though it's a bit distressing, i think it's great that i can get up at 8:30am instead of 6am everyday.

also, after looking through a few hundred online employment ads, i think most companies are asking a LOT from prospective applicants, much more so than four years ago, that's for sure.

i wonder, from your own perspective and experience, if a company puts out 100 requirements/desirables in a job ad, do you think the person they hire will have more than 80% of the requirements met? i know a lot of smart smart smart people, but looking at those ads make me think how many would actually satisfy 100% of the requirements or the desirables?

 

They *usually* want all requirements. Desirables are just a plus if you have them. If you meet most of the requirements (80%) and have a few desirables, just apply. Heck, I'd apply even if I didn't have any of the desirables. It doesn't hurt to apply, and if you get interview, count those as good practice even if you don't get the job. Learn from each interview or any conversation you have with these companies, and use that knowledge for the next interview. Learn what questions they commonly ask. Oh yeah, for the jobs that you are really serious about, learn about the company (sales history, what they do, etc.), because if you get the interview, they want to know that you've done your homework about them.

 

I am also very curious about this. As a recent college graduate who is seeking for a job right now. Most of the time, I feel like I do not match all of the requirements that are listed on these ads. Being a recent graduate whose looking for an entry level position with visa sponsorship makes it even worse in this economic situation. I am pretty sure I can benefit from all your inputs.

I personally think that most of the time, these companies hire people without a 100% match. I still wonder if I should apply to the positions which I think I do not match 100% but could do well. Finding a job here takes a whole different process than finding one in another country so I am having some trouble and I can appreciate help from people who has been there, done that.

 

The trick is to get to the interview.
Once there, I know people who can talk themselves into virtually any job.
It is simply a self selling opportunity.
I have employed people with very few of the requirements on the job specification. Very often its personality that counts.

 

I've got to agree with Andy. Working in the tech field, my company posts some ridiculous requirements for positions. I haven't seen anyone yet get hired that had anywhere near all of them. Heck, half the job descriptions are written in a few minutes by someone who doens't know much about the job at all.

It's more a personality, work ethic, ability to learn type of thing. I'd hire someone who's a proven self-starter and learner with a lot less skills, than someone who has all the skills but has become "comfortable" and unwilling to take on new projects and skills.

 

I agree with Dave and Andy. I work for a very large tech company and 75% of the time the people that get hired have not matched the requirements specified. Which screws the folks who actually need qualified people in order to finish a project, but that's another story. Most folks I know get hired based on their personality and ability to articulate. Get your foot in the door apply first, then work out the specifics later. This applies mostly to non life or death employment opportunities.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by turbo_pwr
[B]I agree with Dave and Andy. I work for a very large tech company and 75% of the time the people that get hired have not matched the requirements specified.

 

It's nearly impossible to find a person who has all of the attributes that you are looking for. If you are 80% there go for, what's the worst that can happen...they say no. Nothing ventured, nothing gained.
Don't get used to that late wake-up.

 

well, brother.... Only thing I could say is.. good luck, I am sure you have no problem to get the job you want..!!

 

Ditto with everyone else. When I graduated from college, I had a LOW GPA. Yet, because of my personality, I had 7 job offers!!