4 Reasons You Should Apply to a Job You're Underqualified For (And 4 Reasons You Shouldn't)

While looking for a new job, you may find yourself asking, “Should I apply if I don't meet the basic qualifications?” This is a natural part of the job search process – and the answers vary by position. Particularly in today's job market, with qualification gaps and a higher demand for soft skills, applying for jobs you're underqualified for usually doesn't hurt. 

According to iHire's 2023 State of Online Recruiting Report, 26.4% of job seekers admitted to applying for a job they didn't meet the requirements for in the past year. As a candidate, you must understand the red and green flags to look out for when it comes to job requirements, including the qualifications you can't work around. Read on to learn whether you should apply to a job you're underqualified for.

4 Reasons You Should Apply to a Job You're Underqualified For

In the current recruitment market, there are more benefits to applying for jobs than risks, though it's still important to consider the requirements. Below are a few reasons you should still apply to a job you might be underqualified for.

1. Soft Skills Are More Important to Employers

Amid skills gaps, industry shifts, and other recruitment challenges, many employers now care more about soft skills, including teamwork and leadership, than hard skills. This is because specific qualifications, such as software training, can become obsolete as industries and workplaces change. On the other hand, being able to communicate and work with others will always be essential to any business.

2. You Have Applicable Experience

Applicable qualifications are more important in the current job market than ever. When you see a job you feel you can perform well at, consider your strengths, skills, and relevant experience. For example, if the position is for a department that you partially covered at a previous job, add that to your cover letter and apply!

3. You May Be More Qualified Than You Think

Imposter syndrome is a condition that causes professionals to believe they aren't deserving of their positions or careers. This is an entirely natural feeling amid the current job market, though you shouldn't let it hold you back. 

Applying for jobs you don't immediately feel qualified for can help you work around your bias, as you may be perfectly qualified in ways you haven't even considered. There's no harm in getting your name out there, and you'll never know which jobs will consider you the perfect fit unless you apply.

4. You Can Meet Another Need

Many workplaces are still shifting their hybrid setups. Per our report, 7.4% of companies have required remote employees to return to the workplace, but 36.2% expressed that they were facing difficulty with retaining employees.

As organizations find their footing again, many are seeking candidates who meet their specific hybrid needs. For example, fully remote positions may shift back to hybrid or in-person schedules, which can create difficulties for all parties involved. Mentioning in your application that you can easily commute and meet their hybrid schedule may be more important to some employers than their listed requirements.

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4 Reasons You Shouldn't Apply to a Job You're Underqualified For

Applying when you’re underqualified for a job sometimes has risks, from damaging your reputation to taking up time you could have spent applying to other positions. Below are three reasons not to apply when you’re underqualified for a job.

1. You Hope to Apply Again When You Are Qualified

While most companies shrug off underqualified candidates, some employers may see these applications as unprofessional and disrespectful. Because of this, you should be careful not to misrepresent your abilities or apply to a position you’re underqualified for at a company you definitely hope to have a future with. 

For example, let's say you're studying for a master's degree so you can work at a specific organization. You should avoid applying to any positions you aren't explicitly qualified for at that organization, especially if it's a tight-knit business in which your name will be recognized for years to come. Otherwise, you may come off as someone who doesn't understand the industry.

2. You Have No Other Applicable Qualifications

62.6% of surveyed companies for our 2023 State of Online Recruiting Report said they receive too many underqualified applications, making it the most significant challenge employers face on job boards. Because of this, it's important to assume that you aren't the only underqualified candidate to apply.

When applying to a job you’re underqualified for, you should highlight the skills, training, and experience that would otherwise make you a good fit. If you can't find anything applicable on your resume, it may be better to divert your time and attention to other open positions.

3. The Employer Is Explicit About Certain Requirements

Most job boards allow employers to designate specific qualifications as required or preferred. That said, many “required” skills are still sometimes negotiable, especially if no candidates meet all of the company’s needs. 

Some employers may explicitly state that their job requirements will not budge, whereas others leave their criteria open-ended. You must use your best judgment and industry knowledge to determine which requirements you can and cannot work around.

4. You Aren’t Sure You Can Do the Job

Being aware of your limitations is crucial when you’re applying for jobs. If a position is somewhat relevant to your field but you don’t feel you have the skills or experience to do it right, you should not apply. While every new hire has a learning curve, you should enter the position with a thorough understanding of its processes and responsibilities. 

Applying to and accepting a job you’re underqualified for could make you look unprofessional and damage your reputation. However, if you’re genuinely interested in the position, online resources can help you fill your current skills gap to land – and excel at – a job you’re not quite ready for just yet.

As iHire's 2023 State of Online Recruiting highlights, the job market is always changing. This means that candidates who are currently in the market might not be able to use the same application strategies they used to land their previous job. 

Check out the full 2023 report today to learn more about changes in the recruitment market and what you can do to stand out as a candidate, even when you think you might be underqualified for a particular position.