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Applying for Jobs that are Out of Your League

You’ve just discovered an amazing opportunity. This open position seems perfect in every way; the job is exciting, the salary is high, and the employer happens to be a company you’ve admired for a long time. Best of all, landing this job will open the door to new experiences and new forms of training that will keep your career in motion for years to come. There’s only one problem: you may not be perfectly qualified. The post lists seven “must-have requirements” and you hold only one or two of these. There’s a strong chance these employers will simply toss your resume aside, and if they actually hire you, you may not be able to handle the responsibilities that come your way. So what should you do? Keep these tips in mind.

Don’t be afraid.

The first of these concerns—the possibility that you’ll be rejected—should not be a concern at all. A simple “no” can’t hurt you, and if you cower at home and live your life in fear of this harmless two-letter word, you’ll miss out on countless amazing opportunities. This should be the very least of your worries. Just go forward.

Give your resume everything you have.

If there’s ever been a time to over-invest in a job application, the time is now. Pour your heart and soul into every tiny detail of your resume. Every word choice, every comma, and every line of your cover letter should be carefully customized to meet the needs of this employer and this job. Don’t worry about spending hours on a resume in ways that might not pay off. For mediocre, everyday jobs, use a template resume, submit, and move on. But for this job, clear your schedule and buckle down.

Make up for what you lack.

This job requires ten years of experience, and you have three. This job requires a master’s degree and you only have a bachelors. That’s fine. But recognize that you’ll have to closely examine your track record of skills and accomplishments and offer things that your competitors can’t. So… what do you have? What can you do? What aspects of your life, education, and personality can you rely on to set yourself apart?

Emphasize your future, not your past.

If you can’t sell your sales record and the accomplishments you’ve logged in the past, focus on your potential, your future goals, and the accomplishments that you have in mind for your next chapter. High potential employees can be a huge bargain for hiring managers, so highlight this aspect of your “product”.

For more on how to highlight your sales skills when you’re new to the game, contact the DC staffing experts at Cordia.

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