Don't Meet Every Job Requirement? Why You Should Apply Anyway

Quick Takeaways: Why You Should Apply

Before we dive in, here are the key things to remember:

• The 60% Rule: If you meet about 60-70% of the requirements, you are a strong candidate and should apply.
• Job Descriptions are Wish Lists: Companies often describe their "dream" candidate, not the real person they expect to hire.
• Potential Over Perfection: Many managers hire for potential, enthusiasm, and cultural fit, knowing that specific skills can be taught.
• Transferable Skills are Gold: What you've learned in other roles is often more valuable than you think.

The Myth of the "Perfect Candidate"

Hiring managers know a secret that most job seekers don’t: the perfect candidate rarely exists. A job description is often a wish list, a collection of all the ideal skills and experiences the hiring team could possibly dream of. They’re aiming for the stars, hoping to land on the moon.

Think of it as a shopping list for a complex recipe. If you have the main ingredients (the core skills), you can often find a substitute for the more obscure ones. A company might list ten different qualifications, but in reality, only four or five of them are truly essential. The rest are "nice-to-haves."

This is where the infamous "confidence gap" comes in. Research has shown that people from different backgrounds often approach job applications differently, with some feeling they need to meet 100% of the criteria while others will apply if they meet just a fraction. Don't let a confidence gap hold you back from an opportunity you’re perfectly capable of excelling in.

The Magic Number: How Much Is "Enough"?

So, if 100% isn't the goal, what is?

A good rule of thumb is the 60% rule.

If you confidently meet about 60% of the qualifications listed, you should absolutely apply. This percentage shows you have the foundational knowledge and core competencies to do the job well, while also leaving room for growth. A manager would often rather hire someone who is 70% qualified and eager to learn than someone who is 100% qualified and might be bored or unengaged in six months.

How to Bridge the Gap in Your Application

Okay, so you've decided to go for it. How do you convince the hiring manager that you're the right person, even with a few gaps in your experience? It all comes down to how you frame your application.

1. Focus on Your Transferable Skills

You may not have direct experience with "Software Z," but maybe you're an expert in a similar program. You might not have managed a team of ten, but perhaps you successfully led a major cross-departmental project. These are transferable skills.

• Project Management: Leading initiatives, coordinating tasks, meeting deadlines.
• Communication: Presenting to stakeholders, writing clear reports, resolving conflict.
• Problem-Solving: Identifying issues, analyzing data, and implementing effective solutions.

Explicitly connect the dots for the hiring manager in your cover letter and resume. Don't make them guess how your experience is relevant.

2. Showcase Your Potential and Eagerness to Learn

Your application isn't just a record of your past; it's a pitch for your future. Use your cover letter to express genuine excitement for the role and the company. Mention that you're a fast learner and are excited by the challenge of mastering new skills. A candidate who is motivated and adaptable is often more valuable than one who simply checks all the boxes.

3. Tailor Your Resume to Perfection

Don't just send a generic resume. Rework it to spotlight the 60-70% of the qualifications you do have. Use the same keywords found in the job description to get past automated applicant tracking systems (ATS) and show the hiring manager you're a direct match for what they truly need.

Once you’ve identified your key strengths, make sure they shine. A well-crafted resume is your first impression, and building one that is tailored perfectly to highlight what matters most for the role is crucial. You can use great tools online to help you with this, and we recommend checking out resumost.com for building a resume that stands out.

When You Shouldn't Apply

While you should be bold, there are times when it's best to pass on a role. Be honest with yourself about the "must-haves" versus the "nice-to-haves."

• A Core Function is Missing: If you're applying for a Senior Accountant role but have no accounting experience, it's not a good fit.
• A Required License or Certification: If a job legally requires a specific certification (like a nursing license or a legal bar admission) that you don't have, you can't bypass it.
• Significant Experience Gap: If a Director-level role requires 10+ years of management experience and you have one, the gap is likely too wide to bridge.

Ultimately, your career is a journey of growth. Don’t let a few bullet points on a wish list stop you from pursuing a role where you could truly thrive. Focus on the value you bring, show your enthusiasm, and frame your experience with confidence.

So go ahead, revisit that job posting and hit "apply." You might be exactly who they're looking for.