Just the other day I was speaking with one of the young people that I mentor about applying for an open position as a software developer.  After sending him a link to the job posting, we had a quick zoom call to discuss the opportunity.  During the discussion, he shared that he did not intend to apply for the position.  When I asked him why, he said that after reading the description for the position, he did not feel that he possessed ALL of the qualifications necessary to apply.  I told him to apply anyway.  Allow me to explain.

I can’t tell you how many jobs I have had during my 30 year career as a software developer where I worked with folks who had neither the education nor the experience to hold the positions for which they were being paid.  And when I say this I am not referring to the recent phenomenon of some big tech companies who have very recently decided to relax their degree requirements.  I have had this experience throughout my career. 

Don’t take my word for it.  Pick 5 people that you know who work for one of the big tech companies.  Make a list of these 5 people.  Next look up their profiles on LinkedIn.  I will bet you that 3 of the 5 are working in a position in tech right now that does not match up with their education and experience recorded in their profile.  It may leave you with the question, how did they ever get the opportunity to break into tech. 

I have done this many times.  The person has a degree in literature.  They have no experience in tech.  In fact, all of the LinkedIn experience is in something not even remotely related to technology such as biology or English literature but their current position is software development manager.  They have never written  a line of code in their lives!  How is this possible?  Someone at some point gave them an opportunity.

And someone will give you an opportunity as well.  You may not feel that you are qualified.  You may not feel that you have the experience or the education.  Neither did they.  Do yourself a favor and apply anyway.