Applying for job that I'm under qualified for. Women always hold back.

[yoyoman]

I want to apply for a job I'm under qualified for. I have all the qualifications but the day to day tasks some I can do others I haven't done.
On one side I feel confident that I have the skills to learn on the job on the things I lack. I am a go getter and very ambitious.
But I also a shot scared. Will I be over my depth? Will I fail miserably ? I and anxiety so this doesn't help.
In my research I came across the fact that women tend not to go for jobs because of these feelings. Men on the other hand even if not qualified will go for it.
Do you think IABU to go for the job?

You're only underqualified if you currently tick less than 50% of the boxes. Remember you need room to grow! Otherwise you'll be stuck doing the same things your entire career...

I got the job !!
The interview was tough with lots of technical questions but I had prepared well.

I was really honest about my experience and didn't exaggerate anything. I got great feedback -so pleased :)

Thank you all so so much for all your support.

I am so glad I went for it. This job will be life changing for me and my family.

Well done! What a great end to the thread

What a fantastic update! Huge congratulations 👏

I got further through a job recruitment process than I thought I would without being a perfect match- good luck OP.

Most recruiters don’t understand the role or industry as well as you do, so don’t really write job descriptions well. If you do then just make your application fit the job requirements. It’s then for the hiring manager to filter applicants out by comparing CVs

Do it. You have nothing to lose and potentially a lot to gain. I had the chance to apply for a secondment back in the summer - big promotion, lots of autonomy (maybe a bit too much) and a chance to shape the way we deliver our work. Nervously applied, got it and now the big boss is pushing for me to get it substantively. A year ago I would never have thought I'd be in the job I'm now doing very well at, thank you.

Go for it, and the very best of luck to you.

I'll repeat, just for you, opening poster, the advice my daughter gave to me. A a competition arose at the next level from mine. My bosses boss was actively encouraging me to throw my hat in the ring. Id only
been at my current level for six months, and was wavering. I thought I hadn't been in post long enough at my current grade.

My daughter's advice was short and sweet . "Do you think a man in your position would doubt himself this way?"

I applied and got through pretty high up the list of five of us, out of over 150 And I owe it all to those few words.

Go for it. What's the worst thing that can happen? They say, no. Their loss.

Let Me tell you a wee story. I went for a job last year that I was over qualified for within my company and in the interview at the start they asked did I have any feedback. I said what will I be doing for the other 20 hrs per week ? They said what do you want. I said I wanted to own the whole continent. And they said ok interview for it. I got the job as a senior manager 3 months ago and was promoted to director this week.
You just need to sell yourself at the interview. You will be fab.
Just be straight up and say I can do this. I have never done this but I’m a fast learner. The worst case you get interview experience and if you are not successful ask for feedback and how you can be considered the next time.
I suffer terribly from impostor syndrome also. But 52 and director only woman in my side of the company and now a director. From the shop floor up.
I still can’t believe so I know you can do it too !!!!

Assuming it’s not being a heart surgeon - go for it.

Congratulations @yoyoman

All the very best for your success in your new venture.

Sometime when you have a moment, try looking up (on Google, other search engines are available) 'imposter syndrome'

Lots of us have it. When done for applying anyway.

SOOOOO pleased for you! This is just great news.

Now can you tell us a tad about it? The role and if it's a nice fat salary increase etc?? Just curious.

Well done yourself

Well done you.I agree men seem to have more confidence in these areas where many women underestimate themselves.

Apply.

You either A: Won't get it (ask for feedback!!)

B: Will get it, so fuck 'em!

Pretty simple. What have you got to lose here? Just apply and if it doesn't work out that's that! Worked for me...!

SORRY!!! Just saw how old this is, think I even already responded....!! Sorry. I'm tired!

(But hey, how did it go???!)

Do it, worst case scenario you get the application practice and ask for feedback that helps next time.

I really hope your interview went/goes well!

I have an interview for a job this afternoon that I am in no way qualified for. I have the skills but not the qualifications they are looking for or any experience of the industry. However they are aware of this from my application and CV and have still invited me to interview so I'm hoping it goes well!

Sometimes you just have to close your eyes and hope for the best!

A good rule when applying for jobs is to sit down and split the requirements/desiables into categories - ones I do now, ones I do something very similar or have done in past but may be rusty, ones I don't do but could with some training/support.

Major on the first, describe what you actually do for the second in the terms of the requirements for the new role - eg if they want you to report on project progress to external stakeholders and you currently report to internal teams describe the internal teams as "stakeholders" at some point so you are mirroring the language. For the third be quite brief - describe aspects of your role that are similar and demonstrate where you have relevant skills and experience so it is clear you could pick this up quickly.

If you get invited for interview (I hope so) be prepared to cover the second and third areas in detail and have some suggestions for any necessary training you might need - eg a course.

Do it

I was recently in a similar situation and got the job. I was astounded. None of my colleagues were (it was an internal application). Just shows how much I undervalue myself.

@yoyoman @Yoyoman that is AWESOME!

You also did them a service by applying despite your concerns, because if you were offered the job then clearly they think you are the strongest candidate.

Also, in case you have not accepted yet, then do remember that now is when you have the most negotiating leverage, so while you don't want to be "difficult" if there is something you want that is entirely fair for you to get, or that is low-cost for them but important to you, then now is the time to ask for it!

Finally and by the way, I think that Mumsnet has case sensitive user names because Yoyoman is highlighted in white instead of green ... so Yoyoman and yoyoman are two different user names ... argh!

Do you think a man in your position would doubt himself this way?

I’ve worked in a make dominated industry (civil engineering) for 25 years. I’m only now beginning to think like this, it’s so liberating.

Woohoo. Well done you. What’s the next level ?

Apply for it but don't lie in the interview about know how to do anything.

Read the thread people! She's already been offered the job!

Congrats again btw

Congratulations!

Missed your thread the first time, but lovely to read the positive stories and that you actually applied for and got the job. I hope everything goes well for you.