Comments on: Should You Apply Even If You’re Not Qualified? http://www.greatresumesfast.com/blog/2010/07/27/should-you-apply-even-if-you%e2%80%99re-not-qualified/ Resume writing tips from certified resume writers and personal branding professionals. Tue, 03 Jan 2012 01:55:22 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.1 hourly 1 By: ferd http://www.greatresumesfast.com/blog/2010/07/27/should-you-apply-even-if-you%e2%80%99re-not-qualified/comment-page-1/#comment-1009 ferd Sun, 01 Aug 2010 16:12:30 +0000 http://www.greatresumesfast.com/blog/?p=1249#comment-1009 This would be fine if employers and recruiters would write job descriptions that are realistic, and would also evaluate transferrable skills. I have no problem with requirements that will be truly needed and used, but many companies then pad their expectations to see what bonus skills they can get. Especially when they add requirements for experience with things that they might maybe consider doing some day in the nebulus future. The worst though is to be told that your almost identical experience is no use to them. As an example, I was told that my experience implementing the previous generation of a database system was no good - even though the version that this company was "thinking" of implementing was merely a slightly modified version of what I had used and also had a new name. Both the recruiter and hiring manager were blind. No wonder they cannot find their PERFECT candidate. This would be fine if employers and recruiters would write job descriptions that are realistic, and would also evaluate transferrable skills. I have no problem with requirements that will be truly needed and used, but many companies then pad their expectations to see what bonus skills they can get. Especially when they add requirements for experience with things that they might maybe consider doing some day in the nebulus future. The worst though is to be told that your almost identical experience is no use to them. As an example, I was told that my experience implementing the previous generation of a database system was no good – even though the version that this company was “thinking” of implementing was merely a slightly modified version of what I had used and also had a new name. Both the recruiter and hiring manager were blind. No wonder they cannot find their PERFECT candidate.

]]> By: Annie http://www.greatresumesfast.com/blog/2010/07/27/should-you-apply-even-if-you%e2%80%99re-not-qualified/comment-page-1/#comment-1003 Annie Fri, 30 Jul 2010 14:06:36 +0000 http://www.greatresumesfast.com/blog/?p=1249#comment-1003 Although the person in the article was employed, one thing I would like for employers & recruiters to remember is that most states require that those on Unemployment apply for at least one open position each week in order to continue to get benefits. Some states require 3 applications each week. You are often not allowed to duplicate until 6 months have passed. When you only find 6 jobs listed in your home city what choice do you have? We want to work! And we have to keep food on the table and a roof over our children's heads. It's apply or die. That's often why you are getting so many applicants who are only remotely qualified. I am reading so many complaints about applicants that I think recruiters have no clue this rule exists. They seem to be very insulated about what is REALLY going on in the unemployment realm. Recruiters, do you know about this rule? Please pass it on to your employers and stop being so quick to put the unemployed in a negative light. If you have a job, it's easy to be judgmental. Remember there are 3 million unemployed. Although the person in the article was employed, one thing I would like for employers & recruiters to remember is that most states require that those on Unemployment apply for at least one open position each week in order to continue to get benefits. Some states require 3 applications each week. You are often not allowed to duplicate until 6 months have passed. When you only find 6 jobs listed in your home city what choice do you have? We want to work! And we have to keep food on the table and a roof over our children’s heads. It’s apply or die. That’s often why you are getting so many applicants who are only remotely qualified. I am reading so many complaints about applicants that I think recruiters have no clue this rule exists. They seem to be very insulated about what is REALLY going on in the unemployment realm. Recruiters, do you know about this rule? Please pass it on to your employers and stop being so quick to put the unemployed in a negative light. If you have a job, it’s easy to be judgmental. Remember there are 3 million unemployed.

