job interview skills: “Not qualified on paper, still hired”: Recruiter reveals why interview skills beat job requirements
The recruiter said they search and present candidates who match these requirements closely. But most of the time, hiring managers reject those candidates. The feedback given is usually unclear, such as “not the right fit,” “didn’t click,” or “I didn’t get excited.” Instead, managers often hire someone with fewer qualifications, like only 4 years of experience.
Job skills not always needed
These selected candidates may not meet many listed requirements but perform well in interviews and tell strong stories about their work. According to the recruiter, these hires usually end up doing fine or even great in the role. The recruiter advised job seekers to apply even if they don’t meet all requirements because job descriptions are more like wish lists.
The recruiter also said interviews matter more, especially how clearly someone explains their work and makes a connection. They now ask hiring managers to describe the last successful hire’s personality and working style instead of only relying on job descriptions. The recruiter believes there is a huge gap between what managers think they want and who they actually hire.
Reactions from people
One commenter said job descriptions are basically wish lists, and real hiring decisions often depend on “vibes” and storytelling ability. Another person shared they got a job despite missing about 60% of requirements, including not knowing SQL. That person said they impressed the employer by explaining how they had previously taught themselves Python.
A commenter explained that showing the ability to learn new skills is often valued more than already having those skills. Some users said phrases like “didn’t get excited” usually mean the candidate seemed competent but not interesting. Another commenter noted hiring managers often choose people they can imagine connecting with personally.
One user pointed out many candidates reject themselves by not applying when they don’t meet every requirement. They said job descriptions can scare away strong candidates who could easily learn missing skills quickly. Commenters agreed that job postings sometimes fail to filter correctly and also discourage capable applicants.
FAQs
Q1. Do hiring managers always choose candidates with full experience?
No, many hiring managers often select candidates who have fewer qualifications but perform well in interviews.
Q2. Should you apply for a job if you don’t meet all requirements?
Yes, experts say you should still apply because job descriptions are usually wish lists, not strict rules.
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