A degree is not decisive in every application. Some roles require a specific qualification; elsewhere, employers use it as an indication of knowledge or level. Establish which applies before ruling yourself out.
I would make the question concrete: what task must you perform, and what evidence does the employer need?
Requirement or preference?
Read phrases such as “required”, “or equivalent experience” and “training provided” carefully. If unclear, ask: “Is this qualification necessary to perform the role, or do you also assess demonstrated experience?” For regulated professions, check official entry requirements. Experience does not automatically replace mandatory recognition.
Show what you can do
Connect each important task with an example. Explain what you did, which equipment or system you used and your responsibility. Include relevant training and valid certificates. Share work examples only where permitted and remove confidential information.
A fill-in example: “I do not hold the requested qualification. I have carried out [task] in [context], with responsibility for [part]. For [missing skill], I would like to discuss the training needed.”
What if you have little experience?
Use relevant examples from education, placements, volunteering or personal projects, clearly stating the context. Ask what support is available and what you must know before starting. The guide to finding work without experience helps develop those examples.
When should you look for another route?
If a necessary qualification is missing, explore training or a related entry-level role. If it is a preference and you can demonstrate the core tasks, a targeted application may be worthwhile. Adapt your application to the actual requirements. Never claim a qualification or certificate you do not hold.
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