Job application/ essential criteria.

[Babyroobs]

Is it worth applying for a job if I am missing just one of the essential criteria on the person spec?

That depends what it is, and whether your other skills/experiences compensate for it. Is it really an "essential" or is it a wish list on the part of the employer?

I always think if you can get 75% of what you want in a job candidate, you're doing well.

Worth a try

I believe there is research which suggests that men tend to apply for jobs even if they don't meet all of the criteria, whereas women tend to hold back. No harm to try?

I just got a promotion even though I don't hit every point. It's worth a shot.

Of course!

Official guidance from my employer is applicants must meet ALL of the essential criteria to be shortlisted. Real life practice is we ignore the official guidance.

I'm also doing the same currently

Applying for jobs when I don't meet one of the essential criteria (which is one almost every one)
So far I've had 2 rejections but I've applied for about 10 so fingers crossed

I figured no harm in trying

Depends, we only have very basic stuff on essential criteria (e.g. bioscience degree for a job that require a shit ton of relevant experience).

I think it depends on what it is. If it's a qualification then maybe you can back up in your application that you have workplace/life experience. For example I applied for a job- which I got and a grade ç or above was required in Maths. However I had experience of cash handling so I just backed it up with that and was shortlisted.

Definitely. Unless it's a law/medical degree and you don't have it!

Women will tend to say "I won't apply because I don't hit 1/10 criteria"
Men will tend to say "I will apply because I hit 9/10 criteria!!"

Apply "like a man"!

Does depend on the job.
As others say - if you are close, then it is worth a shot. It will depend if it is a job that gets hundreds of applications for each post, or one that might struggle to find people that meets 100% of what they are looking for.
OTOH, if it is for a position such as a GP, and you aren't a Dr, then probably not
Impossible for us to say on what you've given us.

Please go for it!

Thanks for all the replies. It's basically just experience in one part of the job description that I am lacking and quite specialised but something I could learn.

Great! You can learn it so go for it!

Acknowledge that you don't have it, state you're willing and able to learn and give an example of when you have mastered a similarly complex area of expertise at work before. .