Are You Shooting Your Shot or Wasting Your Time? Knowing When You’re Underqualified (or Not)

We’ve all heard the advice: “Apply anyway—even if you don’t meet every qualification!” And honestly, that’s great advice... sometimes. But if you're applying for jobs way outside your experience—like senior-level roles with zero background, or careers requiring licenses or technical skills you haven’t touched—you might not be overlooked, you might just be completely underqualified. There's a fine line between being bold and being unrealistic, and knowing the difference saves you time, stress, and burnout.

Here’s the truth: most job listings are wish lists. You don’t need to check every single box, especially if the requirements are long. But if you’re missing most of the core qualifications—like the required degree, industry knowledge, or baseline skills—it’s time to rethink the application or look for entry-level options in that space. On the flip side, don’t count yourself out if you do have relevant experience but don’t match the title exactly. The key is reading between the lines and asking: Could I actually do this job with the experience I have?

Instead of applying blindly to roles way above your experience level, focus on building toward the job you want. Start with jobs that are realistic but slightly stretch your current skills. Then, tailor your resume to highlight transferable strengths—even if your past roles don’t match the job title. It’s okay to aim high, but make sure you’re not just pressing “Apply” to chase a fantasy. Your time and energy deserve better.