Apply for Jobs You’re Not 100% Qualified For

75% is enough to get your foot in the door

Photo by Tumisu on Pixabay

Are you holding back from applying for jobs because you don’t meet every requirement listed in the job description?

Let’s be honest: we all fall into this. I must admit I succumbed to my little imposter syndrome too many times. I saw an open role on LinkedIn and said to myself “I probably won’t even get an interview anyways”.

I was convinced that I had to meet every single item listed in the job posting before I could even consider applying. Gosh, so many jobs I’ve avoided applying for. It wasn’t until years later that I learned most job descriptions are more like a wishlist than a set of uncompromising criteria.

Evidently, I missed out on some excellent opportunities by not applying for positions just because I didn’t meet all the requirements.

In this post, I want to discuss why you should apply for jobs even if you don’t fulfil the requirements and hopefully offer some helpful advice on how to make yourself stand out as a great candidate regardless.

Let’s first understand the idea behind job advertisements.

You must have come across those lengthy adverts even for entry-level positions. Lists of all sorts of skills, qualifications and responsibilities: all triggering our sweet little imposter syndrome.

The truth is employers tend to list a range of qualifications and skills that they would like their ideal candidate to have. However, it’s very rare that one single candidate will possess all of those qualifications and skills.

HR is well aware of that.

In fact, to reel in a larger number of candidates, certain recruiters include additional requirements in their job postings, even if they aren’t truly necessary. They just want a bigger pool to choose from.

So, you shouldn’t automatically assume you’re not a good fit, just because you don’t check all the boxes. After all, the employer is not just looking for a set of skills, they’re looking for a real person who can contribute to their team and culture. And, we may always adapt and fit into a role regardless of the boxes we check.

Not all requirements are created equal. Some are must-haves, while others are just nice-to-haves. Look for keywords that show up multiple times or seem to be emphasized.

Assess your own skills and experiences in relation to the job requirements. There’s a useful method that job seekers can use to evaluate their qualifications called the stoplight method. This colour coding system provides a visual representation of the job seeker’s level of proficiency in each required skill or qualification.

Red means you don’t have a particular skill or requirement, yellow means you kinda-sorta have it but probably need some improvement, and green means you’re good to go!

If your visual is 75% green and yellow, go ahead and apply for the job.

The existence of red bits should not scare you off. But you should not ignore them either.

There are ways you can compensate for the skills or qualifications you may lack and make yourself a good candidate for the position.

1. Count internships as part of your experience: Don’t dismiss the value of internships or volunteer work. Especially if you’re a recent graduate, such experiences can prove your skills and knowledge in the field.
2. Don’t skip a cover letter: A cover letter can be used to explain how you can compensate for the skills or experience you lack. Use this as a medium to show that you are committed to developing skills you may lack and that you welcome the opportunity to grow and add to the company.
3. Network: Connecting with people who can vouch for your skills and potential can often help you overcome the “experience gap” even if you don’t have the experience.
4. Focus on your strengths: While drafting your resume or cover letter, don’t fixate on the qualifications you don’t have. Focus on the skills and experiences that make you a great fit for the role.
5. Show you are willing to learn: Express your eagerness to learn in your cover letter and during interviews. Emphasize previous experiences where you had to adapt to new situations or technologies. Show your curiosity and enthusiasm to take on new challenges.

Don’t let a job posting with a never-ending list of qualifications discourage you. Instead, emphasize the skills and experiences that you do have and explain how they make you a great fit for the role.

Don’t wait until you’re 100% qualified for a job to apply. If you can already do everything they’re asking, it might not be the best move for your career.

So don’t hold back — take that leap and go for the job that’s going to help you grow and succeed!