Many job applicants will read a job posting and be intimidated by the long, unforgiving list of skills and experience requirements needed for the job.
What most applicants fail to comprehend is that this represents the perfect candidate. Employers rarely expect to get an individual that meets all their requirements. In the real world, HR managers will look at candidates that meet some but not all of these stated attributes. For example, if the job posting calls for 5 years experience, they will consider someone with 3 years. If they ask for a master’s degree, a solid bachelor’s sheepskin in the same discipline will more than likely get you an interview.
When responding to a job posting, indicate in your cover letter that you may not have X, Y or Z requirement, but that you would be willing to take an online or college level class to make up the difference. This shows that you paid specific attention to the requirements in the job posting and that you admit you’re not perfect and willing to learn.
If you more than meet some of the other job posting requirements, build on that. Accentuate how strong you are in these other areas. Fill the vacuum of your inexperience in one area with your above-the-threshold expertise in others.
Should you land an interview, go in prepared with an extensive knowledge of the company, the department and its CEOs (you know this because you researched this stuff online and in the industry press).
For an added perspective, check out this video:
Got any thoughts on those “wish list” job postings? Feel free to share them in the comments section.
Alex A. Kecskes has written hundreds of published articles on health/fitness, "green" issues, TV/film entertainment, restaurant reviews and many other topics. As a former Andy/Belding/One Show ad agency copywriter, he also writes web content, ads, brochures, sales letters, mailers and scripts for national B2B and B2C clients. Please see more of his blogs and view additional job postings on Nexxt.
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