Introduction
Job searching feels exciting in the beginning, but it also becomes stressful when you start reading job descriptions. Many job postings include a long list of skills, qualifications, experience, and responsibilities. Sometimes you feel confident, but many times you feel unfit because you do not match all the listed criteria. At that moment, one thought comes to your mind: “Should I still apply?”
The simple and honest answer is yes—you should apply even if you do not meet 100% of the criteria. In fact, most people who get jobs do not meet everything required in the posting. Hiring managers know this, companies know this, and experienced candidates also know this. But many freshers, beginners, students, and job seekers stop themselves only because of fear, doubt, and overthinking.
In this article, you will understand why applying is important even when you don’t meet 100% criteria, how companies really think during hiring, and what strategies help you stand out despite not matching everything. Let’s explore this in detail.
Why You Should Apply Even If You Don’t Meet 100% Criteria?
1. No Candidate Matches Every Criteria
Many job descriptions look perfect on paper, but real-life candidates are never perfect. Companies make a list of “ideal” skills, but that does not mean they expect someone to meet all of them. Research from different career studies shows that most hired candidates match only 60% to 70% of job requirements.
There is always a gap between expectations and reality. If companies waited for a perfect match, they would never fill any role. Job descriptions are more like wish lists, not strict rules. When you understand this, you realize that applying even with gaps is normal, not wrong.
2. Job Descriptions Are Often Flexible
You may think a job description is written exactly and firmly, but sometimes companies themselves are unsure of what they need. Hiring managers create a list based on previous roles, suggestions, or what they find ideal. But during interviews, they adjust their expectations based on candidate quality, motivation, communication skills, and mindset.
Many companies are open to:
- training the right person
- adjusting responsibilities
- teaching specific tools
- hiring someone with strong learning ability
If you show drive, curiosity, and willingness to grow, companies see potential in you even if you lack some hard skills. You get rejected only when you reject yourself first by not applying.
3. Confidence Is Part of the Criteria
Companies don’t only look for technical skills or years of experience. They also check your confidence, communication, and attitude. If you apply only when you are 100% qualified, you are missing a chance to show these qualities.
Think about this:
- If you doubt yourself, why should the company believe in you?
- If you do not apply, how will anyone notice your potential?
Sometimes confidence becomes a skill that replaces a lack of experience. Many people get selected because they speak clearly, show eagerness to learn, and express how they can contribute. These factors matter more than you think.
4. Growth Happens Outside Your Comfort Zone
If you apply only for jobs where you meet all criteria, you stop your own growth. Matching every requirement means you already know everything, and the role may not challenge you. But real progress happens when you stretch yourself.
When you apply despite gaps:
- you learn how to handle rejection
- you gain experience writing resumes and cover letters
- you learn what companies expect
- you become stronger in interviews
- you understand industry standards
- you become more confident with each attempt
Every application becomes a learning step, whether you get selected or not. Opportunities come when you take action, not when you wait.
5. Companies Value Learning Ability More Than Perfection
Technologies change fast. Industries upgrade tools, strategies, and workflows every year. This means the most important skill is the ability to learn quickly. A flexible beginner is better than an expert who refuses to adapt.
Hiring managers often say: “We hire attitude. We train skills.”
Your willingness to improve, accept feedback, and learn new tools is more valuable than checking off every requirement. If you cannot learn, you will struggle even if you currently meet 100% of the criteria. But if you can learn, you can bridge any skill gap over time.
6. Many Skills Can Be Learned After Joining
You don’t need to know everything before you start. Many companies provide:
- onboarding training
- online learning access
- mentorship programs
- internal resources
- team support
Some skills are context-based, meaning you learn them only inside that specific company or role. So not matching all criteria does not mean you cannot perform well after joining.
Remember this line:
If you can learn the job, you can do the job.
7. Applying Gives You Visibility
Even when you are not selected, your resume enters the company database. The recruiter now knows your profile. Many times, companies go back to their saved resumes when a new position opens. If you never apply, your name will never be on that list.
Also, sometimes recruiters contact you later with:
- internships
- part-time roles
- future openings
- contract-based projects
- roles in other teams
If you don’t apply, you lose visibility and future chances.
8. Interviews Help You Understand Your Gaps
You cannot improve what you don’t know. Interviews give you feedback about:
- missing skills
- weak answers
- industry expectations
- communication gaps
- resume mistakes
When you apply again, your chances are stronger. Every interview helps you grow professionally. But this improvement begins only when you apply first.
9. Courage Is Rewarded
Applying without meeting 100% criteria shows:
- courage
- initiative
- ambition
- confidence
- risk-taking ability
These qualities are rare and highly respected in workplaces. Employers like people who take chances and don’t fear challenges. When you apply boldly, you already prove you are the kind of person who tries instead of waiting.
10. Someone Less Qualified Will Apply—and Might Get Selected
This is a hard truth to accept. Many times, someone with fewer skills and less experience gets selected only because they applied, while someone more talented didn’t even try. They won because they took action.
By not applying, you give the opportunity to someone else—even when you deserve it more.
11. You Only Need One Yes
Thousands of rejections or skill gaps don’t matter when you get one offer that changes everything. Your future can shift with one opportunity, one recruiter callback, or one lucky interview.
Every successful person has a history of rejections, failures, and attempts. If they stopped applying, they would not be successful today. The same is true for you.
Strategies to Apply With Less Than 100% Match Criteria
Here are simple and practical steps to increase your chances:
✔ Focus on transferable skills
Communication, problem-solving, teamwork, adaptability—these skills matter more than specific tools.
✔ Use strong keywords in your resume
Match keywords from job descriptions so your resume passes screening systems.
✔ Highlight willingness to learn
Write it in your cover letter and mention it during interviews.
✔ Share relevant projects or self-learning
Online courses, certifications, personal projects, and volunteer work show initiative.
✔ Be honest but confident
Do not lie. Admit what you don’t know, but explain how you are improving.
✔ Apply early
Early applicants get more attention because recruiters have fewer resumes in the beginning.
✔ Tailor your resume for every application
Small changes increase your chances a lot.
With these strategies, you can compete confidently even when you are not a 100% match.
When Should You Not Apply?
There are few cases where not applying makes sense:
- you don’t meet the minimum requirements (like degree or certification in mandatory roles)
- you lack basic skills needed to start
- you are not interested in the field at all
- your values do not match the company
But in most other situations, apply and see what happens.
Read one of our article on “How to check if a company is financially stable before applying”.
Conclusion
You should apply for a job even if you don’t meet 100% of the criteria because perfection is not expected, learning ability is valued, and opportunities favor those who try. Companies want capable, curious, and committed people—not flawless robots. If you believe in yourself and take action, you already stand above many who hold themselves back.
The world rewards action, confidence, and effort. You may face rejection, but every application improves your skills, visibility, and chances. The question is not “Am I perfect?” The real question is “Am I willing to try, learn, and grow?”
So instead of waiting until you meet all criteria, take a deep breath, trust yourself, and apply. Because your next big opportunity might be waiting behind the application you almost didn’t submit.
Read more such blogs here.
