Top tips for applying for a job you’re under qualified for

Of course, this doesn’t mean you should apply for a position as ‘CEO’ if you’re just starting out in your career. But, if you’re applying for jobs and come across one which requires a set of qualifications that you don’t have, it’s good to know whether it’s worth the effort of going for it anyway.

When should you apply for a job you’re under qualified for?

Firstly, take a look at the entire job description. Do you tick every box in terms of the skills the role requires? Could you take on the roles and responsibilities the employer outlines? If the answer is yes, then you can probably ignore the fact that you don’t have the qualifications and go ahead and apply.

If, however, you aren’t familiar with any of the terminology used in the job advert, or if you believe that the job will be too stressful, you might be better off finding a position that’s a closer match to your existing skills and qualifications.

And, if you’re still unsure, you could consider contacting the company directly. The recruiter’s details should be in the job advert and it’s perfectly acceptable to send an email expressing your desire to apply for the role. You never know, you may impress them with your initiative!

How to wow employers, even if you don’t have the qualifications

Hopefully you should now have an idea of whether you should go ahead with it or not. So, if you’re ready to apply for a job that you’re under qualified for, we have a few tips up our sleeve that could help you land an interview. Read on for our advice!

Focus on your skills

Firstly, ensure that you focus on your skills over your employment experience. If in doubt, use a skills-based/functional CV template to help you get started. Essentially, you’ll need to match up your skills with the key requirements of the role and include your ‘skills summary’ underneath your personal profile at the top of your CV.

Ultimately, this will grab the reader’s attention as it takes precedence over your previous employment. Be sure to list out any key achievements that relate to these skills; you can even bring them to life by using facts and figures.

Try to keep these specific as possible. You certainly won’t fool the employer into thinking that you’re qualified for the role; so you need to make the skills section sound as impressive as possible by using concrete examples.

Tailor your cover letter

Aside from your CV, your cover letter is another valuable tool when applying for a job you’re under qualified for. Remember, this document should explain why the position interests you, your most relevant skills and what you can bring to the employer.

It’s always important to tailor your cover letter for every job you apply to – but especially in this instance. You need to sell your skills over your experience/education, while also explaining how hiring you would benefit their company.

Alongside this, be sure to showcase your knowledge of the company. Do your research by exploring their company website, social media profiles and Google news. Don’t just throw in a random piece of information about the company in there – make sure you understand it and would be ready to talk about it in an interview too.

Showcase your determination

Another great way to win over potential employers is by showcasing your determination. Just because you don’t have the qualifications for the job, doesn’t mean you don’t have the potential to do it anyway!

If you show that you’re passionate about the industry and/or line of work, and that you have a genuine interest in the company as a whole, they’ll be more likely to want to meet with you. In order to do this, try to be a little creative. Maybe you can include a project proposal with your application, or even jazz up your CV a little bit?

What’s more, remember what we said earlier about contacting the employer directly? There’s no shame in admitting that you don’t have the qualifications they’re after! But, by addressing it and expressing how keen you are to meet with them to discuss the role further could set you apart from other candidates.

Tick all the other boxes

Remember, you’re going to be compared to a number of applicants that are after the job. So be sure to tick all of the other boxes along the way. From asking questions in the interview, to following up with a thank you note; employers like it when candidates are proactive and polite.

Alongside this, make sure you thoroughly proofread your CV and cover letter before submitting your applications. Any small mistakes could cost you the job; especially if you don’t have the right qualifications!

Stay positive – even if you’re under qualified!

Above anything else, there’s nothing better than a bit of positivity to see you through. If you have the determination and drive to reach a certain result, this can be extremely powerful; and you can learn the other areas on the job. Stay focused on the end goal and ignore the fact you’re under qualified when you’re applying for it!

Avoid using negative language such as ‘I’m not qualified for the role but it sounds interesting’ and instead focus on the positives; ‘I’d love the opportunity to work on this as I’m highly skilled at XYZ’.

Either way, show that you’re passionate about the role and express your desire to work for the company. So long as you make a positive impress, they won’t want to see you go!

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