It can be hard enough to find work even if you have an extensive resume to back up your application. If you have little or no work experience to speak of though, things can get even more challenging. It might seem pretty much impossible to get a job in this scenario – after all, don’t you need a job to get experience in the first place? Not necessarily. There are some things that you can do to improve your chances of getting a job when your work experience is thin on the ground or completely non-existent.
Work Placements
If you do not yet have the right skills, a work experience or interning opportunity could be the answer. This can be useful if you need specific skills for a particular job as you will also get some hands-on experience too. It can be a great way to get your foot in the door but most work placements are unpaid. There is some scope for being taken on by the company after your placement but there’s no guarantee that that this will happen.
Volunteering
This is another opportunity to gain new skills or to plug gaps in your work history but again, you will not be paid for your efforts. Charities are always looking for new volunteers to join them but it will often be the case that they need people to do some specific roles so you may not be able to pick and choose which skills you develop. This can be ideal though if you are only looking for general work experience to get something added to your resume.
Speculative Applications
If you have got specific talents that you believe are much needed at certain companies, firing off a speculative application could impress. Sending your resume when the company is not officially hiring might seem pointless but you could be surprised. Many job openings are not publicly promoted so it is not always the case that a company is only looking for candidates when they advertise externally. Get your cover letter in front of the right person and there’s a chance that you can impress for when an opening does become available. It will not always work but it can be worth a try.
Networking
It’s not always about what you know but who you know. If you can impress the right people through your networking efforts, they may not be as hung up on your actual experience.
Using Your Resume
Above all, you will want to make sure that your resume and covering letter showcases your best points as fully as possible. You might not have much in the way of experience but you have probably got other skills that would be desirable to potential employers. Think about your transferable skills such as being a good communicator or being able to work as part of a team and play up these attributes. Transferable skills do not have to been developed through work. You might have demonstrated them in other areas of your life without even realizing.
Create Your Own Work Samples
Depending on the job, you may be able to get ahead by creating a portfolio and using this to demonstrate your potential. This can work well for creative roles and you do not need necessarily need to flag up that these samples were not created ‘on the job’ unless specifically asked.
It may seem impossible to find a job when you are lacking in experience but there are some ways that you can improve your prospects. This might include finding ways to gain some vital experience through work experience placements or volunteering or by finding ways to highlight your skills to prospective employers.
I am not a fan of working for free with internships or placements, unless you really have zero skills. Asking around if you can help people, or finding out what they need, they will probably give you the job. I used to help my aunt with database entry, baby sit other cousins, tutor the neighbors, etc. I had no experience but low rates and was there at the good time.
Those are great options. I did some of that myself.
Yeah, it is very hard to find job when you have little or zero experience. Networking would be the best idea to connect people and you may get lucky to land in a good job. Internship can be helpful but you need to work for free and moreover there is no guarantee you will get a chance to work in the same company.
I have found networking to be very powerful. Put yourself out there and show you are eager to help at no cost. People like that and it will build a good reputation for yourself.
Very interesting stuff here. How about “read some books and show up very confident”. Confidence that you can learn new things and be a good listener is an incredible skill set to have.
Agreed. The key is to not be too overconfident though. I do think educating yourself on things is a great tactic though. It shows you care and are keen.
I think that networking is the best way to get a job without experience. Unfortunately, who you know can be just as important as what your skills are.
True. I find relationships are very powerful and can make or break a deal. Work on the relationships and the rest will come.
Great tips, though my advice to fresh graduates is to start looking and working jobs you can include in your resume while still in college, those are plus points if you really want to be noticed.
Good idea. The sooner you start building experience the better. The trick is finding something credible that other employers will value later. Not all student jobs are that impressive.
I believe that you should try to create a job first.
You don’t have to open a franchise or take any huge risks. You can try coaching or blogging or something with very low startup costs.
You could. I find you need some cashflow for these things though and if you don’t have any other income it can be tough.
Networking is often your best bet. It’s a good idea to use other people’s networks to expand your own, if possible. I got the job I’ve had for the past 28 years through one of my college professors. He went to school with one of the founders of the company, and recommended me. LinkedIn is a good place to keep your network growing.
I agree. I too have gotten jobs by networking with others. It is very powerful. I was just giving my card out again this week for possible opportunities. Always throw yourself out there. You never know where you will land.
I think that networking and proof of competence (and willingness) is key. Interestingly, a friend of mine who used to be really senior in Astra Zeneca (and he hired and fired regularly) told me once that when people hire they are not that interested in the technical competence of the candidate (for professional jobs) but in how he/she would fit in the company.
I have heard that happens a lot. People get hired for their personality and then are taught the skills. I don’t think it is a bad strategy. Having someone that works well with others is important.
Work samples can definitely make you get a job. If you’re looking for writing jobs online, just present your work samples to the client and if he/she’s impressed you’ll get hired.
I had a portfolio for my first few jobs. It was really helpful in getting people to know me. Haven’t used one for the last few jobs though. Depends on the hiring team I think.
Networking is also another important thing. When you know a lot of people it’s easier to get a job at a company because the person you know who works for/at that company can just recommend you.
True. I have been lucky to build relationships with people and then use them as references later. It is a great thing to have.
Well said. I have found networking very helpful for me. The more relationships you build the more opportunities present themselves.