Under-Qualified

Being underqualified means you don't meet all the stated requirements of a job posting. This happens on a spectrum: missing one preferred skill is trivially different from lacking the core experience the role requires. **The 'apply anyway' research:** A widely cited LinkedIn study found that women apply to roles when they meet 100% of the requirements, while men apply when they meet about 60%. Both approaches are suboptimal. Applying to roles you're wildly underqualified for wastes everyone's time, but applying only when you meet every requirement means missing many roles you'd be competitive for. **When to apply despite gaps:** - You meet most 'Required' qualifications but are missing some 'Preferred' ones - You have adjacent experience that directly transfers - You have a different but equally strong background in the core competency - The gap is a skill you could demonstrate willingness to close (a course, certification, or project) **When not to apply:** - You're missing most 'Required' qualifications - You're missing years of experience that would make you uncompetitive in the pool - The role is 2+ levels above your current one without exceptional circumstances **In your application:** Address the gap proactively in your cover letter if it's significant: explain your equivalent experience or your plan to close the gap. **The 60-70% rule:** If you meet 60-70% of the requirements and the job genuinely excites you, apply. The 'required' section is often the hiring manager's wish list; the actual threshold for a strong candidate is typically lower.