Job advert query

book12

There's a job that I'm interested but don't have experience that area.

It does say something along the lines of:

"Experience in 'xyz'. However, if you have gaps in those areas, we’ll provide appropriate training to develop you. Enjoy learning and be able pick up new skills quickly."


Is it worth applying?

ssparks2003

You have to be in it to win it. Without applying you will not know.

ReadingTim

Whilst they can't offer you the job if you don't apply for it, if you have no experience in that area or anything related to it, your time and energy might be more usefully spent on applying for something which you are qualified for/experienced in.

In short, it depends on how much of a hassle the form/process is.

BonsaiClouds

Depends a lot on how interested in the job you are and what the particular area you're lacking is. If it's a difficult and important thing, then your chances will be hampered for sure. If it can be picked up relatively quickly, though, then you'll still stand a fair chance if the rest of your application is good. Just be sure to explain why you have that lack, why you're interested in filling that gap, and what experience you have that shows you're a quick and capable learner.

Fireflyaway

If it interests you go for it. Someone else with great experience in xyz might apply but they might have appalling soft skills. You might have some other great skills that they don't have. If it clearly states it's not mandatory then give it a go. Just be sure to address each point so if you don't have experience explain what you do have that's similar, or how you have learned new things before or examples of how you were committed to continuous learning etc. I did this recently. I didn't have experience on a certain IT system but had learned a similar system and even trained new users so stated based on that, I'm confident I could pick it up. I got an interview. Didn't get the job but not because of that!

z1a

I agree with the others, it's as much about your willingness and ability to learn as real experience.

jobbingmusician

And can you think laterally? Do you have experience in abc which have similar characteristics to xyz because.....????

Sanne

On a number of occasions I have recruited focusing on attitude and willingness to learn. Of course, there were times when I simply needed a qualified member of staff who could hit the ground running but when there was opportunity to develop and train someone I was open to someone with the right aptitude and attitude but not necessarily all the knowledge. Instead I was looking for enthusiasm, ability to learn new things, aptitude, soft skills and anything they have done which showed that they can be successful in the role.

I was also lucky enough to have had two employers who gave me the same chance.

So.. go for it but be prepared to convince them that you can pick up things quickly, use your own initiative and are enthusiastic about the role.

Detroit

It's worth a go. In a recent recruitment I selected someone with significant skills gaps, offering them the role on a trainee basis at reduced salary until they gained competence.

None of the people who applied were fully qualified for the role, the post needed filling quickly, and the person I selected showed potential and huge enthusiasm.

So far it's working well from both perspectives, and I would certainly do it again.

You have nothing to lose by applying, but I would recommend you be honest about your skills/knowledge gaps, as you don't want to end up out of your depth with an employer who expects you to be fully competent.