not ticking every box shouldn’t stop you from applying.
There are plenty of reasons not to apply for a role, but not ticking every single box on the job ad shouldn’t be one of them.
Most job descriptions are written with an ideal candidate in mind, someone who can hit the ground running (makes my eyes roll, every time). That person rarely exists.
Many tasks and responsibilities can only be learned on the job. That’s why you are supposed to have an onboarding process, supportive colleagues, and time to land.
When I work with clients on figuring out if a role is worth applying to, we focus less on perfectly matching the requirements, and more on what actually matters to them, like growth potential and feeling aligned with the company’s values.
Here are a few questions I’d ask myself before applying:
Am I excited to learn the skills I might still be missing for this role? And would I feel motivated enough to start right away and show I’m proactive?
Does the company’s mission, product, or service resonate with me? And if not, could this role still be a meaningful step toward the kind of career or life I’m trying to build?
Do I feel both confident in my ability to make an impact and genuinely excited to keep growing in this role?
Research shows there’s a gender gap when it comes to applying for roles based on listed requirements. That alone is reason enough to rethink how closely we try to match every line in a job ad.
If you're genuinely excited about the role and the growth it offers, that enthusiasm will come across in the process, which will make you a much more promising candidate.
Looking for a job is hard. But with a few mindset tweaks and strategic tools, it doesn’t have to feel quite so impossible.
And if you'd like some support, don’t hesitate to reach out.
about the author:
Hi there! I'm Silja, the founder of the wholesome growth club, an inclusive hub for career coaching with a soft spot for introverts and perfectionists. I’m an Amsterdam-based expat, but I love connecting with people worldwide. With a background in recruiting, I know the struggle of crafting a career path that feels truly yours. At the wholesome growth club, we're all about fostering sustainable growth, meaningful engagement, and authentic connections. Our blog is dedicated to making coaching accessible and sharing insights to approach work and life with an extra dose of confidence, slow productivity, and self-compassion. If you are curious to make things happen for yourself, get in touch—we offer personalized coaching journeys that will get you closer to your (dreamy) goals in no time.
