When I read the following fact I was flabbergasted.
It apparently takes eight, yes eight, calls from a head-hunter to persuade a woman to put herself forward for the position, while it only takes two calls to convince a man.
Maybe it’s because I’m quite open to challenges (even if I do say yes, that have a week of internal panic) but even if you’re slightly daunted by a job description, what have you got to lose?
Of course you need to be honest about what skills/experience you have on your CV. But just because it doesn’t match the job requirements word for word, if you like the sound of the role, go for it!
“But what if I can’t do the job?” I hear you ask. Well you’ll learn as you go, don’t let that excuse stop you.
The person recruiting obviously believes that you have the potential, even if not the experience. Even if it was a role you had done before, chances are things will always be done slightly differently at every different company you work for.
“Well I probably won’t get the job” you mutter, letting self-doubt stop you. So what if you don’t, you will be no worse off. Yes it is another rejection, but you know that it is not personal, it’s simply because you don’t have all the skills, yet.
I could go on to talk about how society has historically caused women to doubt their capabilities –and trust me, as a devout feminist I could, but I’m not going to. In today’s world, it may not be perfect but it’s a lot better than it has ever been before. The only person holding you back from applying from your dream job is you. Why couldn’t you be that great? If you think back to your first ever job, you knew nothing about working, but you got the job and learnt. So you can bag this opportunity and learn this one, surely?
So basically, what I’m trying to say here is take a note from the men. If you see a job you want, go for it. Don’t let self-doubt or a few missing requirements stop you from trying.
