To apply for a job when I don't have all the essential requirements?

[liptolinford]

Is it just going to be a waste of time for me? There's 8 essential criteria, 5 of which I have. The other three are dodgy though

1. Educated to degree level in a related field - it's a job for Communications Officer and I have a degree in Sociology which I could maybe make fit at a push...maybe?

2. Experience of working in a communications/media/PR field - I currently supervise a switchboard. Does that count?

3. Experience of the media, NHS and political landscape, including media handling and crisis management - no experience whatsoever. If I get a media enquiry where I work now, I pass it onto the media team. I have no experience of working with the NHS or political landscape.

I'd have to spend quite a while on the application and I'd rather not waste my time if they're going to dismiss it straight away. I'm 50/ 50 whether I should apply or not.

WWYD?!

I know someone in that type of role in government and also used to work alongside comms and press office. It's a competitive field which is why the salary is low. Even with years of experience a friend has failed to get a new job doing the same role in a slightly different sector. It's a world away from your current role so it's unlikely to lead to an interview. If you fancy this career route I'd recommend trying to get work experience or do voluntary work - writing press releases for a charity and liasing with local news to get coverage, maybe managing social media accounts and updating the website. You should be doing more than working on a switchboard after getting a sociology degree. I'm trying to get work experience in businesses for my career move so if you have contacts who could help set it up try to do a week or two in a press office. You will definitely know what's it's about and whether you'd like to do it then.

Would you consider an apprentice role op? There are new gov schemes and there are now post grad level apprentice jobs. Can't image they'll be paying less than £21k!