Under qualifed - bad idea to apply?

ebowdia

Is it a bad idea to apply for a position that you know you are under qualified for?

I work in IT as a system's engineer and am thinking about applying for a senior position at another company. I have a broad skill set and am very much a jack of all trades, but alas, a master of none.

The particular position that I am thinking of going for requires fairly advanced knowledge regarding some areas that I would only have intermediate knowledge and experience in.

My question is, would I be daft to apply? Could it go against me with that company for any further vacancies if I crash and burn at an interview?

tara83

ebowdia wrote: »

Is it a bad idea to apply for a position that you know you are under qualified for?

I work in IT as a system's engineer and am thinking about applying for a senior position at another company. I have a broad skill set and am very much a jack of all trades, but alas, a master of none.

The particular position that I am thinking of going for requires fairly advanced knowledge regarding some areas that I would only have intermediate knowledge and experience in.

My question is, would I be daft to apply? Could it go against me with that company for any further vacancies if I crash and burn at an interview?

I'd say go or it. You won't be called for interview unless they think you have the right skills and may even call you for a different position. I wouldn't think it would go against you for future interviews if this one didn't go well.

Hagar

Go for it. Don't set limits on what you can do. It shows a get ahead attitude, a positive thing in many employers minds. Many firms are happy enough to take slightly less qualified people at slightly lower salaries and train them up. It's a good way to progress your career.

ebowdia

Thanks guys, that's what I needed to hear

I'm fairly good at what I do and am very eager to advance but I've never been one to sell myself to be honest.

My greatest strength is in many ways my greatest weakness - I know a bit about everything and have broad experience, but I'm far from expert in any one area and can be roasted in an interview if it gets too technically specific.

You see my CV reads quite well, but there isn't as much depth perhaps in some areas. Last time I went for a senior position I had interview from hell and it dented my technical confidence

Eoin

I think that proving that you know how/where and when to look for information for specific technical issues is nearly as important as knowing it in the first place. That said, I wouldn't apply for something that I thought was way out of my league.

What does a systems engineer do these days, and what job are you applying for?

Could it go against me with that company for any further vacancies if I crash and burn at an interview?

If you completely panic and come across as a nervous wreck, then yes. If they just think that you don't have the expertise but you come across well, then maybe not.

Black Swan

Go for it. Show them that what you lack in knowledge and skill can be offset by a high level of motivation and a willingness to learn.

ebowdia

Thanks guys..

I do a bit of everything: Servers - Windows, Lnux, Solaris, VMware ESX, network config, SAN admin etc. The position I'm going for is a senior SAN position. I have about 5 years experience in these fields, but most of my experience is in a problem recreation lab and not a production environment - could this also go against me?

Eoin

Not necessarily, but make sure you can demonstrate that you know it's a different approach to working on a test system and production system. Maybe read up on the ITIL framework, in particular change management.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Information_Technology_Infrastructure_Library#Change_Management

ebowdia

Good tip eoin, I'll have a good read of that, cheers.......

Eoin

It might also be worth your while looking to get ITIL certified. The foundation (non-management) course is pretty easy. Not much help for the short term and the interview, but could be a good for a career in service and support management.

ebowdia

Good idea eoin, I'll look into that for sure.

Would many IT folk be ITIL certified? Is it something that employers look for?

Eoin

I don't know how many companies look for it, it certainly can't hurt though. My last company was very process focussed, so they liked their staff to have it. It's a good certification for anyone in IT support though - from helpdesk up to management.