I don't know how many times I've spoken to clients, friends, family (and even internally to myself) about advertisements, and how to "decode" them. I've worked with people on how to decipher what is really mandatory for a job, and what's a 'nice to have'.
Some forward thinking recruiters/companies will write advertisements that will keep things really open ended so they can cast their "net" further, and attract a broad and diverse range of applicants. Keeping things open, with no "mandatory" bits in the advert so as not to deter people from applying. When I see adverts like this, my heart sings. And then I sing - I break out into some Mariah Carey. Oh and I dance. I dance GOOD. Because it makes me so happy.
A lot of forward thinking companies understand that people are ... human people - they don't always fit into a preconstructed "box", and these forward thinking companies would rather have someone with some diverse experiences and mindsets than the same ol' cohort of people fostering the same ideas and ways of thinking. There's stats and research out there about how companies with good diversity statistics (not just culture, but diverse ways of thinking) are astronomically more successful than companies that hire "mini me's".
In saying this ... many companies don't abide by this thinking, AND there are jobs out there that DO require specific experience and qualifications. I'm not about to apply to be a doctor, although I am good at googling symptoms.
Here's a bit of a rule of thumb I use:
Do I meet some of the top dot points, and have transferable skills that would address the other dot points? I will apply.
The bits of the role I don't have direct experience in (perhaps 20% of the job) - could I learn them on the job or in my own time? I will apply, and explain how I will do this in the cover letter.
Have I got years of experience in a similar role, but don't have the tertiary qualifications they're asking for? I'm still gonna apply.
Are they asking for 5 years' experience, but I only have 3 and a bit years? I will apply because ... what's the difference between 3 and 5 years? Not much ...
Could lives be put in danger if I am not qualified in this space or haven't studied (ie. a doctor, a vet, a nurse etc)? Then this role is probably not for me.
Do I only meet about 40% of the criteria they're asking for, and there's some things on there I know I'm not experienced enough to do yet? Then this role is probably not for me, but I will investigate how to get to upskill myself to get to this level.
I'm going to use my common sense here and put myself in the hiring manager's shoes ... would I hire me for this job or am I batting above my average here?
Of course if you're just not sure, and there are contact details on the advert - call the recruiter/hiring manager, or email and ask! It can't hurt to ask, and will help inform your decision.
Another way to check is to have a session with a career coach, or similar (aka ... me 😜) and spit ball it a bit. If you have a professional mentor - great! Ask them! It can help to have someone give you some advice, and perhaps offer a viewpoint you hadn't considered before. Or they can help you decipher the best way to sell yourself, and why you CAN do this job. That's what coaches and mentors are for - being honest, giving you confidence and helping you improve.
Sharing is caring - if you're not sure, ask! Share your concerns with someone, and see what they think. As always if you want to share things with me, I am always here to listen and provide recruitment advice.
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