The number that's talking you out of applying to the job
I was on a call with a Job Search OS member recently, walking him through the job search system I teach.
He found a great role at a small fintech startup, good stack match, good pay.
Then he saw "5+ years of experience preferred," and he paused, questioning if he should apply.
He had fewer years of experience than that.
I stopped him and explained that job descriptions are a wishlist, not a locked gate.
Companies write them hoping for a unicorn, then hire whoever's closest and actually applies.
If you're at 3 out of 5 requirements, still put your name in the hat and let them decide.
We ended up finding the actual hiring manager together on LinkedIn, finding his email structure with a free tool, and drafting the outreach right there on the call.
That's the same process I teach every week inside Job Search OS: find the role, apply, find the person, reach out same day, track it, repeat.
If you've been sitting on an application because of the number of years of experience required in a job post, this is your sign to send it anyway
Job Search Tip of the Week:
Speed to application matters. Find jobs posted on LinkedIn less than 24 hours ago. Learn this easy hack in the video below.
P.S. Want a free resume review, templates, LinkedIn guide, and interview prep exercise? They're all inside the Job Search OS 7-day trial.
Start your free trial: Job Search OS.
