How To Apply For A Job You're Not 100% Qualified For

Popular How To Apply For A Job You're Not 100% Qualified For Jenna ArcandAugust 24, 2022Job seeker applying for jobs she's not 100% qualified for Bigstock {"adCodes": [{"desktop": "\u003cdiv class=\u0027rblad-wit_content\u0027\u003e\u003c/div\u003e", "display": true, "mobile": "\u003cdiv class=\u0027rblad-wit_content\u0027\u003e\u003c/div\u003e", "new_amp": "\u003camp-ad width=336 height=280\n type=\"doubleclick\"\n data-slot=\"/22278042776,22664312254/wit/wit_content\"\n data-multi-size=\"300x250\"\u003e\n\u003c/amp-ad\u003e", "order": 0, "tablet": "\u003cdiv class=\u0027rblad-wit_content\u0027\u003e\u003c/div\u003e"}, {"desktop": "\u003cdiv class=\u0027rblad-wit_content\u0027\u003e\u003c/div\u003e", "display": true, "mobile": "\u003cdiv class=\u0027rblad-wit_content\u0027\u003e\u003c/div\u003e", "new_amp": "\u003camp-ad width=336 height=280\n type=\"doubleclick\"\n data-slot=\"/22278042776,22664312254/wit/wit_content\"\n data-multi-size=\"300x250\"\u003e\n\u003c/amp-ad\u003e", "order": 1, "tablet": "\u003cdiv class=\u0027rblad-wit_content\u0027\u003e\u003c/div\u003e"}, {"desktop": "\u003cdiv class=\u0027rblad-wit_content\u0027\u003e\u003c/div\u003e", "display": true, "mobile": "\u003cdiv class=\u0027rblad-wit_content\u0027\u003e\u003c/div\u003e", "new_amp": "\u003camp-ad width=336 height=280\n type=\"doubleclick\"\n data-slot=\"/22278042776,22664312254/wit/wit_content\"\n data-multi-size=\"300x250\"\u003e\n\u003c/amp-ad\u003e", "order": 2, "tablet": "\u003cdiv class=\u0027rblad-wit_content\u0027\u003e\u003c/div\u003e"}], "adsOrder": [2]}

One of the biggest job search struggles is figuring out which jobs you should apply for. You have to look at the job description, the skill requirements, and the overall qualifications for the job, and then determine whether it's a viable employment opportunity for you or not.

It's often more difficult discerning which jobs you're qualified for (the ones you really have a shot at) than you think. So, how do you know if you're actually qualified for a job or not? Should you apply for jobs you're not 100% qualified for?

The short answer: Yes, you absolutely should.

Here's how to apply for a job when you're lacking some of the qualifications.

1. Use The 90% Rule

The first step to applying for a job you're not sure you are qualified for is determining whether you're qualified enough. This is where the 90% rule comes into play.

After studying the job description, the list of qualifications, and the skill requirements, you should have a good idea of what the employment opportunity entails. Now, after looking at your resume, do you think you're qualified? If you have 90% of the skill requirements, you are qualified for that job and should apply for it.

When you apply for a job, it's always important to include all relevant skill sets, experience, and keywords on your resume, so it gets past the applicant tracking system (ATS). This is especially true when you only have 90% of the qualifications, since leaving out just one skill could prevent your resume from ever landing in the hands of the hiring manager.

Customize your resume for every job you apply for to avoid this mistake. This way, it'll make it easy for employers to see that you do have most of the qualifications and skill requirements for the position. Remember: 90% is the magic number. Any less, and you'd be wasting your time if you apply.

2. Close The Experience Gap Man writes his resume on his laptopBigstock

In order to close your experience gap, you need to offer the employer something else they won't find in most job candidates—and that's excitement for the job opportunity.

What you lack in experience you can make up with a common connection. Convey to the potential employer your enthusiasm and excitement for the company's products, services, or mission. Explain what you respect and admire about the company. Even if you don't have some of the experience and qualifications the employer is looking for, you have the internal motivation and desire to work for their company.

In addition, this connection shows that you would be a great cultural fit within the company. Whatever skills you don't have, they can probably teach you. But employers know you can't teach cultural fit. This is where you would stand out among other candidates for the position.

A great way to establish that connection with an employer is to write a disruptive cover letter. Tell your story, convey your excitement, and land that interview!

3. Network Your Way Into The Company Woman networks on herBigstock

Here at Work It Daily, we believe your network is your net worth. And the statistics agree. Over 80% of jobs are gotten via referral. So, receiving a job offer usually comes down to who you know.

If you're not 100% qualified for a job, your networking skills will play a big role in your ability to get an interview. Use your network to get introduced to someone who works at the company. Begin by reaching out to current employees of the company or friends who might happen to work there, and ask what it would take to stand out and get hired. Note: you're not asking for the job. You're just asking for more information.

