underqualified, apply anyway?

[guest]

A job recently opened up in my field that is a fantastic opportunity, with phenomenal pay. But they ask for at least seven years of experience, and I only have two at my current position's level. However, I do have five previous years in my general field, but at a much lower responsibility level than they're looking for. But while I'm technically under-qualified, I believe I could do the job.

Would you apply anyway? My main hesitation is that the field I work in is rather small, and I'm worried that some people will be put off by my presumption in applying, leading to less opportunities down the road. Is that ridiculous? If they were asking for four years, I'd probably apply without thinking too much about it. But the difference between two and seven is pretty big....although I didn't think I would get my current job with my previous qualifications, either. And I apparently beat out more-experienced candidates, so I suppose you never really know.

thanks in advance!

[guest]

Do it!

When I graduated, I applied for a job that required 3-5 years experience (and I clearly had none). I wasn't going to apply, because I thought I was too inexperienced. I ended up getting the job and making about $45k fresh out of Smith!

I think employers do that so they get fewer applications (so many people just randomly apply to jobs without even reading job descriptions). Apply!

[SpringFlowers]

Apply!

Make your cover letter fantastic!!

I had a friend who applied for a job for which she had zero experience. The manager in charge of hiring called her and said "You have zero experience, but I can tell, by your cover letter, that you can write. I want you to write me a second letter, telling me in greater detail, why you believe you can do this job."

She did.

He hired her!

[upsidown]

DO IT! The worst they can say is no.