Applying for a job in which I don't have the relevant experience in.

[Funsterrrr]

Hi,
There is a job that is jumping out at me.
I am a teacher but on supply and have been for 2 years. I am an Early Years specialist but I have worked across the age range.

There is a part-time job going to work with children who have been abused. It is all about interventions, working 1-to1- with them and (the aspect that makes me think there is no point in applying) delivering play therapy sessions.

I am not a play therapist and there are no courses anywhere near me to have ever even considered this role.

There is not a 'person specification' section, it basically just describes the job, so it doesn't say on the job - 'Must be a play therapist' outright.

I am just basically wondering if there is a point applying for job which, apart from teaching and working with children, I do not have the experience in nor qualifications?

Or should I just apply as I have nothing to lose?

You have nothing to lose. My last two jobs I got despite only having half of the "required experience" listed. Good luck!

You definitely won't get it if you don't apply

I would apply, I have no connection to your industry to say anything really suitable though

Apply. You never know.

I got offered My current job despite only having half the required experience. They paid for me to study for the relevant qualifications afterwards.

Two words op. Transferable skills. Look carefully at the job description and for each requirement say to yourself "well I can do that because in my current job I..." and then write down a SPECIFIC example of you demonstrating that skill.
You may well find that your skills translate very well indeed.
Good luck

There is a job that is jumping out at me.

It's jumping out at you for a reason, it's because you recognise it.

Is there someone to ring to find out more? Then after you have shown interest you could ask, are you looking for particular qualifications or experience in play therapy (but keep your own skills for the interview, and don't talk about what you don't have).
I'd say unless they are paying NHS band 6 equivalent they are probably not looking for qualified play therapists. There are few play therapists around now anyway, none in most CAMHS services for example.

Apply. The last job I got said a PhD was essential, I don’t have one. Think of what you have got and really emphasise that.

go for it. there will definitely be other applicants who don't fully meet what the employers are hoping for, and there will be no applicants who are absolutely a perfect fit. the recruitment process is about getting to know the most promising candidates and working out what compromises to make on choosing a real person rather than imagining a perfect person. often an employer will choose someone with the right attitude, personality and enthusiasm who might fall short on specific knowledge or training because these are things that can be picked up relatively easily. you should definitely apply.

Agree with PPs. Apply. List transferable skills with examples. You should have a good chance. Enthusiasm and a willingness to learn.

And if you don't get it this time then you will next time.

I would say: Apply!
Look at Donald Trump.... he has no discernible skills or qualifications and he got the job.
Talk up your strong points, do some relevant reading, relate your experience to the specification.
At most you can lose a couple of hours wrangling with the application.

If you got the job would you be able to deliver play therapy? I think you should only apply if you truly believe you could fulfil the demands of the role. Especially when working with vulnerable young people. If so apply but if not you shouldn't.

If you can ring up to find out you would save wasted time with an application.

@kangaShade

You have nothing to lose. My last two jobs I got despite only having half of the "required experience" listed. Good luck!

Did you just know someone and get it through nepotism?

I'm in a very similar job and for mine you wouldn't be able to do it as it is an HCPC registered protected title. However, I think play therapy is regulated by a different body that doesn't require an MA, so you may be able to do an online qualification in the basics. Have a look on the UK play therapy website.

Make sure your application demonstrates the required competency. An early years/ primary teacher undoubtedly has significant experience of child safeguarding, early stage interventions and play. Use what you have to sell yourself but don’t build your hopes up too high if a qualification in play therapy or psychology is a requirement.

Be careful, it sounds as though it can be both rewarding but also emotionally draining.

Go for it. There's got to be loads of examples of people excelling at jobs they weren't really qualified for in the beginning.

Did you just know someone and get it through nepotism?

No, this is just how many companies work. For many jobs the "required experience" is a wish list rather than a necessity. I have no idea if this is true for the OP's potential job but I don't see that she has anything to lose by applying. If nothing else it's a learning process to find out what you would need to secure a job like that.

OP: Think Like a Bloke.

You must think: "Could I do that?" If answer is yes, then write your CV & cover letter showing your skills & ability to get skills required. If they offer interview, then they agree that you could do that, so make no apologies about lack of experience, but see every question as an opportunity to explain how you either have relevant skills or can develop them.