Have you ever gotten a job you were not qualified for?

Question

I am looking for a new career in the same industry that I work in now. I'm a smart person, but not necessarily qualified for the jobs that I apply for. However I know if I was given a chance, they'd be glad to have hired me.

Have you ever lucked out and gotten a job you weren't exactly qualified for? How did you manage to pull that off? These pesky employment agencies are so focused on the black-and-white they make it seem impossible to start a new career!

I work hard, and I learn fast. So why should employment agencies care if I don't have experience doing some menial task? I mean, how hard can it be to manage a diary/ plan a conference/ learn a new computer program!?!?

Answer 1

That's exactly their point - so go out there and get some more classes under your belt. These days, your experience is only pretty much validated by the matching credentials. I know what you mean though, because I did 6 yrs in the military as a supervisor over 20 and now can't get a decent job because I didn't take the time to go to school also - employers don't always understand your situation and that you're smart and a quick learner. They need that tangible piece of paper that proves it - and that way too they're protected and they know they're hiring someone that has had experience and won't waste their time learning.

Answer 2

I completely agree with you, I want to be a gallery assistant at a museum but because I've no experience working in a museum I don't get an interview!
Anyway, In answer to your question I am currently working as a Sales Adminstartion assistant for an interent company despite not having any previous office experience.
I got the job because my boyfriend has been with the co. since it opened and when his colleague up and left one day he asked his boss if I could work here and the answer was yes!
I started packing and doing little bits of admin until the girl who did the admin left to work for a charity, so I'm doing it full time now. I didn't show my boss my CV and I didn't have an interview (or any proper training), I was shown what everyone else had learnt and picked it up from there.

Answer 3

I actually have had a couple jobs I was not totally qualified for but hey everyone wants someone with experience and how are you supposed to get experience if no-one lets you right? I say do your best and get what you want....I may have stretched the truth a bit on my qualifications or job duties on certain jobs to get where I wanted to be. Really as long as you have general knowledge of the position I think it's all cool cause most likely they put you through some sort of training regardless of your experience anyhow. Go For It and Good Luck!!!!

Answer 4

I am working on it. I find it is easier to get a job within the same company that you don't have the specific qualifications for, and I've seen a lot of people transferred into jobs they aren't qualified for. You just need to try to take on responsibilities in that field and take on related projects. Then develop a good relationship with the supervisors where you want to go to. They will respect you and want to have you as a part of their team. It's not easy but it can materialize eventually.

Answer 5

yes I did, I showed the company all the skills that I had acquired from previous employment, made the tasks sound more important and then got it. If you don't have the qualifications lie and say you are working towards them however you have all the skills needed for the job. Be different and original

Answer 6

i never got a single qualification and yet although i have had a couple of dead end jobs my working life has been full of oppertunities just been lucky i guess whateva you want to do with your life go for it tell them (prospective employers) that you willing to train that should go a long way always believed in work experiance is best unless you want to be a brain surgeon why qualify

Answer 7

The hardest but most rewarding job that i got

but was not Qualified for was being a Parent

Answer 8

It depends on the environment. If it's fast-paced and high-profile, a simple mistake can be devastating. In a low-key situation, there's room for OJT. (OJT = On Job Training)

Answer 9

A few hundred dollars at the right place will often open doors that were previously locked. All you have to do is find out where to apply the cash.

Answer 10

yes they were desperate for staff and saw i was pleasant and a quick learner and trained me in but they had to cut staff latter that year guess who was First to go.