Possible Employers ~ What's Up...

This posting goes out to all companies looking for professional, hard working, honest, creative, and dedicated employees.

Why, with such an extensive and available pool of potential employees that are currently seeking work, do you continue to limit your employee searches to those who MUST HAVE a four-year degree? I have participated in three phone screenings over the last two weeks. All of which I was given very high marks and told that I did exceptionally well during the screening interview, but, do to not having completed a four-year degree, I was not being considered. I have over 13 years of experience in my field, have worked for two major Aerospace manufacturers, continually showed improvement and was promoted by every employer I have worked for, have extensive Six Sigma experience, and have extensive managerial experience. With this background, doesn't it make-up for the lack of a college degree? Even a little bit?
I am in no way knocking those people who went from high school directly into college and earned their degree. Kudos to you all. But, as in my case, I was not fortunate enough to have the money, nor did my parents, to be able to send me to college. Instead, I graduated high school and immediately entered the work force. Doesn't this show a sense of responsibility? The fact that I jumped into a career, took it upon myself to learn as progressed and have been successful at what I have done, mean anything to anyone anymore?

As I stated above, I am not belittling your drive to achieve a higher education, but I also believe that someone as myself, who has been in the workforce for the past 19 years and in my career for the last 13+ years, might have a better grasp reality and the complicated day-to-day operations of an organization. College, which I might add I am currently attending, does NOT truly prepare a person for the real working conditions that exist today. Learning how things are SUPPOSED to work is completely different than how they ACTUALLY are in corporate America. A person, such as myself, can start a new job, be told what is expected of me, have a desk/office assigned to me, provided a login and assignment, and be able to dive right in and get the assigned tasks accomplished. Whereas someone fresh out of school will have to be handled in a completely differently. Everything from the expectations, job description, computer programs, political structure, and personal interaction will have to be learned from scratch. This equates to added costs and "down time" for the employer. In this current market companies cannot afford to take this kind of risk, with the hopes the employee works out.

All I am asking is that instead of INSISTING on a four-year college degree, look at experience as well and weigh the two before you make your decision. At least give the more experienced person a chance via a face-to-face interview. You may be surprised at what you find out or at least you can be sure you are hiring the right person for the right job. Think about it!