Should I Apply For a Job I'm Not Qualified For?
Applying for a job can be daunting, especially when you’re concerned about not meeting all the job requirements.
Everyone worries about this and it’s not common for someone to meet every requirement listed on a job specification.
We’ll explore the pros and cons to help you figure out whether you should apply for a role you’re not qualified for.
The pros of applying for a role you’re not qualified for
There are a variety of benefits to applying for a role you don’t necessarily have the required skills for, including:
Opportunity for growth
Applying for a job that you’re not necessarily qualified for can be an opportunity for personal and professional growth, as you can gain new skills and experience if you are offered the job. This will in turn help you advance your career and improve your chances of gaining higher roles in the future.
Standing out from the crowd
You may stand out from the crowd if you prove that you have relevant skills, qualifications and experience, even if they don’t directly match the job description. Employers may also find you a more attractive candidate, as you’ve shown willingness and determination in your application.
Networking
Even if you don’t get the role you apply for, it’s a great networking opportunity, as the employer may consider other vacancies that you are a better fit for, keep your application on record for upcoming jobs . They may also be able to provide further feedback on where you can improve to help you gain future roles.
What are the cons of applying for a job you’re not qualified for?
It’s great to be ambitious and apply for a role you really want but don’t necessarily have the skills for, however there are a few disadvantages that you should be aware of before applying, such as:
Time wasting
If you don’t meet any of the criteria on a job description, then applying may be a waste of time. Make sure you meet the majority of the criteria and be realistic about your chances of getting an interview.
Rejection
Rejection can affect your self-esteem if you’ve invested a lot of time into your application, however you shouldn’t let the negativity take over. Rejection can be hard but there are a lot of positives you can take away from it, such as:
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Learning where to improve in terms of your CV or interviewing techniques.
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Turning your improvements into a personal development plan.
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Building resilience and encouraging perseverance.
Tips for applying to a role you’re not qualified for
To help you prepare for applying to a job you may not be qualified for we’ve put together a few tips to help you:
Being honest
When submitting your application, be honest about your skills and experience. This means don’t lie about anything on your CV! Sharing your actual experience and capabilities also means that you won’t need to worry about being under qualified.
Tailoring your application
Tailoring your cover letter and CV to the job you're applying for will help you stand out from the crowd and highlight the relevant skills and experience you have.
Networking
When looking for jobs you can reach out to your network for any advice during the application process and to see if they or anyone else they know have any roles available for you.
Be willing to learn
If you are offered an interview, you should showcase your willingness to learn, as even though you may not be fully qualified, this is a skill that’s highly valued by recruiters.
