I do not qualify.

So I recently sent out my resume and cover letters to about 10 employers for an IT related entry level job. Circuit City got back to me about Firedog very quick so I'm currently working there part-time(because they will not offer full-time right now). And I had one other interview so far... Today I got a call from the one job I did not expect to because I do not really "qualify" for it. It is a Technical Support position for a Internet, Web Hosting, Telecommunications company.

On the job post I met the "requirements" but this is what I was unsure about:

"Recommended Skills:
Windows and Linux server administration
Entry Level Knowledge of php, ASP.net, SQL "

I've never done any server admin work on Windows or Linux and I have no entry level knowledge about PHP, ASP.net or SQL.

Although when I was younger(16) I did do some work on Ensim/Cpanel and Postnuke(I doubt any other this stuff is used anymore)

What do you think I should do in the interview? Should I just go with the willingness to learn and talk about what I know about web hosting, etc.?

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Comments

dynamik

Give it a shot. They might be willing to train you if you seem able. Just be honest about your abilities and demonstrate a willingness to learn.

nicklauscombs

Not having those skills doesn't necessarily mean anything especially if it is wishful thinking on their part not to mention you did get a call for an interview

just be honest about your skills and knowledge and show them you are interested in the company/position and that you have a willingness to learn. I have more than a few buddies who got jobs they were unqualified for because they showed motivation to learn.
keep us up to date with what happens and good luck!

scheistermeister

Go for it. The worst they can say is no.

darkerosxx

Yeah those are recommended skills. If you don't have them and they question you about them, just say those are areas you're excited to be working in and you'll do everything you can to study and be at the level of knowledge needed to be successful in your position.

eMeS

Any "practice" that you can get interviewing in a live environment will be useful, whether you get the job or not.

MS

TechJunky

I would go for it! I had an employer contact me about a job offer they had and I didn't have my MCSE, Oracle experience, Bachlors etc and I still obtained the job.

They are guidelines. Just explain in the interview that money is nice, but experience is invaluable and you learn quickly.

Most employers are looking for people with an initiative to learn, the money will come.

scheistermeister

TechJunky wrote:

Most employers are looking for people with an initiative to learn, the money will come.

That's what I focused on today in my interview. The HR lady ate it up and loved it too. Even said, "I can tell you have a great desire to keep learning! You should keep it that way!"

The job I was interviewing for was mostly for Lotus Notes App Development and while I have done a little it was 4 years ago and with Lotus 5.0 but when I did it I learned what I did in a week and I think that is what they are looking for if they can not find someone who is an "expert" in the area.

jryantech

Thanks for the insights... I hope it goes well

cbigbrick

Go for it and good luck. You have nothing to loose.

cbigbrick

Dupe

jryantech

Well the interview went well I got another interview sometime tomorrow or friday (hopefully tomorrow)... On the application when I filled it out it had a little quiz which I did not do to well on but I got the OSI model, some IP stuff right and some ports right...

We will find out soon if my lack of experience/knowledge but good looks can get me the job.

Sie

Good luck for the 2nd part, sounds to be going well so far!

unclejohnny

First, I've taken "little quizes" for tests and found them to have little outcome on their hiring decisions. I applied for a promotion at one job and scored the highest of anyone internal or external and didn't get the job, they hired outside the company. I didn't do very well on a quiz for a job elsewhere and got the job inspite of my score.

Second, There will be a lot of OJT no matter what job you get. No matter what you know it will not be a perfect fit for their system immediately.

I agree with the others, you should go for it. Don't slow down or stop until you are in the position that you want.....

jryantech

Well I had the second interview nothing bad happened... He took me on a tour of the facilities which was nice. At the end of the tour he bascially said "Alright well after we get done with the rest of the interviews this week, we will get back to you if we feel you're right for the position"