What if I Don't Meet the Job Criteria?
First, let’s look at what not to do. Here's the LinkedIn inmail conversation I had with a candidate who applied for a VP role but who didn’t match the criteria.
Me: Hi Bob. Many thanks for your inquiry re: the VP of Finance role we have open. This is the same position from June about which we exchanged inmails, and the hiring president is still requiring responsibility for at least $100M, so this role isn’t a good match. I’m so sorry about that. If anything else surfaces that’s a good fit, I’ll absolutely get back in touch. I wish you all the best, and thank you so much for your interest! Cheers, Jane
Candidate: Hi Jane, I have managed programs/contracts that exceeded $100M in the past.
Me: When I reviewed your resume, I did a search for $ and the only financial responsibility that showed up was $50M for a Government Technology program. Could you send an updated resume showing the $100M+ responsibility? Many thanks for your time! Cheers, Jane
Candidate: Why don’t we set up a time to speak? I can be reached on my cell at xxx-xxx-xxxx.
Me: Hi Bob, I would really need to have the updated resume first.
Candidate: There’s nothing to update in my resume. I can’t detail every contract and the dollar amounts I worked on in a resume. An actual phone conversation is more beneficial but you’re taking the lazy approach.
From my perspective...I am many things, but lazy isn’t one of them.
From his perspective...he demonstrated clearly that his default communication style is to get rude when things don’t go his way. Not a good approach.
So…how do you handle a mismatch? If your background isn’t an exact match for a particular role, but you’d like to be on the recruiter’s or hiring manager’s radar screen, then make mention of the criteria mismatch in your email. For example, if you’re in the wrong location but are willing to relocate, then speak of your openness to moving.
Dear___, I saw your listing for a Director of Sales on LinkedIn, and attached is my résumé for your review. The listing requires that candidates live in Georgia and I’m very willing to relocate if that would be an option. If not, I’d welcome the chance to be considered for any other opportunities in the future.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
If you don’t have the required experience, then state that you would welcome the chance to be considered if the criteria relaxes, or if another role opens up.
Dear____, I’ve been referred to you by a colleague who sent me your LinkedIn listing for a Director of Sales, and attached is my résumé for your review. I meet all the criteria except for having 10 years of sales leadership instead of 12 years. If there’s flexibility in the requirements, I’d welcome the chance to be considered if you feel my background is a good fit.
Best regards,
If your background and experience clearly don’t match the criteria and you don't bridge that gap with an explanation, you’ll come across as being unrealistic and will likely end up being completely sidelined. Whatever the situation, don’t be insulting, mean, rude, caustic, or passive aggressive (or even passive aggressive without the passive). Just remain professional in every communication and you’ll increase your chances of being considered down the road.
Stories from the trenches…
A header on LinkedIn: Consistency just might reveal the talent you never thought you had.