Does 'just apply even if you only hit 60% of the requirements' actually work, or is that feel-good advice?
I keep seeing the stat that men apply at 60% match and women wait for 100%. Fine — but every time I apply to something where I clearly miss the 'must-haves', it's an instant ghost.
Has anyone here genuinely gotten an interview for a role they were underqualified for on paper? What made them look past the gaps — a referral, the cover letter, the projects? Trying to figure out if I'm being too timid or just realistic.
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AnonymousAnon It's real, and it's not delusional. Job descriptions are wish lists, not hard requirements. The 'required 5 years' often just means 'we'd like some experience.' I've been hired twice for roles where I hit maybe 60-70% on paper. Apply and let them decide, don't pre-reject yourself.
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AnonymousAnon Got two interviews for roles I was clearly under-qualified for on paper, and both were warm intros, not cold applies. Cold + underqualified = ghost, in my experience. But the 'must-haves' on postings are often a wishlist — if you hit the core skill and can show it in a project, apply. Just don't count on the ATS to be generous without a human vouching for you.