Have you ever been in the position when you have seen the perfect job only to be put off applying after reading the requirements for the role?
Research informs us that when looking for new job opportunities women will only generally apply if they match at least 80% of the job requirements whereas men will happily apply with just 30% of the requirements for the role!
A job description will outline various requirements for the role, these make up the wish list for the hiring manager and rarely will they be presented with the perfect applicant, there is usually room for flexibility.
At this point I feel it’s important to inform you that when approaching recruitment agencies it’s unlikely that there will be a great amount of flexibility if any at all, after all the hiring company is paying a fee to the recruiter to find an individual who fits all the criteria for their role. Remember that when speaking with recruiters and they inform you that they don’t have anything that fits your experience, they are being truthful with you and you shouldn’t take it personally – don’t let this conversation knock your confidence or put you in a position where you feel as though you should give up hope in your job search.
It doesn’t end here, many hiring companies are now using alternative resources to include; their company intranet, employee referral scheme, job boards and LinkedIn to source appropriate applicants for their roles, avoiding recruitment agencies until the last resort.
If you are interested in a particular job and you firmly believe that you have what it takes to be successful within the role then apply for it!
Prove yourself within the content of your CV and Cover Letter. This is your opportunity to sell yourself, showcase your achievements and tailor them to fit the requirements for the role, explain to the reader in detail why you are the right fit for the role and for their company. Ask yourself
“If I were the hiring manager what type of person would I be looking for to fill this role”?
Start thinking creatively, who do you know that can perhaps put you in contact with the hiring manager/company? Before submitting your application make a phone call and find out where there is flexibility with regards to the requirements outlined within the job description.
And lastly, don’t undervalue yourself, the fact that you do not fulfil the wish list doesn’t mean that you should offer yourself for less money.
“Whenever you are asked if you can do a job, tell them, ‘Certainly I can!’ Then get busy and find out how to do it”
Theodore Roosevelt
