"Essential" qualifications on job description

[WhoeverYouWantMeToBe]

Are they really essential essential? For example I am looking at a job description and it says it's essential to have an 'NVQ level 3 in a relevant subject'. I don't have this but have GCSEs, A Levels, an HND and BA degree.

If I applied would my application be immediately binned?
Is it pointless applying for a job if you don't meet the essential requirmenets, or is there ever any leeway?

[lljkk]

Explain (briefly) in your cover letter how your experience is as good as or better than the essential qualification required. I suspect there's always a little leeway.

[lljkk]

*sorry not experience in your case, but other qualifications are good as or better.

[ItsGotBellsOn]

Your degree is higher than level 3. Is it related in any way to the role?

I would apply anyway.

[nannynick]

Is the job regulated in any way, for example childcare. They may need to meet regulators requirements so look up relevant requirements and explain briefly how your higher level qualifications meet/exceed those the regulator requires.

[Notbythehaironmychinnychinchin]

NVQs are work based so presumably they want to see evidence of your knowledge being put into practice. Can you do that?

It's hard to say without knowing the job/sector.

[workingtitle]

Can you give them a call to clarify?
For my employer (a university) you have to tick all essential to be shortlisted.

[justjuanmorebeer]

Is it a teaching assistant job?

[WhoeverYouWantMeToBe]

No it's something totally different, more admin related.

[couldbeanyone]

It will very much depend on the employer. I was sifting applications and interviewing for a big recruitment campaign and we were told categorically anyone without the essential qualifications (I think it was min 3 a levels or something like that) was not to be put forward for interview. Now in my view this is a good way to bring down numbers when you have a large amount of applications, BUT I ended up binning an application from a very experienced person with appropriate skills and previous experience in the organisation because they did not have the a levels. This was barking mad and I told HR so but to no avail.

Worth applying but bearing in mind they may sift you out if they want a specific qualification.

[slightlyglitterstained]

In my experience, essential criteria rarely are, because a lot of hiring managers are a bit crap about writing job ads. Obviously in some fields/employers that may not hold true.

There's an often quoted bit of research that showed women will often not apply unless they meet every single one of the criteria, but most men will. I do think it's key to explain what relevant experience/qualifications you have that might show equivalent ability. If you don't acknowledge it at all it'll look like you don't pay attention.

[Pandsbear]

Think it also depends if the recruiter is having to using a program to filter the applicants. If they are, there is no human discretion allowed as such, and therefore if you don't specifically meet the essential criteria you will be filtered out. Govt depts/LAs use this as do some parts of NHS as they can be held to account in terms of transparency and freedom of info requests etc.