I'm applying for a job that requires a bachelors degree, I graduate in December will this be a problem?

Question

As far as a background check is concerned? Will they check education? I'm overly qualified and the hiring manager loves me I'm pretty sure I'm going to get the job. I finished all my classes over the summer and decided to file for graduation in December so that I can participate in the ceremony. Will this hinder my job if I am hired? Or if they see that I am on file to graduate and completed everything will it be fine? I'd just have to provide proof of graduation by the graduation date or better yet have them verify with the registrars office that I am indeed complete with everything and will graduate. Or does it depend on the employer?

Thanks.

Answer 1

Be honest.  

Your employer deserves the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth.

If you put on your application "graduated in July", then you have a problem.

If you put "anticipated graduation date: December", and then explain in the interview that you have already completed the course work, and that you simply waited because you wanted to participate in the formalities, then you shouldn't have a problem.

Answer 2

This is easy.

You tell the guy who likes you that you have completed all coursework, but that you officially scheduled the graduation ceremony for December.

ASK him/her if you need to notify anybody of this in the paperwork so the background check will be all neat and proper.

Trust me - they can handle this without a problem.  

Answer 3

It definitely depends on the employer. I've seen some companies who learn that their candidate has not *yet* received their degree, and they have to move onto the next candidate as their policy requires that the candidate must have actually received it.

Then, I've seen other employers who are much more lenient and hire candidates who are just a few credits away from receiving it.

With either employer situation, do not put that you have received your degree on your application as it is invalid information and can look terrible (unless you explain the situation to the recruiter and they advise you to go ahead and place it on your final application).

Good luck :)

Answer 4

Omitting information will make you look bad, so just stick with being honest and let them know exactly where you are at with your education and graduation.  Not having your bachelors will only hinder your job if they feel the need to make it a requirement that you have that degree before your hire date so, yes, it depends on the employer.  Since your manager loves you, this may be a moot point.  However, if they require some form of proof, they would specify exactly what they need -- you just need to provide them with the information and let them tell you what to provide from there.  Good luck! :)

Answer 5

Honestly, I think the only thing you can do is talk to the hiring manager about it!

It's his/her decision and you would just have to talk to them.

Answer 6

So much depends upon the employer.  Some must see a copy of the diploma, some are willing to hire without a degree as long as the coursework is completed, and some just don't care and would never do a background check.

First, check with the registrar's office about getting listed as a graduate on your transcript now, before you walk.  Usually, this involves filling out a simple application.  It is not the first time that someone missed the spring graduation, yet has completed the requirements over the summer semester.  Walking is just a ceremony - you should be allowed to do that, regardless of what date you completed your degree.  This would alleviate some of your concern right away.  

Regardless, be honest with your potential employer.  I would list my graduation date as 2008 on my resume (without listing a month), but be certain to mention during the interview that the coursework was completed over the summer and that the ceremony is in December.  I would even bring a copy of my transcript with me - one less step for the employer, and shows initiative on your part.

Answer 7

Be honest and get your name out there now. Put that you have it on the application. If it's required they will scan for it and throw away any applications with out it. Make a note telling the trueth.

Answer 8

Just be honest. On your resume include your graduation date (december) and make it clear that you are available to work now.

Many companies will hire on a contingency basis. They may pay you less until graduation, then give you a raise. And they may can you if you don't receive your degree this year. Just talk it out with the hiring manager. It should be fine. Just don't lie about it and say you have graduated when you haven't, since your transcripts won't back you up.

Answer 9

You must tell them your graduation date is December 2008.  Yes, they WILL check.  Tell them what you wrote here.  The courses are complete, you will get the diploma effective December.