How do you present yourself in an interview when...

[rbnyc]

...you are slightly under-qualified? Here's my situation.

I'm still looking for that life-changing opportunity. I was one of the final candidates for a great position recently, but they selected someone else.

Amazingly, another wonderful opportunity has presented itself, but...

They want an Masters, I only have a BA.

I would be responsible for about ten times as much annual revenue than I have ever raised annually in any past organization.

I would be heading a larger department and supervising more staff than I have in the past.

They know all these things about me and asked to see me anyway.

I know I can succeed in this position. I really want to be as prepared as possible for this interview.

[rocktivity]

1. Perhaps your "real life" work experience can make up for your lack of an MBA

If they didn't already believe that to some extent, they wouldn't be making the effort to talk with you.

Be sure to emphasize both the quality and quantity of what you've accomplished -- especially in terms of leadership, supervising, project management, budget management, strategic planning, bringing in additional business, training/teaching, people management, and of course any continuing education you've taken. You can't learn that kind of stuff in a book.


rocktivity

[Scuba]

2. I once had an interview for a job that included a complete psychiatric exam.....

... and my main take-away from the process was his telling me that I was grossly under-valuing my accomplishments. He said nearly everyone does the same.

My neighbor is an engineer, and he built his own home. When he gave me the tour he pointed out every single thing that didn't come out perfectly. Despite his having a gorgeous home - and a marvelous accomplishment - he seemingly could only see the shortcomings. That really drove the shrink's point home.

Give yourself some credit. You deserve it.

[rbnyc]

3. Thank you!

Thank you so much. I need to walk into the interview knowing I deserve the job.

[Scuba]

4. Good luck. Let us know how it works out.