]]> By: Ron http://www.greatresumesfast.com/blog/2010/07/27/should-you-apply-even-if-you%e2%80%99re-not-qualified/comment-page-1/#comment-1001 Ron Fri, 30 Jul 2010 04:23:47 +0000 http://www.greatresumesfast.com/blog/?p=1249#comment-1001 I agree on only applying to positions where your skills closely match the job description. But if they only look at those who perfectly match the requirements, why then do I see job postings that set unfilled for months and months. As a rule if I match 75% of the general requirements and 100% of the specific technology requirements, I apply. Worst they can say is no. BTW it is no for other reasons. I applied for a position and within six hours I was sent my rejection notice. The site had a match you skills to jobs tool which showed I had a 95% match to the rejected job. My gut feel for the rejection is I am over 50 and unemployed (laided off). I agree on only applying to positions where your skills closely match the job description. But if they only look at those who perfectly match the requirements, why then do I see job postings that set unfilled for months and months.

As a rule if I match 75% of the general requirements and 100% of the specific technology requirements, I apply. Worst they can say is no. BTW it is no for other reasons.

I applied for a position and within six hours I was sent my rejection notice. The site had a match you skills to jobs tool which showed I had a 95% match to the rejected job. My gut feel for the rejection is I am over 50 and unemployed (laided off).

]]> By: Gabriel http://www.greatresumesfast.com/blog/2010/07/27/should-you-apply-even-if-you%e2%80%99re-not-qualified/comment-page-1/#comment-1000 Gabriel Fri, 30 Jul 2010 03:55:19 +0000 http://www.greatresumesfast.com/blog/?p=1249#comment-1000 I will keep applying to these jobs anyway, it is I got my current job. I will keep applying to these jobs anyway, it is I got my current job.

]]> By: Christopher http://www.greatresumesfast.com/blog/2010/07/27/should-you-apply-even-if-you%e2%80%99re-not-qualified/comment-page-1/#comment-999 Christopher Thu, 29 Jul 2010 23:05:39 +0000 http://www.greatresumesfast.com/blog/?p=1249#comment-999 I disagree, if you have part of the qualifications you should apply. Especially if it is a high demand position. Many times a position may have very few applicants and your minimal qualifications can get you that dream job. Also I have noticed that almost every position posted out there asks for years of experience even entry levels. That makes it impossible to find positions that you are looking for if you don't apply for ones that you aren't fully qualified according to the description. Having been a supervisor I would hire someone slightly underqualified with great drive than a slug that's fully qualified. The job I have now I wasn't fully qualified for when I applied but because of my work ethic and abilities have gained $20000/year in less then 3 years. In other words, as long as you aren't grossly underqualified, apply, it will not harm your carrier and you may get the chance to prove yourself and your dream job. I disagree, if you have part of the qualifications you should apply. Especially if it is a high demand position. Many times a position may have very few applicants and your minimal qualifications can get you that dream job. Also I have noticed that almost every position posted out there asks for years of experience even entry levels. That makes it impossible to find positions that you are looking for if you don’t apply for ones that you aren’t fully qualified according to the description. Having been a supervisor I would hire someone slightly underqualified with great drive than a slug that’s fully qualified. The job I have now I wasn’t fully qualified for when I applied but because of my work ethic and abilities have gained $20000/year in less then 3 years. In other words, as long as you aren’t grossly underqualified, apply, it will not harm your carrier and you may get the chance to prove yourself and your dream job.

]]> By: katie http://www.greatresumesfast.com/blog/2010/07/27/should-you-apply-even-if-you%e2%80%99re-not-qualified/comment-page-1/#comment-998 katie Thu, 29 Jul 2010 23:05:02 +0000 http://www.greatresumesfast.com/blog/?p=1249#comment-998 Unfortunately I think that many people have been out of work for so long that they are desperate to get a job and are sending their resume to any job opening they find hoping to get a job. A better approach would be to check the company's website or call the company to see if there is a job opening that is better suited to your background and skill set. Unfortunately I think that many people have been out of work for so long that they are desperate to get a job and are sending their resume to any job opening they find hoping to get a job. A better approach would be to check the company’s website or call the company to see if there is a job opening that is better suited to your background and skill set.

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