What to do when you want to apply to an amazing role but aren’t sure if you’re qualified

By Hannah Vuozzo, Communications Manager

Picture this: You’re reading a job description for a role that, at first, seems tailor-made for you. You start checking if you have the required skills, knowledge and experience listed in the person specification.

‘Teamwork.’ Tick. ‘Organisation skills.’ Tick. ‘Microsoft Word.’ Tick.

But as you read on, you realise that you don’t meet a few criteria. Do you give up and not apply?

Not necessarily...

Reflect on your transferable skills

Transferable skills are those which can be applied in many different roles and industries and are in high demand from employers. And as a student, you have plenty of these.

It’s worth thinking carefully about which transferable skills you possess and how they connect to the job description and person specification. After doing so, you may realise that you actually meet more criteria than you originally thought.

Check which criteria are essential versus desirable

Many person specifications classify skills, knowledge and experience as either essential or desirable. Lacking some desirable criteria shouldn’t disqualify you from applying for a role.

Remember that it’s unlikely for anyone to meet all criteria

Job descriptions and person specifications describe an ideal candidate, but employers don’t necessarily expect to find someone who meets every single criterion.

So, even if you don’t meet a few criteria, it might be worth applying to the role. After all, you don’t know who else is applying. Plus, you might be able to show the employer that you have other valuable qualifications they hadn’t considered.

If you're unsure whether it’s worth applying, try to contact the recruiter to get more information. You might be able to have an informal discussion with them in which you learn more about the role and what they're really looking for which could enable you to make the best application.

Think about if the role is right for you now

If you don’t meet most of the criteria, this role might not be right for you now. That last word is important. As you progress in your career, you’ll gain knowledge, skills and experience that’ll make you more qualified. Maybe a year or two down the line, you’ll be better positioned to get the role.

Fill gaps in your skillset and gain experience

It’s never too late to fill gaps in your skillset and gain experience. For example, there are tons of free online courses, like LinkedIn Learning, to give you a leg up in your career preparation. If you pursue this type of learning, reference it in your applications. It’ll show that you’re not only willing to learn and develop, but you’re being proactive about it.

You can also volunteer or pursue a personal project.

When I applied to my current role at the University, I definitely didn’t meet all the criteria. But, in my application, I did my best to prove how the skills, knowledge and experience I did have made me the best candidate.

For any job application, take time to really reflect on what you have to offer. It’s more than you might think! And remember, there’s no harm in applying! You never know what could happen!

Good luck!