Q. I have been applying for many jobs in the computer/IT field. I have decent experience and do consider myself a good fit for many of the jobs. I have my associate’s degree in IT and am currently enrolled in a bachelor’s program. My question is, how do I address that I do not meet the requirement of having my bachelor’s but think that I still could do the job?
JOB DOC
Comments
Take the suggested approach and you can just about guarantee either no response or a negative one.
Your resume is being screened either by a computer program (more than likely if you are applying to larger employers) or a person. If you think you can do the job without the degree - say so! Instead of using a resume, put together a strong application letter with 3-4-5 items - valuable knowledge, skills and experiences highlighted in a quick, easy to read format. Find out who is doing the screening and send a hrd copy as well as a digital one. Demonstrate the person you are by taking clear action.
You are competing with others who have a bachelor's degree so you MUST quickly and clearly communicate why, even without the degree you should get the job. What do you know about the organization and the specific jobs/tasks you will be required to perform? Have you done your research on the company, their culture (do you fit in?), and the challenges they face today? Are there areas of knowledge and experience which will be more valuable (attractive) to the hiring manager when she/he makes her selections (for interviews and to hire)? If you have them- say so!
You have a number of advantages because you are still a student - access to time and a wider range of knowledge resources to identify critical employer needs and how these are being addressed by IT professionals as well as software applications that meet those needs. Use your time wisely. What areas of IT really keep you interested? Focus on those areas to specialize in.
The Human Resource function has a difficult job to do. They must screen out all but the absolute best qualified candidates. In today's economy they are being inundated by anyone and everyone who "thinks" they can do the job and that can easily be hundreds or even thousands of applicants. Keep in mind the perspective, "It's not the person with the best qualifications who gets the job, it's the person who knows best how to get the job" (Richard Bolles?)!
If you are spending most of your time using the typical job search techniques even with social media etc., unless you have EVERYTHING the employer is looking for (and often that's not enough) your chances of being selected are absolutely minimal (imo -xh).
The effectiveness of the old fashion approach to job search has reached a point of diminishing returns and effectiveness. You as an individual with much to offer must take the initiative to identify what you can do for an employer and then communicate it in the most succinct and effective manner.
"The times they are a'changin'" and you are on the cutting edge of that change. Do your research, know what you have to offer, and communicate it to the right person - the one who can hire you!
One final comment. In your question you say, "I think I could do the job." As you do your research and clearly identify/know what you have to offer as well as what is needed, you can communicate that you "CAN" do the job and why that is so.