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You’ve probably noticed the quote on the front page of CopelandCoaching.com.  It says, “You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.”  Wayne Gretzky, the famous hockey star used this quote to describe sports.  It’s also very relevant in your job search.

Many of my clients tell me that they often don’t apply to jobs they’re interested in because they’re not qualified.  When I ask them to explain, they describe that they were a fit for 8 out of the 10 job requirements, but don’t have experience in the remaining 2. By not applying, they are automatically removing themselves from consideration.  The hiring manager doesn’t even know they exist.

Unless you live in a very large city, finding the perfect job candidate can be hard work for a hiring manager.  They often scour their local market for weeks if not months for a candidate who can do most of the things they’re looking for.

When a hiring manager creates a job description, they’re listing all the qualities they’d like to have in the “perfect” candidate.  Hiring managers know the likelihood they’ll find someone who can meet 10 out of 10 of their requirements is quite low.  And, the interesting thing is… they’re okay with that.

In reality, there may be certain requirements of the 10 that are more important to the manager than others.  If you can’t fulfill the most important requirement or requirements, you may be looked over.  But, if you can perform the top 5 very well, and you know about at least 3 of the others, you may be considered.  The 2 things you don’t know about may be something the manager either doesn’t really need, or would be willing to teach you.

You’ll never know which of the 10 things the hiring manager needs the most.  The only way to find out if you’re a fit is to apply.  Let the hiring manager be the one to make the decision about whether or not to take you out of consideration.

If you think you can do a job and you’d like it, apply.  What’s the worst that could happen?

Remember, you miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.

Happy hunting!

Angela Copeland

@CopelandCoach

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