Throughout your job search process, you are going to come across job opportunities that look like an excellent fit for your career, but might have few key requirements or qualifications that you do not essentially have yet. For few, this is disheartening. But if you know that you would be great in that career, and you know the job is correct for you, you should apply anyway. You might simply have to adjust your application a little when you apply.

Note: Sometimes interviewers inquire for more than they need!

There are several reasons that you might not match the qualifications that the interviewer has listed on the job description. You might not have enough years of experience as yet or you may still be establishing some of the qualifications but that should not stop you from applying just in case they have inquired for more than they need on the job description. That means that if a company inquires for something such as “5 years of experience,” they might not really need five years and would hence be willing to accept a bit less if you have other relevant skills.

Tips to improve Your Application to the Job as key requirements

Re-write Your Resume

You should always write your resume for each particular job description. This is specifically significant when you are applying for job openings with different key requirements. Make certain your resume is written to highlight the requirements of the job, so that you come as close as you can to what they are asking for.

Be particularly careful to involve the keywords for that job and industry in case they use resume screening software for the first round of applications.

Mention Achievements

Achievements are a remarkable way to make you appear desirable. For instance, if you say “improved revenue by 550 percent,” you are going to be desirable in far more positions than you would be if you focused just on the actual actions that you performed in last jobs.

Write a Great Cover Letter

Utilize your cover letter to indicate why you believe you’re great for the job, and put your resume in context of the job opening.

Note: Do not point out that you do not match the qualifications. Instead, simply put the experiences you’ve had in the context of how they will benefit the employer.

Avoid the Need/Address Similar

If you are missing simple things, such as experience with a particular type of software, focus instead on what you do have. For instance, if you are an accountant that worked with QuickBooks and Microsoft Access, and the employer mentions that they require someone that has experience with Sage 100, highlighting the software you’ve experience with is good enough for many employers. In the meantime, learn more about Sage 100 so that you’re prepared for any job interview.

The reality is that you’re going to be employed if you are the right person, even if you’re missing a few job description qualifications. If it is a job you want, you should apply. Just make certain that you are putting your best resume forward and writing a cover letter that assists prove that you are ready for the role.