Can you really get a job when you don’t have all the skills

Your philosophy determines whether you will go for the disciplines or continue the errors. - Jim Rohn

 It takes attitude – and then some, but yes you can!

 Many think that employers hire only the most qualified person that meets every one of the qualifications they post in a job posting.

 Not true in many cases and yes, true in many as well. I see over and over again employers making the  decision to hire a person who may not have all the required skills because they see something else – attitude and other factors – that offset the lack of qualifications. It is the theory of “Hire for Fit – Train for Skills”.  Fit to the job and to the culture of the company will define success much more than just having all the skills.
 The results of a recent survey from Forbes Magazine on the Top Five Personality Traits that Employers Hire Most (http://www.forbes.com/sites/meghancasserly/2012/10/04/top-five-personality-traits-employers-hire-most/) built a strong case for hiring for fit over skills as the workplace changes.

 What Employers Seek in Job Applicants


I have seen this emerging trend for a number of years and the Forbes research confirms this. Employers are looking for potential employees in a changing economy and their needs are different. In the Forbes research and article 88% are looking for fit to the culture & personality of an organization vs. just skills. This changes the whole way people communicate in job interviews, write a resume or make networking contacts.
 The top five personality & cultural traits they are looking for are:

•  · Professionalism (86%)

• · High-energy (78%)

• · Confidence (61%)

• · Self-monitoring (or self-starter) (58%)

• Intellectual curiosity (willingness to learn) (57%)

 From the moment you  arrive for an interview and speak your first word or make eye contact , you should focus on demonstrating these  traits. Job applicants should  demonstrate in their  resume not only what they have done in a job but what they accomplished and did so by taking initiative, and this goes for any type of job. One can overcome perhaps a lack of skills by showing that they will fit into the company and the job, are willing and excited to learn it and be confident – this is how someone can get  jobs where they  might not have all the qualifications.


 Your attitude and the way you carry and present yourself can “win” you a job.

 Just give yourself permission to win – and you will!

 Dan Moran
President & Founder
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