Underqualified? 7 tips to inspire employers to give you a chance

If you're fresh out of college or you've lost your job, you're no doubt competing for the same small pool of roles as others in your field. If you're feeling underqualified for a role you're interested in, you're not alone. A OnePoll survey of 2,000 applicants found that one in four people feel underqualified for the positions they're after. So, what can you do to inspire employers to give you a chance over potentially better-qualified applicants? Keep reading to learn how you can apply for a job you're not qualified for and still stand out to recruiters.

How to get a job you're not qualified for

Even if you feel like you're unqualified, chances are you have more of the required skills than you may think. In fact, Harvard Business Review reports that men often apply for jobs even if they only meet around 60% of the listed requirements, while women hold out for meeting 100%. However, many employers place more importance on other aspects of an applicant's qualifications, including soft skills and the willingness to learn. Even if you're not 100% qualified, here's how to inspire employers to give you a chance:

Design your resume around your transferable skills

When creating your resume, frame your existing skills and experiences in terms of the job you're hoping to get. Most people have a bank of skills that are freely transferable between jobs. You may have some required hard skills that would be valuable, but if you're not 100% qualified with the hard skills, focus on your trainability and soft skills, such as:

• Communication skills
• Interpersonal skills
• Leadership skills
• Critical thinking
• Creativity
• Adaptability

Demonstrate flexibility and willingness to learn

Most employers value flexibility and willingness to learn as much as they value hard skills. Another survey from Harvard Business Review found that among those who feel unqualified, more than 70% actually have the skills they need for the job. This includes a willingness to learn and flexibility with the job requirements. This is great news for people changing careers and graduates just entering the workforce. To demonstrate your flexibility most effectively, give examples of times when you had to learn a new skill quickly or overcome a work challenge.

"A OnePoll survey of 2,000 applicants found that one in four people feel underqualified for the positions they're after."

Choose a T-format cover letter

The T-format cover letter is useful for people with little to no experience or some gaps in their work. Divide your resume into two columns, where the left column lists qualifications from the job posting, and the right lists your attributes and how these align with the employer's requirements. The T-format is effective because it lets you showcase your best talents that are relevant to the job posting. It also takes the focus off any career gaps or a lack of professional experience.

Focus on positivity 

Even when you're the most qualified applicant, competence alone won't win you the job. At the end of the day, hiring managers often go for the person they connect with best and who is the most likable and excited about the job. In fact, many employers will choose candidates who express enthusiasm, have a positive attitude, and demonstrate knowledge about their organizations over ones who don't — even if they don't have all the listed qualifications.

If your bona fides are lacking, the likability factor is even more important, and the best way to be likable is to have a positive attitude. Show interest in everything about the job, from the company itself to the industry as a whole.

Underqualified vs unqualified

In today's competitive job market, it's tempting to just throw your resume at every opportunity you see, even ones you're 100% completely unqualified for. However, applying for roles that you have zero qualifications for makes no sense and is a waste of time. For example, if you're an accountant, you probably don't have any qualifications as a sonographer. However, for jobs you're only somewhat underqualified for, it's still a good idea to apply. It's important to remember that most job ads include extensive lists that aren't absolute must-haves.

Showcase all your relevant experience

Many people think that you shouldn't add unpaid experience to a resume, such as summer internships or volunteer work. It's the mindset of "only paid work counts." However, experience is experience — whether it's paid or unpaid. If your experience is relevant to the role and highlights your strongest qualifications, include it. For example, if you're majoring in business and accounting, and you interned at an accountant's office during tax season, it makes sense to include this information if you're looking for roles in tax accounting.

Include keywords in your resume

Many employers are screening resumes electronically. The screening software uses keywords and phrases from the ad and will only select resumes and cover letters that include those words and phrases. To make the cut, scan each job posting for keywords that match your skills, and include them in your resume and cover letter.

Underqualified doesn't mean unqualified. Even if you don't meet 100% of the listed requirements and you're excited about the opportunity, apply anyway. Start by uploading a resume to CareerBuilder and get tips and insights into landing your next best job.

More tips and resources for your job search

Feeling less than qualified? Find out how to boost your resume for more experience.

Learn how to showcase your hidden transferable skills to stand out to employers.

Switching jobs? Use these tips to reskill and boost your qualifications.