[h2 color=’16a085′]Should I Apply for Jobs Even If I’m Not Qualified?[/h2]

Did you ever dismissed some great jobs because you felt you didn’t have the right experience? Don’t let a job listing’s requirements intimidate you. These criteria are for the ideal candidate and most probably may not be taken so literally. Well, of course it depends on both of you and the company.

There are many companies that have a very strict line about these requirements but others care less about where you’ve worked or gone to a school. However, these companies, pay attention more about your actual skills. Degrees and any related experiences are just an easy way for them to know that you’re qualified.

So what you should do? First, be aware that no matter how enthusiastic and confident you are about the job, you still have to deal with the challenge to convince a potential employee to hire you over more qualified candidates. It is tough but not impossible. Be wise and have the confidence and insight to know about what are your skills and what you can bring to a company.

[h4 color=’16a085′] 🔎 Show, don’t tell [/h4]

One of the best ways to convince an employer that you have what it takes to do the job is by showing them. For some industries is easier than others. For example, fields like advertising, architecture, web and graphic design a portfolio speaks for itself. But of course, you don’t need to be into a creative field area in order to showcase your skills. Any sample of reports, studies, projects, presentations, reviews, awards and honors can also work for those who cannot have a portfolio.

[h4 color=’16a085′] 🔎 Consider an Alternate Position[/h4]

If the jobs you are applying is only where you fit then you fall into the trap not giving to yourself any room to grow. New positions, shouldn’t be the same job in a different company. It should be the one you have the more skills and meanwhile you can learn, develop and expand additional responsibilities. Therefore, in this way, you advance your desirable job and have better chances to land the job during the interview. In addition, you show to potential employees your eagerness to work for them.

[h4 color=’16a085′] 🔎 There is Not a Perfect Candidate[/h4]

You need to understand there is not the so called “ideal” candidate. Hiring Managers know they will be hard to find someone with all the qualifications they are seeking. Job descriptions can be considered as a wish list of qualifications. If you are worried, that some of your skills are applicable for some jobs but not for others then consider creating a resume that emphasizes skills and achievements that are most relevant to the position you are applying for. This can be good for recent graduates. As during University, they have earned couple of skills but really didn’t get the chance to practice in action.

[h4 color=’16a085′] 🔎 Apply For Jobs You Want[/h4]

If you see a job that you are qualified but not exact fit and it fits your desired career, apply for it! If there are big gaps between your qualifications and the criteria employers seek, prepare to explain how your strength areas can substitute the missing competency.

[h4 color=’16a085′] 🔎 Target Vs Dream Jobs [/h4]

You should apply to both. Target jobs considered the ones that satisfy your salary requirements, qualifications and desires. Thus, bridging the gap between target and dream jobs, can ultimately lead in increasing career happiness. But don’t be the “Master of None” applicant! Meaning,  when you are applying for jobs you still need to apply for those that supports your qualification. If applying for a wide range of positions and applying also to those you are not qualified then you risk your own personal brand. It may be hard to overcome your lack of specific skills among the competition but, in order to impress an employer is through your enthusiasm and self-confidence. If you establish good presentation with an employer sometimes counts as much as years of experience.