Why You Should Apply for a Job You Won't Get

by Valorie Delp | More from this Blogger

30 Mar 2008 05:42 PM

No--there's no misprint in the title. If you are just starting out in your career or starting a new career, you should still apply for jobs that you're not entirely qualified for; within reason of course.

Networking

Sometimes, making a successful career for yourself is all about networking. If a job is in your desired field but you don't quite have the full four years of experiences, go ahead and apply. The contacts you make may be beneficial to you later--when you do have four or more years of experience.

Interviewing Skills

In certain careers, it is very common that employers tend to ask similar questions. As you probably realize, interviewers can ask anything from your salary history to what are your strengths and weaknesses to questions on situational ethics to questions testing your ability to think creatively. Most of us are not super savvy on the spot when we're nervous and practice makes perfect. You can look at this exercise as a means of career preparation.

Feedback

If someone turns you down for the job, you have the opportunity to get constructive criticism. It's never inappropriate to ask why you got turned down for a position and the reply may give you valuable insight as to your interviewing skills, your resume preparation (or lack thereof) or even what type of experience you need.

You Never Know

Sometimes things just work out. Maybe the company really needs the position filled and is willing to train someone. Perhaps you were able to present yourself in just the right way. Maybe you weren't as unqualified as you thought. But taking a chance could just yield the results you were hoping for.

The bottom line is the more experience you get interviewing and presenting yourself via your resume, the more you improve your chances of getting the job that you'd really like.

Learn more about Valorie Delp

Hello everybody! My name is Valorie and I am one busy lady! When I'm not writing or editing for families, I am busy trying to get my brood of 5 in line.

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