How to handle lack of experience in a particular area
Stephanie R. on October 6, 2021
Interviewing, Resume Building and Writing
Hello and thanks to Kathy Flora and others for previous helpful advice. I followed up and have been contacted recently by one or two recruiters and today received a job description for a director's position that requires budgeting experience. While I meet much of the criteria, I do not have significant budgeting experience. The closest my experience comes is meeting with a well-known foundation to help secure a grant for my office in one position and reviewing a foreign government's budget to ensure it adequately incorporated funding related to a training I provided for my organization. Aside from this, I have not handled significant budgeting issues. Any advice on how to handle this, in interviewing as well as my resume and cover letter? Also much of my recent supervisory experience related to oversight of projects (at a director's request) rather than serving in a formal supervisory capacity. Any tips on how best to present that information? Thank you, Stephanie Robinson
2 Comments
Nicole Jarvis, LMSW
Oct 8, 2021
Cancer and Careers Staff Comment:
Hi Stephanie,
Thanks for reaching out again and we're so happy to hear that new opportunities are presenting themselves to you!
Your concern is not uncommon.Many job seekers, cancer survivors or not, are often concerned about not meeting each qualification or requested experience in a job description. With that said, it's rare that a job candidate will actually check off every single box of a job description. Everyone brings a different skill, or level of experience, to a position. Really, it's not so much about what you've done, but rather, what is your potential to get things done? If you've proven yourself in similar areas, or have general experience that could be applied to such a qualification, that can show that you are capable of performing in the role.
I'd encourage you to think creatively about how you would describe your experience. You don't have to point out that you have not done the specific work, rather, you can describe what you have done in a way that could be applied to the specific experience they are looking for. Are you analytical? Do you pay attention to detail? Do you tend to be more of a forward thinker? All of these traits can be precursors to budgeting. Also, while you may not have had 'significant' experience, you have had some experience in budgeting. Reviewing a budget certianly provides you with insight into the process and what goes into the thinking.
As for your conern regarding supervisory experience, again I would recommend thinking about how to highlight the experience you do have and describe any positive outcomes from your oversight.
While it can be stressful to sell yourself as proficient in something that you don't feel you are, it's really about getting creative in describing and highlighting the experience and skills you do have, and how they would make you successful in this role. I would suggest practicing The Swivel in your interviews to ensure that you remain in control and are able to keep your relevant skills and experience front and center in the conversation.
Feel free to reach out with any additional questions!
Warm regards,
Nicole Jarvis, LMSW
Assistant Directof of Programs
Cancer and Careers
Stephanie R.
Oct 9, 2021
Thanks, Nicole - helpful as always!
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