Don’t Hold Back—Apply for that Job!

Introduction

Many job seekers hesitate to hit "submit" on a job application unless they meet every requirement. But here's the truth: job descriptions are wish lists, not checklists! It's time to change the narrative and focus on what makes you a unique and valuable candidate. You absolutely have strengths and experiences worth showcasing. Here's why you should feel empowered to apply, even if you don't meet every single qualification.

Close the Confidence Gap

Research shows that men are more likely to apply for jobs when they meet just 60% of the qualifications, while many women and marginalized candidates feel they need to meet 100% before applying. This mindset can stop you from pursuing opportunities where you could excel. Remember:

• Companies want the best person for the job, not just someone who checks every box.
• Your ability to learn, adapt, and contribute new ideas is what truly matters.
• Confidence in your potential can set you apart from other candidates.

Highlight Your Human Capabilities

While skills and experience are important, don't underestimate the value of your personal qualities:

• Empathy
• Curiosity
• Integrity
• Resilience
• Emotional Intelligence
• Cultural Awareness

These attributes can make a significant difference and often lead to more success in a role than technical skills alone. Employers value these traits because they contribute to a positive, dynamic workplace and drive success. Showcase your ability to build relationships, lead with empathy, tackle challenges head-on, and demonstrate curiosity and integrity. These are the qualities that can set you apart from others!

Find Your Values Match

Companies aren't just looking for someone who can do the job—they want someone who aligns with their mission and values. When you share a company's vision—whether it's sustainability, innovation, diversity and inclusion, or community engagement—you're already a step ahead. Demonstrate how your values align with theirs and prove that you're not just a great fit for the job, but also for the team and culture.

Recognize Your Hidden Talents

Many job seekers tend to underestimate their capabilities, especially if they've been out of the job market for a while or had a tough work experience. It's easy to overlook your valuable skills when your confidence has taken a hit, whether from a toxic work environment or an unsupportive boss. But you've likely built up an impressive toolkit of hard skills without even realizing it—and many of these are transferable across industries.Consider these examples:

• Those Excel spreadsheets you mastered? That's data analysis.
• The time you revamped an outdated filing system or researched a new app for organizing online? That's research and process improvement.
• Led a cross-departmental meeting or organized a team event? That's project management, requiring leadership and collaboration.

Sometimes, rejection sensitivity or fear of failure holds us back from opportunities we’re perfectly suited for. Take a step back, assess your abilities objectively, and don’t let self-doubt prevent you from applying for roles that align with your strengths and experience.

Tailor Your Resume to the Role

When applying for jobs, it's crucial to customize your resume for each position:

1. Highlight the skills and experiences most relevant to the position, even if they aren't an exact match.
2. Focus on your transferable skills—those that apply across various jobs and industries, such as project management, communication, leadership, and complex problem-solving.
3. Demonstrate how your unique background and skills can add value to the role and the company.
4. Show that you've put in the effort to understand the company's needs and that you're ready to contribute meaningfully.

Pro tip: Once you have a small stable of resumes, this customization will only take you a few minutes per job!

Conclusion

Don't let the fear of not meeting every job requirement hold you back. Whether you're a woman, part of a marginalized community, or an experienced worker over 40, you have qualities that are invaluable to employers.

Focus on what you bring to the table and how you can contribute to the company's success. Employers are looking for candidates who align with their mission and are ready to grow with them. Be confident in your abilities and apply—you might be exactly what they need.

Need help navigating the job search or advancing in your career? Check out my career coaching services and costs, and set up a free 30-Minute Discovery Call right here at careersavvycoaching.com.