Applying for the job you’re slightly underqualified for is how a lot of people grow into the next one.

A job listing describes an ideal nobody has ever matched. The person reading applications is doing something different: looking at where you are and guessing where you will be in six months. Being slightly short of the requirements means you would have to grow into the role, which is the definition of a step up. Matching it perfectly means you have already done the job.

Apply when you meet most of it rather than all of it. Say plainly which part you have not done and what your plan is for getting good at it quickly.