How to Get a Job Your're not Qualified For

With the job market so saturated with potential candidates, many people are finding that they are having to expand the range of jobs that they are applying for, which sometimes means that they are applying for jobs that they are not qualified for. Surprisingly though, this doesn't mean that they don't stand a chance of success. In fact, sometimes bringing new skills and experience to a job interview or application can really excite an employer and thus lead to them offering an unexpected candidate the job.
If you're considering applying for a job that you are not qualified for, there are three top tips which should help you on your way to employment success.


Firstly, identify your transferable skills. The term 'transferable skills' is used frequently in the recruitment business but not many job seekers really know what the phrase means. Quite simply, it is any skill or piece of knowledge that you have gleaned from one job, pastime or experience, that you can use to help you achieve success in another role. For example, if you have previously worked in sales you will have developed great communication skills, will be target driven, may be a strong negotiator and no doubt you will be tenacious.


All of these skills can be applied in non-sales roles and indeed are often sought after. As an example, a sales professional applying for a customer service role will need to be a strong communicator, able to negotiate etc. Therefore these skills are transferable. Once you have identified all of your transferable skills make sure you highlight them within your CV, application form or interview.


The second tip is to show you're willing to gain the appropriate qualifications. If you tick all of the boxes in terms of personal characteristics, experience, transferable skills etc. but you do not hold the correct academic qualification, it is important to let the employer know that you are willing to gain that qualification. Being prepared to complete continued professional development is a characteristic that employers are keen to see, and if you have already taken the first steps, either by identifying or starting courses, then even better.
The final tip is to be confident in your own abilities. Many of the most successful career people have taken leaps of faith, taking on jobs and projects that on paper, they're really not qualified to complete. But a positive, 'can do' attitude goes a long way in business, recruitment and personal development. And if you don't believe you can do the job then nobody else will either