When NOT to hit 'Apply'

As a recruiter I pride myself on ensuring I respond to ALL job seekers, even if it is just to advise them that they have been unsuccessful in their job application. I realise that not all recruiters work this way and often I receive emails from applicants thanking me for my response as they rarely hear back from employers after submitting their application. Other times, candidates are curious to find out why they haven’t been successful. More often than not it is because they have applied for roles that they are not qualified for/suited to, for instance we regularly have cases where hairdressers apply for electrician roles and baristas apply for forklift roles (no, they don’t have a forklift licence) and this happens on an almost daily basis. Required qualifications, skills and experience are usually clearly stated in job adverts so recruiters immediately assume that unqualified applicants have either 1) not read the job advertisement, or are 2) simply applying for anything and everything which is never a good first impression.

We understand that people often wish to change careers and that it can be quite challenging to do this, many times the best way to change career can be to take a step backwards or sideways in order to gain experience in order to step up again at a later date. For instance, an electrician who has obtained welding certificates may find it easier to secure a Trades Assistant position that requires welding, giving them a chance to build their skills, rather than attempting to go straight into a Welder position (where they will most likely be overlooked for an experienced Welder).

This is not to say if you do not have everything an advertiser is seeking that you should not apply for the job. The general rule is to have at least 80%, however for requirements such as trade qualifications and required items, this needs to be 100%. After all, you wouldn’t let a welder cut your hair would you?

Seek Learning have published an excellent guide on what you should consider when changing careers (at any age!) and their top tips can be viewed here: https://www.seek.com.au/learning/careers/your-next-job/changing-your-career/how-to-change-careers-in-your-30s