So if, for example, you were hiring for a developer in Java and I sent an email essentially saying: "I did this language in school. I haven't done much of it in my current internship, but here is one of my last projects. I liked the language due to X, Y, Z reasons and am interested in the job for ABC. I apply myself when learning, and quickly pick things up. I can put you in touch with the professor who taught me the language to confirm that."

I may have a chance at an interview even if my credentials are well/mostly short of the posted job? I interview rather well when I do get a chance. I just don't want to spend time banging my head against the wrong wall.