We all want a job that pays the bills and provides us with extra spending money.
But how do you land your dream gig? We’ve all heard that experience in your field can lead to a good job. The problem is, these days, it seems like you need experience to get experience.
Are you a young professional who needs their first full-time job? Maybe you’re considering switching careers. Don’t fret! It’s alright if you have no experience in your field. You can take these steps to make yourself more appealing to potential employers.
Becoming Qualified
Why do you think companies list their qualifications, achievements, and licenses on their website? It shows customers that they are a reputable business to work with.
Qualifications prove you have some idea of what you’re doing. They can be anything from degrees and certificates to licenses. Make sure you get them from a reputable source. They should also be relevant to the field you are working in.
Let’s say, for instance, you are an aspiring contractor. You are completely new to the field and haven’t worked on a single property. There are simple ways you can make yourself more appealing to potential clients. For one, there are resources for getting a contractor’s license without any experience. By simply having the license, you show clients that you are knowledgeable in the industry.
Don’t Recycle the Same Resume
On your job search, you’ve likely sent in the same resume to countless companies. If you are not receiving responses, it might be because your resume reads as too general.
In general, you want your resume to be specific to the job you are applying to. This helps you show employers exactly how you would be a good fit for their company.
This principle is especially important when you are new to your field. You want to draw on everything you’ve done that could be considered experience. (Think internships, volunteer hours, courses, projects, etc.) Even if these things don’t seem relevant, you can focus on certain principles you’ve learned from them that are applicable to the job you are applying for.
Email Companies that Are Not Hiring
During your job search, take the time to email companies that are not hiring. This might seem counterproductive, but think about it:
- You won’t have to face as much competition.
- Even if the company isn’t hiring now, they might look in the future.
- They will remember you, appreciating that you took the initiative to reach out.
By reaching out, you could also create a position for yourself. The company might realize they need more staff or want to take on new talent.
Get Your Foot in the Door
It’s okay to take a position that’s not directly related to your desired field. Use the experience you already have to your advantage.
Say you are in finance but want to transition to event planning. An event-planning agency has an opening for an accountant.
You score the position because you have experience in finance. Even though event planning isn’t part of your job description, you’ll inevitably learn more about it. This could lead to you gaining a more relevant position down the line.
Don’t Give Up
Keep in mind that the top professionals in your field started where you are. When they began, they were just as inexperienced as you. Over time, you’ll learn more about your industry and become competitive. In the meantime, there are plenty of things you can do to make yourself more attractive to potential employers.
Getting a job with no experience is tough but not impossible. Get out there and gain as much knowledge as you can. With patience and determination, you are bound to land your dream gig.
