So often, one of my clients will hire my services and email me three job postings to positions they are not qualified for. (I ask clients to email me job leads that interest them). Granted, once I create their resume, they will have a better opportunity at attaining employment. But, think about it, how and why should you target a position you are not qualified for?!
Then it dawned on me (as obvious as I think this should be to jobseekers) that perhaps some well-spirited jobseekers don't know how to identify if they are qualified for a particular position. Perhaps they need a strategy to compare their skill to the job requirement. It's like my love for food and ongoing diet battle: I think I got it, but not 'till I write everything down, which you have to do for Weight Watchers', do I realize -- ok, maybe I was eating a bit too much. Strategy and self-awareness cannot be underestimated!
Now of course, there are those jobseekers that realize they are not qualified but think "hey, I will go for it anyway." Read this excellent blog post as to why you should reconsider: [I came across this great post by Tim Tyrell-Smith. Shared insight from a different perspective]
When I review my clients' old resume, resume-writing interview notes, and the job posts they send me, I can quickly identify if they are qualified or not -- but then again, I am a professional in this field. Occasionally, when I need help identifying where my client fails to meet the requirements, I perform the following: I make a two-column table; on the left side I list all the requirements the job postings advertise; on the right, I list why my client meets this requirement with substantiated proof (achievements, education, computer training, years of experience, previous job titles, etc.)
It is important that you understand what I mean by substantiated proof. Often, a client might think, "well I can perform that task, I am sure." Yet, understand that from the recruiter / employer's perspective, they are not looking for someone that perhaps can perform that task --They want someone that has, can, and will perform all the job requirements.
Don't get discouraged. My message is that you should focus your energy on job openings that you have a good chance at getting.
Again, please visit Tim Tyrell-Smith's blog post Quick Tip - Unqualified for a job? Don't apply. Also, revisit one of my earlier post that will shed a bit more light on this topic: Maximize Responses to Your Online Resume Post
As always, any questions. Please contact me at rvargas@creatingprints.com
Rosa Vargas
Resume Writing Expert
Nationally Certified Resume Writer
Master Resume Writer Credential
