How to Apply for a Job When You Don’t Meet All the Criteria

So, you’ve found a job ad that sounds exciting, and you know you could do it, but you don’t meet one or two of the requirements in the description. What to do, dear reader… Finding a job description that doesn’t fit like a glove, but you reckon close enough is good enough, is a common experience. You have a gut feeling that you could be it, if only there weren’t a couple of criteria that you’re not totally sure about.

The key here is not counting yourself out of the race just yet. Companies know that their job ads can attract amazing applicants that might not fit every single criterion, and many will still consider you for an interview if you can demonstrate you can meet most of the essential criteria. The main things you need to prove are your transferable skills, that you’d be a great cultural fit for the company, and an enthusiasm for learning.

1.        Transferrable Skills That Thrill

Here’s a little tip for life, dear reader: If you have to say “no,” you must always be able to offer an alternative. Enter transferrable skills – you may not have the exact experience, but you have other valuable capabilities. For example, many of our nursing students who applied for graduate roles in June were able to provide examples of how their part-time jobs in retail or hospitality helped them develop assertive communication skills, which could be applied in an acute healthcare setting. For example:

I have over two years of experience working in retail, which has allowed me to develop strong assertive communication skills, including managing conflict, setting clear boundaries, and delivering information calmly under pressure. This experience will support me in my graduate year to collaborate effectively with healthcare teams, deliver clear patient education, and advocate confidently for my patients.

Examples like this demonstrate to hiring managers that, although you may not have direct experience, you possess skills that will support your development and showcase your potential.

2.        Soft Skills That Kill

If you gave a hiring manager a choice between an anti-social, frowny-faced candidate that happened to meet all the criteria, and a warm, teachable candidate who has great communication skills and a proven ability to work as part of a dynamic team… who do you think they’d choose?

Most people can acknowledge that what they want isn’t necessarily what they need. A candidate who fits a company’s culture and works well with the rest of the team is more valuable than someone who ticks the boxes on paper but brings down team morale. In your cover letter, you can highlight how your personal values align with a company’s, discuss your transferable experience, and emphasize your emotional and people skills (also known as soft skills). A well-written cover letter will create a sense of camaraderie with the reader – and that’s very valuable, because people are always subconsciously seeking connection with one another.

If you are sitting here, reading this, and thinking, “What the heck are soft skills?” Do yourself a favour, and get researching. Here is a good starting point.

3.        Everyone Loves a Good Learner

For some reason, people often fail to recognize the value of their adaptability. Onboarding a candidate who has the mental and emotional flexibility to thrive in their new role is a golden opportunity for an employer! If you can’t tick the box with experience, show that you are open and eager to learn to tick it instead. Many workplaces are willing to invest in employee learning and are more likely to select candidates who show enthusiasm for it, because everyone likes a sure bet, right?

Your cover letter and interview are great places to highlight what you are currently doing or seeking to keep learning. For example:

While I don’t yet have much experience with [insert specific skill/procedure/software], I am committed to developing this skill. I understand [insert company name] offers online training modules for self-education, and I would be keen to seek opportunities to learn from experienced colleagues.

With a bit of tweaking, you can create an amazing application that includes a resume presenting killer quantitative data, showcasing your productivity, hard work, and results-driven nature, and a cover letter highlighting your communication, teamwork, and leadership skills. The power is in your hands to show a prospective employer that the one criterion that you don’t have mastered yet is on the near horizon if they give you the chance.