Would you apply for a job you knew you could do, but didn't

[Flaxbee]

have the institution's listed qualifications? I have the requisite degree, just not the 10+ years of experience... it's for a position at a local university. I could do a great job with it, but just don't fit their described desirables.

Whaddya think?

[Extend a Hand]

1. I would

I'd include a cover letter explaining why I'd be perfect for the position ;)
The worst thing that could possibly happen is that they won't call you for an interview.

[Flaxbee]

3. I've applied for another job at the same university --

actually several -- a few lower level staff positions, and one director position. This new vice chancellor position just came up and it's in student affairs. Thing is, I've never worked at a university, I've worked in big ole' honkin law firms and the last few years have been self-employed (barely - hence going back to a regular salary).

So - I also don't want to do an overkill of apps. But they don't start reviewing for this position for 2 months, so I guess I can see if I get any of the other jobs. Then work up to a vice chancellor position ..

Thanks for your input. I do great in interviews though I'm kinda rusty at this point. I just have to get a foot in the door!

I'd really like to get into a university job position .. I love the university environment, and this is a nice school.

[Nikia]

5. Maybe you should wait on applying then

Applying to several jobs at the same place make it look like you are desperate just to work there.
I have applied to two jobs at once for the same firm and put in the cover letter that I would be interested in discussing both of the positions so we could determine which is a better fit.
I have also applied for another position with the same company after a suitable amount of time, a couple of months.

[NMDemDist2]

2. i would, the worst they can say is "No Thanks" and if you can get into

an interview you can wow them with your knowledge

in situations like this a concise cover letter is the key to get them to talk to you at all

[Flaxbee]

4. thanks -- yes, the trick is getting in the door.

I think I need to sit for a few weeks and see if I get a response on the other jobs I've applied for, then decide mid-January (reviews for the position don't start until mid-Feb.)

My problem is, I don't have any knowledge of how I'd do the job, I just know I could do it - I haven't worked in a university before but have handled some pretty hairy stuff and think that while I'd be running as fast as I could at first to keep up/figure stuff out, I know I could do it.

Oh well. Wait and see. Thanks again for your input.

[KitchenWitch]

6. I would!

My guess is that most places set the bar really high as far as the expectations in order to weed out those that really do not belong.

[Flaxbee]

14. thanks! I guess nothing ventured, nothing gained,

right? :hi:

[cwydro]

7. I say go for it!

I've not only done it, but I got the job.

[Flaxbee]

8. OK - thanks!

I don't really have to decide until mid-Feb. when they stop taking applications, so I can see how things pan out until then and carefully craft a persuasive cover letter. ;-)

[ncrainbowgrrl]

9. same- I agree- go for it.

what do you have to lose except the time wasted on applying? :shrug:

Good luck!

[MichiganVote]

10. Any interview is a good interview---for experience

[dropkickpa]

11. Go for it!!

I work for a university, and they regularly hire people who do not meet 1 of the given requirements. I was actually offered a job recently that they'd advertised wanting someone with a masters for (I have an associates) but turned it down because it wasn't much more than what I'm earning in the department I'm in.

[Flaxbee]

13. ooh - really? Do you like working for a university?

that's good to know. I know sometimes job descriptions are written with someone specific in mind, but it seems that this university is really looking for a lot of high-level employees: deans, assistant deans (I don't really want to teach...), vice chancellors, directors of programs... I have a JD, but no specific experience, but I'd LOVE the job.

Thanks, I think I'll work on this cover letter for a while and apply.

[dropkickpa]

16. Besides dealing with the VERY slow pace

at which things get done in academia, I love it. I have great benefits (including a great tuition benefit for myself where I would only pay 3% and my kid gets to go for free) and it is such a stimulating environment. As a previous poster said, the requirements are a wishlist, there are very few positions that actually hold hard and fast to them.

[Flaxbee]

18. aside from the

length of time it apparently takes to get a job/slow hiring process... once I get into the environment, a slower pace actually sounds nice. I worked for years and years when everything had to be done yesterday, everyone was hollering about hurring up, clients were having conniption fits if 100-million dollar deals couldn't be completed in 3 days. Sigh. I was so wound up, stressed out and miserable that I quit law practice altogether. A little slower pace, yet in a stimulating environment, would be nice....!

And as you mentioned, and I hoped - great benefits, tuition perks, etc. And, of course, all the cultural/academic assets of working in a university. Oh, I hope I hope I hope I can at least get an interview...!

Thanks for your feedback, I really appreciate it!

[dropkickpa]

20. No problem!!

:hi:

edited to add - oh yes, hiring at universities is like watching molasses run uphill. That's my biggest frustration. My dept. has been short staffed for a while, and it took them 9 MONTHS to get someone on board!

[Generic Brad]

12. Listed qualifications are an employers wish list

Truth is -- qualifications are primarily an employers wish list. If no one appears who meets every prerequisite, and depending on their urgency of need, it is possible that you could be the person they are looking for.

Go for it. The worst that will happen is that you don't get an interview. The best that can happen is that you get the job.

[Flaxbee]

15. it's not super-urgent, as they're not looking to review applications

until mid-Feb., probably looking for someone to really dig in late spring / early summer (though I can start whenever!). I'd just like to be convincing enough to get in the door, because I (not patting myself on the back too much) can "do" a great interview (though I'm a little rusty). I've convinced many people to let me do stuff I was in no way ready to do, but did it anyway. I've just really been suffering a lot lately work-wise, and have taken a hit in the old confidence levels. But this job would be so fun that I think I'll apply anyway...

Thanks for your encouragement and input.

[Generic Brad]

17. Then pay close attention to your resume and cover letter

Try to tailor the presentation of your experience as closely as possible to their needs. It sounds as though you are comfortable with the interview process. Your immediate goal then should be to get them interested enough in you so they select you for an interview.

I have hired people over the years who would best be considered dark horses among applicants, but their initial presentation was so compelling that I felt they deserved consideration. Too much creativity is a deal killer for me in an application, but evidence of a little shows initiative and goes a long way to getting someone past the first round.

Good luck, Flaxbee. I hope you get your opportunity to shine.

[Flaxbee]

19. Thanks, Generic Brad --

for your kind words and encouragement... I appreciate it.

[suzbaby]

21. Sure!

I applied for a job that required 5+ years of experience when I had none, and I got the job. :)

[Flaxbee]

22. welll, that's encouraging!

thanks! :hi:

[suzbaby]

23. Just think of the requirements listed

as "general guidelines" or "wishful thinking" rather than requirements. :D

[Skittles]

24. yes, go for it

those listed requirements are usually guidelines; they like a variety of candidates....address the issue in both the cover letter and resume - and don't get wordy :)

[Flaxbee]

25. so, should I address that I DON'T have their requirements

in the cover letter? And why that doesn't matter in my particular case because of my fabulousness? ;-)

Thanks for your encouragement, Skittles. :hi: I've been in a rut for too long. Time to get out there and push myself do something special.


edited for smilies