Often, employers put a job description together with their ideal candidate in mind. If that candidate does not apply, they will consider those who are close. While it is not often helpful to apply to positions where you meet few or none of the qualifications, applying when you meet some or most can still be a viable strategy, especially when the qualifications you do not meet are the preferred ones.

If you do choose to apply to positions that you do not fully qualify for, it is important to customize your resume or CV to highlight what you have to offer for the position you are seeking. By highlighting your strongest qualifications, you can focus on your assets rather than your deficits. Building connections on the inside can help also help your candidacy. 

For more information on having an effective job search, review our Conducting a Job Search section and our Job Search on-demand tutorial. You can also use the check-list we have created to assist you in deciding whether to apply for the position or not.