Reasons why you must apply for a job even without all the qualifications

Is it advisable to apply for a job when you don’t meet all the job requirements? Read the truth employers do not want you to know. This useful article on applying for a job was shared on LinkedIn by Dickson Assan. Ghana Education News believes the content of this piece will be a game-changer as you seek jobs.

Yesterday, about 7 pm, a LinkedIn connection asked whether it’s advisable to apply for a job when he doesn’t meet all the job requirements.

Apparently, there is a job he has spotted that requires 8 years of working experience and a minimum of a master’s degree. He has 10 years of working experience but possesses only a 1st-degree but a first class.

Is it advisable to apply for a job when you don’t meet all the job requirements?

Let me share with you what I told him:

The HRs themselves who design the JDs know very well that it’s only a dream to have a candidate who will tick all the boxes of an ideal potential hire. That really leaves room for us who meet about 50% of the job requirements to apply.

Remember that because it’s highly unlikely to find a candidate who meets all the requirements, hiring managers will most likely be open-minded when reviewing job seekers and applications, considering potential rather than looking for an exact match.

Hence, instead of counting yourself out, count yourself in. Take that step forward and apply. But here, the onus is on you to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you may not meet all the job requirements, but you’re more than capable of performing excellently when given the opportunity.

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So how do you do this?

1. Highlight where your strengths lie relative to the job requirements. For example, you may highlight your experience if you don’t meet the education requirements and vice versa.

2. Provide examples of your work and demonstrate your expertise that may be a match for what the hiring manager is looking for. If you have no prior working experience, then highlight the extracurricular activities you participated in and demonstrate how some of the skills can be transferred to the role.

3. Demonstrate your passion for the company by doing your homework on what the company is all about. Crucially, demonstrate your willingness to learn.

Listen: The requirements listed in job descriptions are guidelines, not hard and fast rules. You don’t have to satisfy every requirement or meet every qualification listed. If your skills are transferable and you are in the ballpark with the number of years of experience the company’s looking for, apply.

In any case, what do you lose by applying? Nothing, really! But by applying, you’re enhancing your chances of getting an opportunity to be interviewed.

HR, we are not saying to try and err on us, but remember somebody, some time ago, did a trial and error on you and gave you an opportunity; give us the opportunity and see if we excel.

Good Luck to all job seekers.