Should I risk going for a job interview for a position I'm not fully qualified for or have experience in?

I'm challenged with numbers but I try, however I have an interview for a data collection officer coming up soon and I'm wondering if I should cancel. The interview is at the head office about three hours from where I live ( if I get the job , it will be in my home town). It involves statistics and collecting data and field visits which scares me because of the numerical aspect. Money is already tight for me so to risk going and come out disappointed would hurt in more ways than one. Sad part is, I see jobs I'm qualified for and have a better salary but I can't seem to get any of those. I'm still surprised they considered me for this role based on my background when other positions i applied for would be more fitting

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dancingtongue · 80-89, M

If they saw enough in your application to invite you into an interview, go for it even if it is just for the experience. My son applied for a job out of college and they told him he had the wrong degree. When they finally agreed to give him a courtesy interview, he got the job. It was working for sub-contractor for a big corporation. He saw a posting for a better job at that corporation. He applied, was told it was an internal posting not intended for external applicants, but they granted an interview and got it. Some 25 years later he is now an executive overseeing training and retraining of all the people who had the "right" qualifications back then.

nonsensiclesnail · F

yes, you should...but three hours away? Maybe not
There is nothing wrong with going to interviews you are not qualified for, because many jobs don't hire people who are qualified, but people who are willing to learn and adapt.
Plus, the experience interviewing is an asset to you for future interviews. Use it as a learning experience.
But three hours away.... you need to promise yourself to not be disappointed. Be confident! Do what it takes to get you into hat confident mindset!

Ladyofemotions · 31-35, F

@nonsensiclesnail Yeah, my country is set up like that with parishes.....so it involves travelling some long distances to get into the main town, which is the capital.

Anniedlr · 26-30, F

I assume they have a copy of your CV that they will have read and I’m sure they would not of invited you to an interview if they didn’t feel you had potential to fill the position 🙂

Ladyofemotions · 31-35, F

@Anniedlr I know but still don't see it .....but i'll try it

Anniedlr · 26-30, F

@Ladyofemotions Nothing Ventured Nothing Gained🙂

SW-User

I think you should go, and take the risk , maybe they are looking for you

Ladyofemotions · 31-35, F

@SW-User I would hope so, lol. I've had some disappointing interviews this year even after I think I'm overprepared after practicing questions, i didn't receive any callbacks. I'm trying to talk myself into trying this one.