Don't Let a Long List of Qualifications Scare You Off

Have you ever come across a job ad that sounded promising but decided not to pursue it because you didn’t meet all the desired qualifications?

Quit counting yourself out! If you possess at least half of the skills an employer is looking for, go ahead and apply, says James R. Westhoff, director of career services at Husson University.

“Especially,” he says, “if you have transferable skills that are similar and can quickly learn the technical requirements of the job. I have found that a lot of the hiring decision comes down to personality fit and fit with the team over direct skills.”

Getting the job, then, may be less about having all the skills and more about having the right skills and being a strong cultural fit. Take a look at the duties and objectives listed in the job posting. Determine whether you have the core skills it will take to start doing the job on Day 1.

If you do, go for it. Be sure to tailor your resume to the job, highlighting the core skills you possess. Illustrate your abilities and accomplishments with professional anecdotes, and avoid dwelling on areas where you may be deficient.

Getting the job, after all, hinges on two things: “Whether you can do the job and whether you can convince the company that you’re the best person to do it,” says, Barry Maher, of Barry Maher & Associates.

If you have both of those bases covered, don’t let a long list of qualifications scare you off.

Adapted from Ritika Trikha’s Resume Tip Tuesday