This strategy is extremely effective at opening doors with potential employers and getting your resume in the right hands.

When you have most of the qualifications and a great connection story explaining why you're passionate about a company, networking is the perfect final step. Next time you're debating whether to apply for a job or not, remember the 90% rule. Employers know there's no such thing as the perfect job candidate. But with these steps, you can be a greatone.

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This article was originally published at an earlier date.

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When a recession hits, many people immediately begin to worry about their jobs—and with good reason. Recessions usually mean mass layoffs, fewer jobs, more competition for jobs, and less job security. But some careers are safer than others.

Several websites, including Glassdoor, have compiled lists of jobs that are expected to survive the next economic downturn. Every list is a little different, but there are some professions that consistently show up. Here are five of those careers.

Keep in mind the term "recession-proof" is relative. A recession impacts everyone differently, so nothing is ever 100% foolproof.

1. Medical/Healthcare ProvidersHealthcare professional smiles at workBigstock

This category includes a wide range of jobs: doctors, mental health professionals, home healthcare services, registered nurses, and physical and occupational therapists, to name a few.

The bottom line: No matter the economy, people get sick or injured and need care!

These jobs usually offer competitive salaries and, with the growth of the healthcare industry and many experienced professionals retiring, these fields are always looking for new and young talent.

2. Teachers/College ProfessorsTeacher shows her students how to work on a computerBigstock

The need for education is also something that never stops, regardless of the state of the economy.

Job growth for teachers typically remains steady as districts are usually faced with the retirements of experienced teachers each year. In addition, if enrollment levels remain steady or increase on a yearly basis, cutting teachers would likely impact the quality of education. Many teachers are also tied to labor unions.

College professors, particularly ones with academic tenure, are also very secure in their positions as college enrollments remain somewhat consistent during a recession.

3. Funeral Home DirectorFuneral home director with flowers

Bigstock

This may be morbid but death is the ultimate recession-proof business!

The funeral home director position may not be in demand but the need is constant. It's consistent work that's not impacted by the economy or any other seasonal factor.

Of course, it goes without saying, the job does have its drawbacks.

4. Utility WorkersUtility worker, lineman

Bigstock

Keeping up with public infrastructure projects is a never-ending battle and while communities may try to cut some costs during a recession, taking care of roads, electricity, sewage, trash, and water are essential services that communities can't afford to skimp on.

In addition, in recent years many utilities have experienced labor shortages, so there are usually many positions available for those looking for a job or career change.

5. AccountantAccountant calculates finances at work

Bigstock

Benjamin Franklin famously said the only certain things in life are death and taxes.

We already touched on death, so now it's time to touch on taxes. While accountants are particularly valuable during tax season, their services are needed year round.

Whether you're a business owner or just an everyday person, dealing with numbers and financial records can be tricky. And, during a recession, the need for assistance with finances is great.

Many believe a recession is imminent and it could very well impact your career. Now is the time to prepare!

We'd love it if you signed up for Work It Daily's Power Hour Event Subscription! Get your career questions answered in our next live event!

This article was originally published at an earlier date.

Read moreShow lessrecession proof jobs {"customDimensions": {"1":"Aaron Sanborn, Jenna Arcand","3":"recession proof jobs, recession, recession employment, is the us heading into recession, are we headed to recession in 2020, unemployment, unemployment rate, economic recession, job growth, economy, economic downturn, labor market, career advice, career, career happiness, career development, professional development, recession proof careers, job, job market, career growth, laid off, layoffs, unemployed, ~rmsc:rebelmouse-image:20648948, ~rmsc:rebelmouse-image:20649048, ~rmsc:rebelmouse-image:23562205, ~rmsc:rebelmouse-image:29704847, ~rmsc:rebelmouse-image:31214859, ~rmsc:rebelmouse-image:31214861, ~rmsc:rebelmouse-image:31214865","2":"popular","4":"08/25/2022"}, "post": {"split_testing": {}, "providerId": 0, "sections": [0, 370480899, 376489962, 404327439, 479660731, 543270555, 473310813, 473333499], "buckets": [], "authors": [19836093, 19836096]} } Community Red Teaming – Defining Objection Handling Strategies & More Liam AndersonAugust 24, 2022Strategy concept, red teaming Bigstock {"adCodes": [{"desktop": "\u003cdiv class=\u0027rblad-wit_content\u0027\u003e\u003c/div\u003e", "display": true, "mobile": "\u003cdiv class=\u0027rblad-wit_content\u0027\u003e\u003c/div\u003e", "new_amp": "\u003camp-ad width=336 height=280\n type=\"doubleclick\"\n data-slot=\"/22278042776,22664312254/wit/wit_content\"\n data-multi-size=\"300x250\"\u003e\n\u003c/amp-ad\u003e", "order": 0, "tablet": "\u003cdiv class=\u0027rblad-wit_content\u0027\u003e\u003c/div\u003e"}, {"desktop": "\u003cdiv class=\u0027rblad-wit_content\u0027\u003e\u003c/div\u003e", "display": true, "mobile": "\u003cdiv class=\u0027rblad-wit_content\u0027\u003e\u003c/div\u003e", "new_amp": "\u003camp-ad width=336 height=280\n type=\"doubleclick\"\n data-slot=\"/22278042776,22664312254/wit/wit_content\"\n data-multi-size=\"300x250\"\u003e\n\u003c/amp-ad\u003e", "order": 1, "tablet": "\u003cdiv class=\u0027rblad-wit_content\u0027\u003e\u003c/div\u003e"}, {"desktop": "\u003cdiv class=\u0027rblad-wit_content\u0027\u003e\u003c/div\u003e", "display": true, "mobile": "\u003cdiv class=\u0027rblad-wit_content\u0027\u003e\u003c/div\u003e", "new_amp": "\u003camp-ad width=336 height=280\n type=\"doubleclick\"\n data-slot=\"/22278042776,22664312254/wit/wit_content\"\n data-multi-size=\"300x250\"\u003e\n\u003c/amp-ad\u003e", "order": 2, "tablet": "\u003cdiv class=\u0027rblad-wit_content\u0027\u003e\u003c/div\u003e"}], "adsOrder": [2]}

