I applied for a position knowing that I did not meet one of the preferred qualifications, but exceeded the others. I checked with HR (who was my only contact) before accepting the interview if I would be considered for this position although I did not meet that preferred qualification. I made sure to do this because I had to fly in from out of state and did not want to waste my time and money if I was not really a viable candidate. The HR manager said that she checked with the department head (who would be giving an interview as well), and he said that it wasn't a problem. My interview with the HR manager went well, it seemed like I would have the job, given my qualifications. My interview with the department head also was going well, until he found out that I did not have that preferred qualification, which he said was actually necessary to the job. He seemed to feel as bad as any soulless Harvard elite could about the situation, enough that I believe that qualification really was necessary for the position. It is funny because everyone was surprised that I was applying to a position at Harvard, since all but two Harvard grads I know are complete self-absorbed pretentious twits. This just confirmed for me once and for all that they are. They do not take anyone's time or money into account, since those are not issues for them. They wouldn't care if the world crumbled around them as long as they were secure in their superiority (which they would be, since it is completely self-generated). I would not recommend applying for a position here, they are uncaring time-wasters!