Should You Apply for a Job You Don’t Have Enough Experience For?

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Should You Apply for a Job You Don’t Have Enough Experience For?

Aug 16, 2025

10 mins to read

Hesitating to Apply for That Job Because You Think You’re Not Qualified Enough?Three Sixty Careers are here to reveal why the “perfect candidate” is a myth

Career Expert

Figure out what the job description is. Determine which requirements are essential and which ones are optional. For a job as a product manager at a large tech company, you might need to have experience with business systems, but an advanced degree could make up for that. You can play if you meet some important requirements.

Put work duties into three groups:

Type	What it is	Goal
What skills you have	Things you did directly	~30%
Experience that is related	Things you've talked about doing	30–40%
Things to Learn	Things you want to learn how to do	Left over

This makes sure that the job has room for advancement "You won't learn much if you've done everything the job needs."

Applying with a Plan and Self-Assurance

Professional Advisor

Don't turn yourself down before you apply Focus on your strengths and work on your flaws If you're learning a new skill, for example, put it on your resume or cover letter to indicate that you're taking the effort

Industry Specialist

Make sure your applications highlight skills that can be used in other fields, like communication or developing relationships Don't apply for jobs that are too distant from what you know how to do For example, don't switch from one field to another if you don't have the right skills

Career Expert

Show how you will grow into the role to get ready for interviews Talk about your direct experiences, the talents you have that are connected, and how you plan to fill up the gaps This shows that you can change and want to learn

What Could Happen If You Don't Apply

Professional Advisor

"If you don't apply, you've already told yourself no." The worst thing that can happen is that you don't get a response, which means you're no worse off

Industry Specialist

A lot of successful people do well in jobs they weren't fully qualified for by learning on the job

Helpful Advice for Getting "Stretch" Jobs

Look at the job description and figure out what is necessary and what is pleasant to have Professional Advisor: Meet 60–70% of the most important needs
Check how well you fit: Career Expert: Use the three-column technique to see how your talents match up with the job duties
Address gaps proactively: Professional Advisor, be honest about your flaws and show how you're fixing them
Lead with your strengths: Industry Specialist: Make sure your resume and cover letter focus on talents and experiences that are relevant to the job
Apply with a goal: "Career Expert: Go after jobs that will help you grow, with confidence."

Application Strategy Flow Diagram

Analyze Job Assess Fit Tailor Application Apply

Use this flow to strategically apply for stretch jobs

Last Words

Applying for a job you don't have all the skills for demonstrates that you want to learn and progress Career Expert , Industry Specialist , and Professional Advisor all agree that job descriptions can change, and hiring managers like individuals who are willing to learn and adapt If you really want a job but think it's out of reach, see if you're a good fit, write a strong application, and go for it It could help your career

Are you ready to apply?