6 Tips To Overcome Shortfalls in Job Qualifications

You may think you have finally found the perfect job, only to discover as you read through the qualifications that you fall short of meeting the listed requirements. In some cases, the gap between your experience and the stated parameters might be too great to consider applying for the position. In other instances, however, you may feel that your combination of knowledge and work history could compensate for the employment prerequisites. If the latter is the situation, you should apply for the position in spite of your imperfect profile. Since you will be facing an uphill battle on top of the many other challenges of getting hired, you may want to keep these few tips in mind to help you overcome the deficiencies

1. Use Your Cover Letter to Advantage

As with any job search, you need to find a way to make your application stand out. However, you do not want your shortcomings in qualifications to become the center of attention. Avoid common oversights, start with a cover letter that emphasizes your strengths and puts you in a positive light. Craft the letter to show your capabilities as they relate to the job you are seeking.

2. Find Similarities in Skills

If it is a particular ability or knowledge of specific software that you lack, list similar areas of expertise. Show how your experience relates to the intricacies of the required tasks and emphasize your ability to learn new systems quickly. Adaptability is an important attribute in any workplace as all employees must keep abreast of new trends and acquire necessary skills for changes in duties or procedures. After all, according to training experts at American Trainco, a well-trained staff saves a company money, reduces calls for outside experts to fix problems, and makes accidents less likely.

3. Shift the Center of Attention

In preparing your resume, find ways to shift the focus from your apparent shortcomings to your proven capabilities. Cite specific projects that had a positive impact on company success. For areas where you have no relevant work experience, list personal accomplishments that demonstrate you have the skills and expertise needed to perform the duties of the desired position.

4. Make Internal Contacts

One of the best ways to bring your name forward is to have it brought up by someone within the organization. A word to hiring management from a current employee could prove very effective in mitigating objections to requirement gaps. Whether the bearer is a personal friend or an acquaintance from a professional association, the willingness to speak up for you may be just the thing you need to open the door for an interview.

5. Demonstrate Your Capabilities

Before your first meeting, do plenty of research to get acquainted with the company profile and business goals. Prepare a portfolio of projects or proposals that relate to the nature of the job so you can present a demonstration of your work to the employer. Your initiative and capabilities will speak louder than gaps on a list of duties.

6. Winning the Uphill Battle

Falling short of the requirements on a job description may not necessarily mean you are not qualified for the position. If you emphasize your capabilities, show your talents, and point out your related skills and experience, you might be able to shift the focus from the negatives to the positives and achieve your employment objectives. It is an uphill battle, but it could be well worth your efforts.