[Anonymous]

So like a lot of other people in my position, I am debating whether or not I should apply to a job in which I do not meet ALL of the minimal requirements. Heck almost not qualified at all but I am passionate, hardworking and a quick learner. I can pick up on things with very little training. I know this because I dealt with it a lot a Wal-mart, there you just had to know how to adapt VERY quickly.

So I am wondering have any f you applied for a job that you know you’re not qualified for? If you did, did you surprisingly get the job? Is applying to jobs like this like applying for a scholarship in the sense that if no one applied you can very well earn that scholarship, I’ve known this to happen from what my friends tell me.

The economy is in the shitter so a ot of people I am sure had to rethink their jobs and take on “new” career plans….if employers KNOW that a lot of the positions they need filled need certain qualifications,why not train workers. 10 years ago they use to do this ALL the time, in fact my mom said when she became a CNA when she was 20, she was merely trained on the job…now they only consider doing this IF you have an advanced degree,

What do you all think?

[Anonymous]

I would say apply for those positions. You have nothing to lose and it could be an opportunity for interview practice. Also, keep in mind that many positions are never advertised. If you get an interview or maybe you follow up on a resume, tell them that you're interested in their company and would like hear of any other positions they may have.

That being said I have the impression that companies are having trouble finding qualified candidates. It seems that no one wants to train anyone and everyone wants specific experience.

I've heard that positions where the hiring process is long and drawn out there is more attrition among candidates. (Gov't jobs for example). My husband used to work for a government agency and they often hired candidates that were less experienced because they were the only ones who filled out every last piece of paperwork.

[MIA2CPA]

You miss 100% of the shots you don't take. You have nothing to lose by applying.

BEC - 84
AUD - 83
FAR - 82
REG - 81

I'm DONE! CERTIFIED PARTY ANIMAL!

[Anonymous]

Applying takes 10 minutes so why not? To be honest though, you're unlikely to get the interview if you meet almost none of their requirements

[Path To CPA]

Employers often pick the next best choice and you might possibly be one. You'll never know until you try. What's the worse that can happen if you try? Being rejected because you do not qualify for the position?

REG: 68, 75
AUD: 80
BEC: 77
FAR: 24, 67, 69, 72, 80 Thank you Lord!!!!

Finally Done! Perseverance is the key to success

NYS Licensed CPA - 2013

[Anonymous]

Honestly I think it depends on the job you are applying for. Some things can be taught. If its an entry level position that you feel you can be trained to do then yes apply. It doesn't hurt. But if it is a job that requires a bit more skills and knowledge than you have chances are they probably won't consider you. Sorry, but the hard truth. There are probably hundreds of people that do meet the min qualifications that are applying for the job. Wish you the best.

[Anonymous]

Here is something I was reading>>>>>>>

https://blogs.hbr.org/cs/2012/04/job_descriptions_and_the_exper.html

This is what ignites my cocky side, articles like these.

I feel IF employers feel they can place unrealistic “demands” on you, then employees should do the same. If MORE employees would do this, there would be a workforce revolution! Employers could no longer cut corners.

I am busting my ass in school so I can make a decent salary not some mere paycheck. I was not expecting to become one of the “elites” by no means when I chose to go into Accounting BUT I refuse to make as much as someone that has NO degree or anything. I am not going to settle for ANYTHING less than 40k. If I wanted to make less than that then I would have remained in the Mathematics Education Department. It just doesn't pay to be a teacher here and or those who ARE teachers God bless you!

We will ALWAYS lag academically behind other countries because we care more about capitalism than education.

So I find it EVEN more humorous when people say “how come we place so far behind other countries?”

Maybe because we would rather spend Billion of tax dollars to wipe banks' asses than towards education reform.

My rant for the day lol

[Anonymous]

Unless you live in the middle of the country, almost anyone can make over 40k per year

[mla1169]

Yes, you can get hired for a job without all of the qualifications, but you have to expect to be paid less than someone who does. I just got a new job and I know there were people more qualified than myself who applied, and they wanted $20k/year more than I did. I'm just there long enough to say I am an experienced manager and hopefully by then the economy will have turned the corner enough that I'll find something that's a significant increase. But I likely wouldn't gain the experience I need without compromising on the salary I feel I'm worth. Paying my dues, still, at my age.

FAR- 77
AUD -49, 71, 84
REG -56,75!
BEC -75

Massachusetts CPA (non reporting) since 3/12.

[Anonymous]

@Destinycpa

Oh of course I understand someone else being more qualified than me but I feel if a position is “entry level” it is unfair of the employer to say MUST HAVE 3-5 years experience. Its like WTF?o_O Its supposed to be entry level.

@mla1169

You are right!

“But I likely wouldn't gain the experience I need without compromising on the salary I feel I'm worth. Paying my dues, still, at my age.”

I guess this is the hard truth I have to accept and it sucks.

And I am trying to get an early start on “interning” to gain experience but it is frustrating pretty much do the same reasons mentioned in the article and what I have mentioned.

I feel like I am competing with the qualified EVEN for a “internship -like” job. Its like “What do you want?!” I cannot gain experience because EVERY SINGLE employer asks for experience.

If Romney can get “job creators” to create some damn jobs that would be effing amazing b/c if employers do not take a chance just like “potential” employees do,then the economy will be VERY slow at picking up again.

*I think I am going for a second MA in economics lol*

[Author]

Replies