The discouragement in reading a four page long list of requirements can be enough to turn you away from applying for a job at all. However, seeing a handful of requirements that you don't happen to match doesn't have to mean the job is out of the question. These are four ways you can land that perfect job even if you're under-qualified, or not qualified at all.
There's no denying that lacking some of the required skills for the job puts you at a disadvantage. This is why standing out the very first second a hiring manager or team acknowledges you is paramount. For example, a person applying for a graphic design position could send a knockout cover letter that's adorned in stunning designs. This makes a statement, as well as a wonderful first impression.
3. Maximize on Your Strengths
The required skill set might be something that you aren't even close to being able to match, but this doesn't mean all is lost. Don't try to pretend that you do have the skills; let your resume do the talking. This means that if the job demands proficiency in software that you've never used, stress how much you know about a similar piece of software. You can also add that you are particularly quick about picking up new skills you are. Make it hard for the hiring manager or team to say, "no."
10 years of experience is quite a bit the requirement, but even if you don't have that much under your belt, you're not to worry. Of course, if you only have 1-2 years of experience, it's likely not worth attempting to convince the hiring manager you're still worthy of the job. However, if you have five year in comparison to the preferred ten, you can easily tip the scales in your favor by highlighting all of the accomplishments you made during that time. Be sure to touch on your most influential projects, and drive home the fact that the short time contributed to major growth.
1. Get the Referral
Lastly, getting a referral from someone that is already employed with the company can increase your chances dramatically of landing the job in question. While someone that is unqualified will likely get their application and resume landed in a pile of "maybes," yours will probably get extra consideration due to the internal referral.
4. Set Yourself Apart
There's no denying that lacking some of the required skills for the job puts you at a disadvantage. This is why standing out the very first second a hiring manager or team acknowledges you is paramount. For example, a person applying for a graphic design position could send a knockout cover letter that's adorned in stunning designs. This makes a statement, as well as a wonderful first impression.
3. Maximize on Your Strengths
The required skill set might be something that you aren't even close to being able to match, but this doesn't mean all is lost. Don't try to pretend that you do have the skills; let your resume do the talking. This means that if the job demands proficiency in software that you've never used, stress how much you know about a similar piece of software. You can also add that you are particularly quick about picking up new skills you are. Make it hard for the hiring manager or team to say, "no."
2. Ignore Experience; Focus on Accomplishments
10 years of experience is quite a bit the requirement, but even if you don't have that much under your belt, you're not to worry. Of course, if you only have 1-2 years of experience, it's likely not worth attempting to convince the hiring manager you're still worthy of the job. However, if you have five year in comparison to the preferred ten, you can easily tip the scales in your favor by highlighting all of the accomplishments you made during that time. Be sure to touch on your most influential projects, and drive home the fact that the short time contributed to major growth.
1. Get the Referral
Lastly, getting a referral from someone that is already employed with the company can increase your chances dramatically of landing the job in question. While someone that is unqualified will likely get their application and resume landed in a pile of "maybes," yours will probably get extra consideration due to the internal referral.
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