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I'm interested in a job but I think I'm under-qualified. Should I apply?
Should I send in an application to a job that I'm REALLY interested in but think I'm underqualified for? I found this particular job that I think sounds AWESOME. I told my mom about it and she said I should apply anyway because most jobs will train you how to do something before having you work for them. I don't want to look like an idiot applying for a job that I have no qualifications for or experience in though. What do you think?
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Maybe give some free advice about: Job Searches?
If you think you would really like this job, then go for it! Listen to your mom, most jobs will train you before having to work for them. (:
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Yes, but with some qualifiers:
If you do not have any of their 'requirements' at all (So, you meet NONE of the objective standards they ask for like 'having a drivers license' or 'this kind of degree or 4 years of work experience' ectra...) then you should not apply.
If you are missing some, or even of most of those sorts of requirements, go for it. But if you meet none of them, don't. The reason you don't is because something else might come along at that company and you don't want to have appeared annoying or like you were carelessly applying.
It's the difference between looking at your cover letter and resume and them thinking "Who the hell is this person and why do I have their stuff?" and them thinking "Well I'm glad I know this person's name since they are obviously passionate, maybe something will come up for them, or they'll reply for a position they are more suited for."
So re-read the job post and ask yourself if you are simply under qualified, or completely unqualified. If you are under qualified, go for it. If you are completely lacking in all the technical skills and experience they are asking for, then you might be better off writing the company and asking them what other opportunities might be available.
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There is no harm in trying. Us humans always under value ourselves, I know I have never seen in myself what my employers see or saw in me as I worked my way up to the positions I have wanted.
If I could make a suggestion: which would be to attach a cover letter to your application. Keep it short and to the point. The point being that you are interested in this position, that you bring with you little knowledge but a great deal of interest. enthusiasm and the ability to learn on the job. You might even use the wording I just supplied if it fits your personality.
In the second paragraph tell them a little about yourself, where you want to be in 5 and ten years from now as it applies to this position. Hopefully this will set you apart from some of the other candidates applying for this job. This will also tell them that you are a planner and have goals in life, something that is very important to today's employer. If they are going to take the time to train you they want to get something back for their investment.
In the last paragraph you need only a couple of lines. You thank them for their time in and tell them you look forward to meeting them.
Make sure your letter is grammatically correct, has no typo's or spelling errors. This is very important. Then as I said attach your letter to your application, by attach I mean staple so it does not become separated when the human resource person puts your application in a pile with the.
others.
Today's employers are looking for people that stand out, not stand out people. I once had a position where it was important people read my offer and remembered me when i called; so I attached a crisp new one dollar bill to the letter. When I called I would usually get the persons secretary, once I mentioned that my letter had a unique calling card printed by the U. S. Government on it. The secretary would usually put me through to who I wanted to talk to. This is what I mean by standing out, being unique when you approach something. Do not attach a dollar bill to your application as it will send the wrong message.
Good luck
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Yes. Apply! My dad always tells me "let the employer decide you're underqualified...don't decide it yourself."
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