Should You Apply For A Job You’re Not Qualified For?

By Loreen Mwangi

If you are like me, then you can relate to the many times you’ve applied for a job you have no experience in. Most people, especially, fresh graduates apply for jobs they are under qualified or plainly unqualified for.

Most young people have limited or no experience when it comes to specific job duties. Lack of experience is a challenge considering employers seek only to hire people who have the understanding and knowledge of an industry.

However, it’s not hard to remove the under qualified tag and make the most of the transferable skills you have.

How To Apply For A Job You Are Not Qualified For

Justus Ngetich, a Recruitment Account Manager at Corporate Staffing Services, gives an insight on how to apply for a job you are not qualified for.

“ You might not always have the qualifications required, but make sure you possess certain skill sets that the job requires. Such sought after skills are: great interpersonal skills, team work, hard working and, leadership skills.

Write down your transferable skills on your CV. In terms of the cover letter, explain how your skills fit the position you are applying and how those skills make you a valuable asset to the company.”

Justus continues to explain the importance of listing unpaid experience that you possess. Internships or volunteer work are some of the areas you can get such exposure. Some companies have great internship programs where individuals can better their skills and learn more about the industry.

When you are new to the job market, internships offer you the best experience you can present to an employer.

Lastly, Justus points out the value of applying for management trainee programs. Most big companies have such programs that offer young people the exposure and training than can be applied in the job market.

Make a difference in how you make your applications.

Lack of experience should not discourage you from applying for jobs, on the other hand, it should motivate you to find available avenues to better your skills.