I've got an interview even though I don't meet the essential criteria

[Leakygutter]

The first thing on the essential list was a qualification I don't have. I have other completely different qualifications at the same and higher levels and I have some lower qualifications in this subject, but not the one they said was essential.

I do tick every one of the other criteria and can give good, genuine examples .

So, does being offered an interview mean they've decided the qualification isn't as important as they said or will I get to the end of the process only to be told I don't meet the criteria?

If it makes a difference, the first stage interviews are being done by a recruitment company.

I think I can do well at the interview if I prepare well but obviously I can't magic up a qualification I don't have.

I worked in an entirely male industry the first 20 years of my working life. I'd be literally the only woman at every meeting and event I went to. It must have rubbed off! That and my Dad (still!) tells me to just apply regardless !

I could definitely do the job.

Just go to the interview. As long as you were honest about your qualifications it's not an issue. Over the years I've interviewed for lots of jobs where I didnt have the qualifications. I currently hold a job that on paper, I am severely under qualified for. I have also I interviewed and hired ppl for jobs where they didn't have the essential qualifications. Sometimes it's about more than that. When you fond the right candidate, qualifications can always be gained retrospectively.
They obviously think you're good enough to interview without meeting the essential criteria.

Good luck. 🙂

How about go in and take the opportunity to do your best?

My biggest barrier is going to be that they don't yet know my age! Although you'd think they must have an idea from my work history and the fact that I did my first degree a looong time ago.

It's not at all unusual for firms to ignore their own criteria for a promising candidate who fits the general skills profile.

In my workplace, we name the qualification but will interview somebody who has an equivalent level or higher qualification, so long as they have working experience of all other criteria.

Think like a bloke:

Can you do this job? That's all that actually matters.

Go in head high, you have been transparent about your background, you know you can do it, they reckon you can too. Those are the true essential criteria.

My DH had this and ended up getting offered the job at a slightly lower salary but they paid for him to do the qualification required (the salary is due to rise when he completes it). They said they nearly didn't interview him because of this but gave him a chance to interview as a "wild card" and he was right in every other way.

This!! I started 'acting like a man' whilst job hunting and got interviews/offers I never thought possible just because I submitted myself for consideration! Always throw your hat into the ring you never know what may happen

They want to interview you. Just roll with it.

Clearly you are attractive compared to many other applicants.

Don't call and ask.

Go to the interview, see if they mention it.

Is it possible that the recruiter doesn't understand the qualification?

Had that happen once I had a qualification in a niche technical area and the recruiter didn't know what it was!

She put me forward and I got the job. The employer couldn't understand why they hadn't had a candidate before me.

Good luck OP

I was put forward for an interview for a role which listed two different degrees as being desirable. I did question it with the recruitment agent and they said 'it's fine - desirable, not essential'

At the end of the interview however - you know the part where they say 'have you any questions?' I was straight off the bat "Why have you called me for an interview when you need someone with a degree in engineering?" Their response was that the role wasn't engineering, but selling bespoke engineered products. They diplomatically explained along these terms "The engineers are not necessarily the best at dealing with customers so we want someone who can 'interpret' engineer-speak in polite terms for the customers".

Got the job.

It's not the Chancellor of the Exchequer that you're applying for by any chance (I'm pretty sure no qualifications are required for that role)? 😯

An “essential” criteria for my job was driving. I don’t drive, but I applied anyway and was obviously given an interview. Like you, I worried that they’d made a mistake. So I contacted them and asked whether it was a deal breaker. I was told that as I appeared organised and passionate about the role itself they were happy to overlook it. I got the job and I’ve been in the role for over a year now, I have to get public transport but it’s easily managed with good time management skills 😁

Is it the kind of qualification you could get on the job or is it something you’d need to dedicate full time study to? If it’s on the job they might be thinking the employer can just put you through the training once in post. We have two project managers on our team who had no formal project management training before getting the job but were sent on a course within weeks of starting.

It's a 5 year qualification. Not a small thing. Personally I don't think you need it to do the job, but it's something senior people in the industry often ask for because they don't really understand this specific role within it

I don't have the industry standard qualification for my role either. It hasn't been a problem so far as my current employer approached me, but it is in the back of my mind that I'm a bit stuck now.. maybe I'm wrong. Good luck, let us know how you get on.

I agree with everyone else, it just depends what it is and what the role is. Would the employer see the qualification as mandatory?