How Closely Do You Need to Match the Job Description to Apply?

When considering a career move, most people will carefully read through the job description. It lists the responsibilities, working hours, benefits, and, of course, the required experience, skills, and qualifications. Sometimes, the bar may seem set high, and you might feel disheartened to discover you don’t meet all the listed criteria, even for a role you’re genuinely interested in.

But here’s the truth: you don’t have to meet every single requirement to apply. So, the real question is, how closely should your background align with the job description before you decide to apply?

Naturally, applying for a role that bears no relevance to your background is a waste of time for both you and the hiring manager. For instance, if the posting clearly states “experience required” and you have none in that area, it’s unlikely to lead anywhere.

The more difficult scenarios are those gray areas. For example, when the company is asking for “5+ years of experience” and you have 3, or maybe 4.5 years. While the company may list 5 years as a requirement, it’s often more of an ideal than a non-negotiable rule. Just like in relationships or marriage, the “perfect fit” is rare. Hiring managers understand this well. A slight shortfall in experience is unlikely to be the reason your application gets rejected. Most won’t dismiss you outright as someone who “can’t follow instructions” just because you’re a bit short on years.

That said, if another candidate has the same skills as you but also meets the experience requirement, they’ll likely have the edge. This is where your unique value comes in; what makes you worth considering, even if you don’t tick every box?

So how can you make a company want you, even more than someone who meets every requirement? There are two main approaches:

1. Make Up for Gaps with Transferable Skills and Value-Add

If you’re applying for a similar position at another company, chances are your current skills and experiences are still highly relevant, even if they’re not a perfect match. Highlight skills you already possess that may not be listed in the job description, but which could bring additional value to the new employer. These unexpected assets can easily bridge a small gap in experience.

If you’ve led significant projects, hit key milestones, or contributed to improvements, be sure to include them. This kind of evidence can make up for a shortfall in years or titles. If the role is in a similar industry, share your vision for how you’d drive improvements or tackle challenges in the new context. These are the kinds of insights that can elevate your self-presentation beyond a checklist of requirements.

2. Emphasize the Qualities That Aren’t Always Written Down

Sometimes the true needs of a hiring company aren’t fully reflected in the job description. For example, a company looking for a new team manager may not just be facing a “manager shortage,” they might actually be struggling with internal communication, or lacking someone who can connect the dots between on-the-ground operations and overall strategic planning.

In these cases, soft skills such as communication, team leadership, or cultural fluency can matter even more than technical qualifications. Experience managing large teams or long-term projects may be more valuable than a particular certification.

In foreign-affiliated companies in Japan, cross-cultural communication skills, the ability to coordinate with global headquarters can be just as crucial. Flexibility with time zones, strong language skills, and cultural understanding might not always be listed explicitly, but they’re often deeply valued. Pay attention not just to the hard requirements, but also to the type of person the company seems to be looking for.

Don’t Self-Reject Too Quickly

There’s no such thing as a job where you must meet 100% of the criteria to be eligible to apply. The more boxes you tick, the better, of course. But if you feel you’re missing something and still don’t want to miss the opportunity, ask yourself:

What value can I bring that goes beyond the checklist?

Dive into researching the company. Think about how your background, drive, and perspective could contribute. And then, go ahead and apply. Sometimes, that initiative alone sets you apart.