It's a real catch-22; you need the experience to get a job, but you can't find a job to earn some experience. Forget climbing the ladder; at this point, you'd just like to get your foot on the bottom rung. It's a frustrating situation. What should you do? We have some suggestions.
Here’s How to Get a Job
It’s okay to address the issue of your inexperience right up front in the cover letter.
Don’t try to fudge over your experience. Share your situation and let the employer know that you’re eager to have a chance to succeed in your first position.
Then concentrate on what you do have that would benefit the employer.
Your attitude and personality should shine through in your cover letter. Try to think about what the employer is looking for and how you can help them achieve their goals. Do some research on the company and the job itself and find a way to tie your experience into the skills needed for that particular job. If you’re just getting out of school, were there some kinds of experiences during your coursework that seem to fit what the employer is looking for.
Don’t assume you don’t have enough experience.
Think about your past experiences. Did you have a job in the past with crossover skills? What did those jobs teach you that you can bring to the job you’re applying to? For example, have you organized meetings or answered the phones? Those are administrative skills. If you’ve ever created a flyer or run an event, that’s marketing experience. The point is you should think outside the box.
If you're trying to get more experience, consider volunteering.
You can gain some tremendous experience by volunteering for a civic or cultural organization. These experiences, along with your education, can all add to your resume in a way that may help you land a job.
You might not need it.
The reality is that the hiring manager advertising for an entry-level position already knows that the people applying don’t have experience. But how you present yourself will set you apart from all the other candidates, many of them with a little experience as you have.
Reach out.
You can also be proactive in your approach and email companies where you’re interested in working. It’s a good idea to get into the database of these companies even before they start hiring. You may be able to get in on an entry-level role or even a temporary position, prove your worth, and then go full-time.
Nerworking is also important. Who you know is critically important to finding a job. If you’re looking for experience, the best place to start is by reaching out to people that you know.
Update your resume.
On top of this advice, it’s a good idea to tailor your resume and application for the job you’re applying for. Don’t blanket your application process with generic applications or skip the personalized cover letter. Take a little extra time for every entry-level job you’re applying for and tailor your cover letter and even your resume to fit the advertisement. Consider what seems to be the most important part of the job and highlight your experiences to fit.
Send your resume today to People Plus. We can help you find an entry-level position that will help you get the job you need. We work with all kinds of candidates and have a variety of positions available.