[JSeymourATL]

> Scared because I don't have a degree and at 30 I'm competing with younger, new grads.

The degree piece is almost ALWAYS an issue with flunky HR functionaries. Not so much for the Hiring Executive, he's interested in how you can help him move his agenda forward. Target your job search on reaching out directly to senior executives WHO you know how to help.

Incidentally, suggest reading Gitomer's Little Red Book- unconventional applications to approaching your job search> http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/75890.Little_Red_Book_of_...

[pm24601]

Not true. Any number of positions that I am looking for management (i.e. the candidate has 5+ years of sw dev experience) specify a BS as a requirement. I read this as the filtering software filters out non-degreed professionals.

[loopbit]

As someone that is 37 and hasn't got a degree, I can tell you that most of those requirements are bullshit. Send the CV, get an interview and prove the interviewers that you are capable of taking the responsibility.

And yes, I've been in managerial positions, from team lead all the way up to director of engineering for several multinationals. Most of the positions listed a BS (or even MSc) as requirement.

[gvb]

Its the "flunky HR functionaries" that apply those filters. As recommended by many others, network and bypass them.