Wife finds dream job listing, husband considers applying because he's more qualified than her: 'We would not be competing'

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  • A man sitting on a couch puts his hands on the shoulders of a woman sat in front of him with a laptop on her lap
  • Would it be wrong to apply for my wife's dream job that she isn't qualified for?

    My wife and I are in the same job at the same company and we have been for about 6 years.
  • Recently a different employer in the same industry posted a job that she has mentioned multiple times before would be her dream job.
  • The position is not in demand and is rarely open for applications - it hasn't happened in the 6 years we've been together.
  • She noticed the poster and was super excited until she looked at the education requirement - minimum 4 year bachelors degree.
  • She only has a 2 year college diploma, I have a 4 year bachelors degree. I know this is a sore spot for her.
  • She is understandably bummed out about it. I have said in the past that the job might be interesting but I have never directly expressed my own interest in the position.
  • Reading through the job description however it seems like I'd really enjoy the work, I have all of the minimum requirements and almost all of the experiences/assets that they're looking for.
  • The new job also pays $15k more per year than what I/we currently make. My justifications for applying: its well within my current line of work, it would increase our HHI, we would not be competing for the same position, I am tired of my current position and I have expressed my desire to try something new.
  • I haven't brought this up with her yet, obviously I will talk to her about it before I submit my application if I even choose to apply but wanted to see what other people thought before I decide whether or not to go through with it.
  • A man and a woman look at each other and smile while sitting on a couch
  • Successful-Sun 1704 I think she should still apply. Some employers will look at experience in place of a lesser degree.
  • Betalisa PLEASE encourage her to apply for the position! You should talk with her honestly about being interested too. But she SHOULD apply: https://www.library.hbs.edu/working- knowledge/breaking-through-the-self- doubt-that-keeps-talented-women-from- leading
  • goddessofgoo Definitely talk to her first. You should also urge her to apply. Many jobs will consider real world experience in place of education requirements and if she's been in the same field for 6 years, that might be good enough. If she doesn't want to risk the disappointment of rejection, ask what she would think about you applying instead of her. She's your wife, communicating and agreeing about these kind of things is important.
  • Comprehensive Pop886 She should still apply. Sometimes they bend the requirements for the right person. I would be ped and sad if my husband swoped my dream job. Hopefully she won't resent you for it. It really depends. You should encourage her to apply. If she doesn't want to apply just ask her if she minds if you do.
  • goldenfingernails If I were her, I'd still apply. I'd highlight the areas where her qualifications and experience exactly match the job description. Do that enough, she might get an interview. It might be fun if you both apply at the same time and see what happens. A lady in my company made VP of HR and she doesn't have a Bachelors degree. You can still move up, but you have to be good at selling your experience.
  • MissFabulina She needs to apply. You need to encourage her to apply. Who the h I cares about those 2 years? If she has the correct experience, she should go for it. Even if she doesn't, she should go for it. Women ALWAYS discount their qualifications. Men usually overestimate theirs. Talk her up. Encourage her. Be her cheerleader! Don't be the AH. Be the hero.
  • Aggravating_Baker557 Why not encourage her to apply? Recruiters may overlook education requirements for the right candidate. Studies have shown that women often underestimate their skills and don't apply for positions they may be well suited for.
  • Onetuffkitten13 It's petty and stupid but I can't explain how upset I would be if my husband applied for and got my dream job -especially if he wasn't even into it in the first place. No amount of money is worth that resentment. Encourage her to apply anyways!
  • Scared-Alfalfa37 I think she should still apply. It's her dream job after all As for you applying... That's gonna sting
  • laokim YWBTAH If you apply without talking about it with your wife first. How about you ask your wife and talk to her about how she would feel about it instead of asking the internet?

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