How can I get this job? The job description says your client needs 10 years of experience, and I have only 7!
I regularly receive such reactions when we present a career opportunity to a potential candidate.
Why do you give up so easily? Why does the imposter syndrome kick in with one sentence in a job description of 2 pages?
Believe me, after handling hundreds of recruitment projects for managerial positions, this requirement is far from what you need to bring to an interview.
What matters is not the number of years of experience but the ability to do the job profitably. The number of years of experience is usually not more than a guideline because other competencies and factors make the difference.
Try to find out which qualities make the difference. Ask if the job involves leading people and what their expectations are for improving their business during the first half-year.
To distinguish yourself from candidates who trust their years of experience, do your research and preparation better than them. Study the industry, competition and market. Search for all information about the company (history, finances, products, successes, failures) and if possible, speak to people who work/worked there and collect insights on the department, supervisor(s) and company culture.
Since any job is a small business in itself, it requires a business plan. Break down the job description and draft a plan of how you will impact your future department’s revenues, costs and profit, and share your achievements, proofing what you contributed in your present and previous jobs.
Even if that question might not be asked during the interview, share how you can positively impact their business. In addition, highlight your leadership and people management experience with real examples and stories relating to your managerial development.
It is a lot of work, but if you want that job, show exactly how it will be done. Most of your competitor applicants will not put in this amount of preparation and especially not the ones that fit the years of experience.
Focus on your growth mindset by showing your unique talent and willingness to work hard on your development and the development of the people you lead.
Surprise your future employer by genuinely showing all your skills and competencies that you DO bring to the table if the years of experience do not fit (on paper) and dare to go for it, even if the odds do not look so great from the beginning.
What do you think is more important than years of experience?