and an 'adequate' internal candidate, I will go after the college graduate each time.

I have seen some internal candidates get promoted well (in fact I am one of them), but I always took on every assignment given to me (even a lot that I did not like) and performed WAY beyond the expectation of my boss. So internal candidates can get promoted. But bosses need to be impressed with your level of performance in your current job (not just satified - impressed) before you will even get a shot at the next promotion.

I'm not sure this is what you want to hear, but you asked the question. I'm just giving you a perspective from a hiring managers point of view.

some-yank

It is not a form of harassment, but a form of company policy. It is their right to set minimum qualifications for a position, as they after all are paying for it.

Your question asks about education versus experience. This is not an "or" question but an "and" question. Both are required to perform effectively at professional occupations. Therefore there are instances where experience can trump education and vice versa. It appears your situation was just a management judgment call based on their perception of requirements. You could always consider taking classes.

Shade

Loyalty can't be bought, so use that as a fisrt step.
Education gives an idea at what level a person can think and also that they can endure and prioritise. But I think it has to be accompanied with the character traits that you believe will fit into the business.
If a requirement for a position is communication you should stick to it to prevent future problems, you can however gives someone a chance on the condition that they do the studies through company funding.

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