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There comes a time when you find your dream job that you aren’t quite qualified for. This shouldn’t discourage you from applying, but should motivate yourself to show the employer that you are the best person for the position. Follow these five steps to show employers that you have what it takes to do the job — even if you don’t meet every requirement.
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Your resume is the first thing a hiring manager will see when you apply. But what do you put on it if you don’t have any work experience? Professional work experience isn’t the only thing you can put on a resume, especially when starting out.
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For example, suppose you’ve done volunteer work, extracurricular activities, school projects, or internships. In that case, chances are you’ve developed valuable hard and soft skills you can bring with you to your first work experience.
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You don’t need precisely the same experience the job description asks for to be qualified for the role. For example, if you’re applying for a customer-facing sales role, your experience working at an ice cream shop can be valuable because you have to deal with customers daily.
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Your cover letter could be your secret weapon in snagging a job you’re underqualified for. If you don’t meet every single requirement, but feel confident that you would be a good fit, make sure to clearly show your enthusiasm in your cover letter to the employer.
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1. Emphasize the skills that you do have. Mention other strengths that could help you succeed in the position in a unique and positive way. Taking the time to personalize every cover letter you submit could make all the difference in getting picked for a job — or not.
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2. You want to show, not tell. If you have completed any other projects, either independently, for school, volunteering, or in another job, this is a good place to mention them. Show that you’re passionate about this field and would be thrilled in this position. Think about your unique skills and experiences as a starting point.
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3. Research the company culture. Try to align your cover letter based on what you discover. If you can bring a fresh perspective to a new job while understanding the overarching goals and values of the company, you’re sure to stand out in hiring managers’ minds.
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1. Think of the qualifications as a wish list rather than set-in-stone requirements. Instead of focusing on your shortcomings, direct your attention to what you can walk into the office and deliver on day one, and how your former work or volunteer experience could apply to the requirements.
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2. Think about skills you’ve gained from other jobs, internships, and volunteer positions and show how they’ve helped you complete projects. If you have specific achievements or awards you’ve gained in these positions, highlight them in your resume and cover letter.
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3. Put those keywords to use. When you’re writing your resume, make sure you customize it for the job by using all of the biggest keywords that actually apply to your qualifications, without embellishing. Fluffing up your skills might seem like the easy way to get an interview, but it won’t get you much further than that.
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4. Project confidence in your abilities (without becoming arrogant). The interviewer will always remember the job seeker who believes in herself and her abilities. Remember that everyone has to get experience somehow, and it usually involves selling yourself and your potential.
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5. Rely more heavily on your soft skills. If you feel unqualified for a position, chances are you’re missing some hard skills. Focus on your winning personality, excellent written and verbal communication skills, and ability to stay cool while interviewing will all work to your advantage as a job seeker.
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Just because you’re not an expert at a skill a company is looking for doesn’t mean you’re going to be rejected immediately. Showing that you’re proactive is a great way to let employers know that you’re taking the job opportunity seriously and that you’re willing to learn new skills.
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1. Search for tutorials online just to get your feet wet and learn the basics. If there’s a qualification or skill set listed in the requirements that you’re not familiar with, do research. You’ll have somewhat of an understanding of how these things work and you’ll be able to show employers that you’re taking initiative to have the knowledge required for the job.
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2. Show off the relevant skills you do have. You do have a skill set (everyone does), so tying as many back to the job description as you can will help. 3. Emphasize your potential to grow and improve while keeping an eye on what you can do for them. Ultimately, hiring managers want to hear how you’re going to add value to the company and be worth hiring, training, and paying.
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1. Getting someone on the inside to vouch for your skills and experience could help land you an interview, even if you’re lacking some of the job requirements. If you have an “in” at a particular company you’re interested in working for, get your connection to endorse you for the position.
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If you don’t feel comfortable asking for someone to sing praises of your limited skills, just ask for advice on what you can do to stand out in the hiring process, how you can improve your resume, and what you can do to nail your interview. Some inside perspective can go a long way.
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2. Professional networking is a powerful thing, so look for opportunities to connect with someone inside the company besides sending a job application. At the end of the day, who you know can end up being more important than what you know.
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Just remember that this person is putting himself out there to help you, so be extra professional throughout the application and interview process. LinkedIn is a great place for low-effort networking, so get started making a great LinkedIn profile while you’re at it.
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Skills can be learned and years of experience come with time — but you either have enthusiasm, or you don’t. If you’re genuinely excited for a job opportunity, or if you’re passionate about working with a particular company, make sure to convey that in your cover letter and during your interview.
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1. Use positive language. Emphasize what you can offer them, and admit what you don’t know. But show them that you can bring something extra to the table — passion. Overall, if you can show that you’re a great person to work with, they’ll be more willing to work with you.
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2. Ask great questions during and after the interview. Read the job description carefully and try to get a sense of how it translates into day-to-day tasks. Once the interviewer starts delving deeper into the role, you might find you’re more qualified than you initially thought.
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If you can show employers that you’re excited about the opportunity and you’re willing to do what it takes to learn the skills of the job, it could make all difference when the time comes for a hiring manager to make their decision. A little enthusiasm can go a long way, so make sure to show yours.