A common dilemma for job seekers is feeling like they either have too much experience or not enough. This scenario prevents many from applying to a job they would otherwise be interested in because they feel they are not the right match. While there are definite limitations, if you are off the mark by a couple of years of experience but have all of the other qualifications required, it may still be worth researching and applying for the role. Here are some pointers on what to do if you aren’t an exact match…
Think About Transferable Skills
If you are lacking the number of years of experience required for the job, think about what transferable skills you can highlight on your resume. In an article on Indeed they write, “With your resume, focus on any transferable training, experience and skills that make you seem like a strong candidate for the position. For example, if the position requires five or more years of job experience but you only have three, you may choose to focus on your volunteer work or internship opportunities as well to make up for the lack of experience. Let’s say you’re applying for a position in the nursing field, for instance, but don’t have the required job experience. In this case, you could emphasize your volunteer work at a local retirement home. To the hiring manager, this may illustrate that you have the position’s skill requirements without actually having the job requirements. By demonstrating transferable skills, you can move the discussion from relevant experience to a relevant skill set. Remember, part of your job in the recruitment process is to find ways that your background connects to the position.”
Research and Customize
If you are not a 100% match with the job requirements, it may take a little creativity and thinking outside of the box. In an article on Forbes, they write, “Even before the interview stage, there are ways to research a company and job opening. You can talk to people who used to work at the company, people who work there now but not necessarily in this hiring department or people who know about the company and/or this type of role from afar (e.g., a recruiter who specializes in this field). By looking at sources other than the job description, you can customize your application as closely as possible to what the company really cares about. Putting the focus on what you would accomplish and not just years of experience or other single criteria gives you the best chance to get that first meeting. Bottom line: Do your research, so you can promote yourself as a specific solution and not a general checklist of qualifications.”
Overcome Objectives
If you aren’t an exact match with the requirements for the job, think about how you will handle any concerns the hiring manager might have. In another Forbes article, they have recommendations for how to anticipate and overcome any objectives stating, “In the cover letter and/or verbal pitch, as well as all along the interview process if you do get called in, be prepared to address any push back that you are not an exact match for the role. What will you say about the qualifications that you are missing? You could point out examples of how you are currently learning skills you are missing. If you have experience that translates (say, from one industry to another), show specific examples of how the apparent differences actually line up. I had a client who had changed careers from financial services to education and was hired for a role despite competition from very experienced educators. While she had no education industry paid work experience, she did have volunteer and Board work (you can work on a career change outside your current job!) which demonstrated a genuine commitment. More importantly, she showed how her analytical experience from finance was aligned with introducing a more metrics-driven performance culture, a key priority for this prospective employer. Rather than her finance background being a liability, she made it part of her unique value.”