Free Career and Job Search Advice

hamsandwich · Newbie Joined: 24 Apr 2008 Posts: 4 Career Advice: +0/-0

I've found a job that I really think I'd be happy doing, and while I meet the minimum requirements (B.S. degree), the ad says they'd prefer someone with a masters.

Here's the problem- while I'm fairly confident I could gain some points with a great interview (if I got that far) it's probably kind of a longshot that I get the job. Normally, I wouldn't care, but I was also thinking of volunteering at this place to gain some experience once I found a job of any kind.

So, should I apply anyway and let them know I'm open to different positions, and if I did and didn't get the job, would this negatively impact me later on when I approached them about volunteering? Or would developing some sort of relationship with them be a leg up later on if I didn't get the job and wanted to volunteer?

TIA

hammy

lexa10881 · Posted: Sat May 17, 2008 3:29 pm Post subject:

I would apply, let them know that you are open to different positions, and see what happens. Also, you might entertain the idea of a masters. If you think you might get one, mention it. Some companies, knowing that you don't have what they want right now but are working to get there, will take a chance.

http://www.cvtips.com/underqualified_job_search.html

KA · Expert Joined: 26 Mar 2006 Posts: 227 Career Advice: +2/-0

Since they said prefer masters & didn't say masters is a must, then they are open to less than a masters. So I would apply.

Ref volunteering later, if you get to interview, you can approach whoever interviewed you later & I don't see how that would be a negative.

ron_burgundy · Newbie Joined: 06 May 2008 Posts: 4 Career Advice: +0/-0

It looks like a go-er. Apply for the job, even if you don't get the job it's all valuable experience in getting interviews right. Developing a good relationship with them now should also help when it comes to offering yourself in a voluntary capacity. You could even mention this in the interview, or if you are declined you could write a letter explaining that you want to gain experience and are willing to volunteer.

cv

It depends how big the company is and how many vacancies do they have available at one go. It depends the industry they are in as well and how sensitive the work you will be doing is.

Have you discussed this with some one who is familiar with your qualifications and this company and it's vacancies (a friend). Sometime all we need is to hear what we know is right from another voice!

If I was a small employer looking for good people and I could come across some one which will creat value in my company I would hire him.

Mark McCormick · Posted: Sat May 24, 2008 4:03 am Post subject:

hamsandwhich,

I agree with Ron. He makes some good points. In addition, it may be that your qualifications are a better fit than you think. Often times, some companies will put posts of the qualities they would like to have in candidates, but in actuality, they are willing take a lot less. Go ahead and give it a shot. The worst that would come of it is you getting some more "free" interview experience. Plus, you might develop some contacts that might come in handy down the line.

Best,
Mark McCormick
www.interviewquestionsandanswers.org

ron_burgundy · Newbie Joined: 06 May 2008 Posts: 4 Career Advice: +0/-0

petereff · Newbie Joined: 03 Jun 2008 Posts: 2 Career Advice: +0/-0

Hammy

Don't just assume you're under qualified. I always work on the basis that there are 'essential' and 'preferred' requirements, so the B.S. is good enough.

What really counts is whether you believe that you are good enough for the job and that you show you will fit in to their organization.

What is best: someone with a BS who fits in or someone with a Masters who doesn't fit?

Just go ahead and prepare answers to all the obvious questions at interview - particularly "Why should we hire you?".

Peter Fisher

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