Don’t Apply to That Job…Unless You’re Really Qualified

We’re looking for a Manufacturing Manager for a medical devices plant right now. The posted description is pretty clear—manufacturing, medical devices, bonus if you know some ISO things.

In the past week, I have had child care attendants, RNs, chemists, computer analysts, insurance agents, security guards and a Krispy Kreme guy apply for that job. I mentioned in an earlier post how to keep desperation out of your voice, but it goes deeper than that. A nanny who applies for a job he or she is clearly unqualified for already looks bad because they either A. can’t read a basic job description or B. are so cocky that they think they can learn 15 years of manufacturing experience during the interview process or C. apply to every job they run across.

I know it’s tempting to throw your resume out to anyone who will look at it but it backfires on you. Say tomorrow I need an insurance agent for one of my jobs. You’ve already made a bad first impression by submitting your resume for that other job. Why would I go to someone who can’t follow directions? I wouldn’t.

Don’t apply for a job where you don’t meet the posted requirements. Those requirements are there for a reason and for the most part, are not up for debate. Instead, here’s what you should do: Identify companies that are hiring and submit your resume for consideration for a position that might become available in the near future. Call the company and ask where you can submit a resume that focuses on the skills you already have.

This will turn your submittal into networking. Hiring managers will be more apprehensive to forward along the resume of someone who applied for the wrong job over someone who reached out to them for a job in their field.

Jessie Gable
Research Assistant

Global Recruiters of Huntsville
Office 256.533.1444 x200
Fax 256.418.4485
jgable@grnhuntsville.com
www.grnhuntsville.com