How can I deal with an interview if I lack a required skill for the position?

I applied for a position and was invited to an interview.

The position does appeal to me. However, after reading the ad again in detail, I see they expect the person to have a different profile than mine.

I didn't lie in my CV and I included quite detailed information on my previous positions as well as projects in it. I assume they did read my CV, so it's not clear to me why they invited me. It's a very competitive field and many candidates fulfill the conditions.

There are 3 main areas of responsibility the person will be working on. I know two of them, but nothing about the third one.

I tried to acquire the missing skills quickly but that's not really possible and I wouldn't like to waste a week or more preparing just for this one interview given the probability they'll not want a person without this experience.

How should I approach that during the interview ("sell it")? Should I be assertive about not having experience in one of the fields they expect experience in and stress expertise in other fields not mentioned in the ad? What are other options? Can I do anything to increase my chances of getting the job? I want it, but don't fulfill the conditions.

It's not an entry-level position. I fulfill the requirements concerning the length of experience, just not expertise in one of 3 fields, but have other experience not mentioned in the ad.

9 Answers
9

Many companies can facilitate learning on the job. If you have the capacity to learn, you don't necessarily need to have the skill from the get-go. This could be one reason why they invited you to an interview, despite your CV clearly showing you don't have the requested skill(s). Job advertisement skills lists are very rarely make-or-break requirements. They might be looking for people that can grow into the position.

So, do attend the interview and see how it goes. You are not cheating anyone, if you don't lie about anything :)

First, it's an excellent opportunity to train your interview skills. Opportunities are scarce for that, so enjoy, and learn. Even seasoned veterans can improve in that domain.

Second, it's a common occurrence that no candidate fits all checkboxes. As soon as you need a profile with many specifics, it's more than likely that they'll choose a candidate with holes. In my current position, "functional knowledge of the healthcare industry" was a mandatory requirement, and I had none of it. I did learn. They like my contribution.

Third, a candidate who fits fewer checkboxes, but shows more potential, may be a better choice in the long run. As others have already said, do not lie about it. If they understand you are ready to improve, progress, and learn in the domain you have not already mastered, and you'll increase your chances of getting the job.

I'd go for not speaking about it unless asked, and jump on "I'd love to improve in that" once asked. I once had an interview where one of the needs disappeared between the time they printed the ad, and the interview. Speaking about it was actually a mistake.

If you have been chosen for an interview and don't know a particular field don't lie.. they are going to know about it anyway if you get the job. Always be honest at your interview!

There are 3 main areas of responsibility the person will be working
on. I know two of them, but nothing about the third one.

Finding a perfect fit is hard, so many companies are OK with new hires learning required skills at the job. Having 2/3 seems reasonable to me.

At the interview be honest that you never worked with item 3, and you would have to learn it. Meanwhile you can explore about item 3 and see if it is something you are interested in learning.

What are other options?

My first guess would be that either they honestly overlooked it and need the things you don't have; or they noticed the omission, but are still interested in you - maybe for a slightly different position, or for learning on the job.

How should I approach that during the interview ("sell it")?

Be as natural as you can be. View it as an occasion for networking, or to make a small foray into an unknown area. Don't view it as an interview as such; or rather an interview of your general character or approach to learning.

I wouldn't like to waste a week or more preparing

A short period of study to get a basic overview is of course important, but do not try to get some superficial know-how by studying for a week or more leading up to the interview. They will most certainly catch up to that, and if you try to pass it off as more than "I've googled it", you'll pretty much be disqualified for seeming slightly dishonest.

Should I be assertive about not having experience in one of the fields they expect experience in and stress expertise in other fields not mentioned in the ad?

"Assertive" and "stress" sounds quite laborious. Of course you should let them know, and maybe make sure that what's already in your CV is repeated during the talk. Some managers may not study the CV in-depth before the meeting and may have forgotten about this missing item. But I would not make a huge issue of it.

Can I do anything to increase my chances of getting the job? I want it, but don't fulfill the conditions.

Be yourself and hope that they see something that they like. Obviously, try to find out more about the job during the meeting, and if you see anything in the area you are already experienced in, make sure they know what you have to offer.

If, near the end of the interview (or the part where you talked about your experiences), you are not quite convinced that the issue has come up sufficiently, you may ask a last question, something like "by the way, you list A, B and C as prerequisites - I bring C, but you should be aware that A and B are not really my expertise". And see how they react.

In my experience, I've been burned by employers failing to read my full resume during a transition between specialties and it's been a negative experience for both sides. Since then, I've found it extremely important to manage both my own expectations as well as my potential employers and its made my life considerably easier.

Given that this is a non-entry level, skilled position the most critical thing is that you do not misrepresent yourself. During your interview, do not shy away from the lack of experience on the matter.

Demonstrate your attention to detail by indicating that you are able to perform elements 1 and 2 of the job description, but will be expecting your manager to assist with element 3. Come prepared with potential options for how that can be done either in the form of requesting a mentor to help you learn the skill, potential training classes you can take, or a third option. I do not recommend offering to learn the skill on your own time (i.e. you pay for your own training, unless that's a commonplace thing in your field).

I'd recommend bringing this up at the point of the interview when the interviewer asks if you've any questions for them (i.e. not right from the outset). If the employer seems put off by this, you may not want to accept an offer if one is made. On the other hand, if the employer is enthusiastic and indicates they're fine with training you for what you don't know, just make sure it's in writing and you should be good to go.

How should I approach that during the interview ("sell it")?

You don't need to "sell" anything. An interview means that they are interested and so are you. The interview is there to see if you are a good fit for each other.

Should I be assertive about not having experience in one of the fields they
expect experience in and stress expertise in other fields not
mentioned in the ad?

You should be inquisitive as to what the plan is in terms of training you in the fields where you lack expertise/experience.
What is the timeline for completing my training? What kinds of training seminars will I be doing? are both valid questions to ask.

What is the timeline for completing my training? What kinds of training seminars will I be doing?

Bottom line is that although you want the job, you want to make sure that you manage expectations by being real about what you can accomplish in the job. Remember that doing a good job after getting hired is the real goal.

Call the person who chose you and get clarification: "I've re-read your ad and noticed [X]. I'm a quick learner but I don't actually have [X]. Is that a dealbreaker?"

If it's not (and very often it isn't) they'll be impressed at your willingness to clarify and communicate.

If it is, you wouldn't have got the job anyway. No point wasting your time and theirs.

How should I approach that during the interview ("sell it")?

"Yes, I do lack skill #3. I never had any reason to acquire that skill at one of my old jobs. But I'm absolutely confident I bring the necessary skill set to learn that quickly and to put my new knowledge to action in a short timeframe.

See, from my past experience, this will happen again and again over time - learning and applying interesting new things: it's just development. I'm absolutely willing and, in my view, capable to do that; that's why I applied anyway.

Of course you may look for someone who already brings all the skills required, if you want to. If you need a designated expert in #3 right now, that will probably be the better way - for both of us. Otherwise, I'd be happy to try."

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