For a long time, a degree was a key criterion in recruitment. Today, many people argue the opposite, claiming that experience and practical skills are more important. However, according to a survey conducted by your job board, Moovijob.com, in 2025, 24% of recruiters consider a degree to be essential.
So, does a degree still play a major role in hiring, or is it losing ground to other factors such as experience and soft skills?
A degree: once an essential passport to employment
A few years ago, there were significantly fewer graduates than today, making a degree a real asset in the job market. Holding a qualification demonstrated the acquisition of specific skills and knowledge in a field, immediately setting a candidate apart in the hiring process.
However, the situation has changed. With education becoming more accessible, more and more people are graduating, leading to an influx of highly qualified candidates in the job market. Many talents today hold a higher academic level than that required for their position. As a result, having a degree is no longer enough to stand out... candidates must showcase their skills in other ways!
The rise of soft skills and work experience
Recruiters are increasingly looking for specific skills and hands-on experience. One of the main criticisms of degrees today is their disconnection from the reality of the job market.
Many companies feel that academic training is too theoretical and does not sufficiently prepare students for the challenges of the professional world. Consequently, the importance of degrees is gradually diminishing in favour of soft skills and experience.
In response to these criticisms, degrees are gradually evolving to better align with job market expectations. More and more schools and universities are integrating mandatory internships or offering work-study programmes, allowing students to gain valuable experience.
In the meantime, recruiters rely on other factors beyond degrees when assessing candidates, particularly soft skills. Versatility, autonomy, creativity, and adaptability are highly sought after, especially in small businesses and start-ups. In Luxembourg, recruiters tend to favour candidates with strong language skills, as the country has three official languages: Luxembourgish, French, and German. Linguistic diversity is therefore essential for effective communication with colleagues, clients, and partners. Being multilingual not only facilitates job market integration but also meets the demands of a professional environment where daily interactions occur in multiple languages.
Of course, professional experience remains the ultimate proof of an individual’s ability to apply their knowledge in real-world situations.
"Degrees are essential in nearly all fields – healthcare, construction, finance, education, communication… But they are still just a theoretical foundation. Experience is crucial for deepening knowledge and growing professionally." – explains a recruitment consultant at Hays.
But how can recruiters assess candidates without relying on their degrees? Structured interviews allow employers to analyse a candidate’s skills and motivation. However, this method requires a clear definition of the hard and soft skills needed for the role.
As a reminder, hard skills refer to technical and specialised abilities acquired through education or professional experience, such as programming, accounting, or foreign language proficiency.
Soft skills, on the other hand, relate to personal and interpersonal abilities, such as leadership, communication, or teamwork. These are essential for integration and progression in a professional environment.
Experience vs. Degree: Where is the balance?
According to a Moovijob.com survey conducted in 2025, 24% of recruiters consider degrees essential, while 40% believe they are important but can be compensated by experience. Thus, while a degree provides fundamental knowledge and a structured approach, it is rarely the decisive factor in hiring. For many employers, a qualification is a good foundation, but long-term success depends more on practical application and experience.
Additionally, the importance of qualifications varies greatly by industry. Some fields, such as sales, communication, and IT, prioritise experience and practical skills over academic credentials. For example, a candidate with a bachelor’s degree in communication and five years of professional experience may be just as valued as a master’s graduate with no prior experience.
Conversely, in sectors where formal education is a prerequisite, such as healthcare, engineering, finance, or law, degrees remain indispensable.
But does this mean that an experienced candidate without a degree has fewer chances of being hired? It ultimately depends on the employer’s recruitment policy. Some companies prioritise experience, as highlighted by a recruitment consultant:
"Twenty years ago, degrees were not the same as today. Experience can make up for a lack of qualifications, as long as the candidate knows how to showcase it on their CV and in interviews."
Another recruiter adds a different perspective: "I prioritise relevant experience over degrees. But if my company decides to hire only master’s graduates, then, all else being equal, we will always choose the candidate with the right qualification."
The future of degrees: Essential or outdated?
Once again, opinions remain divided.
Some argue that degrees will lose significance over time. With technological advancements and the rise of online trainings (MOOCs, e-learning, artificial intelligence), hard skills may become more accessible, diminishing the value of traditional qualifications in recruitment.
Others believe that degrees will remain crucial or even become more important. As access to education becomes easier, qualifications may gain more value, particularly in highly specialised professions requiring a solid academic foundation.
At Moovijob.com, we encourage candidates to highlight their experiences and willingness to learn – key factors for professional success. Entering the job market at an entry-level position does not mean staying there indefinitely. With dedication, perseverance, and a proactive mindset, internal growth and career advancement are entirely possible. Employers appreciate motivated individuals who take initiative and continuously develop their skills.
In some cases, career progression may also involve changing companies to take on greater responsibilities or expand expertise. The key is to remain proactive, keep learning, and seize new opportunities as they arise.
In a constantly evolving job market, the trend appears to be shifting towards skills-based recruitment rather than solely relying on degrees. However, for young graduates or career changers, obtaining a degree remains an undeniable advantage when taking the first steps in the professional world. The question is whether the quality of these diplomas has evolved over time and if they still meet the expectations of the job market.
Explore all job, training, and internship opportunities in Luxembourg on Moovijob.com.
