Tips for Applying For Jobs You’re Less Qualified For

Know Yourself

Talk to your mentor, your family, and your friends and identify your personal strengths and weaknesses. Be prepared to use these strengths as talking points in an interview, as this is the opportunity to sell yourself as the best candidate for the position.

Confidence

Once you’ve established your strengths, it’s time to be positive and have the confidence that your abilities will carry you far. You won’t know everything—nobody does. When it comes time to interview, show that you’re willing to learn and experience new things. All of these tactics will make you feel more comfortable during an interview.

Consider Your Motivation

Try not to be desperate. Instead, apply for jobs where you can show off your passion for the position—if you really want to be there, it shows in your interview. Be prepared for the inevitable interview question, “Why do you want to work here?”

Highlight Your Experience

It may sound obvious, but you should highlight any volunteer experience or internships you’ve had that will make you a more well-rounded candidate. If you’ve completed special projects in school like planning an event or assembling a portfolio, be sure to mention it.

Network

Your chances of landing an interview are higher if you know someone in the company already. Depending on where you live, there may be a business networking event where you have the opportunity to connect with individuals from a wide variety of industries.
The harder part is staying in touch with those contacts you’ve made. Try and set up a meeting over coffee or tea and use this opportunity to learn more about the role you’re applying for, as well as the company culture and potential for career growth. Many individuals will find your initiative impressive.

Get an Internship

Internships aren’t just for students, and, in fact, there are many opportunities for recent graduates. It’s a way to gain valuable experience in a field you’re interested in, and it may even lead to a job offer.