In the last few years, I’ve found that job applications have become one of the most tedious and disappointing processes. The standards for internships, entry-level jobs and co-ops continue to become more advanced and thorough, ultimately causing many to feel unqualified. This sense of lacking skill and qualifications leads applicants to feel as though they cannot succeed in the position. But this doesn’t have to be the case. It’s time to normalize applying to positions that we feel underqualified for.
Likability & Work Ethic > Skills
Although this isn’t the case for many careers such as the medical field or engineering, skills that are listed in a job posting are not the only determining factor of candidate selection. The way you present yourself in interviews changes the way employers view your application as a whole. Likability is one of the main ways to gear the interview in your favour. If you don’t feel qualified for something, show up as the best version of yourself because at the end of the day, a company will most likely hire someone who has the potential and is likeable, rather than someone who only looks good on paper. Additionally, showing examples of work ethic demonstrates that you can learn new skills that they’re looking for and you’ll work hard to do so. Whether this work ethic comes from past work experience, sports, volunteering or anywhere in between, relate it back to the position you’re applying for!
Eagerness to Learn & Grow
A larger portion of interviewing is the demonstration of eagerness and the intent to grow as an employee. This is especially important if your hard skills are lacking, or if there seems to be an opportunity for growth within a company. Expressing to the interviewer that you have the drive and ambition to learn new things, or use the skills you currently have to further allow you to thrive in a position often tells a company much more about someone than their resume does.
Know What You Bring to the Table
Understanding your worth is something that is important in all facets of life. The job market is not an exception. Use what you’re good at and run with it. Flaunt whatever it is that you believe to be your best skill and know that it is worth so much more than you think. An amazing Ted Talk by Reshma Saujani called Teach Girls Bravery, Not Perfection elaborates on the nature of gender in terms of bravery and perfection. The unfortunate fact is, women are taught to be perfect, whereas men are taught to be brave. This directly impacts the way we as women apply to corporate positions. Saujani touches on a report that found that men will apply to a job if they meet only 60% of the qualifications, whereas women will apply only when they meet 100% of the qualifications. This isn’t a question of confidence, rather a question of how we were told to appear and standards we are told to uphold ourselves to. I’d highly recommend watching this Ted Talk.
If all else fails, fake it ‘til you make it. Don’t lie about your skills or qualifications, but walk into every interview or conversation with as much confidence as you can because it’ll be worth it. At the end of the day, remind yourself that the worst that can happen is you don’t get chosen. And if that does happen, you can at least say you put yourself out there.
XO