Don't they decide that based on what you were like in the interview?
Admittedly, it's down to more than simply whether you seem confident in your own competence, but still, there's definitely some degree of skill involved, I'd say.
( Moon Girl Technologies horrendous beanbag, Mon 11 May 2009, 22:53, archived)

The decision is usually made within the first 30 seconds - the rest of it is, for the most part, irrelevant.

( The Mock TurtIe ™ --- Thinks you are a cunt, on, Mon 11 May 2009, 22:55, archived)

Yes but based on how you come across in the interview during those 30 seconds.
Although I guess your physical appearance might have something to do with it to some extent, which there isn't a lot you can do about, but I've seen ugly people with jobs.
( Moon Girl Technologies horrendous beanbag, Mon 11 May 2009, 22:57, archived)

It's a nice bit of social partitioning for sure, especially now as there are no qualifications below a Ph.D that actually hold any weight.

( The Mock TurtIe ™ --- Thinks you are a cunt, on, Mon 11 May 2009, 23:01, archived)

The one I just applied for
was only asking for a grade C in GCSE English, and one other subject.

I reckon this 30 seconds thing is actually just a lot of management training twaddle. They talk a lot of high-octane shit, that lot.
( Moon Girl Technologies horrendous beanbag, Mon 11 May 2009, 23:02, archived)

Depends on the job, I'm pretty sure.
Also, there are plenty of non-academic qualifications that are of value.
( MooCow_Byter, Mon 11 May 2009, 23:44, archived)