How can you prepare clients for job interviews when they lack required skills?

Identifying and addressing skill gaps is crucial in job applications. In addition to comparing skills, conduct a SWOT analysis for a holistic view. Encourage networking for insights and mentorship. Develop a personalized training plan for skill enhancement. Emphasize transferable skills and stay updated on industry trends. Assess and highlight soft skills. Explore AI-based career platforms for personalized recommendations. This comprehensive approach enhances a client's candidacy by not only addressing gaps but also showcasing adaptability and continuous learning.

Recommend interactive learning platforms, gamified courses, or even immersive experience, or Identify existing strengths and creatively blend them with the required ones

Identify transferable skills that the client possesses and can apply to the new role. Help the client develop scripted responses to common interview questions that highlight the client's relevant transferable experiences and skills by the use of the STAR technique (Situation, Task, Action, Result) for concrete responses. If there are skills that can be easily learned, encourage the client to create a skill development plan. (taking relevant courses, attending workshops, or working on mini-projects) this emphasizes the client's proactive approach to professional development.

One way I suggest clients when they feel as though they lack the required skills is to first identify what those missing skills could be and then attend different seminars or training courses to obtain those skills for their desired position. It is also always helpful to connect with an employment coach as they are often knowledgeable of the requirements that the jobseeker will need.

One of the most impactful things you can do to emphasize your transferable skills is to read the job description and take those piece's that apply to your transferable skills and be ready to speak to them both in person and in writing. Storytelling is powerful and a future employer needs to hear how your skills will fit their company/industry especially if you are coming from a different industry. Tell them about a success or a win that you had where you saved time or money! I love to hear those types of stories. Some employers won't ever see it and if they don't I recommend you move on.

I coach a lot of university students who lack skill- but they don't lack teachability, coachability and drive! Try to emphasize your willingness to learn by naming a time when you had to learn something you didn't know. How did you do it? What were the skills you used? How did you know you succeeded in learning? Now, how will you bring those skills, motivation, attitude and grit into this new role? Particularly in entry level jobs, it's not about what you know today but your potential to grown and learn- sell your candidacy in that space! If you can already fully do the job, you'll be bored in 6 months. Find jobs you can grow into and present yourself to employers as a long term investment.

Listen, people hire people. I don't want to work with a robot, I want to work with a human that I can relate to in a genuine way! It's why interviews are so important in the hiring process. I know I am typically never the most qualified, accomplished or experienced person when I go up for jobs- and that's ok! But I'm a dang good marketer at demonstrating enthusiasm and fit for a role and that skill has taken me further in my career than any degree or qualification.