What is the difference between "Required" and "Preferred" qualifications?

The distinction between "Required" and "Preferred" qualifications is crucial in the context of job postings and candidate evaluation. Required qualifications refer to those essential skills, experiences, or attributes that a candidate must possess to be considered for a specific position. These qualifications are non-negotiable; without them, a candidate is typically deemed unfit for the job.

On the other hand, Preferred qualifications are those additional skills or experiences that are not essential but can enhance a candidate’s application. While having these preferred qualifications can improve a candidate's competitiveness in the hiring process, they are not mandatory for consideration.

Understanding this differentiation helps both hiring managers and candidates. It allows employers to efficiently filter candidates based on actual needs for the role while enabling candidates to assess their potential fit based on both required and additional preferred qualifications.