‘Sorry, you’re underqualified’
Ken Pelczarski | TLT Career Coach January 2020
Lack enough experience? Try this strategy to convince employers you can do the job.
Most of us have seen an attractive job opening advertised and said to ourselves, “This could be a great step for my career path. However, it appears that I do not have enough experience.” Would you typically apply anyway in such a situation? I hope so, especially if you are confident in your capabilities and are passionate about the job.
An employer will usually hire you for one of two primary reasons:
1.
You are well experienced and more qualified, capable and accomplished than other candidates.
2.
Although you are short on experience, you have the aptitude, motivation and overall potential to be up to speed quickly and maybe become even more successful than a candidate with greater experience.
Which of the following candidates do you think has the better chance of being hired?
Candidate 1. Highly experienced in the same field in the right type of position but questionable on culture fit and does not show passion or enthusiasm.
Candidate 2. Underqualified regarding level of experience but capable of learning and motivated to achieve at a high level.
In my opinion, Candidate 2 has an easier time getting hired because of attitude, reliability, positive effect on other employees, chance of success and long-term potential. In addition, this less-experienced candidate will have an even better chance of being hired in a seller’s market where employers have difficulty finding the ideal candidate.
Primary ways you can be underqualified
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Less leadership experience than desired
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Less experience in the employer’s field than desired
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Less experience than desired in the right type of role
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Non-degreed when degree is mandatory
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Bachelor’s degree when an advanced degree is required.
Nine points to prove
1.
Motivation. Convince the employer that you want to achieve big things.
2.
History of accomplishments. Show that you have been successful in all your endeavors. Quantify accomplishments when possible.
3.
Doing the same job now. If the employer wants more than 10 years of experience and you only have five years, make the case that you have been performing the same responsibilities and have had numerous accomplishments.
4.
Ability to learn. Explain your foundation of training. Stress to the employer you will likely be more successful after six months on the job than a more experienced person. Request to be tested for aptitude.
5.
Extensive practical experience. If you are short on desired education level, emphasize that your practical experience more than makes up for it. Request that the employer ask you situational/behavioral questions to prove they will have difficulty finding somebody more qualified than you.
6.
Transferable skills. Draw parallels between the prospective role and the job you have been doing in a different field.
7.
Soft skills. Display some of the more desirable soft skills employers look for such as leadership, communication, work ethic, problem solving, positive attitude, integrity, team player, adaptability, accountability, critical thinking and goal oriented. Give examples of how you have accomplished things through directing others (especially if you have not had an official management title). Provide examples of how you have interacted effectively at different levels internally as well as externally with vendors and customers.
8.
Cultural fit. Show the employer that you have a good understanding of their company’s culture and explain how you thrive with this kind of work environment and management style.
9.
Long-term commitment. Share your long-term career goals openly and explain why this position and company are likely to offer the job satisfaction and challenge you desire for many years to come.
Attempt to prove the points discussed above in all aspects of the hiring process:
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Cover letter. Write a concise and hard-hitting letter that conveys your motivation, capabilities and related accomplishments.
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Resume. Be sure that the top third of your resume clearly lays out your skill set relevant to the position at hand.
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Networking. Express to all contacts your strong desire to attain a specific type of role.
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Telephone interview. Objective is to advance to the next step of the process by convincing the employer you may be more accomplished and desirable than a more-experienced candidate.
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In-person interview. This is your chance to shine by proving that you can achieve company objectives and be an outstanding long-term fit for the employer.
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Interview follow-up. Express clearly that, after digesting interview discussions, you are confident you will be a high achiever in this role.
If you are searching for a high-growth career opportunity, apply for positions that involve the greatest level of responsibility you can handle. Apply even if your experience on paper falls short of the employer’s written job requirements. After proving you are a highly desirable candidate, the employer may even customize a new position tailored to your experience.
Ken Pelczarski is owner and founder of Pelichem Associates, a Chicago-based search firm established in 1985 and specializing in the lubricants industry. You can reach Ken at (630) 960-1940 or at pelichem@aol.com.