Similar skills can serve as effectively as all specified skills.

It’s a common belief among many in my age group that companies intentionally set impossible job requirements in their job postings. For instance, a company might ask for five years of experience in a programming language that has only been around for three years. Although it may seem like a joke, this practice is quite intentional. While some companies may do this out of ignorance, many do so as a way to challenge potential candidates. By listing requirements that seem unattainable, they want to see how applicants can present themselves to meet those criteria. Is it frustrating? Perhaps a little! However, you can turn this to your advantage.

Whether the job requirements seem blatantly unattainable or just slightly beyond your current skill set, don’t hesitate to apply. The hidden goal behind this ‘secret challenge’ is to identify individuals who can leverage their existing skills and apply them in different contexts. If you believe your skills are somewhat relevant to those mentioned in the job description, it’s worth a try.

There’s an art to presenting your skills effectively, which may involve some research. Review the skills and experience sought in the job posting. Even if you lack direct experience in a particular field, you might have relevant experience in a related area. For example, if you aren’t familiar with the specific programming language requested but have a background in programming in general, you could likely learn it quickly. If you have a potential angle to make your skills align with the job requirements, go ahead and submit your application. The worst-case scenario is they say no. Well, I guess they could also ignore your application for a month, but then again, you probably wouldn’t want to work for a company that treats candidates that way anyway.