Should I apply? Required Exp 8+ years and I have 4.

I am a currently a System Admin with about 4 years of experience and today saw a gem of a posting that I might be able to stretch into. Below are the desired requirements and I have placed an honest percentage beside it of my skill. So would you apply for this Lead System Engineering gig?

· Minimum 8+ years of experience with Microsoft’s Windows Server OS, Active Directory, DNS, DHCP, IIS, Server Virtualization and Networking technologies. (50%)
· MCSE certification preferred. (0% I only have MCSA)
· Proven track record of accurate troubleshooting skills. Must demonstrate the initiative and provide the ability to analyze\troubleshoot Windows server OS\HW\Virtualization\network and Active Directory related issues to determine the appropriate course of action. (90%)
· Proven track record in Microsoft Windows Server OS, Active Directory engineering, and supporting technologies, with delivery of large-scale national and global initiatives. Should have design and architecture experience in both these areas.
(0 Production only lab with two sites)
· Proven track record with applications authenticating to Active Directory and Active Directory delegation. (90%)
· Proven track record in configuring, monitoring and troubleshooting Active Directory replication, FRS, group policies, DNS, Disaster Recovery environments. (90%)
· Server Hardware knowledge with HP Servers including blade experience.
(0 with HP 60% with Dell servers)
· Server Virtualization (VMWare) experience required. (80%)

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Comments

NetworkNewb

I don't have to read anything but the title.

Yes, apply.

GL!

NetworkingStudent

I would say go for it! MCSE is only preferred, not required. Looks you're at 80-90% for all almost all of the requirements. It doesn't hurt to apply.

scaredoftests

Apply, what could it hurt?

ITSec14

Job requirements are always bloated. Even if they found someone who meets 100% of their requirements for, they probably can't even meet the applicants salary req's.

LordQarlyn

Not only that, I've heard the job requirements are bloated intentionally so they can't find a qualified American candidate thereby justify their H1B requisition.

ITSec14 wrote: »

Job requirements are always bloated. Even if they found someone who meets 100% of their requirements for, they probably can't even meet the applicants salary req's.

LordQarlyn

By all means apply! Use your cover letter to leverage your strengths for this position - make it about them and why you will help them, and put in a tidbit about why this company appeals to you (i.e., they are in the position to do blah blah blah, or mention a recent press release to support your interest in them). Good luck and keep us posted.

alias454

Definitely apply if it's something you want.

100k

Thanks Fam! After updating my resume it looks like I have been doing more than I thought.

shimasensei

Go for it! I've been able to get into positions that required 2-3 times the years of experience I have.

clarkincnet

If you're interested - apply. Forget about the written requirements.

tedjames

Yes! Always apply up. It shows you have ambition and are up to the challenge. Job listings usually want the super candidate, anyway, and those don't exist.

100k

Applied to a few others today too. Thanks for the confidence everyone. I got super comfortable at this job and then it hit me that I am not where I want to be yet...too soon to get comfortable...have to keep grinding my way to the top.

alias454

There is nothing wrong with enjoying a little of your well earned success along the way just don't make it too much of a habit

Good Luck!

koz24

Always apply, for a number of reasons. It's not like they will e-mail you back and ask Hey why did you apply with 4 years when we clearly asked for 8, never apply here again. Experience is not always created equal. Your 4 years experience could be seen as better than another candidate's 8 years experience. They really do pull these numbers out of thin air. Another reason is that often these lists are typed up as a wishlist by some HR Recruiter, and you just want your resume in the hands of the hiring manager because that's who is really important. Like Networking Student said, looks like you hit on 80-90% of their wishlist and you have a little less experience. That should be more than good enough to get a look and a call back.