The Unseen Barriers of Hiring Practices in France

In France, the BAC (Baccalauréat) has always been a gatekeeper in the job market, often overshadowing the true potential of candidates. As someone who has lived and worked in the UK for thirty years, I’ve experienced firsthand how qualifications can sometimes hold less weight than actual skills and experience. Despite having a CAP in Graphic Design and a diverse career path—including roles as a buyer and bookkeeper, followed by developer and manager, along with running my own web design company since 2006—I find myself facing an uphill battle in the French job market.

Many job listings explicitly state a minimum requirement of BAC + 2, and more often than not, I receive no response to my applications. It appears that employers glance at the qualifications section of my CV and make quick judgements, disregarding my extensive experience. This focus on formal education rather than skills creates a frustrating disconnect, particularly when so many capable individuals are overlooked simply because they don’t fit a narrow definition of “qualified.”

This emphasis on the BAC can lead to an unfortunate perception: that those without this qualification are somehow less intelligent or capable. Such assumptions can be detrimental, reinforcing stereotypes and limiting opportunities for qualified individuals who possess valuable skills and insights.

The irony is palpable. Out of desperation, I currently work as a cleaner in an office, surrounded by people who might not see my potential because of a piece of paper I don’t have. This reality raises important questions about the hiring practices that prioritise traditional education over real-world capabilities. My experience in this role, while not ideal, I was told, showcases resilience and adaptability—skills that should be of great interest to employers.

Despite the slow changes in mentality, many still cling to the BAC + 2 standard without questioning it. Ironically, those enforcing this mentality often possess the BAC themselves, which to me indicates a certain lack of critical thinking. This unwillingness to reconsider long-standing beliefs about qualifications perpetuates a cycle that undermines both individual potential and the effectiveness of the job market.

The history of professional diplomas like the BEP (Brevet d’études professionnelles) is a case in point. Once a highly regarded qualification for skilled workers, the BEP was gradually disqualified and replaced by the CAP (Certificat d’aptitude professionnelle). The shift in focus and value of these diplomas reflects an educational policy that has been inconsistent over the years, leaving many people uncertain about the true value of their qualifications. In the past, it was often assumed that students who failed academically were directed towards a CAP or BEP. While this may have been true for some, it certainly wasn’t the case for all. I personally chose to pursue a CAP in Graphic Design because I wanted to follow my passion, and Corvisart, the school I attended, was a renowned institution for this field.

Yet, the emphasis on the BAC remains rigid, showing that change in perception is slow and often misguided.

In my pursuit of opportunities in France, I recently applied for a position teaching English to children through practical, situational learning. The approach the company offered was engaging and innovative, aiming to immerse the children in real-life scenarios to practise their English skills.

When the employer called, she explicitly told me how disappointed she was that she couldn’t hire me, despite my strong English skills and enthusiasm for the role. However, her hands were tied by strict hiring policies; they only employ individuals with a BAC, and given their compliance checks, I simply didn’t fit the criteria.

This experience crystallised for me the rigid nature of hiring practices in France. Here was a chance for an innovative, capable teacher to inspire young minds, but instead, the focus on a single qualification led to a missed opportunity for everyone involved. It underscores the necessity for change in how we view qualifications and readiness for work.

As I navigate this challenging terrain, I hold onto hope that change is possible. It’s time for a shift in mindset—a recognition that experience, creativity, and resilience matter just as much as formal qualifications. After all, the true measure of readiness for work lies not in the certifications we hold, but in the skills we bring to the table.