4 tips on how to sell yourself for a position you're not qualified for

Quite often in my experience I have come across individuals who are not satisfied with their career choice. Some people pick the wrong degree, others take on a role which they feel isn't for them. Sometimes the work experience or your qualifications are not strong enough for the role, but more often than not employers will overlook these downfalls for the right candidate. Here are 4 simple tips to make sure you’re the right candidate.

Don’t lie on your application
Don’t lie about your experience, don’t lie about your qualifications and certainly don’t lie about your skills. As well as jeopardising your job in the future, when you walk into an interview you will only be more nervous. With this is mind, employers will expect your to answer questions specifically relating to your CV and your nervous disposition when answering questions will show through.



Excitement 
This is an excellent tip for any interview, but even more so in this situation showing excitement is key. The employer will naturally follow your lead and feel more confident about your ability to perform the job. It also shows that you are willing to learn which may be a key factor in a employers mind when comparing you to more experienced candidates.

Get personal , life skills, abilities, life experiences
Take your personal life and relate it to the role. Everyone has skills in using social media for personal use, now you can relate that to having social media management experience. Take a good look at the job description and list 4 or 5 experiences in your personal life which could relate to the role. If anything it will show the employer you have a real eagerness to take on the role.

Ask the interviewer what the difference is between a good candidate and a great candidate.
If you get to the interview stage and you've followed step 1 then your experience or qualifications are not the problem. It’s all down to whether you can show you’re ready for the role. Asking what the difference between a good candidate and a great candidate is gives you the opportunity to demonstrate why you’re a great candidate from the examples they give you.

Applying for any job outside your technical experience or qualifications is always a challenge but remember not to lie. You can embellish your roles, accentuate the truth and put a positive light on all your experiences but do not lie.