Go on, apply for that job

Recently, one of my women clients confessed that she wanted to apply for a job that looked really interesting, but she didn’t have all the “required” qualifications.

“Go for it,” I urged.

In general, women won’t apply for a job unless they meet all the criteria. While men will throw their hat in the ring when they meet as little as 60% of the requirements. The job criteria is a wish list, and if you can already do everything on the list, where will you grow?

Use your cover letter to sell your ability to grow, and get HR intrigued with proof of your ability to deliver.

Art Markman’s HBR article You Don’t Need to Meet Every Qualification to Apply for a Job discusses how imposter syndrome often holds women back and how having a growth mindset will lead to success in a stretch job.