I recently had a breakthrough in my job search journey. For a long time, I was stuck in a cycle of self-doubt, telling myself I needed more experience or to complete an online course before I could apply for better positions. I watched peers with similar or even less experience land jobs that I thought were out of my reach, and it left me feeling frustrated. A few months ago, I decided to change my approach. I started applying for jobs where I met only 60 to 70 percent of the requirements, thinking the worst that could happen was a rejection. To my surprise, I received more callbacks than I ever did when I only applied for roles I felt fully qualified for. It became clear that many job requirements are more of a wish list than a strict guideline. Eventually, I landed a new role that pays significantly more than my previous job and offers great opportunities for growth. This experience taught me how much I was holding myself back by waiting for a perfect moment that would never arrive. If you're hesitating to apply because you don't feel ready, I encourage you to go for it. The self-screening we often do is much harsher than what hiring managers actually consider. Has anyone else gone through a similar experience? I'd love to hear your stories!