We all have dreams and aspirations and that’s an amazing thing that one should never lose. However, there comes a time where we must be honest about our abilities not only with others but ourselves as well. We have to look within ourselves and see our ability and pick a realistic way to reach our next goal. This is important in job seeking because it helps you seek the next employment step as well as save time and energy while finding your next position. 

Applying for a job within a company that you are extremely under-qualified for shows that you may have a lack of work ethic. This impression can hurt you if you ever decide to apply for a job that you are qualified for. Many positions, especially in large corporations, offer the opportunity for growth, so putting your name in a bad light will make you remembered in the wrong way. If a job posting says you need 5 years of experience in Human Resources, then if you have only had basic clerical experience, this is not the job for you to apply for. Employers post these requirements because they have reasoning behind these specific needs. If you need 5 years of Human Resources experience, it is most likely because they do not have time to train you in the basics, they need someone to be able to handle multiple job duties that go above the basic HR skills. If you’re interested in a position that you think you could be qualified for, ask the employer what they are looking for. They are typically happy to answer your questions.

It’s better to apply for something in your realm of expertise, which will make the job-seeking process much easier for you and the employer. If you dream of being a CEO of a top company one day, don’t let your current qualifications stop you. Enroll in classes in that field or take a starter position at the company. If you work hard and try to improve your resume to make your qualifications fit that of your dream job, you can achieve it.

I have been in the position where my dreams seemed larger than I was able to grasp. I wanted to work in the legal field, however, I was fresh out of undergrad with a Political Science degree with no experience in the legal field. So I took this as an opportunity to seek an avenue to achieve my dreams. I took a job as a waitress to pay the bills and volunteered my time working for a local Law Office. Not only did I network while working at the local restaurant and pub, but in my spare time learned valuable skills and developed a love for the legal field. Now I am working at a Staffing Agency thanks to my connections made at the restaurant and experience in the clerical field gained from school and working for the local law office. The Staffing Agency allows me to develop my skills in the clerical field, and in the meantime, I am studying and saving up for my next career moves. I know that my dream job will not be handed to me on a silver platter, however, I am willing to put in the hard work it takes to get me there. Keep that in mind that every job, every internship, if faced with the right attitude, will lead to opportunities.