Should You Apply to Jobs That Require More Experience? Yes, Here’s Why

You’ve just come across a job listing that excites you—a role that sounds perfect, at a company you’ve always admired. But then, as you scan the job requirements, reality sinks in: You don’t meet all of them. That lingering doubt creeps in. Should you apply to jobs that require more experience than you have?

This concern is common, especially for women. In a LinkedIn report from 2019, women applied to 20% fewer jobs than men and were 16% less likely to apply after viewing a listing. This hesitation often stemmed from believing they must meet 100% of the qualifications, while men tended to apply even if they met only some.

The reality is, that hesitation may be holding you back from your dream role. Find out why applying for that reach job—even if you don’t check every box—just might be the bold career move you need to make. 

Understanding the job requirements

Job requirements typically include the qualifications, skills, experience, and attributes that employers seek in a candidate. These requirements can be divided into two categories:

Essential requirements

These are non-negotiable qualifications or skills critical to performing the job. For example:

• A specific degree or certification (e.g., CPA for accountants)

• Proficiency in certain tools or software (e.g., Python for developers)

• Industry-specific experience or licensing

Preferred requirements

These are “nice-to-have” qualifications that can make a candidate more competitive but are not deal-breakers. For example:

• Advanced experience in a field

• Knowledge of additional software or languages

• Leadership experience

The most common fears and concerns

Deciding whether to apply for a job when you don’t meet all the listed qualifications can be daunting. Below are the most common concerns candidates have in this situation.

Fear of rejection

Many worry their application will be dismissed outright, leading to wasted time and effort. This fear of rejection often discourages candidates from applying at all.

Impostor syndrome

The feeling of not being good enough or deserving of opportunities can heighten doubts about applying for jobs. Women may particularly fear being perceived as presumptuous. “Women tend to struggle with this more than men, as they’re often held to higher standards in the workplace and beyond,” says Shenella Karunaratne, licensed professional counselor at Online MFT Programs. 

Gender expectations

Societal norms and biases often cause women to second-guess their qualifications. Cultural pressures to meet every requirement can create a stronger need to “prove” their worth, discouraging them from applying for roles they’re fully capable of succeeding in.

Concern about “wasting” a recruiter’s time

Some candidates fear that applying for a job they’re not fully qualified for might seem disrespectful to recruiters, leading to concerns about being labeled as unrealistic or overly ambitious.

Belief that job requirements are non-negotiable

Job descriptions are often seen as rigid checklists rather than flexible guidelines. Many candidates fail to recognize that these are usually a wish list, and hiring managers are open to strong candidates who bring other valuable strengths.

Anxiety about being underprepared if hired

Candidates may worry about struggling to meet expectations if hired for a role they’re not fully qualified for, leading to concerns about underperformance or lacking key skills.

While these concerns are valid, they often stem from misconceptions about how hiring decisions are made, and they shouldn’t hold you back from trying. Overcoming these fears is an essential step toward approaching job applications with greater confidence and a bold mindset.

Should you apply for jobs you’re not fully qualified for?

Yes! Employers often look beyond a checklist of requirements, valuing potential, adaptability, and a willingness to grow—qualities that might not be fully captured in a checklist of requirements.

Plus, companies may intentionally leave room for candidates to grow into the role, and some employers may even prefer candidates who don’t meet all the qualifications, as overqualified individuals might leave the role quickly.

“I advise all candidates—especially women—to go for it,” says Anna Williams, HR director at Pretty Moment. “The key concerns often revolve around self-doubt and fear of failure. However, these roles can push you to break boundaries and grow professionally.”

Psychotherapist Sisse Marie of Neurogan Health agrees, and explains how stepping out of your comfort zone can help you confront these fears. “Applying for these roles can be a valuable exercise in resilience,” Marie says. “It’s an opportunity to confront self-limiting beliefs and personal fears.”

Shift your mindset from seeing gaps as obstacles to viewing them as opportunities, empowering you to grow and prove your potential. 

By demonstrating a willingness to take on challenges, you signal to potential employers that you are adaptable, eager to learn, and capable of growth—qualities they value highly. More importantly, you prove to yourself that stepping into the unknown can lead to personal and professional transformation.

Tips to stand out—and land the job

Applying for a job where you don’t meet all the qualifications requires a strategic approach, but it’s entirely possible to make a strong impression. Here are practical tips to elevate your application and ensure you stand out during the interview process.

During the application process

• Tailor each application. Take a deeper look at the required skills and identify where they align with your abilities. Highlight your transferable skills and relevant experiences that match with the job description. Show how your unique background brings value to the role.

• Focus on impact. Use measurable results and achievements to demonstrate your capabilities. For example, “Increased sales by 20% in six months” carries more weight than “Responsible for sales growth.”

• Seek referrals. A strong recommendation from someone within the company can elevate your application. Reach out to connections on LinkedIn or within your professional network.

• Engage on social platforms. Interact with the company’s posts or leaders on LinkedIn to show genuine interest in their mission and values.

• Prep for the interview. Research thoroughly to understand the company’s mission, values, and recent developments. 

During the interview

• Showcase a growth mindset. Emphasize your adaptability skills. Employers value candidates who are willing to learn. Highlight past experiences where you successfully adapted to new challenges or roles.

• Address gaps proactively. Acknowledge areas where you lack direct experience, but frame them as opportunities to bring fresh perspectives and grow into the role. For example, if you haven’t worked with a specific tool, mention your quick learning ability and enthusiasm to master it on the job.

• Demonstrate confidence. Own your narrative, and focus on what you bring to the table—not what you lack. Frame yourself as a candidate with potential and a fresh perspective.

• Show enthusiasm. Passion for the role and company can outweigh minor experience gaps. Employers want team members who are genuinely excited to contribute.

• Practice behavioral questions. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to craft examples that demonstrate your problem-solving abilities.

• Ask insightful questions. Show genuine curiosity by asking thoughtful questions about the role, team dynamics, or upcoming projects. For example: “Can you tell me more about the team I’d be working with and how they collaborate?” or “Are there any major initiatives or projects on the horizon that this role will contribute to?”

Be bold!

Applying for a job where you don’t meet all the qualifications can be a transformative step toward growth and resilience. Landing the role is just the beginning. “Take the opportunity to continuously upskill and learn from your more experienced peers,” Williams says. “It’s about adopting an attitude of lifelong learning to ultimately succeed in the role.”

“Long-term success is built on routinely considering strengths, spotting areas for development free from self-criticism, and seeking helpful feedback,” Marie adds. By viewing failures as opportunities to learn, you can thrive in new challenges and foster both personal and professional growth. Ultimately, it’s not about ignoring gaps; it’s about embracing the chance to grow into something bigger.