Applying to a job when you don’t meet all the listed requirements may seem risky, but it can be a smarter career move than you might think. According to a Harvard Business Review article, many candidates—especially women—hesitate to apply unless they feel fully qualified. In fact, women tend to hold off on applying unless they meet 100% of the qualifications, while men will apply when only meeting 60% of the criteria.
However, job descriptions are often idealized versions of what employers hope to find and they don’t always expect candidates to check every box listed. Focusing on your relevant skills, adaptability, and willingness to learn can make you stand out even if you’re missing certain qualifications.
Let’s explore why you should take the chance and apply, and how that can unlock new opportunities that you might have thought were out of reach.
Why Apply for a Job You’re Not Fully Qualified For?
Looking for your dream job? Opening up broader possibilities can be as simple as expanding your job search and not dismissing opportunities that you’re not completely qualified for. Remember that job descriptions usually represent a company’s ideal candidate rather than a realistic one, with employers listing all possible skills they hope to find. This means many hiring managers are willing to consider candidates who may not meet every requirement but show potential for growth and on-the-job learning.
By applying, you give yourself a chance to be evaluated on your strengths, which may go beyond the listed qualifications. Skills like problem-solving, communication, leadership, and quick learning are often more valuable to employers than niche company-specific abilities that can be trained on the job. Applying also shows initiative, confidence, and a growth mindset—appealing traits for many employers.
Not applying can limit your opportunities. The fear of rejection might hold you back, but taking risks is a part of career success. Ultimately, applying even when you’re underqualified could lead to a job that pushes you toward your professional potential. By applying, you open yourself to opportunities that might otherwise seem out of reach, and you may be more qualified than you think.
How To Apply for a Job When You Don’t Meet All the Criteria
Applying for a job where you don’t meet all the listed requirements can feel daunting, but it’s an opportunity to showcase your potential. Employers often prioritize qualities like adaptability, problem-solving, and willingness to learn over a perfect match to their job posting.
The key to success in these situations lies in how you approach the application process. By strategically highlighting your relevant experience, transferable skills, and enthusiasm for growth, you can present yourself as a strong candidate. Let’s discuss practical steps to help you confidently apply, even when you don’t meet every requirement.
Research Your Fit
When you find a job posting where you don’t meet all the requirements, researching the company is essential to help establish your case as being a great fit. Start by exploring the company’s values, mission, and culture to see ties between how they align with your own. Look for insights into the team dynamics and leadership style, as a strong cultural fit can sometimes outweigh missing qualifications.
Read employee reviews, check the company’s social media presence, and explore recent news or projects. Understanding their priorities and goals helps you tailor your application to match their company culture and show how you can contribute to the company’s success despite any gaps.
Include a Strategically Written Cover Letter
Including a cover letter is crucial when applying to any job, but it’s even more important when you don’t meet all the listed requirements. It’s your chance to express your passion and your WHY for wanting to join the company and emphasize why the skills you bring make you a strong candidate. A well-crafted cover letter allows you to highlight transferable skills, relevant experience, and enthusiasm for the role, which may not be fully conveyed through a resume alone.
A cover letter lets you explain how your unique background, whether from a different industry or a less traditional path, has equipped you with skills that align with the company’s needs. It’s also an opportunity to showcase your growth mindset and willingness to learn, demonstrating that you’re proactive and committed to acquiring any missing qualifications. A personalized cover letter can be especially important if the employer values adaptability and problem-solving.
A cover letter also reflects your genuine interest in the position and company, which can differentiate you from other candidates who may have all the qualifications but lack passion. It also gives you the opportunity to explain why you are particularly excited about the role and how your goals align with the company’s mission. Ultimately, a compelling cover letter can significantly strengthen your application, even if your resume isn’t a perfect match.
Focus on Your Hard Skills
When applying for a job where you don’t meet all the requirements, emphasizing your hard skills can be a powerful way to position yourself as a strong candidate. Hard skills—specific, teachable abilities like software experience, data analysis, project management, or technical writing—are often more easily measured and relevant across industries. Highlighting the skills you do have can bridge the gap between the qualifications you don’t have and the job’s demands, showing that you have the practical capabilities to contribute to the company’s success.
To focus on your hard skills effectively, start by reviewing the job description to identify the most critical technical abilities the role requires. Even if you don’t have all of them, emphasize the ones you do possess and provide specific examples of how you’ve applied them in past roles. For instance, if the job requires proficiency in certain software but you are experienced in a similar tool, emphasize that skill and your adaptability in learning new platforms.
Tailor your resume and cover letter to showcase the hard skills that are most relevant to the job. This can also involve highlighting certifications, training, or courses that demonstrate your technical expertise. Focusing on these tangible abilities can reassure employers that, despite missing some qualifications, you can still add value immediately.
The Bottom Line
Applying to a job, even if you don’t meet all the criteria, can open doors to a new world of opportunities that you may have previously passed up. But by focusing on your strengths, transferable skills, and enthusiasm for growth, you can position yourself as a valuable candidate with lots to offer. Remember that the job description is a wish list, and companies are willing to train the right person. Taking the leap and applying with confidence can lead to personal and professional growth, new experiences, and, possibly, the next step in your career.
Want help wording your cover letter to address being underqualified for a job you really want? Try Style Nine to Five’s Cover Letter Refresh service, where Founder Christie Lohr crafts the perfect way to communicate your passion, unique experience, and potential to employers.
Jeanine Gordon is a freelance content marketer passionate about creating stellar strategies for global brands and small businesses alike, specializing in fashion, beauty, and lifestyle.