Job advert - would you have queried these requirements?

[Anywhereelse]

I volunteer for a charity which recently had a F/T salaried role become available. My volunteer role is almost the same as what this salaried role does so I found the advert on their website to see what the spec was etc as I was interested in applying.

I didn’t apply because it stated that work was required on Saturdays (roster), and that it was essential to have a drivers license and access to a car in order to visit their other locations regularly (all are quite some distance away).

I don’t drive and working Saturdays is a no for family reasons so of course I thought this isn’t a suitable role for me. However, the new employee started yesterday and also does not have a drivers license, and will be working Mon to Fri only (all overheard in conversation with the Manager).

Would you have queried the drivers license and car necessity even though it was stated under ‘Essential’ requirements, and had been prepared to negotiate the working days? I’m kicking myself for not considering doing this as I would have really loved to apply as I enjoy the role.

Usually on job adverts it give a contact for someone for any follow up questions. A discussion about the Saturday working could have been had to see how essential it was.

Is it possible the new hire is learning to drive so that has been accepted?

Maybe they only had one applicant so it was them or no one.

Maybe they didn't get many applicants so chose to interview those who didn't quite meet all their essential requirements. Or maybe she was passionate about the job and spoke to the hiring manager beforehand about whether it was worth putting an application in.

I have applied for many jobs in the past where I don't meet all of the essential criteria, but feel I meet enough of it and have enough knowledge/experience to pick the job up quickly. With recruiters, they most likely dismiss applicants like this as they do a checkbox exercise to filter people out. But with companies that I have applied for directly, quite a few have offered me interviews despite not meeting the essential requirements.

An essential requirement may sometimes not be so essential with the right person.

As you say, you are pretty much carrying out this role already but unpaid, you definitely would have had a great shot at getting the job, especially as you already know the business and the people. Go for it next time!