To apply for a job I’m probably not qualified for?

[PinkyU]

We’re in the shit and we need to completely overhaul our current lifestyle. I’m a sahm my OH works, we’re looking to do the opposite.

So, I need to find a job. I’ve seen a job advertised in sector I’ve not worked in before but that I can transfer <some> my skills to (maybe) fulfill their criteria.

This job would enable me to earn £10k more per year than jobs within the sector directly related to my qualification, that would enable us to keep financial equilibrium. The qualification they have listed is noted as “desirable” not essential.

This job requires more tech and admin skills than I currently have, but I can take courses to catch up and can do an OU course to gain the “desirable” qualification. However, I’ll still start the job under experienced and will likely struggle initially.

Should I apply when I’m probably/definitely under qualified and under experienced or will they laugh heartily before shredding my application?

Apply, you might not get an interview or the job but if you don’t apply you definitely won’t

Why not, you have nothing to lose

I didn’t meet all the essential criteria when I applied for the job I’m currently doing.

Do it.

Go for it. They may be happy to develop you into the role. Nothing wrong with trying

Go for it. This is exactly what my OH has done recently and got the job ahead of the other fully qualified applicants. They're paying for training too.

Feedback was that personality and fit with the team made a bigger difference than qualifications.

Best of luck!

Apply. If there’s a contact name for an informal chat contact them. If there’s any free relevant courses you can enroll on do it now so you can put on application you are working towards x.

I suppose I feel a bit fraudulent applying for something when I’m “not good enough” for it. I’m pathetically seeking strangers permission or approval to go for it. I’ve not been in work for 6+ years, I’m a bit scared I think, maybe I’m not considered desirable enough to employers.

Apologies for the navel gazing.

Apply! There’s a study somewhere that reflects that men are much more likely than women to apply for jobs where they don’t have all the required qualifications/experience. Women are more likely to think ‘oh no, I’m not allowed’.

Go for it! And why is your OH planning on giving up work if you’re in the shit? Surely two incomes would be preferable?

If you don't apply, you definitely won't get it. What's the worse that could happen?

Good luck!!

As long as you are honest in your application then go for it. I've seen all sorts of CVs come through for roles they arent qualified for, if they dont think you are right for the role then it wont be progressed. Let them be the judge.

If you dont apply, you definitely won't get it

If you apply, you might get it

When we send out job adverts we ask for skills that might not be used in the role, but we want people to have an understanding of them

I would say go for it

Thank you all for the encouragement, it’s having the desired effect. Due to the company’s disability policy I’m guaranteed an interview so hopefully I can win them over with my personality and enthusiasm 😅. I’m going to go for it.

@AtrociousCircumstance our youngest has significant health conditions and ASN which means her chill attendance is often lower than 50%, it’s just not feasible for us both to work at the minute.

School attendance not chill, she’s definitely not chill lol

I’d definitely apply! I’ve seen it said on here something along the lines of ‘have the self confidence of a mediocre man’ and have been using that to give me the confidence to whack in applications for jobs I’m not 100% experienced in. It’s gotten me a couple of interviews, no job yet but it’s all experience and I’ll hopefully land something eventually. I just need to apply the same thinking to my interview technique I think!

Good luck!

Chill attendance 😁 Ah ok that makes sense. Good luck!

One of the reasons for the pay gap between men and women is men apply for jobs they aren’t qualified for and blag the interview. Yanbu.

Don’t pin your hopes on it though, if you’ve had a big cv gap as sahm you should probably do some courses in excel etc to convince employers that you’re serious.

Good luck!

You’re right. Women don’t usually apply for a job unless they are 100% qualified, conversely men usually apply for a job they are only 60% qualified for!

Apply OP and good luck!

Look at it this way: would a man be questioning and doubting his abilities so much? No he wouldn't, bloody go for it!!

Apply for it! I got a new job recently even though I'm not 100% qualified to do it, but I'm taking steps to get the qualifications whilst in the job.
You 100% won't get it if you don't try.

Do it. Men do it all the time (and women should too!) The job description is a wishlist - companies can't always get everything they want

There is nothing more stressful than doing a job that you are not on top of - it is grim. I would advise against this.

Go for it. Just be honest and the company can decide whether you're qualified or not, why make that decision for them!

Best of luck.

It's worth it, especially in the current recruitment climate, you might be in with a shot.

However I would definitely let them know where you need extra support/ training, because starting a job you are not qualified for without the support you need will be very stressful.

You may find this interesting reading. Good luck with your application.

www.bi.team/blogs/women-only-apply-for-jobs-when-100-qualified-fact-or-fake-news/

You can definitely apply for a job where you are missing the ‘desirable’ criteria ☺️