Question:
I am looking for a job and see one posted that I am interested in but I know I am under qualified for, should I still apply?
Answer:
The quick answer is to apply only if you have the time, but please realize the odds of getting a response are slim to none if you know that you do not meet the majority of the qualifications.
It is important that candidates realize that many companies use resume screening tools for applications that will highlight resumes that could be potential matches based on key words while missing out on qualified candidates who do not fit their algorithms despite a strong career path.
My fear is that many candidates will see a position with a company that they are very interested in working for, take the time to put together an application, apply for the job, and not hear back from the organization. This process is time consuming and can also hurt your self esteem if you feel that you are constantly putting yourself out there without any feedback.
Because of the time commitment and possible negative thoughts you might put on yourself I would recommend only applying for jobs that you feel you are qualified unless you meet one of the two following situations:
Experience with Specific Tools:
If you might not meet the exact amount of years of experience although you have at least one year of hands on background with a specific systems or tools listed in the job description, you might still take the chance as if could be easier for a company to hire someone who has used the tool (ex. working with Peoplesoft, ability to utilize Pivot Tables and V-Lookups for Data Analysis, etc.) rather than having to train another person on the products.
You are Almost Qualified and the Job is Posted by a Staffing Agency:
A staffing agency might post a job that they are for example looking for a Data Analyst with 5 years of experience for a specific role, but if you find yourself with only 2 years experience. In this case you might still find it worth applying to as the agency’s incentives are commonly set up differently than a Corporate Recruiter and there is a chance that they could know of another local Manager who could have a Jr. Data Analyst opening at a different organization.
Obviously this scenario could be similar with a Corporate Recruiter although from experience working in both, I know the odds are much better that a third party Recruiter could have more knowledge of similar openings or Managers they can easily pitch your resume to so make sure you have the time and patience to not only apply but also work through the process of working with a staffing agency.
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