What’s a “red team”?

On August 2nd, 1990, Saddam Hussein invaded Kuwait, and so started the “Gulf War.”

The United States and Western allies formed a “coalition of the willing” to remove the Iraqi Army from Kuwait.

A group of military planners, known as the “blue team,” set up shop in a hanger in an air base in Saudi Arabia, and created the basic plan for Operation Desert Storm in 24 hours.

This plan was passed on to another team, known as the “red team.” They were given the following instructions: “You are the Iraqi high command. You have all the known resources, materials, and manpower available to the Iraqi military. A spy has given you the alliance battle plans. You have 24 hours to prepare your response.”

The “red team” prepared their response, which was then passed back to the “blue team.” They spent another 24 hours building countermeasures and contingency plans to foil the “red team’s” responses.

The rest is history...

What’s This Got To Do With Me? I’m A Sales Guy!Business people work on a sales strategy together

Bigstock

​When you face your customers, there are questions you would prefer they didn’t ask.

They may relate to your product’s weaknesses. They may relate to a change in the market which affects your product’s pricing or availability. They may relate to reputational damage caused by an embarrassing lawsuit or complaints on social media.

You have two choices. You can sit and sweat and hope they don’t ask you these questions, or you can “red team” it by asking yourself what nightmare questions they can ask you.

Write these down. Go back to “blue team” mode and prepare your answers.

Your answers may not be that convincing, but at least you have something to say if they ask.

What’s This Got To Do With Me? I’m Looking For A Job!job search, looking for a job concept

Bigstock

Job seekers attend interviews. Interviewers ask questions that you don’t want to answer, such as:

  • “Why did you leave your previous job?”
  • "Where do you see yourself in 5 years’ time?”
  • “Tell me about your greatest weakness/strength/mistake?”

There are others which are related to your personal situation, or to the job you are applying for.

“Red team” it by imagining you are a hostile interviewer. Think of the worst questions they can ask you.

Write them down. Go back to “blue team” mode to prepare your answers.

You may want to try these out on a friend (who can “red team” for you) and see how she reacts. If she’s not convinced, you may need to improve your answers. Better to do that before the interview.

What’s This Got To Do With Me? I’m A Student!Students work together on a project

Bigstock

Everything!

I was a student too, and, to be honest, not a very good one! I was interested in military history, however.

When it came to exams, I adopted the mindset of a general preparing for battle. I reviewed each subject and “red teamed” it. What was my nightmare question? Where was I weakest?

That was where I made extra effort when revising and doing practice questions.

I really am not the smartest guy in the room. I did manage to get myself a bachelor’s degree, a teaching qualification, and an MBA, so I must have done something right.

Game On!Bullseye concept, business

Bigstock

Got a big sales meeting coming up? Looking forward to a challenging job interview? Studying for a professional qualification and preparing for exams?

Get into “red team” mode and anticipate your “enemy’s” worst moves.

Prepare for them.

Be ready to use them.

Let me know how you get on!

Further reading...

Before you start “red teaming,” you need a position to defend!

Here is an article I wrote on building a business case: “What’s In It For Me?” The 3-Stage Guide To Answering This Question

Here’s one on preparing a sales presentation: Sell The Hole, Not The Drill! How To Make A Successful Sales Presentation

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