Should You Apply to Jobs You're Not Qualified For?

Here's the reality: 75% of job applicants aren't fully qualified for the positions they're applying for. And many of them get hired anyway.

Job descriptions are often wish lists, not requirements. Employers write "5 years required" but hire someone with 3. They ask for a master's degree but choose a candidate with strong experience instead.

But blindly applying to everything is a waste of time. You need a strategy.

If you meet 70% or more of the qualifications, apply.

Here's why this works:

• Job descriptions are inflated: Employers list the "ideal" candidate, not the minimum. Many requirements are negotiable.
  • Transferable skills count: If you lack Skill A but have done something similar, you can learn on the job.
    • Confidence matters: Employers hire people who believe they can do the job—even if they don't check every box.
      
      Example:
      • Job asks for: 5 years of project management, PMP certification, experience with Agile and Scrum
        • You have: 3 years of project management, no certification, but led multiple cross-functional teams using Agile
          
          Apply. Your experience is relevant, and certifications can be earned later.

Don't waste your time if:

• You're missing critical credentials: The job requires a medical license, bar exam, or security clearance you don't have.
  • You meet less than 50% of requirements: You're a junior developer applying for a VP of Engineering role.
    • You have zero relevant experience: Switching from retail to neurosurgery isn't happening.
      • The job explicitly says "no exceptions": Some government or compliance roles have hard requirements.
        
        Save your energy for realistic stretch opportunities.

1. Lead with what you DO have

Don't apologize for what you lack. Instead, highlight relevant accomplishments:

• "While I have 3 years of experience instead of 5, I led a team that increased sales by 40% in 18 months."
  • "I don't have a PMP yet, but I'm enrolled in a certification course and have managed $2M+ budgets."
    
    2. Show you're a fast learner
    
    Employers care about potential, not just past experience:
    
    • "I taught myself Python in 6 months and built three production-ready applications."
      • "I transitioned from marketing to sales and became a top performer within my first year."
        
        3. Customize your resume for the role
        
        Generic resumes fail. Tailor yours to emphasize the 70% you DO match:
        
        • Mirror the language in the job description
          • Highlight projects that align with their needs
            • De-emphasize irrelevant experience
              
              4. Use your cover letter strategically
              
              Your cover letter is where you address the gap head-on:
              
              Template:
              "I noticed this role requires [X qualification I lack]. While I don't have that specific credential, I have [related experience] where I [specific accomplishment]. I'm confident I can bring value from day one and am committed to [learning/earning the missing qualification]."
              
              Example:
              "I noticed this role requires 5 years of digital marketing experience. While I have 3 years, I've run campaigns with budgets exceeding $500K and achieved a 35% increase in conversion rates. I'm confident I can deliver results immediately and continue growing in this role."

Network your way in

Cold applications have a 0.1% to 2% success rate. Referrals get you in the door even when you're underqualified.

• Message someone at the company on LinkedIn
  • Attend industry events and meet hiring managers
    • Ask friends or former colleagues for intros
      
      Apply early
      
      The sooner you apply after a job is posted, the better your chances. Some companies stop reviewing applications after hitting a certain number.
      
      Build proof of competence
      
      If you lack experience, create it:
      
      • Portfolio projects: Build a sample dashboard, design, or business plan
        • Freelance work: Take on gigs to gain real-world experience
          • Certifications: Google, HubSpot, and Coursera offer free or low-cost credentials
            
            Show enthusiasm and cultural fit
            
            Employers hire people they like. If you're excited about the company's mission and seem like a good culture fit, you can offset missing qualifications.

Sarah applied to a marketing manager role asking for 7 years of experience. She had 4.

What she did:

• Highlighted her biggest wins in her cover letter (40% revenue growth)
  • Customized her resume to match 8 out of 10 requirements
    • Reached out to a current employee on LinkedIn for a referral
      • Mentioned in her interview that she was taking a course to fill skill gaps
        
        Result: She got the job. The hiring manager said, "Her drive and proven results mattered more than years of experience."
        
        The lesson? Employers don't hire résumés. They hire people who convince them they can solve problems.

Apply if you meet 70%+ of the qualifications. Don't let imposter syndrome hold you back.

The worst that happens? You don't get the job—which is the same outcome as not applying.

The best that happens? You land a role that stretches you, pays more, and accelerates your career.

Action steps:

• Review 5 jobs you thought you weren't qualified for
  • Identify which ones you actually match 70%+ on
    • Customize your resume and apply this week
      
      You miss 100% of the shots you don't take.