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Interview tips when underqualified for a job?

post #1 of 46
5/5/09 at 12:30pm
Thread Starter 
Ok, so here's the situation... I landed an interview for a position that I really want; however, I'm underqualified for it. Ideally, this is a job that I was going to apply for after a few years of more relevant experience but due to the current job market, I can't land that intermediate job which means I'm lacking a lot of technical and hands on experience. To combat the technical gap, I've enrolled in industry specific courses/designations but the hands on experience is something I can't tackle and I KNOW it'll come up on the interview.

Right now, I'm thinking my best angle is that being green is an advantage...no bad habits, will learn their methodology from scratch, not going to be overqualified and bail after a couple of years. I'm also only a handful of years out of undergrad, so hopefully my grades can play a factor.

I'm pretty confident in myself and know I can rock this job after the learning curve. I just need a way to get that across without coming off as a cock with no experience.

Any thoughts? Experiences?

Thanks
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post #2 of 46
5/5/09 at 12:37pm
Your only hope is to lie through your teeth.
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post #3 of 46
5/5/09 at 12:43pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by EL72 View Post
Your only hope is to lie through your teeth.

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post #4 of 46
5/5/09 at 12:55pm
Fake it til you make it!
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post #5 of 46
5/5/09 at 1:15pm
During the interview recognize that you are underqualified but indicate why they should still take you on and help you develop while in the position.
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post #6 of 46
5/5/09 at 1:49pm
"I don't have all the qualifications I'd like to have, but I guarantee you won't find someone more willing to bust ass"

or something along those lines
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post #7 of 46
5/5/09 at 6:19pm
C-o-n-f-i-d-e-n-c-e
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post #8 of 46
5/6/09 at 12:04pm
Thread Starter 
Alright guys, interview is tomorrow I'll let you know how it goes. Maybe I'll even start a "what to wear to an interview" thread :P
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post #9 of 46
5/6/09 at 1:07pm
You will find good advice here: www.arthurkade.com
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post #10 of 46
5/6/09 at 1:13pm
Good luck
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post #11 of 46
5/6/09 at 4:59pm
yeah, good luck. Remember, never go negative. Dont say you dont have the quals they are looking for. They already know that, but for some reason want to interview you. Always talk about yourself in a positive light. Instead of 'I dont have 20 years of experiance' 'I am young and hungry, and a quick learner' Turn your negatives into a positive, but remember they asked to interview you, so dont even bring it up.
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post #12 of 46
5/6/09 at 5:20pm
I have always overcome underqualification with enormous amounts of pre-interview research about the company and my future role in it.
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post #13 of 46
5/6/09 at 8:37pm
Study up on how to answer the mysterious "tell us about a time you failed" question. If you can handle that one like a pro (without deflecting) you'll get the job.
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post #14 of 46
5/6/09 at 9:30pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Brutus View Post
Study up on how to answer the mysterious "tell us about a time you failed" question. If you can handle that one like a pro (without deflecting) you'll get the job.

One time I tried to be less than completely awesome. I failed at that. True story at www.arthurkade.com
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post #15 of 46
5/6/09 at 10:00pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Piobaire View Post
One time I tried to be less than completely awesome. I failed at that. True story at www.arthurkade.com

Gold. That is what I'll roll with.
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