Determining whether you are qualified for a job is a crucial step in any job search. It’s a question that often comes up, and understanding the significance of qualifications can make a significant difference in your career progression. Here’s a breakdown of why qualifications matter, how to assess your fit for a role, and why you might be more qualified than you think.

Why Qualifications Matter

Qualifications are the cornerstone of your job application. They are what recruiters look at first to determine if you should be considered for a role. These are typically listed under the "requirements" or "qualifications" section of a job posting. Matching your resume to these qualifications is incredibly helpful in moving your application to the "yes" pile.

Demonstrating your qualifications is about showing recruiters and hiring managers that you have the core skills and experiences needed to perform the job effectively. Even if you don't meet 100% of the qualifications perfectly, if you check most of the boxes and can demonstrate relevant experience for most, you might still be a strong candidate.

Assessing Your Qualifications

It's also really important to not undersell yourself. Many professionals, especially those from marginalized groups, often underestimate their experience. 

I find that this happens a lot around technical and analytical skills. If a job requires familiarity and comfort with quantitative data, don't automatically assume you need to be a statistician to speak to that. Context is key—look at the job description as a whole to gauge what level of expertise is truly required.

It’s important to give yourself as much credit as possible!

Understanding the Qualifications Gap

Sometimes, you may find that you are slightly underqualified for a job. This doesn't necessarily mean you shouldn't apply. It’s crucial to differentiate between being completely unqualified and being "a little underqualified." If the job is a stretch, but you’re excited about it and meet most of the qualifications, go ahead and apply. In a competitive job market, however, focusing on roles where you are largely well-qualified can increase your chances of success and may make your job search faster!

Remember, a strong resume is one that clearly demonstrates your qualifications for the job you’re applying for. (Hear more about our stand-out resume strategies here.)If you’re not well qualified, it’s difficult for even the best-written resume to make you a standout candidate. Aim to apply for jobs where you can showcase your qualifications confidently, and don’t be afraid to stretch for roles that excite you and align with your career goals.

Could you use some support to clarify your target roles and qualifications? Check out our Job Search Strategy services.

If you already know that you’re qualified for your target role and you’d like some help getting your resume to clearly demonstrate those qualifications, check out our Resonate Resume Writing services.