Are you a Unicorn?

• Paula West
• May 18, 2022
• Newsletter Article

The Unicorn’ a nickname for the perfect candidate. Thinking that you must be a mythical creature to apply for a position is untrue. If you are interested in the job and your skills complement the position, then apply. Ensure that your resume and cover letter highlight that you are a match and how they would benefit from having you on their team.

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Take a deep breath, none of us are!

 

There have been so many jobs that I haven’t applied to because I didn’t have all the qualifications or requirements that were listed in a job posting. I have likely missed out on great roles, great companies, and great growth (which is the most important) because of the narrative in my own head. It is important to me that you don’t do the same to yourself. That your first 20 years of employment includes fulfilling roles that include professional growth.

 

When you look through the ‘requirements,’ make note of areas that will allow you the opportunity to grow. If you meet most of the requirements and have some room for growth, apply. If you have half of the requirements, apply. Stop holding yourself back.

 

You should apply when you don’t check all the wish list boxes. Here’s why:

• The value of your experience and your industry connections can not be replicated

Never underestimate the importance of experience. Everything from your first customer service job to the role you may have just spent the last five years in has prepared you for your next role. Don’t have a degree but do have over 10 years of experience, apply.

 

• Growth and learning keeps you engaged

This was explained to me so clearly by a mentor that I can’t believe I didn’t see it earlier in my career. If you accept a role that you have 100% of the qualifications for, where is your growth going to be? Are you going to be satisfied and challenged enough? What do you envision your professional development to look like?

 

• Your guts are telling you to

Too many people are not listening to their inner voice when making decisions about their career path. They dismiss the feeling of excitement and desire to be working for a company that makes them feel proud to be a part of. It could be their social or environmental stands, and simply, it could be the company purpose, their product. Don’t dismiss that flame inside of you that is trying to steer you towards your goals.

 

Apply. Make your goals happen. Take risks. And keep learning from the experience. If it takes a few misses to finally find that great opportunity, then you have done all the right things.

 

To build your confidence, get advice on interviewing, or making your resume stand out, visit our career success library. You can find job postings on AgCareers.com and remember to add your profile and resume to our data base so that companies can find you.