Welcome to Q&A From the Trenches! Every week we take your questions on building a resume, interviewing, searching for jobs – ask us anything!
QUESTION: I’d like to apply for a job that’s perfect for me – I have all the necessary skills and experience as listed in the post…except one. They’re asking for fluency in a software package that I only feel my experience is “intermediate.” Should I address this on my resume? In a cover letter? What should I do? Should I even still apply?
When reviewing job descriptions, don’t be discouraged if you don’t have all the skills they’re looking for. You should still apply for the position – especially if it’s a good match for you in every other way.
That being said, don’t claim you have skills and expertise you don’t actually have. If you get the job, and you’re asked to perform using those abilities, what will you do? You wouldn’t want to get caught in an awkward situation and have to admit you didn’t tell the truth.
Don’t discount the level of skill you do possess. You may have more knowledge than you think; we tend to underestimate ourselves!
Your resume and cover letter should not call attention to what you lack; instead, emphasize the experience and skills you do have that the company needs. Review the job description for what they desire in a candidate, and customize your information to address how your specific capabilities and what you can do relate to what the company wants.
It’s not only your skills that will help make you a good candidate, but also how you will fit in with the company overall. Demonstrate the value you can bring to the firm by showing how your experiences and accomplishments are a match for the role.
Think about advancing your proficiency in the software they want fluency in. Sign up for a course that will bring your skills to the next level, especially if you consistently see this requirement in jobs you want. Indicate you’re currently taking this course on your resume. This shows your willingness to continuously increase your knowledge, and how you’re a good fit for the role – plus what you already offer as a potential employee.
Be confident in your attitude and what you can offer, and focus on the positive. This will help offset the experience you may lack. You want to be noticed for the skills that you have, rather than what you don’t. Follow these tips; go ahead and apply!
If you have a Question for Q&A From the Trenches tweet us at @InspiredResumes or drop us an email at deidre@inspiredresumes.com
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