Title: Why the perfect candidate doesn't exist (and why that's good news)?
If you've ever hesitated to apply because you didn't tick "all the boxes," you're not alone. Many candidates get stuck on an idea that seems logical... but does more harm than good: the idea of the perfect candidate.
Spoiler: it doesn't exist. And you're not the problem.
1) Job postings describe an "ideal profile"... not reality
A job ad is often a mix of:
- Real needs.
- "Nice to have" (things that would be good, but not required).
- Very broad wording to attract the maximum number of profiles.
- A copy-paste from old ads.
Result: you read a list as long as a day without a network, and you think "I'm not good enough." When the company knows very well that they won't find someone who ticks 100% of the boxes.
2) Recruiters aren't looking for perfection, they're looking for a match
In recruitment, we mainly look at:
- Your ability to learn quickly,
- Your logic and your method,
- Your attitude (rigor, curiosity, reliability),
- The consistency of your background,
- Your potential to grow within the team.
In short: it's not "perfect or nothing." It's "can this work?"
3) "Perfection" can even be a bad sign
A profile that has already done everything, seen everything, mastered everything... can raise questions:
- Risk of quick boredom,
- Very high salary expectations,
- Difficulty adapting to a company culture,
- Lack of room for growth.
Whereas a profile that meets 70-80% of the need + shows real motivation is often exactly what the company wants.
4) The real criterion: apply if you meet 60-70% of the needs
Simple rule:
- If you meet the majority of the key criteria (tasks + main skills), apply.
- If you don't have certain tools, but you have the basics (e.g., Excel / analysis / communication), apply.
- If you have "different" but transferable experience, apply.
The rest can be compensated for: training, skill development, coaching, adaptation.
5) What you can do today (in 10 minutes)
Before closing an ad because it makes you doubt, do this mini-exercise:
- List 3 points where you clearly match.
- List 1-2 points where you are "almost" there (you can learn quickly).
- Prepare a sentence for the interview:
"I don't have X yet, but I already have Y and Z, and I learn quickly because..."
It's simple, but it changes everything.
The perfect candidate doesn't exist. But the candidate who evolves, who adapts, and who grows... that one does.
So don't let a checklist steal an opportunity from you. If you feel the position is right for you, that you can learn and bring value: apply on ReKrute.
