Whether you’ve been working in an engineering position for a while, or you’re currently in the midst of a job search, you may notice recruiters reaching out to you via LinkedIn or other platforms to see if you’re interested in taking on a new role. Having a recruiter contact you directly about a position can be exciting, but it can also be confusing if you feel you are underqualified for the job.
If you’re not qualified for a position, why would a recruiter contact you in the first place? The truth is that many recruiters will reach out to potential candidates even if they don’t necessarily have all the experience the employer is looking for. With this in mind, let’s look at a few reasons why a recruiter may contact you, even if you think you’re underqualified for the position.
You ARE Qualified
Sometimes we can sell ourselves short, thinking we’re not qualified for a position when we really are. In the recruiting and hiring world, a common misconception is that you must check every single box every time you apply for a job. Fortunately, this is not necessarily true. While some employers can be pickier than others, many times you will find yourself applying for jobs for which you think you are underqualified, but you really aren’t.
Even if you don’t necessarily have all the experience the employer wants, you can still bring a lot to the position with the skills and knowledge you do have. Many recruiters already know this ahead of time, which is one of the reasons you may end up getting a message about a job you’re not completely qualified for.
The best employers will help you grow in the position. Even if you don’t check every single box of their ideal candidate, you can still qualify for the position and bring a lot to the table.
The Talent Pool Is Dry
Another reason recruiters may choose to reach out to you is because the talent pool they’ve already screened is relatively dry. Recruiting and hiring tends to work in cycles, where sometimes there are too many candidates to consider, while other times it can be difficult to find any. When this happens, it can be challenging—and time-consuming—to find that “perfect” candidate.
For this reason, many recruiters will reach out to engineering candidates directly, whether through social media, email, or phone, to see if they may be interested in the position. This “cold-call” method of recruiting can actually be very effective, especially if the employer has already exhausted all other talent pool options. They may be more willing to bend and hire someone who does not have all the qualifications but does have sufficient skills and knowledge to succeed in the position.
The Company Is Creating New Positions
Some employers may be in the process of creating new positions at the company, leading recruiters to reach out to underqualified candidates to create a list of qualified leads. They may interview multiple underqualified candidates to generate a pool of potential hires, or they may simply be trying to gather information about industry standards to help customize the new position as much as possible.
Even if you’re underqualified, the recruiter may find that any information you provide about your current position—such as responsibilities and experience—is helpful for setting a standard for the new position and ultimately finding the most qualified candidates.
The Company Is Being Unrealistic
Many companies will create job postings with an incredibly detailed list of required qualifications and experience. Some companies can get very picky about the candidates they’re hiring, leading many to drag out the recruiting and hiring process to find that perfect match for the position.
Unfortunately, this can be a very unrealistic approach when hiring new engineering candidates. Companies may have the idea that they’ll find candidates who check every single box they’re looking for, but this is typically unrealistic. This, in turn, leads many employers to start recruiting candidates who may be considered underqualified.
Additionally, many companies may find that hiring a candidate with fewer qualifications is actually more beneficial for the role in the long run. Underqualified candidates are more likely to offer flexibility and adaptability rather than being stuck in their ways. They may also be more open to learning and trying new things.
Ultimately, underqualified candidates can give companies the flexibility to mold that hire into an ideal employee and teach and train them to be successful.
You Are Close to Qualifying
The term “underqualified” can often give a negative connotation, but many times you may find that it means you miss the mark by one or two things. You may have enough experience to check most of the boxes, but not all of them, meaning you are close enough to being qualified to be considered for the role.
Although it may seem confusing that recruiters would contact you for jobs you’re not qualified for, there are many reasons this can happen. It’s important to remember to explore your options—even if you aren’t necessarily searching for a new position. Talking to a recruiter about a potential job opportunity is a great way to learn about other companies, make professional connections, and see what experience you may need to move forward to a higher career level.
At Austin Nichols Technical Search, our recruiters specialize in helping engineering, manufacturing, and construction candidates find the position that’s right for them—even if they may not have all the qualifications a company is looking for. To learn more information, or to get started with your job search, contact us today at 816-471-5575.
