Readers often ask me a variation of this question:
“I saw a position that’s pretty much my dream job. But I don’t meet all the requirements that were advertised. Should I apply for it anyway, on a stretch – or move on?”
It’s a great question.
But instead of answering it myself, today, I’ll let “Sarah” – an Interview Success Formula student, answer the question with an email she sent a few weeks back.
Here it is:
Great news, Alan, I just accepted a position!
Your program was invaluable in helping me land the job – from resume tips, cover letter, and job searching and interview skills that I learned from ISF.
I now have my dream job that I am more excited about than anything I’ve done in years.
I didn’t quite meet the requirements posted, but I applied as a “stretch” and won out. It is a slight career change, but for the better, in a new direction of my industry of which I was completely unaware.
WOW – cutting edge technology and innovation beyond belief. This invigorates me to actually look forward to work!
And the salary is well above my expectations.
Most importantly, I appreciate the subtleties that I gleaned from your communications, an attitudinal perspective regarding age, goals, and patience. Your story of expectant parents was apropos, as my job search was just over 9 months. The personalized worksheets on my strengths and behaviors brought about a self-awareness that will prove useful in many other aspects of my life.
I would strongly recommend ISF to anyone in the market for a job; it really works.
There is NO WAY I would have been hired had I not participated in the program.
Earnest thanks and warm regards,
A happy former ISF student
So?
I say “Yes!” Definitely apply even though you don’t meet every requirement.
Here’s why:
Although hiring managers have specific requirements, when an amazing candidate falls out the sky into their office and delivers a knockout interview, they’ll often look past the “formalities” and hire the candidate anyway.
The reason is simple:
When a great hire comes their way, their search is over, and they’ll eagerly jump at the opportunity to hire you immediately. Not only that, but they’ll often pay you a higher salary than you were expecting – merely because they don’t want to lose you.
This is the power of a stellar first impression.
