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You’ve just come across a job posting you’re really interested in, but you’re not sure you have the skills and experience needed for consideration. Bearing in mind the amount of time it takes to write a unique cover letter, tailor your resume, and prepare and other supporting documents — not to mention wasting the hiring manager’s time — you don’t want to apply unless you have a decent chance of scoring an interview.

It’s always wise to keep your employment history and current job title in mind when searching for jobs, but your decision shouldn’t be guided on that alone. Often times, positions with the same exact title have few other similarities, so always review the job description with a fine-tooth comb. If you’re still not sure how you measure up, here are a few tips to help gauge your fit.

4 Signs You’re Underqualified For a Job

 

You Don’t Have Much of the Required Experience

Most employers don’t expect you to have all the required experience listed in the job description. They’re often willing to train candidates with the right personality, who possess the bulk of the qualifications, as most realize there is no such thing as the perfect candidate. Therefore, don’t hesitate to apply if you meet most of the requirements, but it’s probably best to pass if you only possess a few.

Your Top Achievements Don’t Align With the Position

In some cases, a seriously impressive career accomplishment(s) can substitute for experience. If you’re missing a few required skills, this might cause an employer to give you a chance, because you’ve proven yourself in a manner your competition has not. However, these wins won’t hold any clout if they have nothing to do with the job. Putting an irrelevant achievement(s) on your resume will just make the reader think you don’t understand the position.

You’re a Career Changer Trying to Score a High-Level Role

Working your way up the ladder in one field doesn’t mean you can shift into a parallel role elsewhere. If you’re trying to change careers, don’t expect to immediately score a managerial or otherwise upper-level position in your new venture. No matter how much you’ve accomplished in your current area, you’re going to have to prove yourself in the new realm before employers are willing to put you in a job with significant responsibility.

You Can’t Compose an Effective Pitch to Sell Yourself

If you don’t believe you would be an asset to the position, you won’t convince an employer to hire you. Try to compose a pitch that really sells your fit for the job. If you’re able to pull together a persuasive case, you might have a shot. However, if you can’t even buy what you’re selling, move on to the next opportunity.

The Wood Companies Has the Job For You!

Need a little help finding a job that meets your qualifications? Wood Staffing is here to connect you with a Michiana employer who checks all your boxes. Contact us today to get started!

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