Sometimes, Hiring managers have to write a description that will instantaneously attract people to apply, and yet ward off those who don’t qualify for an interview.
Have you heard stories of a person who “met all of the qualifications” being passed over in the final stages, for someone who “seemed like a better fit?”
Probably so—because a company would much rather hire the candidate with two years of experience, who seems like he/she could hit the ground running, over someone with the requisite five years who failed to demonstrate strong communication skills.
So what’s a job seeker who doesn’t quite meet all the requirements in a position description to do?
Here are three steps you can follow:
Step 1: Are you willing to get this job
The question is, “Do you want the job?” or even, “How much do you want the job?” It doesn’t matter how passionate you are about working in a construction company—if the job requires driving a truck, and you only have a class 1 licence, you’re not qualified. Similarly, it doesn’t matter how fascinating you find a company, you shouldn’t apply for a job running its website, for example, if you don’t have any of the technical skills required.
If you only apply for jobs where you fit the description exactly, you’re not giving yourself any room to grow. New positions shouldn’t be the same job in a different company, but should be ones where you have most of the skills, and then can learn and grow and expand into the additional responsibilities. Don’t stunt your growth and development, you’ll have a more accurate sense of what you have to offer versus what skills you may be lacking.
Step 2: Ignore “Bonus” Requirements
Hiring Managers know they will be hard pressed to find someone with absolutely all of the qualifications they are seeking. Job descriptions are often a wish list of skills and qualifications. If you have 50 to 75 percent of what the description is asking for, apply!
Listing requirements for a “dream applicant”—e.g., a list of advanced computer skills, for a job that primarily requires hands-on interaction with kids. Companies aren’t going to stall the hiring process until the dream applicant rambles in—solid, qualified applicants (like you!) get interviews, too. Just focus your application on all of the core skills you do have.
Step 3: Use the Magic Words
Sometimes the required skills you are missing don’t fit into either of the above categories: While it’s not a deal-breaker, they will factor into the job, and they’re more than icing on the cake. First things first, do not write the “I know I don’t have the right experience, but…” cover letter.
Lily Zhang advises to use: transferrable skills. Yes, I think the term “transferrable skills” has magical job-search powers that shouldn’t be underestimated. Why? Because a critical piece of the application process is connecting the dots between the experience you already possess, and that which the position calls for.
Try this cover letter template, which focuses more on the skills you do have, than the specific experiences you don’t.
If you’re interested in a role and could see yourself doing a great job, don’t let a few missing qualifications stop you from applying. You could be the best person for the job, and applying is the only way you’ll know. Apply, apply, apply!
