I do not qualify for the job I am applying to. However, I know I can do it if I was given a chance because I fulfill most of the other criteria. So, I would like to include something like "I am teachable" on my resume. Can I do this? I am an immigrant and all I seem to do is apply for jobs I am not qualified for. I am a good worker and am teachable, so how would you address this issue?
Emilia:
You can say "teachable" within your resume, but most recruiters will simply dismiss this type of verbiage in a resume as too fluffy. Recruiters work on the simple premise – they have a job requisition on their desk with certain requirements. These requirements range anywhere from possessing certain skills, experience, (often in terms of years), educational requirements and industry background, etc.
If you do not have the level of experience, the required education nor necessary skills for the position, please understand an employer will almost always choose a candidate that does. If you find your heart pulling you towards a particular firm or company that you are NOT qualified for, you have two options.
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Keep applying, sending out hundreds of resumes and roll the dice that someone will give you a chance. In today’s job market, this could be a long wait.
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Be prepared to accept more of a junior role position. Put your ego aside. Give yourself a chance to prove to the organization you are "teachable", a hard worker and a valuable employee. This is the same advice that I give women who took time off for maternity leave. If you have been out of the work force for a significant amount of time, you cannot expect to enter the workforce necessarily at the same level you left.
Obtaining a lower-level position is better than nothing. Not only does it bring home the rent check, but it also gives you an opportunity to get your foot in the door. You’ll be a stronger candidate for other positions in the company that better suit your desires and career plans. A current employee who has a good track record in an organization will usually be higher up on the candidate pile than those who have no "in" to the organization.
Also, when you are employed in this more junior role, volunteer for other assignments to prove that you are capable of taking on more aggressive assignments. However, BEWARE, make sure you do not let an employer take advantage of your generosity. There is a fine line between such.
Best of Luck,
The ResumeDoctor
