Job Seekers, First Ask…Am I Even Qualified?

Last night, after a tiring weekend, I finally had some time to relax and do nothing. Nothing except indulge in my guilty pleasure; this month’s issue of Cosmopolitan. If I had no money in the world, I would still scrounge up some to buy this magazine. I forget about all my problems, even though Cosmo has this ability to discuss things that have been on my mind lately (it’s scary weird), and dive into the world of fashion, girly talk, and advice that I swear I’ll take but never do. It’s a little piece of heaven dropped right into my lap for a whole $4.99.

This month in Cosmo, they did an article on a sure fire way to get a job in today’s economy. I must say, I agreed with most of it. Guys, I know it’s a girly mag, but I’m also pretty sure you secretly read it. So check it out.One thing I think they failed to mention, though, was the fact that maybe you should be…oh, I don’t know…QUALIFIED for the position you’re applying to. All of the other stuff they mention is great (I’m really mad at myself for forgetting my copy this morning so I could reference back), but it won’t help unless you’ve actually got the SKILLS and EXPERIENCE someone is looking for.

 

My job seeking days are a thing of the past *fingers crossed* but they’re still very fresh in my mind. I remember applying for jobs in September, and I wasn’t even going to graduate until December. I like to get things rolling, you see. So at this point in my life, I was applying to anything and everything I thought I was qualified for. I probably applied to about 30 jobs a day…A DAY…until I found a job working as a customer service rep for a music store. Now, I can tell you honestly, this was NOT my idea of where I wanted to go, but I got the job effortlessly. Why? Because I spoke up about my musical abilities (I do have some, honestly) instead of my ability to be a “skilled communicator” and they took notice.

 

Next job I got was through someone I knew; no skills or qualifications yet, but it’s not about what you know sometimes. If it would have been, they’d have seen that I was horrible for the position, and even though I worked hard I just wasn’t making the progress I expected of myself.

 

Finally my dream job came about because of the previous one; I did have some experience in staffing, so that was the first eye catcher. My qualifications matched up with what they needed (I mentioned that I had worked with Microsoft Access and databases), and here I am today!

 

The point is (I swear there is one) when people scan jobs, typically they skip RIGHT over the qualifications. Huge mistake. I know people do this because I used to do this. Those qualifications are your KEY to getting an interview anywhere. Sure I thought it was impressive that I worked at the same gas station for 7 years and was promoted twice, but that doesn’t matter when I’m applying for a job in recruiting or communications or whatever I want to do, does it? I know me, but a hiring manager doesn’t know me from the woman he/she passed on the street to the one who rang him/her up for coffee that morning (and that probably WAS me back in the day).

 

When you’re job searching, first thing you look at should be the qualifications for the job. Then, once you see that you’re qualified, you match your resume up to what they’re looking for. For example, the first thing a company might need you to have is experience in certain databases or tracking systems. If you do, I say don’t put that in your Work Experience section of the resume. I say put it in your skills and qualifications at the TOP of the page. Make it the first thing they see, because if they took the time to mention that it was important, it probably is. However, DON’T LIE! If they’re interested in the fact that you’ve worked with that system before, they will ask you about it. And you will look dumb for lying; no use in sugarcoating that.

 

What about those jobs that you’re ALMOST qualified for? Same thing! I’m going to use an HR example in this case. Let’s say I want to apply for a HR Generalist position. They require a PHR Certification, but I’m only in the midst of getting mine. Do I add that to my resume? HECK YES I DO! Right at the top, put it where a hiring manager is going to see it. Make it known when you’ll be taking the test, what other classes on HR you’ve taken, ANYTHING to convince them that you may not have it now, but you will soon. I’m a big believer in giving people a chance, even if they don’t have EXACTLY what I’m looking for. But first those people have to prove to me they are worth taking a chance on.

 

If you’re saying, “Well, my qualifications are going to get me NO WHERE in the field of my interest,” I have one word for you; Volunteer. I know, who has time to do that between job searching right? Well, it may lead to your next job. I can’t stress this enough for people who just can’t find a way in. I know it sounds bad to suggest you do this to further your career, but we all need to make a living in this world, so I don’t think there’s anything wrong with helping people and bettering yourself in the process. For example, I wanted to go into event planning for awhile. Problem was that I had NO experience. I signed up on http://www.volunteermatch.org/ and did a search in my town and what I was interested in. Next thing you know, I’m doing all sorts of event planning for different types of non-profit companies. It was great! Yes, it’s a little more work, but you feel fantastic about life and you help people at the same time. Go for it.

 

With that, just remember to really think if you’re qualified or not before you apply for a job. All those tips aren’t going to get you anywhere unless you “got the goods” to back them up.