"The other candidate just had more experience."
It is one of my biggest pet peeves.
We have all heard this feedback.
It is incredibly frustrating because it makes you wonder why you were interviewed in the first place...
It is easy to hear that and think,
"Well, I can't invent experience I don't have.
There is nothing I could have done differently."
I am here to tell you that is not the case.
You can eliminate that objection before you even leave the room.
Let’s look at a scenario.
Imagine two candidates for a role that requires strong Stakeholder Management and Data Analysis.
Candidate A is a subject matter expert in Stakeholder Management but has a gap in Data Analysis.
Candidate B is an "all-rounder." Average at stakeholders, average at data.
Usually, the safe bet is Candidate B.
They tick all the boxes,
even if they don't shine.
But if you are Candidate A,
you can still win.
You just have to tackle the gap head-on.
The best way to do this is by being specific about your first 90 days.
I don't mean the generic
"I'm going to meet the team and listen" answers.
I mean demonstrating exactly how you will handle the job.
First, showcase that you are absolutely brilliant at the Stakeholder Management piece.
Make that expertise undeniable.
Then, address the Data Analysis gap yourself.
Don't wait for them to find it.
Tell them:
"I know this specific data tool is a gap. However, I have used similar tools in the past. My plan is to upskill immediately by taking [Course X] and partnering with [Person Y] in the first month."
When you give the hiring manager assurance,
you remove the risk.
They will often decide that your expertise in the main requirement is worth the trade-off,
especially when they see you have a concrete plan to fix the rest.
Don't let them assume they have to hold your hand.
In your next interview,
identify your superpower and your gap.
Sell the superpower. Plan for the gap.
Make it easy for them to see your potential.
