You Don’t Need to Tick Every Box — Apply Anyway

Have you ever read a job ad and thought:

“Wow, I’d love this… but I don’t meet every single requirement. Better not apply.”

You’re not alone — and you’re not wrong for thinking that way.

But it might be time to rewrite that inner narrative.

In a recent F3 poll, 100% of respondents said they wouldn’t apply for a role unless they met 100% of the job description.

Let that sink in.

In a time when we’re actively pushing for gender equity in finance and business, this kind of self-screening is quietly holding a lot of talented women back — and it starts with how we interpret a job description.

🎯 Job Descriptions Are Wish Lists — Not Checklists

It’s easy to assume job ads are rigid. The truth?

Most of them are ideal scenarios, not iron-clad requirements.

Hiring managers often write descriptions based on a “dream candidate,” not necessarily the only kind of person they’d hire. In fact, many would prefer someone who can grow into the role, bring new perspectives, and learn fast — over someone who ticks every box but is looking for a sideways move.

What you think disqualifies you might actually make you more valuable.

👩‍💼 Confidence Gaps: A Gendered Reality

One of the most widely quoted stats in career development comes from an internal report at Hewlett-Packard. It found that:

  • Men apply for a job when they meet 60% of the qualifications.

  • Women only apply if they meet 100%.

Why?

It’s not about ability — it’s about perception.

Many women believe they need to be perfect to be considered.

This is especially true in male-dominated fields like finance, tech, and law, where there’s already added pressure to prove your worth.

But here’s the catch: most roles, especially early in your career, are designed for people to learn on the job. Skills can be taught. Attitude, curiosity, and resilience can’t.

🔁 Flipping the Script: How to Read Job Ads Differently

Next time you come across a job you’re excited about, instead of asking:

“Do I meet every requirement?”

Try asking:

  • Do I meet at least 50–70% of the key responsibilities?

  • Can I demonstrate transferable skills — like communication, leadership, or analysis — even if I haven’t done this exact job before?

  • Will I enjoy the work, the industry, or the team?

  • Can I learn what I don’t know?

  • What could I bring that might not even be in the ad?

If the answer to most of these is yes — then go for it.

You don’t need to fake it. You just need to frame it.

How to Back Yourself Anyway

If you’re still nervous about applying without ticking all the boxes, try this:

  1. Highlight transferable wins. Did you lead a project, manage deadlines, analyse data, or work with stakeholders at uni or in a casual job? Talk about it.

  2. Own your ‘in-progress’ skills. Say you’re currently building your skills in X or have recently completed a short course in Y. It shows drive and initiative.

  3. Frame gaps as growth. Use your cover letter or interview to show how excited you are to learn. Hiring managers want coachable people who are invested in their growth.

  4. Talk to someone in the role or company. A quick chat can help you demystify the expectations and get a clearer sense of whether you’re a strong fit.

💥 Final Thought

There’s a quote we love at F3:

“If someone offers you an amazing opportunity and you’re not sure you can do it — say yes, then learn how to do it later.” – Richard Branson

It’s bold, and yes, it’s a mindset shift — but one worth making.

You don’t need to be perfect.

You don’t need to be 100% ready.

You don’t need to tick every box.

You just need to back yourself.

📚 References & Further Reading