I have been a SAHM for the past year, and the time has come for me to try and find a job. Since I am mostly looking for part-time retail jobs or entry-level clerical jobs (I'm really not qualified to do anything else) and none of these jobs require a degree, should I leave the degree off of my applications so I don't look overqualified? Or would this be considered dishonest and would employers see this as "lying" because I didn't put it on my application? Any advice is appreciated. Thanks!
For those who might be interested in more details: I have a bachelor's degree in psychology. I originally intended to get my master's degree in order to be a therapist, but I decided to go to school to become a registered nurse instead. The soonest I can get into nursing school is January, so until then I need to find a job. My previous jobs have been: working in a bookstore, daycare teacher, customer service representative, and data entry clerk at a medical billing office; all have been followed by periods of unemployment due to relocation (and because I wanted to stay home with my kids). So I know I probably won't find anything that pays a high salary, but I really just want something to do for now until I get into nursing school (I'd love to work at Starbucks or another coffee shop). I'm afraid that these employers will not want to hire me because I have a bachelor's degree (and I'll look as if I'm "overqualified"), but I'm also afraid that if I leave it off my application and they find out, it could be seen as "lying" and they will not want to hire me. So...what do you think?
Please no offers for work-from-home businesses or anything like that. I'd be terrible at selling stuff, and I need to get out of the house once in a while. Thanks!
Thanks everyone for the advice! I am really nervous and scared that I might not be able to find a job in this terrible economy we are in, so it's nice to be able to come here for advice. The reason I asked is because an HR person at my mom's former employer actually told her that I should leave off my bachelor's degree since I'm only applying for entry-level jobs. But I'm not a big fan of that place anyway, so I think I will disregard what she said. As many of you pointed out, I did work hard for my degree, and even though it's not a practical degree it does account for four years of my life, so I should be proud of it. Thanks again; I appreciate it!
I agree with the other poster! Don't leave it off...you worked hard for it. You're looking for part time so I don't see it being an issue as far as looking over qualified is concerned.
Leave it on at first and then IF you find it's a hindrance , then take it off.. test the waters and go from there..
good luck
No way should you leave it off. Your bachelors show that you are reasonably responsible and educated and that you probably have pretty solid reasoning skills. That is pretty much all that is required for most entry-level or retail positions.
I worked for Pottery Barn for a year while I was finishing my student teaching, and I think almost everyone there either had a bachelors or was working on it.
Furthermore, with this economy, I guarantee you that you won't be the only person with a bachelors looking for similar positions. Good luck on the job hunt!!
Sadly there are many people doing these kinds of jobs that have college degrees ao employers are used to seeing it. Putting that on your application can only help you.
definitely do not leave it off of your resume - employers want to hire educated people, even for PT work. They will most likely consider you at a higher pay range as well. they wouldnt consider omitting the degree as lying but I imagine if they found out, they would really wonder why you would omit something as important as a degree. I dont think a bachelor's is going to make you "overqualified" for much these days.
Definitely leave it, it can only help! When the employer reads that he/she will most likely put your resume/application in the "to interview pile."
NO!! Do not leave it off!!! You have earned that degree...put it on there!!!
Are you looking for something at night so you're home with the kids during the day? If not, I would suggest substitute teaching! I've been doing that the past couple of years and I love it! It's pretty good money too - I clear about $100/day. ($14.35/hour before taxes)
I can't see where having a degree and having it listed on your resume would be a negative. It is so competitive out there, and there are sure to be other people in the same boat as you. What if a job was offered to someone who did list their college degree when you did not?
Leave it on. Places like Starbucks won't see you as overqualified. They'll see you as able to stick to something and educated. you'd be surprised how many people working in the service industry have bachelors degrees.
Good Lord girl, the way the job market is, they're lookin' for doctorates for gas station attendants!
Of course, ALWAYS list (and be proud of) your education!
:)
Yes, I agree- definitely include it.
Just wanted to add... I saw on your profile that you are homeschooling, so I am guessing that you are looking for an evenings position somewhere. You may want to check if any of the hospitals in your area have any part time evening openings in the medical records department for a file clerk. The pay is better than you'd get in retail. I did that right out of college before I got a teaching position. They saw my degree as a plus- even though it wasn't at all related to the job. The other benefit is that when you get your nursing degree, it could help that people at the hospital will know you and what kind of worker you are.
You could look into a nurse's aide position too, which would give you great experience- and you may be able to work 2nd shift, per diem.
Hope it helps- good luck with everything- my DH is an RN, and it's a great carreer =o)
Definitely include your bachelors:-) it shows you stuck it out and got your degree. I'd include it. I'm sure they'll be very understanding of what you've gone through in life and such.
Definitely include it.....
I had 5 years of college, then was a SAHM with a few odd jobs for that 10 years or so, then worked as a Teacher Aide.... one spring, I applied to one of the big discount stores as a part-time cashier, and was hired... I ended up as a department manager 6 months later. I stayed there for 5 years, and then left to get my teacher certification. I listed the bachelor's on my app... never considered leaving it off.
Be proud of your education!
If you choose to leave the information off your resume/applicaton and your potential employrer finds out, I'm sure they would not consider it "lying", although they would question why you chose not to include it.
You should include this information.... to get a BA you need to take a lot of classes that are not directly related to your field of study, including that information shows you're an educated person, something you should be proud of
Absolutely do not leave it off your resume. Unless you were previously the CEO of a company, it is unlikely that you will get "ding-ed" for being overqualified. Also, unfortunately, you picked an undergraduate degree that is not very practical without a follow-up masters or doctorate. But, luckily, many employers are aware of things like that, so I doubt they would wonder why you aren't trying to find a job in basic psychology... Best wishes.
