Ask HN: Should I justify my lack of experience in an interview

10 points by ganadiniakshay 5 years ago | 8 comments

I am interviewing for a senior role for which I do not have the standard no of years required. Should I actively try to explain why that won't be a negative to my interviewer?

davismwfl 5 years ago |

I have many people applying for positions I have open that lack the listed years of experience. If I review their resume and think their experience is still good enough to warrant a chat then I've already accepted they don't meet that requirement but I am still interested. I don't need you to address the fact you only have 3 years (if I am asking for 5+) if that is all that is on your resume and I have still made the call. What I need is the candidate to prove they are capable and have the knowledge and understanding to do the job relevant to at least their experience level they do have.

Part of the screening that helps me look at someone with lessor experience is if what they were doing closely matches the position details then I am likely to set them up for a chat, even with the difference in experience. I look at it this way, someone who has 5+ years of web dev experience in other industries and someone who has 3 years in our specific industry are nearly equivalent in many ways. One might require less technical help, but need more industry help and vice-versa so kinda a wash in many ways. This isn't always true of course, but is a good generalization.

jyu 5 years ago |

You need to address the silent objections the interviewer may have. If you don't, the objection will be brought up after the interview without a chance for you to present your case.

"I don't have the standard number of years, but I have worked in other industries which add value in design decisions."

"I don't have the standard number of years, but I am am competent and hungry to go to the next level"

"I don't have the standard number of years, but I..."

atmosx 5 years ago | |

I would argue that, unless the OP is asked explicitly, the OP should under no circumstance say anything that could be perceived as a weakness and whatever statement starts with "I don't have <whatever>" it does not look good.

Remember interviews are largely about luck and circumstances.

I'd like to wish the OP good luck! :-)

luthfur 5 years ago |

The standard number of years is often arbitrary. If you are confident you have the skills and the recruiter is willing to put you through to the technical interviews, then don't short-sell yourself. Uphold and highlight your strengths, believe in yourself :)

If you feel imposter syndrome, that is normal. There will always be things to learn, and frankly learning on the job is the best.

Good luck!

slap_shot 5 years ago |

Job interviews are sales pitches: feel free to pitch yourself however you prefer.

Also, a lot of job descriptions are of the "perfect" candidate, i.e. the person hired may not satisfy each of the requirements, especially years of experience.

With that said, every position is different. Maybe the hiring manager has bad luck hiring candidates with fewer years of experience than he/she thought was required, and maybe they won't budge. Doesn't hurt to try!

muzani 5 years ago |

Defensiveness sometimes hints that you won't be try to be qualified. It sounds more like a "I can't do this", whereas confidence sounds like you'll at least try. It's normal to expect that someone who is senior doesn't know everything.

st1x7 5 years ago |

- you should be able to discuss it comfortably if you're asked

- don't bring it up on your own

- tell the truth

AnimalMuppet 5 years ago | |

Yeah. Be honest, but don't be defensive. If you're a good candidate, you're a good candidate, lack of experience or no.