I made the mistake to apply to basically anything and everything when I first graduated from college. I didn’t know that it was a much better idea to tailor your job search. If the position was at a company in my chosen location, I would apply without paying much attention to the qualifications. I realize now that I was HR’s worst nightmare. As an end result, I had an unsuccessful job search and wound up remaining at the company that I worked at part time through college.
Now I know better. I don’t apply to anything and everything. I have tailored my job search. My applications, resumes and cover letters reflect that. Still, sometimes there are jobs that I’m not quite sure about.
I know that I need to have the bare minimum qualifications but I read an blog from Keppie Careers that got me thinking. This blog post claims that sometimes you should consider jobs beyond your qualifications.
When “desired qualifications” include experiences you do not have, it can still be worth applying. As long as you can make a direct connection between what they want and what you offer, I advise going for it!
I’ve had to deal with this before. I read a job description, get excited as everything sounds fitting and then get slammed with something like 8 years of experience or advanced graphic design knowledge. It’s disheartening, especially when I feel that I could truly do this job! Should I ignore the basic requirements and apply anyway? Will my application even make it to a person?
A job opened up at a company that I would LOVE to work for. It involved social media, marketing and communication. I got excited reading the job description… and then I found out it’s a management position. They want someone with management experience. Darn.
Then I start to wonder… just because I don’t have management experience doesn’t mean I wouldn’t make a great manager. One of my career goals is to become a manager, but am I ready for that now? I decided to ask for feedback from you guys. What makes a good leader or a good manager? How much experience do you think someone should have before becoming a manager? Do you need to be an expert first then a manager?
Please, leave a comment and let me know what you think!
Danielle -
Thanks for reading (and pinging) my blog! I’m glad what I wrote helped get you thinking about stretching your search. Depending on the nature of the company, exactly what type of management the job involves and if you have actually ever “managed” anything, this may or may not be a great use of your application time.
The important question is, “How do you make a connection between what they need and what you offer?” With a great, targeted resume, you often get past the screening stage and have a chance to sell yourself in an interview.
This is my first time visiting your blog, so I don’t know if you’re doing a lot of great networking, but I would suggest that as a good first step in moving ahead with your career – especially if you’d like to apply for jobs beyond your qualifications. If people know you, they may be more likely to give you a chance.
I hope you’ll keep visiting my blog for more inspiring job search advice!
Good luck!
Miriam