Applying internally but not "qualified"

[helenahhandbasket]

Hi all,

One of my work friends is leaving the company and I want his job. The role is in a different department, but it's a department that I regularly liaise with.

I saw the online public posting. Basically, I'm not qualified for the job on paper. I don't have a business degree and I have no first hand experience in a role like that but I'm convinced I could do the job and be taught things that might fill in the gaps for me.

It would also be a significant pay increase.

Would you apply? Explain yourself to the HR department? Something else?

[mommyatty]

Yes!! Call the hiring manager and tell them you are interested so you can pick their brain.

[traveltheworld]

You should absolutely apply! We women have a tendency to sell ourselves short. Unless the role requires very specific technical knowledge, having a business degree really shouldn't matter much if you have the proper skill set.

I'd formally apply, then follow up with a call/email to the HR person.

[Widget123]

It never hurts to apply! You just have to try to adjust your resume, etc. to highlight that you have the skills they need.

[sudokufan]

I'd absolutely apply; at my last company you'd have a very good shot of at least getting the interview, at my current one they use a scoring metric to keep things "fair" and you'd have to tick a lot of other boxes to overcome lacking a requirement, but it's still worth a try.

[helenahhandbasket]

Thanks ladies.

I'm not sure I can adjust my resume since they have it on file.

I'm going to email HR and see what they say!

[Deleted]

Maybe you can give them an updated resume. I wouldn't say I had gaps but I addressed the skills and knowlege they seemed to want the most in my cover letter.

[justcheckingin73]

Definitely apply and see if they can replace your resume with an updated one. I'm sure you've added skills since you started there. It sounds like a great opportunity! Good luck!

[2chatter]

I would lobby work friend to position you for the role. Surely the person vacating knows what it takes and has the right connections to get you short listed.

I work in a very mobility minded culture - internal and external opportunities are greeted with enthusiasm.

[saraml13]

Feb 17, 2017 15:30:10 GMT -5 2chatter said:

I would lobby work friend to position you for the role. Surely the person vacating knows what it takes and has the right connections to get you short listed.

I work in a very mobility minded culture - internal and external opportunities are greeted with enthusiasm.

Yes, go to your friend and hopefully get him to pitch you to his boss.  Go around HR if you can.  In my experience, they can be too much about what is on paper, whereas the hiring manager will be much more open to a recommendation from your friend.

[indyrowergirl]

[helenahhandbasket]

Thank you for all of the confidence!

I wound up emailing HR on Friday (I looked at the employee handbook and that was the first step).

So unfortunately I'm not eligible to apply because I have only been in my current role since July, and they want everyone to have a year under their belt before you move around.

The good news is that she didn't seem to think I was out of line for wanting to be considered for the position. So I guess I will just keep my eyes open as I get closer to the one year mark.

Thanks again for the replies!