Applying when you dont meet all the requirements for a job

Applying when you dont meet all the requirements for a jobEver come across a job youre keen on but decide not to apply because you couldnt check off every item on the requirements list? Many of us (women especially, according to internal research by Hewlett-Packard) tend to shy away from putting our resumes forward if our qualifications are less than perfect for a role. And while some explain this away as a confidence issue, a survey reported on by Harvard Business Review showed that a good 41% to 46% of people dont apply for positions theyre not 100% qualified for because they believe that the listed job criteria are tischset in stone, and they dont want to waste time and energy if they dont have a chance. googletag.cmd.push(function() googletag.display(div-gpt-ad-1467144145037-0) ) But the truth is, its not often that hiring managers will insist that every requirement is met. In fact, field experts will tell you that a job description is usually just a bold act of optimism and wis hful thinking on the part of a recruiter, who doesnt honestly believe that such a dream candidate even exists. Its much like the search for a romantic partner wed all like to find someone who ticks boxes X, Y, and Z, but wed probably settle for a match with just X and a little Y.So, should you apply for that role that doesnt quite align with your experience? It depends, but you definitely shouldnt dismiss the possibility too quickly. To decide whether its worthwhile applying when you dont meet all the requirements, ask yourself these questions. And if the answer to most is yes, go for it. (And if you think youll need help revamping your resume to the job ad specifications, consider putting a free resume builder to work.)Questions to Ask Yourself When Youre Missing a Few Qualifications Do I satisfy the non-negotiable criteria? Therell likely be a lot of fluff in the job description bonus requirements, you might call them but therell also be certain must-haves that are key to a cand idates ability to do the job. Figure out what these essentials are, and if youre confident you possess them, then go ahead and apply. Remember, you can always grow into the nice-to-haves.Am I confident I can do the job? Read the posting carefully and try to envision what the successful candidate would do on a daily basis. Based on this, think about whether the role is one you genuinely believe you can take on, and whether youre confident you could quickly fill any gaps. Youll know deep down whether youre capable despite your shortcomings or whether youre aiming too high.Am I a good overall match? Answering this one also requires some thorough research into the company culture, the hiring manager, and the team youd work with. Employers regularly hire candidates that feel like a good fit, even if they dont satisfy all the criteria. So, if you can clearly communicate why youre an outstanding match based on the geschftslebens values, goals, and working environment, you could potentiall y make up for the fact that youre wanting in other departments.Does the job genuinely excite me? Its important to be realistic here no matter how much the prospect of being a pilot thrills you, youre not going to get the job if youve never flown a plane. But if youre more or less qualified and youre really enthusiastic about the job and the organization, this will hopefully come across in your application and help to compensate for the few qualifications you lack.Do I have transferable skills relevant to the role? These are competencies you developed in former roles that transfer well to new (unrelated) positions soft skills, for example, like the ability to communicate clearly and work well in a team. Analyze the posting and make connections between your skillset and the strengths theyd like a hire to have. If you can show that you possess many of the required abilities, even if you have insufficient technical knowledge, you have a higher chance of being considered for the role.P lanning to Apply? Keep These Tips in Mind So, youve answered yes to most of the above, and youve decided to apply. Follow this advice to up your chances of landing an interview.Perfect your cover letterIf youre thinking about applying when you dont meet all the requirements, then youre going to need a strong cover letter. Use it to highlight your transferable skills and the unique value you could offer, rather than focusing on what you lack. Be sure to also convey your passion for the position, your confidence in your ability to do the job, and your commitment to hitting the ground running.Use the right keywords Take note of the kind of language thats used in the job ad and pepper your resume and cover letter with identical industry-specific phrases (while still being honest). This way, you can work the system to your advantage and get your application through keyword-reliant applicant tracking systems (ATSs) and into human hands.Connect with an insiderWhen the odds are stacked agai nst you, your best chances at success lie with having the right connections. Dont know anyone at the company? Check LinkedIn to be sure. Still nothing? Then research relevant names and reach out to them to ask (politely) if you can send through a few questions or better yet, meet over coffee. Once youve established a connection who can make introductions, youre a lot closer to securing your dream position, and it starts to matter less that you dont meet every requirement.LiveCareeroffers assistance to jobseekers at every step of the journey. Access freeresume templatesandresume examples, plus acover letter builderand advice on how to answerinterview questionsof all stripes.