Many job seekers decide not to apply to jobs the moment they notice they are missing a few qualifications. iHire’s 2023 State of Online Recruiting Report found that only 26.4% of candidates applied for roles for which they did not meet all the requirements in the past year, which means most people are still holding back. Recruiters, however, often hire candidates who fall short on paper but demonstrate potential, adaptability and strong transferable skills. An Indeed survey found that employers frequently consider applicants who meet about 70% of the qualifications. What often matters most is whether a candidate can ramp up quickly, collaborate well and contribute meaningfully over time.
Having a few gaps doesn’t diminish your competitiveness. Here’s why you should apply to jobs even if you don’t meet all the criteria.
Job Descriptions Are Wish Lists, Not Checklists
Candidates often assume every requirement in a job posting is non-negotiable, but most descriptions are far more aspirational than precise. Hiring managers often list ideal skills, outdated responsibilities or broad qualifications designed to widen the applicant pool, not to define a perfect candidate. As a result, capable people routinely screen themselves out before a recruiter ever sees their resume.
Most postings blend several types of expectations, including:
- Essential duties that truly matter for the role
- Preferred skills that are helpful but not required
- Nice-to-have qualifications meant to describe the “ideal” candidate
- Legacy requirements copied from older versions of the job
Recruiters often look past the full list and focus on the handful of skills that matter most. If your abilities reflect the most important parts of the job, applying may work to your advantage.
Employers Hire for Potential, Not Perfection
Many candidates assume that missing a few requirements will automatically remove them from consideration. In practice, hiring managers often care more about potential, learning ability and overall fit than perfect alignment with a job description.
What managers tend to prioritize includes:
- The ability to learn new tools and processes
- Strong communication and collaboration skills
- Problem-solving and sound judgment
- A track record of growth in previous roles
Most hiring decisions come down to whether a candidate can succeed over time rather than whether they match every requirement on day one. If you can demonstrate that you learn quickly and contribute reliably, you may be more competitive than your resume suggests.
Your Skills Transfer More Than You Think
Many job seekers underestimate how well their existing skills map to new roles. Even when your background does not match a job description exactly, you may already have many of the abilities that matter most. Employers consistently value qualities that carry across industries and functions.
Transferable strengths often include:
- Communication and writing
- Project coordination and organization
- Leadership or team guidance
- Problem-solving and decision-making
- Relationship building and client management
These capabilities help candidates ramp up quickly, even when they lack direct experience. If you can show how your previous work demonstrates these skills, you may be a strong fit for the role.
Nontraditional Paths Are More Common Than Ever
Linear career paths are no longer the norm. Industry shifts, layoffs and rapid changes in technology have made role changes and pivots a normal part of career development. Hiring managers understand this and increasingly expect candidates to come from a mix of backgrounds rather than a single, traditional path.
This shift has opened the door for applicants who bring:
- Experience across different industries
- Broader problem-solving skills gained from varied roles
- Exposure to multiple work environments and team structures
- Adaptability developed through change and transition
A career that does not follow a straight line can strengthen a candidate’s appeal. If your path has been diverse or unconventional, it can give you an edge when applying for roles that require flexibility, creativity and a fresh perspective.
Applying Can Open More Doors Than You Expect
Applying does more than put your name in the running for one role. It often introduces you to hiring teams who are evaluating candidates for multiple openings. Recruiters frequently redirect applicants to positions that better align with their professional history, even when the original role is not an exact match.
Applying can also create opportunities through:
- Follow up from hiring managers who see potential for other teams
- Interest from recruiters who remember strong applicants for future openings
- Visibility that leads to networking conversations you would not have initiated otherwise
- Introductory conversations that reveal which roles match your expertise
By putting yourself forward, you increase the chances of being considered for roles you may not have identified on your own. This mindset can open more possibilities throughout your job search.
When It Makes Sense Not to Apply
Applying for a role you are not fully qualified for can be a smart move, but there are situations where it is not a good idea. Some roles require credentials or technical knowledge that cannot be learned quickly, and others come with responsibilities that demand specific expertise for safety or compliance reasons.
It may be best to hold off when:
- The job requires a license or certification you do not have
- The role depends on technical skills that take significant time to master
- You lack the core competencies the job relies on every day
- The work is well beyond your experience or training
Reaching for roles slightly above your level is often a productive move that supports long-term career growth. Applying for positions far outside your experience usually creates more frustration than opportunity.
Why You Should Apply to Jobs That Feel Out of Reach
Many candidates underestimate how qualified they are, especially when job descriptions list more skills than anyone could be expected to have. Employers regularly hire people who show potential, adaptability and a willingness to learn, even when their experience is not a perfect match. When you understand the core needs of a role and can show how your strengths tie back to them, you are in a strong position. In a tough job market, choosing to apply to jobs before you feel fully ready can often be the best strategy.