If you’ve ever found yourself reading through a job advert and thinking, “I’d be perfect for this… if only I had that one thing they’re asking for,” you’re certainly not alone.
It’s probably one of the biggest reasons people talk themselves out of applying for jobs. They spot a requirement they don’t quite meet, close the tab and move on, assuming someone else is more qualified.
The reality is, that’s often not how hiring works.
When employers write a job description, they’re usually describing their ideal candidate. Think of it as a wishlist rather than a strict checklist. Of course, there are exceptions. If a role requires a specific qualification, licence or legal certification, those aren’t things you can simply work around. But when it comes to skills, software or years of experience, there’s often far more flexibility than people realise.
Imagine a company is looking for someone with five years’ marketing experience, but you’ve got three years and a portfolio full of successful campaigns. Would they really overlook someone who’s clearly capable because they’re two years short on paper? Quite possibly not.
The same goes for software or systems you’ve never used before. Most employers know that good people can learn. If you’ve worked with similar tools or picked up new systems quickly in previous roles, that’s something worth mentioning in your application. Demonstrating that you’re adaptable is often just as valuable as already knowing every button to press.
Confidence can play a surprisingly big part too. Some candidates only apply when they feel they meet every single requirement, while others will happily throw their hat into the ring despite ticking only some of the boxes. If you’re waiting until you feel like the “perfect” candidate, you might end up missing opportunities that could have been a fantastic fit.
That doesn’t mean applying for absolutely everything, of course. If a role genuinely relies on specialist knowledge or qualifications you don’t have, it’s probably worth focusing your energy elsewhere. But if you’re looking at a job and thinking, “I could absolutely do this, I’d just need a little guidance at the beginning,” then it’s almost always worth applying.
Recruitment isn’t just about matching skills to a list. Employers are looking for people who are enthusiastic, reliable, willing to learn and genuinely interested in joining their business. Those qualities don’t always fit neatly into a bullet point on a job advert, but they can make all the difference when it comes to choosing between candidates.
The worst outcome is that you don’t get the job, which leaves you exactly where you are today. The best outcome could be the opportunity you’ve been hoping for.
So next time you find yourself hesitating because you don’t tick every single box, ask yourself one simple question instead.
Can I do this job, and am I willing to learn the rest?
If the answer is yes, don’t let self-doubt make the decision for you. Send the application. You might be far closer to your next role than you think.