“The Ideal Candidate” – Why You Should Apply When You Don’t Have All of the Skills

Job application paralysis is a real thing. It’s so easy to fall down a rabbit hole when reading job description after job description and second guessing whether or not you’re qualified for the job. In fact, job postings often refer to the concept of the “ideal candidate” when describing what they’re looking for in terms of skills and abilities. So how do you know if you’re the ideal candidate? Here are a few things you should think about when applying for jobs online.

What is The “Ideal Candidate” Anyway?

It’s important to know that companies craft job descriptions with a mythical “ideal candidate” in mind. This perfect profile of the very best candidate is not likely to be achieved by any one individual. Your job as the applicant is to showcase the things you pull out of the job description as the most important and your potential to become their ideal candidate over time.

Who Else is Applying?

It may be helpful to determine who else is applying for the open position. While you can’t conduct your own undercover recognizance, the best solution is to simply ask. Not pry, but ask. When you have a phone or in-person interview, prepare a question to try to determine your competition. For example, “What other types of candidates have applied to this job and what do they bring to the table that no one else has offered?”

What Does the Company Really Want?

Every job description is asking for a solution to a problem. Whether the job is a replacement or a brand-new position to handle a new process or technology, the company is looking for the right person to be the puzzle piece that makes the company whole. When you are speaking with an organization, keep in mind that you’re there to solve a problem, so be the solution.

Stay Focused on Your Job Search

Throughout the process, make sure you’re not losing sight of the big picture. No matter how promising a job opportunity looks from the outside, don’t abandon your search and put all your eggs in one basket. Keep your options open, continue to apply for other positions, and hone your skills. Interviewing is a skill everyone should have, but we also aim to do it infrequently. Don’t let your search go just because you see promise in one position.

Work With a Top Staffing Agency in Dallas

Are you looking for your next opportunity to be the ideal candidate? Contact CornerStone Staffing, now hiring for jobs in Dallas TX.

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