Every job searcher has been in the position of feeling underqualified for a promising job. Perhaps you don’t have just the right educational background, lack a certain kind of required experience, or haven’t had enough years of industry experience to meet a given employer’s demands.
The good news is that there’s usually some flexibility built into the requirements posted on job sites. With some persistence and a little luck, you may still be able to get the job you really want. Here are six tips that will help you land a job when you don’t quite meet the requirements on the job listing.
Show the Employer Your Unique Skills and Experience
In some cases, you might have a certain skill or background that would be useful in the role you’re applying for. Being able to show that you have something unique and beneficial to the employer will help balance out the parts of your resume that may be a bit weaker. This is especially true in cases of internal recruitment since you’ll be able to connect the experience to a related role within the company.
For example, suppose you were applying to manage a team of engineers but didn’t have much management experience. In this case, being able to demonstrate proficiency with relevant project management software or specific engineering tools could help you bridge the gap and land the interview. Recruitment service professionals often look for this kind of experience that relates to the job but may not be part of the formal requirements.
You can also use proficiency in soft skills to your advantage. If you’re an excellent communicator, for instance, you might be able to work around some of the experience requirements for a leadership position. Playing to your personal strengths is one of the best ways to make your resume more appealing.
Make a Contact in the Company
When you’re applying for a job you’re slightly underqualified for, knowing someone in the company can help a great deal. A personal recommendation from an existing employee may help you land an interview, especially at smaller companies. Reach out to your network and see if you know anyone who can connect you with someone already working where you’re applying. Making this connection also gives you an opportunity to learn more about the company and the requirements of the role you’re trying to get.
Ideally, you’ll be able to connect with someone who’s higher up in the company. Networking with executives can be tricky, but it pays massive dividends when it works. If you can connect with someone in a senior position, your odds of getting the job you’re after will increase substantially.
Create a Targeted Resume
Targeting your resume is always useful, but it’s essential when you don’t meet all of an employer’s job requirements. Creating a version of your resume that’s targeted specifically to the job you’re applying for will help highlight your relevant skills and experience. You can also include any personal experiences or interests that may make you a good fit for the job.
This also gives you an opportunity to scatter useful keywords in your resume. Modern recruiting agency software usually searches resumes for keywords that are relevant to the job posting. Look at the job listing and see what keywords are included in it. From there, try to work at least a few of them into your resume. Doing this can improve your chances of HR recruitment software recommending your resume to recruiters and hiring managers.
Be Honest About Your Qualifications
While you should try to present yourself in the best possible light, it’s important to be honest about your qualifications and work history. Embellishing details on your resume will only create larger problems if you are called for an interview. Someone who works for a recruitment service can quickly spot dishonest applicants. By being upfront, you can ensure you have a positive interview experience.
This doesn’t mean, however, that you have to play down your experience. Make sure your resume conveys why you’re a valuable asset and what skills you can bring to the position. Striking the right balance will help you impress recruiters and avoid awkward questions about your experience later in the hiring process.
Ask Questions in the Interview
When you do get an interview, it’s important to ask relevant questions about the job and its requirements. By doing this, you can gain a deeper understanding of whether you’re actually qualified to do the job or not. Asking questions can also help you decide whether the job is really a good fit for you.
This is even a great strategy for impressing your interviewer. Asking questions shows that you are actively interested in the job and eager to learn more about it. Even if you’re pursuing internal recruitment, asking questions will be helpful in making you stand out.
Don’t Give up After the First Try
Although these tips can help, there’s no guarantee you’ll be able to land a job on your first attempt. The trick, though, is to keep trying until you find the right fit. Eventually, a position will open up that will make full use of your unique skills, talents, and experiences.
If you try a few times and don’t seem to be getting called for interviews, you can try adjusting your approach. One of the first things you should do is to check the keywords in your resume again. HR recruitment software will sometimes discard good resumes for lack of matching keywords. Adjusting your resume can be frustrating, but working with the agency software is much easier than working against it.
Keep in mind that these tips can also help you improve your chances of getting a job you are fully qualified for. By implementing these strategies in your job search, you can increase your odds of success and get started on the career path of your choice.
