Often in a job search, personality and attitude can compensate for a multitude of things, and
not having all the listed criteria doesn’t have to be the end. It can be easy to avoid applying
for your dream job if you don’t tick every box on the job description. You may feel like you
don’t have a chance at getting it if you’re missing some of the listed requirements, but don’t
let that put you off. Often job descriptions are written by hiring mangers outlining their ideal
candidate, which may or may not exist, and to weed out those that are vastly underqualified
or unsuitable for the role. The hirer just wants to know that you have the confidence to
compete with those who do fill the listed criteria.
Of course it’s important to assess just how underqualified you are, and be realistic. However,
think about whether you would be able to perform the duties listed, despite whether you
have experience in them or not. If you feel confident that you could successfully and
confidently fulfil the duties and learn what you don’t yet know, then go for it. After all, if you’re
not ambitious in your target jobs and only stick to the ones you’re currently qualified for on
paper, you’ll never progress or expand your skill set.
Attitude
We have talked a bit on this blog about attitude and how the right attitude is one of the most
important qualities a candidate can have in their job search. A positive and proactive attitude
can carry you further than any qualification, and indeed, applying for a job slightly above
your experience level may demonstrate this.
Sell Yourself
Your cover letter is where you sell yourself, as it can be impossible to present a clear and
concise yet totally comprehensive CV. The cover letter is where you tell the company why
you are the perfect match for the job and why they should hire you. Often job descriptions
are written for best case scenarios and companies will be looking for candidates confident in
their ability to execute the duties. Submitting a tailored CV and suitable cover letter for the
job is your first step. The goal here is to get an interview. Once this happens you’re already
half way there.
Preparation is Everything
Being fully prepared for the interview is vital so that you put your best foot forward. It’s one
thing writing a convincing cover letter but backing that up at the interview is the hard part. It
is however, completely achievable. Know your CV and experience inside out. That might
sound ridiculous as it’s your CV and your past, but it’s surprising how easy it is to forget the
details once you’ve moved on to a new position, or leave out a relevant achievement that
you’ve forgotten about. Spend time going through your experience, and preparing solid
examples to back it up. Preparation is vital to ensure you make a favourable impression and
give yourself the best chance at being successful in the interview. There are some very
typical questions that are usually asked, such as ‘tell me about yourself’, or ‘describe a time
when you showed leadership’, so it is advisable to prepare an answer to these in advance.
With such high competition for jobs, many candidates feel underqualified for positions that
they could be very successful at. This is why it is important not to take job descriptions as
the last word. There is room to show how you are the best person for the job, you just have
to put the effort in to all aspects of the application process. If it is your dream job, then it
really is worth it.