5 Most Important Steps On How To Get A Job You’re Not Fully Qualified For

Wondering how to get a job you are not qualified for? With new roles emerging in the Malaysian job market and job vacancies increasing, jobseekers are looking for opportunities they may not have considered before. To these jobseekers who want to explore new careers, here is a little-known hiring secret we will let you in on:

You do not have to be fully “qualified” for a job to get hired.

Many companies also look for candidates who do not have the traditional qualifications for the job. Sometimes, they even consider candidates who come from a different industry altogether. This allows them to have a wider field to select from. It also lets them focus their talent search more on soft skills they find integral to the role. For instance, they may be looking for natural leaders or someone with significant experience handling pressure.

This is good news for jobseekers who wish to dip their toes into a broader career pool. It now boils down to maximising these new opportunities available to you. 

As you prepare to take that shot, here are some tips for applying for jobs with different qualifications:

1. Understand the role that you are applying for

The first and most critical step in getting hired for a job in which you feel underqualified is to ensure you fully understand the role. Read the job posting carefully and see which aspects of the job description fit you well. What does the job entail? What kind of knowledge and experience does it require?

Get all the information you can before deciding on how to approach the application. Why do you want to apply for this job? Maybe it reflects your personal passion. Maybe it fits your personality very well. Understanding the job can help guide you in your next steps.

This is why it pays to do your homework before applying for the job. Do some research about the role as well as the company. The question of “how to get a job you are not qualified for” becomes less daunting the more you know about that particular job.

2. Identify the skills you do have that are relevant to the job

When it comes to applying for jobs with different qualifications, it is okay to be honest about the skills you do not have. It comes with the territory when you are venturing into uncharted waters. In fact, pretending to have skills or qualifications you do not have is counterproductive, as it will turn off prospective employers.

What you can do is take stock of what skills you do have, especially the ones you excel in. Which of those skills are relevant to this job you want to apply for? If it is in an industry you have no prior experience in, your most relevant skills are usually soft skills such as leadership, interpersonal skills, or communication skills.

Knowing which of your strengths are applicable to the job you want is an important step. It will let you know how qualified you actually are, and it will inform what kind of pitch you need to make to hirers.

3. Write a strong cover letter that addresses the specific job posting

Do you have a standard cover letter for all the jobs you apply for? Well, this is the perfect time to forget about it! We get it, there are so many job openings out there, and you save so much time by just sending the same cover letter to a dozen companies. However, this is also the least efficient way to get a job you are not qualified for.

When you are aiming high, make sure you are aiming well. Your cover letter should be targeted specifically to the job you are applying for. It should also be targeted specifically to the company you want to join. This ensures that you have their attention and are letting them know that you care about this job.

This is also your opportunity to play up your strengths. Your cover letter should highlight all your relevant skills to show the employer why you would be valuable in the role. You should also mention any volunteer work or personal projects you may have done that is related to the job. This will show them how passionate you are as well as offer a glimpse of your potential.

4. Capitalise on industry referrals

As an outsider, sometimes the best way to enter a new industry is through referrals by insiders. Check your network for practitioners in the industry, especially those who have gained the respect of their peers. Their opinions carry more weight and credibility, which means their referrals will also be well-regarded.

It pays to connect with these people and express your desire to enter their industry. Not only can they recommend you to hirers they personally know or have worked with, but they can also give you valuable insight. They can give you tips on approaching interviews, what books to read, online resources to check, or even training to attend.

There are plenty of obstacles that are in the way of underqualified jobseekers. Getting a referral from someone inside the industry can give you a much-needed edge and perhaps help level the playing field.

5. Develop a growth mindset

Getting a job you are not qualified for is challenging. To be in a position to succeed, you must be willing to take on the challenge in the first place.

All of the aforementioned tips will not matter if you are not willing to leave your comfort zone. This is why it is important to have a growth mindset when you are an underqualified job applicant. A growth mindset is a belief that you still have a lot to learn and that challenges bring out the best in you. This means that you are willing to start from the bottom and have the humility to learn new things and unlearn some old habits.

A growth mindset is a requisite if you are aiming for a job that is beyond your qualifications. It will allow you to stay humble and stay hungry to improve. It will make you more open to new information and new training. Finally, it will drive you in navigating any new industry or any new career.

Summary

Applying for a job you are underqualified for can be an uphill climb. But it certainly is not impossible. Many companies would gladly hire candidates that show the proper attitude, passion, and work ethic even if they lack more traditional qualifications. At the end of the day, your most important skill is your own persistence. Following these steps and seeing them through in job application after job application is the best way to get a job you are not qualified for.

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