Pongo Resume

The job posting seems too good to be true. It’s the kind of role that can start you on a path to your long-term career goal, at a company that’s been on your short list of targets. You just know that this is a job that’s screaming out your name.

There’s just one little problem: The posting wants someone with seven to ten years of professional experience. You have only three.

On top of that, the posting says you need to be “expert” with a specific piece of software, but you’ve had only minimal exposure to it.

OK, so there are two little problems. Or maybe they're not so little?

So, what do you do?

• Apply anyway, hoping the employer ignores or won't notice the experience gap?
• Move on to the next job posting, albeit a bit dejectedly?
• Or, apply, but, in your cover letter, acknowledge your lack of sufficient experience and stress your other skills that do meet the company’s criteria. Also, think of dropping in a couple of quotes from current or former colleagues that can extol your virtues as a professional and support the assertions you make.

Hmmm, maybe that last option seems appealing. If it is, take it! Why? Here are three reasons:

You might just intrigue them enough to call you in for an interview. Let’s say you state something like this in your cover letter: “I have three years of solid experience in web development, as well as the project management and team-building skills you’re looking for. I am familiar with BuildIt's capabilities, and am able to quickly master new software programs. So, I would put in the extra effort to develop expertise in BuildIt. In fact, a former supervisor wrote this on my performance evaluation last year: Bob is able to quickly absorb the functionality of any software program, and can help others get up to speed.”

This kind of statement can make a positive impression on a hiring manager. It demonstrates energy, a personal commitment to learn, and how seriously you take your career. Besides, smart employers know that most skills can be taught, but important personality traits (such as likability) can't. There’s no guarantee you’ll be called for an interview, but it could happen.

In fact, it did happen just days ago to a young woman I know who took this approach in her cover letter. The job description listed experience with the web design software Dreamweaver as a required skill, and she had not used it before. She told the truth, pointed out her other qualifications, and was called in for an interview this week.

If you don’t get this job, maybe they’ll consider you for another one. If this position is out of your league, maybe there will be another that’s more suited for your qualifications. If it’s a company you’ve dreamed of working for, it would be a good idea to follow up on your original submission. If this is a company that actively looks for people who will fit in well, and you make a good impression, you just might get hired when another job opens up.

Admittedly, many companies don’t espouse this hiring practice. But with some employers placing a higher priority on talent recruitment and development, I wouldn’t be surprised if more begin paying attention to previously rejected candidates as part of their recruitment strategies.

If nothing else, you’ve scored some points for honesty. You may not have had every skill they wanted, but at least you were forthright in your cover letter. And honesty counts for a lot with about 99.99% of employers.

Have you ever applied for a job knowing you didn’t have the right level of experience? How did you fare? Please share your thoughts below.

i totally agree. and if you are fresh out of school. your coursework counts for something, esp if you worked on some projects. it serves as something you worked on at a (hopefully) professional level.

Hi apple! Thanks for dropping in. Yes, college work that is similar to things you might work on in the workplace should also count, especially group projects. Heck, even if you organized a charitable event on behalf of your fraternity, it should count as a valuable volunteer activity.

Best, ~ Rick

Since I am a hiring director, it wastes my time when people who aren't fully qualified for the position I have open apply. When I advertise a position I make it clear what experience and disciplines are needed. I don't like to waste my time or the person who wants to apply's time.

Hi Jim K!

OK, so you're probably one of the few who knows what he REALLY wants in a new employee. If you get people who can match the specifics for the job postings, and your organization functions well, then that's certainly a credit to you.

I believe there are many times when employers list what they would want in their ideal candidate, but many times it comes down to "cultural fit" over qualifications; if someone is lacking in two or three of about seven areas that spell out the required experience, but may work most effectively with teammates based on work ethic and the hiring manager's gut instinct, that person will win the job.

Thanks for dropping in! ~ Rick

I'M a very young 61 that was forced into what would have been an early retirement as a Ship Captain. This was of a spinal injury nature in 10/1999, and I can't pass a USCG physical to have my Masters License reinstated. I am on dissability and working as a Licensed armed High Risk Security guard. Also, I am enrolled in school studying for Associate in Science Criminal Justice degree. Now, having said all that is to simply add that Iam only making $8.00/hr. And I only have about a year at that. However, there are jobs avail. in my area paying &12.00/hr doing the same thing but requre more exp. Such is my dilema!! Can you help me with a cover letter? Thank you, Daniel

Hi Daniel!

First, I commend you for your persistance and courage.

I'm not sure what the descriptions of the jobs you're targeting say regarding experience, but there are two things you can stress in your cover letter:

(1) The fact that you're seeking a degree in criminal justice, which demonstrates how much you want to know about your new career. (2) The transferrable skills from your years as a ship captain. Even though I'm not that familiar with either line of work, I can think of attention to detail and leadership skills as valuable requirements.

Think of other transferrable skills from your past and current work.

Hope this helps! ~ Rick

Your comments were encouraging, Rick, as I am applying for a position where I don't have the educational experience but feel I more than meet that with my nineteen years' work experience.

How would I state that in my cover letter along with the fact that I would be willing to consider working towards that required degree (Associates)?

Hi Kathy!

Thanks for the question. Definitely play up your many years of experience. Unless the job posting says they won't consider anyone without the required degree, I'd go ahead and apply, but not even mention in your cover letter your willingness to go to school for the degree, UNLESS you're already in school.

Having said that, if there's anything you can add in lieu of college courses, such as any professional development courses you took through previous employers, that might help.

Further, if they call you for an interview and say they would like you to get that degree, and you are indeed willing to take the courses to earn it, make it clear to them that you're prepared to do that (and if they can pay some or all of the tuition, all the better).

Good luck! ~ Rick

Hi,

I have 15 years of field sales experience, banking and mortgages however I am and was at the top of my game, in my field I have many many years of sales experience,

I would like to apply for a pharmaceutical sales postion, postion asked for 4 year degree I have some college but no degree.

This is my passion. Should I bother to apply? Would they consider me?

Kelly

@ Kelly -- Can't hurt to try. Your extensive sales experience might be able to trump your lack of a degree. But at least you've taken college courses.

Just give good examples of how you were successful on the job over the 15 years.