Companies are looking more now than ever for that “magical” employee. One that will somehow turn everything around and work for nothing....IF that company has the guts to hire anyone FULL TIME. No longer do you just walk in and talk to an HR person. A minimum of two interviews conducted by a committee of two or more persons over a period of several days. Even temps go through this.
Companies are afraid to just hire and if it doesn’t work out, fire anyone.
You are correct. I am currently writing an article for our local HR association here in Houston on this very thing.
It's going to get worse in some areas as the candidate pool grows.
As for the topic of the thread, I've found that a combination of degree and experience are preferred, and if degree/no degree - experience is preferred. You can always get the degree later.