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Alexandra Klein
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906
09/15/20 at 5:02PM UTC
in
Career

I made the job search mistake everyone warned me about — and still landed a job

I've been warned countless times that I shouldn't apply to jobs I'm not the right fit for. Yet months into my job search, I thought I should expand the roles I was applying to — maybe I was missing something. I was lucky enough to get an interview for one of these roles. I prepared as best as I could and understood how I could apply my other experience to this new kind of role. Afterward, the hiring manager reached out to tell me that while he didn't think I was a good fit for that role — but he liked my interview enough that he referred me to a former colleague. I just heard from that colleague (after interviewing with them) that I've gotten that job! The moral of my story is: job search mistakes aren't heard and fast rules, and sometimes they can lead to wonderful opportunities! Have you ever done something like this and then have it work out in your favor?

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Melanie
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585
HR Leader giving my own two cents to help women.
09/17/20 at 4:26AM UTC
Congrats!
Anonymous
09/15/20 at 8:13PM UTC
There are not rules and no mistakes in job search! Networking is everything - you proved it again!! Congrats and best of luck!!
Kathleen Beeman
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182
Empowering people-centric leadership.
09/15/20 at 8:11PM UTC
This happened to me! I was trying to reenter the workforce after being a Stay at Home mom and I applied for a ton of positions that were of interest with no replies so I widened the net and interviewed for a job that I wasn't really sure was my thing but I was desperate. The manager was so impressed as was the recruiter that they sent me other options that I wouldn't have considered and put in a good word. I received a great role and it launched my career! There are good people out there and it pays to be yourself!
Karen Magarelli
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76
Marketing Director, Seattle, NYC, Virtual
09/15/20 at 7:18PM UTC
The job I had before Covid and being laid off was exactly that for me! It was a new industry for me, I remember thinking, "no way they will even talk to me", but they did, and I was hired! And, it was a "cold" job lead, meaning I didn't know anyone at the company or in the industry! It was a great job! Checked all my boxes! Unfortunately, the travel industry has been decimated by the virus so like millions in the industry, my job, actually my whole department, was eliminated.
Stephanie King
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115
Success & Career Coach
09/15/20 at 6:32PM UTC
I definitely don’t think 100% qualifications are the goal, and I certainly wouldn’t see what you did as a mistake. Women in particular hold themselves back far too often from applying for opportunities from feeling unqualified. In the interview prep guide I share with my clients I advise them that >50% of the qualifications puts them in good shape! You made a great point with how your previous experience translates and applied to this new role! This is a key to expanding your opportunities - be a bit broader in how you articulate and think about your skills and experience. As you said, men are more willing to apply with less experience and qualifications for new roles. Consequently, they’re more often rewarded with job offers. If you don’t try, the answer is an automatic “no.”
Anonymous
09/15/20 at 6:31PM UTC
Congrats! There’s so many transferable skills and experience to use. Glad that you took the chance.
Catherine Mohan
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176
Internal Tools & Integrations Developer
09/15/20 at 5:15PM UTC
I definitely have! When I was preparing to graduate from college and applying to jobs, I was applying to entry-level Project Management jobs even though my degree was in Materials Engineering. I had to convince recruiters that my degree wasn't a hindrance and my experience running a campus club was enough. I worked hard and I got a role that started shortly after I graduated. I don't think applying to things that you may not fit 100% is a "mistake" if you match a majority of the requirements. There have been a number of surveys and studies that show women tend to not apply to jobs unless they meet all the requirements while men don't. I've had to job search a couple more times since that first role and I always remind myself to apply for the jobs that seem like a bit of a reach. You never know, you could get it.

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