Applying without experience.

Is it okay to apply for a job without having the listed required experience? For ex.

Minimum 1 year experience in servicing/deploying computer equipment.

I'm just an IT student with a A+ cert with no prior experience but I can't seem to find any entry level desktop support or anything around here.

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Comments

scaredoftests

YES, it is okay.

Plantwiz

Always okay, you may need to start at a lesser wage and prove yourself. This may or may not be a selling point for the company, but if you do offer yourself of at a 'bargin' price, hold true to a three, six or one year review to establish your growth and now obtain the wage that is appropriate for the role and the candidate's ability.

tedjames

Yes, you should apply for this position. Some companies will consider someone in your position who is certified and has a solid education that they can build up into exactly what they need. They may even pay for advanced training. Even if you don't have any paid work experience, chances are that you have done some volunteer work in your college computer lab or helped friends/family with their computer problems. You may also have built a few PCs along the way including setting up and running a home lab or designing and building your home network. All of that counts as experience. It also shows potential employers that you are motivated. And if you haven't done any of this stuff, then start.

markulous

Yes. A lot of times those job postings ask for more things than they really need out of a candidate. If you feel you can do the job (or do it after they train you up a little) then apply for it. I usually don't pay attention to the requirements, just the job duties mainly to determine if it meets my skill level.

Mike R

Yes, just keep applying even if a job says 3 years experience. As long as you can do the majority of what's asked of you there's no reason not to. I'm in a similar position as you. I don't have a lot of "work" experience in IT but as long as I can do what they ask for I apply. Also give it a few weeks before you hear something back. I'm just now starting to hear back on applications I put in three weeks ago.

Also keep working toward more certs.

Benj94

When I finished college, I was in a similar position to you, and opted to start an apprenticeship.
Fast-forward four years and I have seen several people with no experience what so ever get a job at my place. Infact, the majority of them don't have experience.

Apply. What can it hurt? I'm sure the companies will take into consideration that everyone has to start somewhere.

4_lom

Absolutely! Always apply for jobs, even if you think you aren't qualified.

byron66

Thanks everyone. It's just when I see required skills I've always thought if you don't have everything on the list your resume goes to the trash.

markulous

byron66 wrote: »

Thanks everyone. It's just when I see required skills I've always thought if you don't have everything on the list your resume goes to the trash.

If you meet most of the requirements you'll probably get a call. But even if you don't, what's the harm in applying? Even if they throw it in the trash, easy come easy go.

thewiz8807

Apply. Doesn't matter if you don't have the required experience they have listed. Apply and let them sort it out, you'll be surprised which jobs reach out to you for an interview. It's how I got my foot in the door with two different career fields, applying to jobs that the listed required experience told me I had no business applying to. Just do it.