Should I Apply Anyway? What to Do When You’re Not a “Perfect” Match

A client recently said to me:

“It checks so many boxes... but I’m missing one or two of their requirements. Should I apply?”

If you’ve ever hesitated before clicking “Submit” on a job posting, you’re not alone.
But here’s what I want you to hear:

Job descriptions are not wish lists. They’re starting points.

Why “Matching Everything” Isn’t the Goal

The reality? Most companies list more than they need.
The perfect unicorn candidate doesn’t exist—and they know that.

Still, many job seekers hold back when they see just one bullet point they don’t match.

But here’s the truth:

Men tend to apply when they meet 60% of the requirements.
Women tend to wait until they meet nearly 100%.
Meanwhile, recruiters are looking for… relevance, not perfection.

You don’t need to check every box.
You need to show them how you’ll solve their problem.

What Hiring Managers Actually Look For

When reviewing applications, hiring teams prioritize:
✅ Transferable skills
✅ Relevant accomplishments
✅ Story alignment—why you want this job at this company
✅ Signals that you’ll add value and grow in the role

If you can speak to those things, you’re in the game—even without every listed qualification.

How to Position Yourself Strategically

Instead of fixating on the gaps, flip the script.

Ask yourself:

“What problem is this company trying to solve?”
“How does my experience (even if indirect) speak to that?”
“How can I tell a story that connects the dots for them?”

Then lead with that story on your resume, LinkedIn, and in your message to the hiring manager.

A Quick Framework: The 50/30/20 Rule

Use this rule to decide whether to apply:

50% Direct Fit: You meet at least half of the hard requirements.
30% Adjacent Fit: You bring related skills that could transfer with minimal ramp-up.
20% Stretch: You’ll need to learn or adapt—but it’s doable with support.

If you can make that case confidently, it’s worth applying.

Action Step: Reframe the Narrative

If you’re hesitating right now on an open role, try this exercise:

Instead of saying:

“I don’t have X experience.”

Say:

“Here’s how my experience in Y shows I can succeed in this role.”

You’re not hoping they connect the dots.
You’re handing them a highlighter.

Ready to Build a Smarter Search Strategy?

If you’re navigating this kind of decision fatigue every week, you don’t have to figure it out alone.

You can get a clear plan—and support—inside the Passive Job Search Program, or in 1:1 coaching.

Reflect & Apply

What role have you been avoiding because you don’t meet “every” requirement?

✅ Go back and review it.
✅ Use the 50/30/20 rule.
✅ Reframe the gaps into strengths.
✅ Apply with confidence this time.

Want more insights on job search decision-making?
Connect with me on LinkedIn and mention this blog in your invitation to get your free CPG Job Search Resources guide.

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