Interview Question: How do you propose to compensate for your lack of experience?

compensate for your lack of experienceKnow how to handle this question professionally to keep your nerves from taking over.

This question may be imposing, but keep in mind that lack of experience does not mean an immediate disqualification from the job. If you do lack experience, know how to rely on your personal strengths and knowledge to make up for it. You can do this by researching the background of the company beforehand and relying on feedback from previous interviews.

Be Confident

This question is usually asked to gauge how you would react to a direct challenge. You must exude confidence and assure your interviewer that you are aware of your lack of experience.

Your answer should display confidence about your hard work and intent in succeeding to prove your talent. Once you’re successful in showing your passion for learning on the job and responding accordingly to challenges, your odds can improve.

Do Your Research

Not understanding the job description and the qualifications needed puts you at a significant disadvantage. In order to have a smooth and clear conversation with the recruiter, you must do your research about the job description to know what the position really requires. When you lack necessary experience for a job, it’s important to fully comprehend all its core requirements in order to determine whether your skills truly match up.

List Your Qualities

Use a pen and paper to jot down your top ten best qualities. These qualities may compensate for your lack of experience. Doing this helps quantify the results in terms of savings made and the increased productivity at the same time.

Match Your Skills

Once you have your skills on paper, match them with what the job requires. Write down at least two reasons why the job is a good match for you. (Don’t go overboard and tell yourself that you’re more successful than you really are.)

Focus on Your Background

Because your employer may waver over your lack of experience, you can counterattack by displaying your skills and talents that are relevant to the job. Focus on positive achievements and views. Use examples from your previous job, internships, activities or team involvements. The interviewer may see something in you that can put you ahead of the pack.

Read 17982 times Last modified on Wednesday, 10 February 2016 16:48
Alan Carniol

Alan is the creator of Interview Success Formula, a training program that has helped more than 80,000 job seekers to ace their interviews and land the jobs they deserve. Interviewers love asking curveball questions to weed out job seekers. But the truth is, most of these questions are asking about a few key areas. Learn more about how to outsmart tough interviewers by watching this video.