The Lies We Tell Ourselves: They’re Probably Looking for Someone Better

Here’s a common lie smart, qualified people tell themselves:
“I don’t meet all the qualifications… so I probably shouldn’t apply.”

Let’s break that down.

You see a job posting.
It mentions eight requirements. You’ve done six.
Your brain says: “Not enough.”
You close the tab and move on.

But here’s the truth: job descriptions are wish lists, not checklists.
They’re written by hiring managers trying to capture an ideal. They don’t expect perfection, they want promise. If you’ve done even 60-70% of the job already, and can clearly show how you’d learn the rest, you’re in the zone.

And here's the part we forget: Hiring managers aren’t just hiring a resume. They’re hiring a person they’ll be working with every day.

If you get the job, you're likely going to be on their team. In meetings with them. Solving problems alongside them. So who are they actually hoping to hire?

Someone who’s smart, coachable, easy to work with.
Someone who shows potential and humility—not a scripted, over-polished robot trying to be “the perfect candidate.”
They’re not looking for perfect. They’re looking for real.

But instead of showing up as that real, capable person, we wait.
We say: “Let me get one more certification.”
We say: “I’ll apply next round- when I’m more ready.”
We say: “They’re probably looking for someone better.”

And in doing that, we make a critical mistake:
We disqualify ourselves before anyone else even gets the chance.

Here’s the shift:
Don’t aim to prove you’re perfect.
Aim to connect and communicate how your experience can help and how you show up as a teammate.

Most hiring decisions aren’t made by checking boxes.
They’re made by people thinking,
"I can see them doing the job- and I’d want them on my team."

And they can’t think that if you never apply.