Jan
16

8 comments

Unqualified For A Job? Don’t Apply.

Does the title of this post sound a bit restrictive to you? If so, you may be part of a large group of job seekers wasting an incredible amount of time. How so? By applying for jobs in which you are quite obviously not qualified.

When I post jobs onto various job search networks, I am still surprised at the response. I would estimate that 70% of the resumes I receive are from well-meaning people who were clearly not qualified for the position. I’m not a recruiter, but I am trying to filter jobs on their way to the hiring manager. But, hey, I understand how it feels to be out of work. You see a job that fits a few concentric circles outside your experience and you have to apply, right? Well . . . no.

The two most common issues?

1. The job requires certain experience, education or training which you don’t have . . . and you apply anyway.

2. The job is for a Vice President and you are a Manager (or the opposite) . . . and you apply anyway.

So, you may ask, what’s the risk? If I don’t get the job, who gets hurt? At least I tried!

Here are a few of the risks and penalties of applying for jobs without proper qualification:

- A cluttered submission process for truly qualified candidates. And that will be you someday.

- Hiring managers, HR people and recruiters bear the brunt of your impulsive effort. It takes a long time to look through stacks of resumes. If you abuse the process, someone may remember your lack of focus.

- Ever feel like no one is getting back to you? No feedback? You become frustrated in the lack of feedback and lose steam in your search effort. Just think if my 70% number above went away. The feedback loop would get much stronger for the remaining candidates.

- Wasted time on jobs that you won’t get instead of doing really important things like building a solid strategy and networking for the jobs you really should be targeting.

- If you simply send your resume it may seem like a pretty easy, low energy effort. The problem is the simple approach + a lack of qualifications equals a lack of reasons for a recruiter to see you in the role.

So, how do you know if you are unqualified? Well, as simple as it sounds, read the job specification. Those are written with you in mind – with the hopes that you will take it to heart. Ask a friend to review the job against your qualifications and give you honest feedback. Finally, build realistic and specific job search objectives. Once built, you will be better suited to tell people what you are looking for as well as have a guide for positions to target.

Now I’m not saying to see the glass as half empty – there is some room for aspirational thinking. But not if the job description says “must have” and you don’t.

Comments

Rosa Vargas January 17, 2009 @ 4:24 pm

Great advice and a great topic choice, Tim. Especially right now that it seems as if everyone needs a job. Although job seekers are often in desperate positions, it is vital that they try and strategize their resume submissions. Not only will this allow professionals in positions to help them to better assist them — but, ironically, it will help them keep their sanity and a positive-oriented mind set as the rejections or “no feedbacks’ will decrease.
Also, it really is a small world; you never know when a resume submission for different positions will wind up on the same desk! In that case, the jobseeker would have a bigger problem; they were really qualified for one job but not the other. And, I am sure they would much rather project the image of someone who has an ability to be objective and who can identify their strengths and weaknesses.
Bless them all! I realize these are thought times for job seekers and it is easier to comment on this from the outside in. Yet, the advice is well intended and informed. Excellent post!
Tim Tyrell-Smith January 17, 2009 @ 4:54 pm

Thank you, Rosa. Well said!
Need resume help? Check out Rosa’s unique approach at: http://resume-writing.typepad.com.
elizabeth January 18, 2009 @ 4:29 am

Hi Tim, nice site. This is my first visit you’re now on my google page.
This is wonderful, practical advice, and anyone doing a job search should take it to heart. But you’re being generous in saying that job seekers who apply to jobs for which they are not qualified, are well meaning. I’m afraid they’re simply lazy – hoping that someone else will do the work for them.
As an HR manager with a very limited amount of time, unqualified candidates who indiscriminately click click click, tell me everything I need to know about them. And yes, I do actually remember them — because they’ve wasted my time and clogged up my inbox!
There is no quick and easy way to find a job, particularly when using the internet. It actually takes more forethought, not less. Anyone who is unwilling to put in the time to insure they are applying for positions that match their skills and experiences, is only setting themselves up for rejection. 90% of the time, if people are wondering why they haven’t had a response…there’s a good reason. How about we all learn to be a little more accountable for outcomes.
Thanks for the great advice! Eliza
Tim Tyrell-Smith January 18, 2009 @ 8:17 am

Hi Eliza!
Yes, having been motivated to start this blog from my own ’07 job search experience, perhaps I am too empathetic! “Be accountable” is good advice. What if you were only allowed to apply for 1 job per week? Perhaps that would force some discipline on the system . . . Thank you for your great comment. I appreciate your kind words!
gerard October 1, 2009 @ 11:25 am

Im sorry but I applied for a logistics position of which i had no experience and my manager hired me based on the potential he saw in me. Do not listen to this man, apply anyway.
Tim Tyrell-Smith October 1, 2009 @ 5:52 pm

Hey Gerard – Congrats on the job! While I am surprised at your result, I am also very glad to hear about it. It means that there at least one or two employers out there looking for the best people not just those who are qualified. However, I stand by the post – especially in today’s competitive market. Good luck in your new role!
Jeff October 6, 2009 @ 9:46 am

Now that it is a seller’s market, I tend to suspect companies are loading extra experience/responsibilities into the job function just to get people not to apply. I’ve seen a great fit for something in my line of work, Business Analyst, but then they also want the experience of a VP Accountant as well..Huh?
What are they really looking for? a BA or VP to take on extra tasks in the BA role… What type of strategy makes sense here? Thanks! jeff
Tim Tyrell-Smith October 8, 2009 @ 10:50 pm

Hey Jeff – That is a tough situation and I think you are right that employers are able to be more picky in this market. They can ask for more. Best you can do is network like crazy into the jobs where you are most qualified. You will get an opportunity where others will not . . .

Unqualified For A Job? Don’t Apply.

Other Posts You Might Like:

Comments

Something to say?

Download a Free E-book

Find A Career Expert

Join my Watchlyst

What I Write About:

“Like” on Facebook

Career Books

Blog Roll

Featured Here

Favorite Resources

What I Write About:

Popular Job Search Engines:

Social Media And Career Sites: