Jason Shen: Looking for a job? Highlight your ability, not your experience

Looking for a job? Highlight your ability, not your experience

Very few of us hold jobs that line up directly with our past experiences or what we studied in college. Take TED Resident Jason Shen; he studied biology but later became a product manager at a tech company. In this quick, insightful talk about human potential, Shen shares some new thinking on how job seekers can make themselves more attractive -- and why employers should look for ability over credentials.

Most people never land a job that matches their college degree, and only a quarter of graduates work in their field of study. Outdated hiring practices cause companies to overlook those with unconventional backgrounds, missing out on remarkable talent. By valuing demonstration over pedigree, more people can rise above initial rejection and prove their abilities. Highlighting real skills, not just experience, opens the door to a broader, more dynamic workforce.