Is experience overrated or underrated? I’m sure some of you have been there… Applying for positions that specify ‘x’ amount of experience with this or that. Sometimes the experience is a qualification or preference but not necessarily a requirement according to the job description. In some cases, the posting says will consider education in lieu of years experience.
So you look at a posting and notice you fit the requirements and you proceed to apply! What happens next? You either get what I call a ‘thank you but no thank you’ email because they’ve decided to pursue other candidates or you complete the interview successfully only to get an email thanking you for your interest followed by a “we’ll keep in you mind for further opportunities blah blah” or “heyyyyy, keep looking and maybe you’ll stumble upon another opportunity with us that may not be your first choice so you can apply for that one”. Now, they’re not going to say that but you can read between the lines, right? Ok, I’m exaggerating a bit but you get where I’m going with this.
Here’s the billion dollar question: How do I get the experience if no one is willing to give me the opportunity? I mean, you have to start somewhere right? Here’s another point… is the person or persons looking at your resume even considering all the things you’ve already learned along the way?? If so, that should be an indicator of how much more you are capable of learning especially if you have multiple positions in more than one industry? My bad, but graduation dates and course or program completion dates not only signify a goal set but also a goal MET. This counts for a lot! Many people start things without finishing them. Beware! The flip side of those who are reading your resume or interviewing you is they could also feel threatened by the amount of education or experience you have already obtained. If you were to get the position you’re applying for, who knows just how far you could go with it? Will you be content with the position if it’s offered? For how long? This could evoke fear of hiring remorse.
Perhaps it’s the Gemini in me that can see the upside and downside of things. Experience is great however those with more experience can sometimes.. not all the time.. but sometimes be resistant to growth and taking direction from leadership. Sometimes the attitude of the highly experienced individual is “I know this or that”, “I’ve done blank for this many years for this or these/ companies”, or “who do you think you’re talking to?” Do you see where I’m going with this? This is an example of people who are capable but not receptive to change or criticism. They want to do it their way because after all, isn’t that why they were hired? This can be dangerous whereas organizations are often overlooking the ones who are teachable and receptive favoring the experience of those who are sometimes rebellious and set in their ways.
Can you relate to any of this? How have you handled being told that you didn’t have the amount of experience that an organization was looking for? Just speak on it!
