The best candidate isn't always the one who meets every requirement.
Have you ever looked at a job advertisement and thought, “I could do that, but I don't have everything they're asking for”? You might have years of relevant experience, a strong track record and most of the skills required, yet decide not to apply because you don't meet every single requirement.
Meanwhile, someone else sees the same advertisement, thinks, “I can do most of that”, and puts their hand up. This is a common hiring challenge: capable people often screen themselves out before an employer has even had the chance to consider them.
Why do people hold themselves back?
Sometimes it's a lack of confidence, the fear of rejection or the feeling that someone else will be more qualified. Quite often we hold the misguided belief that applying without every skill is somehow misleading the employer.
There can also be a tendency to read a job advertisement as a list of requirements you must satisfy, rather than a description of the ideal candidate.
What most people forget or fail to realise is job advertisements are often written for the perfect candidate, not the person who will actually be hired.
Employers frequently include every skill they would like to have, even when some are trainable, negotiable or less important than the core requirements. So, how can you overcome the reluctance to apply?
1. Separate the Essentials from the Wish List
Read the advertisement carefully. Which skills are genuinely essential to the role and which are desirable extras? If you meet the core requirements and can demonstrate relevant experience, don't let a few missing boxes stop you.
2. Focus on What You Can Do
Instead of focussing on every single aspect of the role, think how you can show them why you can do the job by thinking about the problems you’ve solved, the results you’ve achieved and the skills you’ve developed in similar roles. These are often more valuable than matching every word in an advertisement.
3. Don't Confuse ‘Not Quite There’ with ‘Not Capable’
If you have transferable skills and a willingness to learn, you may be closer to the ideal candidate than you think. While you may not have used a particular software program, or worked in a specific industry, its the skills you have that are important. For example, core marketing skills remain the same across industries, its the target audience that changes and how your core skills are applied to reach that audience.
4. Apply Before you Feel 100% Ready
Often, we are our own worst enemies because we over think things, or spend too much time wondering if we should even bother to apply in the first place, leading to hesitation and doubt. If you are confident that you meet at least 75% of job criteria, don’t hesitate - just apply! After all, the worst thing that can happen is you don’t get shortlisted. On the other hand, you might be exactly what the employer is looking for.