How to Find a Job with No Work Experience: 20 Tips
Anyone starting in the working world is usually faced with the same dilemma where you realize that you can’t find a job with experience as every job description requires candidates to have some level of experience, yet you cannot get any experience without a job as explained over at runrex.com. For most people, this is a catch-22 situation that usually seems almost impossible to overcome, which is why this article will look to step in and list 20 tips on how you can find a job with no work experience.
- Address the issue
The subject matter experts over at guttulus.com advise that you should not try and brush over the fact that you lack work experience. Use your cover letter to address any gaps in your CV, including any concerns the employer might have about your lack of experience.
- Focus on what you do have going for you
While work is experience is important, so is your personality, attitude to work, knowledge of the company and its activity, resilience, motivation, innovation, and so much more as discussed over at runrex.com. You should, therefore, not get too hung up on the one thing you lack and forget the many things you have going for you.
- Educate yourself
Another thing you should also consider doing is to start taking classes, attending workshops or getting certificates and diplomas, or even earning a degree if you have to. As discussed over at guttulus.com, not only will this help you get the knowledge for the job, but it will also show your dedication and commitment, not to mention the fact that teachers and classmates are a great way to start and expand your network.
- Look for volunteer opportunities
One of the best ways to get some experience is through volunteering. Such opportunities may not pay, but they will help get your foot in so many doors while also helping you gain the work experience you need which is why you should never turn down volunteer opportunities in such a situation when they come along.
- Try internships
Another way to get some experience is by taking up internship opportunities. This will enable you to acquire actual work experience in your niche, while also helping you build and expand your network. Internships can sometimes also lead to full-time positions, helping you get your foot through the door and find employment.
- Work your network
One of the most convenient ways to get a job is to be recommended for one. As is revealed over at runrex.com, many companies run referral programs where they have employees help with filling any new positions that need filling, which is convenient for them as the hiring process can be quite expensive and time-consuming. Therefore, if you have no work experience and are looking for a job, try and work your network and see if such opportunities are there for you.
- Become an expert in your field
To make up for your lack of work experience, you should try and learn everything there is to know about your industry and the job you are interested in as per the gurus over at guttulus.com. This will not only prepare you for your career, but it will also help you when interviewing for jobs and networking, helping you finally land a job.
- Have a good story to tell
Having a captivating story that shows that you are the perfect person for the job is very helpful if you lack work experience. As explained over at runrex.com, your story should illustrate why you entered the field, how you plan to reach your goals, as well as what you have to offer. Show your passion, skill, and knowledge, and you will impress hiring managers even if you have no work experience.
- Update your CV
If you don’t have the requisite work experience, you should make sure that your CV is up to scratch. This means making sure that it reflects all the requisite skills and talents rather than job titles. Your CV should not dwell in the past but should look ahead and showcase all the great things you can contribute to the company in the future.
- Don’t forget about the soft skills
You should also use your CV to showcase the soft skills you possess and how they will help you thrive in the position you are applying for. Examples of soft skills to mention include organizational skills, communication skills, leadership skills, interpersonal skills, among others.
- Be reasonable when applying for jobs
Your lack of work experience means that you should be sensible when applying for jobs. As you are a relative beginner, the gurus over at guttulus.com recommend that you look for entry-level positions where you will be able to show what you can do and bring to the table. Make it clear that, even though you know that you are a beginner, you are willing to learn.
- Look for the experience you didn’t know you had
You should also think back over your past jobs and try and see if there is a link between the experience you need and the experience you have. For example, if you have organized a meeting or answered the phones, then this can be listed as admin experience, among other examples as covered over at runrex.com. Think outside the box and find the experience you didn’t know you had.
- Show how determined you are
If you so badly want to get into a particular industry, then you should make sure that people know about it as per the experts over at guttulus.com. This means getting involved in relevant industry discussions on LinkedIn, joining relevant groups, attending networking and career events, and so forth, all of which will demonstrate your enthusiasm and intent, and may help you find a job.
- Apply directly to companies
Don’t just limit yourself to advertised jobs where you will be assessed against the set criteria and may be ruled out of the running if work experience is one of the set criteria and you don’t have it. Try and apply directly to companies that interest you, show that you have done your research, and ask if there are any opportunities for you. If you don’t get a positive answer, ask if you can apply again in 6 months and find out what you can do to improve your chances in the meantime.
- Focus on getting an interview
If you lack work experience, you should focus your energies on getting an interview as this is where you will be able to address your lack of experience and also sell your strengths. If you get the interview, prepare well for it and make sure you convince the interviewers why you are the best person for the job, despite your lack of experience.
- Have a routine
The subject matter experts over at runrex.com also recommend that you get in a routine by deciding on set hours you will apply for jobs each day. Ensure that you keep a consistent routine and that you hold yourself accountable. This will ensure that you are putting in the effort and time to find a job, and will increase your chances of finding a job.
- Follow up
Also, as explained over at guttulus.com, you should make sure that you track where you have sent applications and make sure you send a follow up if you haven’t heard back in 5 business days. This will help you know why your application was unsuccessful, offering you a chance to improve and get better results next time.
- Don’t worry about being the perfect match
While you shouldn’t apply for jobs that ask for 10 years of experience if you only have one, if the job listing is asking for 3 to 5 years of experience and you have 2 years, you can apply and write a good cover letter as mentioned earlier, and covered over at runrex.com, to convince the hiring manager. You don’t have to be the perfect match to get hired as people get hired all the time without being a line-for-line match with the job posting.
- Strike the right balance between confidence and humility in your interview
While you don’t want to appear to lack confidence as the interviewer will end up losing confidence in your ability to do the work, you also don’t want to come across as being inappropriately cocky and naïve about your experience level as well as what it will take to do the job well. The key is to find a middle ground where you are confident but also have a realistic understanding of your strengths and weaknesses, including your lack of work experience.
- Be patient
Finally, you should be patient and realize that your lack of work experience means that you may not get work immediately. Don’t be discouraged if you get turned down, keep going and you will eventually get your feet through the door.
These are just some of the tips that will help you find a job even if you have no work experience, with more on this topic to be found over at the excellent runrex.com and guttulus.com.