&gt; Scared because I don&#x27;t have a degree and at 30 I&#x27;m competing with younger, new grads.<p>The degree piece is almost ALWAYS an issue with flunky HR functionaries.  Not so much for the Hiring Executive, he&#x27;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.<p>Incidentally,  suggest reading Gitomer&#x27;s Little Red Book- unconventional applications to approaching your job search&gt; <a href="http:&#x2F;&#x2F;www.goodreads.com&#x2F;book&#x2F;show&#x2F;75890.Little_Red_Book_of_Selling" rel="nofollow">http:&#x2F;&#x2F;www.goodreads.com&#x2F;book&#x2F;show&#x2F;75890.Little_Red_Book_of_...</a>