Informal contact with employer before sending in CV

stinkle

Hi there,

I'm currently job hunting and have seen a position that interests me. It's a science job and the person spec says the ideal candidate should have experience in various fields. I have experience in 2 out of 3, but the one I'm lacking seems to be the most important one. I don't have specific experience but I'd be familar with certain aspects for instance.

I was thinking of emailing the employer in advance of sending a cv to ask if I'm wasting their time in applying. Is this a good idea? Or am I better to at least send in the CV, and wax lyrical in my cover letter about my relevant skills and willingness to develop new ones - despite obviously lacking something they have explicitly advertised for?

Eoin

I'd say the latter. you're probably taking (not wasting!) as much time by a couple of emails back and forth about the job anyway. Job specs are nearly always an ideal wish list, not a list of absolutely mandatory requirements.

But as you said - a good cover letter will be important. Emphasise what you said, and also what you would bring to the role as well. If possible match it to what they've looked for, and what they do in general.

stinkle

Thanks, you've helped make up my mind for me. I figure if I apply properly I could still be in the running if my positives outweigh other candidates' negatives, plus the person spec is VERY specific, I actually doubt anyone would have all that expertise really. Plus at least they'll have a cv on file shoudl something else arise.