Applying for jobs you aren't quite qualified for

[don242]

Is it bad to apply to jobs where you fir most of the job requirements but are short on some qualifications?

I have applied for a position that I feel I could do. I got called for an interview but the closer I look at the job I realize I am severely lacking in one of the required qualifications. I feel that in no way my resume even suggested I met that qualification so I am a little surprised they called me.

[Odysseus_Maximus]

Just wing it ...

[djphat]

Yeah don't worry about it. Be comfortable and ask lots of questions. I hope you like the job! :)

[SW20 MR2]

IMO, the fact that you got a call for an interview shows that you have some marketable characteristics. Just go in there and do your thing. Unless there is some type of designation required (ie. CA, MD, P.Eng, etc), most "requirements" are just general guidelines anyways.

[Sylvestre]

it depends.
Remember, a list of requirements isn't always a must, it's just a wish list. Few if any people will have 100%. What matters is how much you have.
Now, obviously, if you totally lack the main skill they want, it's pointless (e.g. if they say they want .Net and you don't know it)

Most jobs are written after a manager describes the position and wish list to HR, so take them with a grain of salt.

[fireguy9]

employers don't always fill the wish list. If not,,,, they take what they can get as close to the list as possible,,, and like a apprentice,, they train you!

[ritzcritz8]

I have a friend who applied for a job he clearly wasn't qualified for. In the end, he got the job with a 50% pay increase.

In some cases, even if the firm knows that you're not qualified, they may still hire you at a lower salary if they believe in you (which provides a great learning opportunity for you)

I say, try it. The job market is tight right now & you never know what's going to happen. Good luck!

[IronMac]

Definitely go for it. Companies make up, for their qualifications' list, what kids make up for Santa Claus every year.

[don242]

Thanks everyone. I am definatley going to the interview and will do my best. I fully believe I could do the job so I am not worried about that. It does make the interview a little more difficult since they will probably ask some questions that I have no idea about (though I have been reading what I can on the weak area).

It has just been strange since I haven't had any calls for jobs at my level. The two I have had so far have been for positions above my level by a number of steps. Guess it makes me wonder if I should tone down my resume for the positions that are about my level.

[Neovingian]

I totally agree with what some people have already stated. I have friends in HR and here is what advice they had to give me over the years, on applying for jobs I wasn't qualified for at the time:

- Sure you've heard it a million times, but who you know is more important than what you know.
- Confidence matters a lot, even if your not qualified for the position your applying for, be confident in yourself, since no one wants to hire overqualified loser with no confidence. So work on eye contact and had shake.
- Also depending on the position, statistically, Male interviewers tend to hire Men, Females tend to hire more Women. So adjust your behaviour accordingly during teh interview.
- Also the qualifications list is more like a checklist & not carved in stone, they select the candidates for interviews who seem like the best fit & have most of the qualifications. Often times many jobs list qualifications that are not in the dept. For example, speaking a 2nd or 3rd language, or having certain degrees. They may be looking to bring new skills to their group/dept so they may add other qualifications that may not be required to doing the job.
- Also making casual conversation with other HR staff while waiting for your interview, can also help.
- This last bit of advice I was given is tricky & may not apply to all types of interviews, but you want to stand out from all other candidates & want then interviers to remember you. This may include giving creative repsonses to curve ball questions, doing something out of the ordinary like ask for a card, or as simple be over dressed, but not flamboyant. This helps. Based on this advice I've got 3 jobs like this, because I stood out.

Good Luck!

[mapleflag]

OP, I also agree with above posters; being interviewed means you meet some of the required qualifications. And the fact that you're reading up on the area where you find yourself weak shows another point in your favour. Good luck!

[Woofy]

I just went for an interview today for a job that I really want. The only problem was that the hiring manager was looking for someone who has more experience, and can jump straight into the job.

I told him to let me present my case to him, and proceeded to tell him that when I first saw this job posting, I was very excited, because I know I can excel in this position. It is a job that will allow me to bring together all the skills that I've acquired so far in all my different roles, tie them together, let me perform optimally, and further develop all these skills.

And I told him that when he hire me, he will not be just hiring someone who can eventually do an excellent job (after the training), but someone who will always put in her best. He seem to like my determination and resilience.

Here's hoping that he will take a chance on the experience criteria, and give me the opportunity. :razz:

[Audiogenic]

The key to determine which are must haves and which are nice to have and go from there.

Remember, the reason why you get an interview in the first place is DIFFERENT than the reason why one is hired. You are interviewed because you qualify, whereas you score the position because you are seen as a good fit or a good opportunity.

[don242]

Again, thanks everyone for the advice and comments.

Another question, sort of related but different. What about applying for a position that you meet the requirments for (ie. managerial position) but it is in an industry you don't have any experience in?

I was expanding my search to other industries but I would obviously lack the specific industry experience for those positions.

[SW20 MR2]

Transferable skills are extremely important. If you are able to do something in one industry, chances are you can do it in another. Now, if you're talking about a very specialized niche industry, then you may be SOL. However, if you're moving from something like selling food products to sellingtoys, I don't see a problem. Being able to sell is more important.

I work in a major financial institution, and I have seen new hires come from both other major banks as well as industries such as technology, consulting, etc.

Again, thanks everyone for the advice and comments.

Another question, sort of related but different. What about applying for a position that you meet the requirments for (ie. managerial position) but it is in an industry you don't have any experience in?

I was expanding my search to other industries but I would obviously lack the specific industry experience for those positions.

[Gold Monkey]

Remember to send a thank you email or letter.

[Wanker]

I applied for a job I wasn't qualified for and I was hired.

I had worked for a private company as a bookkeeper. I was trained on the job and had very little post secondary education.

I applied at a CA firm for an accounting technician position. I was interviewed by another accounting technician, the HR manager and one of the partners. I was told that even though I lacked formal education I had an amazing attitude. Everything else I needed to know to perform the job they would teach me.

Since being hired I have completed the first year of the CGA program. and after 9 months I received a 15% raise.

[ian1386]

Every boss I've had has told me that they don't hire solely on what knowledge the applicant already has...even if you don't know something, if you seem like a smart person there's a good chance that you can learn whatever you need to know.