How to get hired even without all the qualifications
Q: When job searching, I find many positions open. However, I do not have the exact qualifications listed on the job posting. It seems like employers are looking for people with specialized skills, which leads me to believe everyone else is going after the same jobs. Should I even apply for jobs where I do not meet all criteria?
A: Your question is one that most job candidates encounter when searching for positions that fit their background and experience. Seeing an abundance of job openings and feeling like you are not getting anywhere with your search can lead to overlooking good opportunities. Depending on your field, job postings can be like “wish lists” of experiences, skills, and qualifications that would make up the ideal candidate. Most employers know that finding a candidate with the same number of qualifications is often unrealistic and takes time.
If the position requires certifications, licenses, or qualifications necessary to perform the job, then that is a different story. In your case, specialized skills could be acquired if you have experience in other areas they mentioned. A couple of questions worth considering: How will it hurt if you apply if you have most of the skills listed in the job description? What is the worst that can happen if you apply?
If you are interested in a posting, consider the skills and qualifications listed and connect them to your work history.
Think about the skills you have used throughout your career and how they relate to the job description. Review keywords and skills mentioned in the posting. If you have the skills, use them on your application and resume.
The challenge most people face when conducting a job search is the uncertainty of knowing their resume or application is being reviewed by an employer. When there is a lack of communication, you can imagine how many people must be applying for the same position and what skills you lack versus those you have.
Learning to network will increase your chances of landing a good career and help you stand out. Building rapport with those who could connect you to someone inside the company often gives you information about the work culture and what it takes to succeed there.
You can get hired even though you might not have all the qualifications, but be realistic that you need to use many channels to gather more knowledge about the employer. Avoid comparisons over who must be applying for the same positions and ocus on what you bring to the employer.
Kimberly Thompson, M.Ed., is a national board-certified counselor and career coach. Send questions to kim@careerrescue.com or visit her blog at chron.com/jobs.