Job adverts - wish lists?
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TheAngryDog

Original Poster:

13,202 posts

238 months

Friday 12th June 2015
quotequote all
I've been very (un)fortunate in my working life when it comes to applying for jobs. When I have been interviewed, I would say that I have had a high acceptance ratio, but that hasn't necessarily been because I was qualified for the role, for example;

1st Job - NVQ, taken on full time. Computer shop effectively.
2nd Job - faxed CV (in the days when faxes were still common place) to several companies who did IT Support (Software), one replied, 2 interviews later I was taken on. No prior support experience.
3rd Job - Applied for as it was an IT Support (Software) role. Taken on 9 months after 1st interview as company was moving premises etc. I had 3.5 years experience in a support role at this point. I gained a further 10.5 years support experience in my time there.
4th Job - I knew someone who got me an interview. His manager liked me, knew I didn't have the skills, but was happy to take me on and allow me to gain the skills on the job. Server support role.
5th Job - Spent 8 months in the above role before being offered a transfer to another contract in London, doing desk side and remote desktop support. Didnt need to interview.
6th Job - Did the above role for 1 year, transferred into current role doing remote server support. Again not having the relevant skills for it, but my work ethic was desirable in this role, so I was transferred to this team. I am still in this role 9 months later.

I am looking for a new role, something closer to home, as travelling too far now after a recent op isnt really an option at the moment. I'd also like a role that supports its workers and doesnt set them up to fail like my current employer does.

I have been looking on a few job sites, and a lot of the roles for the money I am earning all have a wish list of desirables that I do not have, so I am wondering if it would be a waste of time applying for roles that I lack the required skills for?

I am not interested in lying my way into a job, I am always honest about my abilities as I have no desire to be found out later on.

Thaks PH!

rog007

5,828 posts

253 months

Saturday 13th June 2015
quotequote all
I tend to agree with you that many job descriptions and person specs represent the ideal candidate. But as your experience shows, if you fit, they can train you; get applying! Good luck!

TheAngryDog

Original Poster:

13,202 posts

238 months

Saturday 13th June 2015
quotequote all
rog007 said:
I tend to agree with you that many job descriptions and person specs represent the ideal candidate. But as your experience shows, if you fit, they can train you; get applying! Good luck!
Thanks Rog. I have applied for about 15 roles, I aren't qualified for most, but we will see if I get an interview, and what happens there on in. I'd take a lesser role if they werent to poorly paid really. I dont mind taking a wage cut, but my limit is around £5k a year. Most lesser roles seem to be 7k+ less frown.

rog007

5,828 posts

253 months

Saturday 13th June 2015
quotequote all
Worry less about the starting wage and think more about the long game if you like the organisation and have confidence in your own abilities; cream always rises to the top!

TheAngryDog

Original Poster:

13,202 posts

238 months

Saturday 13th June 2015
quotequote all
rog007 said:
Worry less about the starting wage and think more about the long game if you like the organisation and have confidence in your own abilities; cream always rises to the top!
The problem is travel and bills sadly. I cant take a massive decrease else I'll not be able to keep a roof over my head frown