Found a job that looks better and better the more you read the description?  You’re already decorating that corner office you know comes with the job offer, right?  And then, you get to the bottom of the position announcement and discover you’re missing a few of the job requirements.  Now what?  Should you apply or redline it because you assume you don’t stand a chance?  “There are a few things you should really consider before making the assumption that it’s a thumbs down”, says A. Harrison Barnes, founder of LegalAuthority.com.

If the position requires a bachelor’s degree and you don’t have one, it’s possible that your ten years experience in the field could work to your advantage and be just enough to sway the employer that you can pull it off minus that degree.  Also, a potential employer might take into consideration that you have two years of your four year degree behind you and that you’re planning on returning to college to get those needed credits.  If that’s the case, then it’s certainly worth your time to forward a resume, says the LegalAuthority.com founder.  Even better is past experience that you can couple with your not quite completed education.

Then there’s the flip side.  For many employers, just because you have CAD certifications do not mean that’s going to be enough to pull off that engineering position.  As A. Harrison Barnes explains, “It’s not realistic to believe you’ll be able to meet the demands associated with an engineering job if you’ve not been formally educated in this field”.  Not only that, but engineers are required to maintain their licenses and many states even require continuing education credits.

So is it likely you’ll score an interview if you’re right there on the cusp and are sure you can fill a certain position even though there might be one or two qualifications that you’re lacking?  It doesn’t hurt to try.  You never know when a human resources agent will see the potential and experience you already possess and be willing to take that leap of faith.  That said, you’ll need to be prepared to answer the question, “Why do you think you can fill this job?”  State your answer with confidence and an assured tone that lets her know she has nothing to worry about by taking a chance on you.

Finally, A. Harrison Barnes recommends you consider making adjustments on your resume before sending it in.  Those adjustments should include specific experience with your previous employers that set the foundation from which you’ll be pleading your case.  You want to fill that gap with solid reasons of how you intend to raise the bar and meet those challenges.  Gather a reference or two from those who know you can fill the job requirements, too.  Be prepared to provide those when the interviewer asks for them.

Before long, you’ll be choosing new wallpaper for that corner office you knew one day would be yours.

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