[dflsports]

A college degree shows that you might have the ability and intelligence to do the job that needs to be done. That's not to say that not having a degree is bad but it would depend on the situation.

Joe College straight out of school at least has something to put on his resume'. Maybe he acquired a few bits of experience in an internship and made some good contacts while in school. Realistically who would you want to hire, some kid out of college or a kid who worked minimum wage jobs. Let's face it, there are not too many jobs out there for 18 or 19 years olds that will provide them with the knowledge they might pick up in school (besides those kids who get jobs from daddy or mommy).

Now the situation is a bit different if we are looking at at older folks. A person with experience might be a better choice, but it's like comparing apples to oranges as every job and profession will look at things differently.

Don't forget, most people get a degree and work in a totally unrelated field. Again the degree just lets them know "You can do it"

[Geno Prussakov]

Doesn't matter. Experience and post-college training & experience is everything.

Geno

[Rhea]

One of the best jobs I ever had required experience. I didn't have the experience but I got the job (process/workflow) on the strength of my logic skills. HR fought it but my boss fought back harder and won. In that particular job the limiting factor (in the hiring authority's opinion) was raw talent.

I'm sure there are other good reasons to choose one candidate over another. Personality would be key in some positions.

So far we have: education, experience, personality and talent.