Asking For a Friend | Chapter 73
Advice from Babe to Babe
There are a lot of stats about being a woman in the workplace that really gall us—but one in particular really drives us crazy: women don’t apply for jobs unless they feel they’re 100 percent qualified. Men, on the other hand, are happy to submit applications to jobs for which they only meet 60 percent of the required qualifications.
That 40 percent is everything. It’s a better title, more money, more vacation days, a better company culture. But for so many of us, that 40-percent gap represents our fear of failure and adherence to the rules. That’s why today’s column explores what happens when one of us takes a shot and applies for the stretch-job (and feels self-conscious about it after the fact). Take it away, gurus.
I say don’t address it at all. Focus on all the ways you will help the company and all your strengths. If they ask specifically about the skills you don’t have, share an example of when you had to learn something new in a pinch and talk about your problem-solving skills.
Don't address it unless they ask you. Just because you feel underqualified doesn't mean your prospective employer sees you that way, so don't plant that seed. However, to prepare just in case you are asked, I would spend time looking at the job description and thinking about what you have done that is applicable experience. It might be helpful to talk through this with a colleague or friend familiar with your experience because they often see things in ways we don't. There are many skills (like project management for example) that we use on a daily basis but because we're not titled “project manager,” we don't realize that's exactly what we're doing.
Assuming this potential employer has a copy of your resume, they're probably aware of your experience (or lack of). That means that if you get the interview, it's likely because there's something else you have that they're interested in. Furthermore, a lack of experience isn't always the worst thing; it can make you look at issues or projects in ways others might not. Emphasize your willingness to learn—maybe even do a little research beforehand.
If you make it to the interview stage, that means the hiring committee saw something in your application that piqued their interest, so don't sell yourself short! Rather than focusing on what you don't have or may not have done before, focus on and highlight all of the skills and experiences you do have. Review the job description and company profile to see where there's overlap in your previous roles. Identify and be prepared to discuss how the things you have already done prepared you to take on this next role. Provide examples of how you learned new skills and processes in your previous jobs, in classes, internships, etc. Enter the conversation with the confidence that you've learned how to do things for the first time before and you'll learn how to do new things for the first time again.
From a hiring manager, let me give you a little insight: If you make it to the interview stage, they’re praying you’re the one. It takes so long to wade through piles of applications and field unsolicited emails and LinkedIn requests. Hiring is a nightmare and a time-suck, and by the time the interview comes around, your interviewer is walking into the room hoping you’re going to be it. They’re rooting for you—and they wouldn’t waste their time (or yours) by bringing you in if they didn’t like what they saw on paper.
Bottom line: Someone with authority decided you’re qualified to be in that room. Act like it.
Until Next Week,
—The BWH Advice Gurus
Asking for a Friend is Babes Who Hustle's weekly advice column that asks and answers the work-related questions on all of our minds.
Looking for advice and guidance? Hit us with all of your workplace-related questions below and stay tuned for next Wednesday's edition!
