Should I submit an application? Key considerations for making a job application when you don’t meet all the requirements

Has this happened to you?

You see a fantastic job advertised, but when you look at the requirements for the role, you meet most, but not all, of the specifications.

Should you make an application?

Below are some key factors worth considering if you are thinking about applying for a job and don’t meet all the requirements:

Don’t dismiss the opportunity – remember it is a job seeker’s market

At the moment, it is a great time to be a job seeker. The unemployment rate is a record low 3.5% nationally, and according to the latest Workforce Skills Survey conducted by Business NSW, 93% of businesses are currently experiencing a skills shortage; 72% report trying to fill vacancies three times or more in the last 12 months; and 26% explain that shortages have been caused because they have not had any applicants for vacancies.

This situation means that businesses understand they may not attract candidates that meet all of their specified criteria. Given this, they are more likely to be open-minded and willing to compromise on their requirements so they can fill their role. Therefore, if you meet most of the selection criteria, strongly consider making an application!

Get another perspective

Sometimes it is difficult to make an assessment about our own abilities and experience when evaluating a job opportunity. In these instances, it can be a good idea to seek the advice and assistance of other people.

As a result, once you have reviewed the key skills and experience for the role, check in with someone with ‘kind eyes’ (this is a person who knows you and your experience/expertise and can provide some objective feedback on whether you can undertake the role, such as a friend, family member or trusted work colleague).

Specifically, discuss the key requirements of the role you are unsure about and/or think you have gaps in, and ask this person for their counsel. Do they think you can undertake these requirements? Do they have examples of where you have undertaken these requirements in the past? Overall, do they think you could be successful in this role, and why?

This feedback will be helpful when making a decision to apply for the job and will also assist in writing any job application documents you need to submit as part of the recruitment process.

Sell your strengths in the covering letter

If you decide to make an application, remember to write a customised and high quality covering letter and in this, sell your strengths.

There is no need to highlight any gaps in your experience and skills in relation to the position requirements. Instead, be positive and focus on why you are the best applicant for the role, showcasing the recruitment specifications you meet. Provide examples of your experience against each of these specifications so the recruiter/employer can easily understand your existing ability and knowledge in these key areas, and can make an assessment on your capabilities.

As part of this, make sure you address the transferable skills you have. These are skills you have developed and used in other jobs that you can bring to the role. It is important to only emphasise transferable skills that are relevant to the job you are applying for.

Give it a shot!

In the end, you have nothing to lose by making an application – so just do it!

You may win the job – or get an opportunity to be considered for a similar job in the future by getting on the recruiter’s/employer’s radar. At the very least, writing and customising your CV and covering letter, attending a job interview and making a contact with a recruiter is all valuable experience you can use again for future job searches.

Consequently, there are only positives from making the decision to apply!