Applying for a job you are not qualified for - C/D?

Tricky one to answer, as I'm going through a similar situation, trying to get back into IT without any server knowledge whilst every IT job seems to need server experience.

Filling in a form this morning I was just honest, I didn't mention my lack of experience in that area, just highlighted other things I've done which are relevant and could be counted towards my advantage. Of course, the nagging thought at the back of my mind is always "There's probably someone lined up for the job internally anyway", but it didn't stop me trying my best.

So, to answer the question - go for it, you've got nothing to lose. And good luck.

classic! When you get it. Sometimes a little bit dud when you start and the learning curve is intense. I've done it twice with very positive results! So I recommend it. Like Rob says, you've got nothing to lose. Amd you have no way of knowing what the pool of applicants is like, even if you're not exactly qualified you still might be one of the better candidates. Also I reckon it gives you confidence in subsequent job applications to sell yourself a little more enthusiastically and originally.

I've done this twice this morning.

Agree with the others re: nothing to lose. Also I interview lots of ppl in my current job and really, how they are in the interview is so much more important than what's on their application. This will vary depending on job and company obv but the upshot is, I wouldn't worry about being a little creative on the form. I see the formal application as a game that you have to play in order to get to the real selection process, which is the interview, which is where interest and passion suddenly count for a lot more. Good luck!

yea i was just having this discussion with my girlfriend the other day. she pointed out that even if you're clearly not qualified, you might still have relevant experience for another position. the organization to which you're applying will still have your resume and might keep you in mind for something else before they even consider other candidates. it's a long shot, but as others have said, you have nothing to lose.

What Mark said happened to me. I applied for a job through an agency, and though I didn't get an interview for that job, the agency was interested in my CV and put me forward for an IT post within the agency itself, for which I got interviewed. Didn't get the job, but it goes to show that you never know who's reading your CV.

my mate did this yesterday, i'm only worried because it's for a job at my place.

although to be fair the only 'fibbing' part was her skills in Excel, but i have no idea how much skill they're looking for.

I don't see any harm in it -- even if you don't have much of a chance of getting the job, you're at least putting your name out there and getting interview experience.

Sometimes they'll hire on potential. I am starting a new job in a month that I never expected to get. It can happen!

Might be worth bearing in mind that an employer inviting you to interview on the strength of skills you don't actually have might be none too chuffed at you wasting their time and taking the interview place of someone who actually does have the skillset they are looking for...

(i.e. go for it by all means, but don't actually lie on your application)