Most people are not rejected by employers nearly as often as they reject themselves first, so the instinct behind this advice is sound.
Job descriptions are often wish lists presented as strict requirements. Many qualified candidates apply only when th... moreMost people are not rejected by employers nearly as often as they reject themselves first, so the instinct behind this advice is sound.
Job descriptions are often wish lists presented as strict requirements. Many qualified candidates apply only when they meet every condition, while others apply with only part of the listed experience. Letting the employer decide whether you qualify, instead of eliminating yourself, is a useful correction to that habit.
However, not every requirement should be treated the same.
If a role asks for five years of experience with a particular tool and you have three, applying may still be worthwhile. But a professional licence, security clearance or legal authorisation to work in that country may be a barrier. Applying without these does not always reclaim confidence; it may simply take time away from roles you are eligible for.
There is also a difference between applying confidently and applying everywhere.
“Never say no to yourself” can easily become “apply to everything.” That may help someone overcome fear temporarily, but once fear is no longer the main obstacle, attention becomes the real constraint. A tailored CV and short note sent to eight realistic stretch roles will often achieve more than the same effort spread across eighty random applications.
The advice removes the psychological brake, but it does not tell you where to steer.
None of this weakens the original point. Most people underestimate their chances more often than they overestimate them. A rejection may cost an afternoon, but a role you never applied for could cost you a career opportunity.
The real skill is separating genuine barriers from flexible preferences, then using confidence to apply strategically—not simply frequently. Confidence should improve the quality of your applications, not just increase their number.
Which requirement has made you reject yourself before applying?
