No Job Experience
How can I prove my qualifications and job performance without experience? We’ll help you sort things out!
Most hiring positions require previous work experience to predict if you will be an excellent asset to the company. The first thing you will be asked is likely a resume, but what can you, as a first-time job seeker, do to stand out when you have no significant experience?
Whether you are a first-time job seeker, a career switcher hoping to find a new field, or searching for a new job, it can be equally exciting and nerve-racking. With a new career in sight, you may wonder how to get it, and if you are, then this article is for you.
5 Things To Do When You Have No Job Experience
Lacking experience doesn’t mean you can’t work; you must think strategically. Your next job could be right around the corner; read on to find out how to land it!
Craft a Resume
Start by crafting a compelling resume, empathizing with your transferable and soft skills that will be of value to the organization you seek. Not all employers require the same skills, experience, or qualifications; they all have different needs. As a result, it is essential to build a resume that will be tailored to compel the specific job description.
When adding your life experiences, volunteer work, extracurriculars, and projects that have helped you develop skills and knowledge that can be transferable, deliver them as bullet points that were stated on the job description posted. This will improve your chances of getting an interview.
Bullet-point hack
If you have trouble writing the bullet points in your resume, we have a solution to help you! When you are looking for a new career path and writing about your previous work experience, you might think you did a lot of things but can’t find the correct delivery to present them as a professional.
Here are some examples:
For instance, if you work in a call center, state Customer Service as your previous work experience. Then, instead of “taking calls,” try saying “answering 50 (avg.) calls daily.” Also, instead of stating “I was patient,” try putting “providing prompt customer support with a professional, friendly, and patient attitude.”
“Remembered scripts,” or did you proactively memorize over 50 company products and services. “Told people what to do,” or better yet, trained 15 new hires on company-specific policies, procedures, and compliance guidelines. “Good at my job”, received a 5-star customer satisfaction rating through voice, chat, and email communications channels.
The way you will deliver your expertise and skills really makes a difference!
Highlight your work-life experience
When you lack prior work experience in a field, highlighting your relevant transferable skills is a great way to demonstrate your value to an employer. You may have experience from volunteering, school activities, or pertinent hobbies that can show your future employer achievements, capabilities, and commitment; as long as it is related to the job, it is acceptable to add them!
In addition, mention any awards or honors you have received during your life to mark you as a good performer. You can consider interning or volunteering at an organization that can help you build experience, allowing you to familiarize yourself with the field and day-to-day tasks.
Whether you realize it or not, you are likely to possess already some of the skills you need to do your next job, even if you haven’t worked in the field before.
Build in-demand skills
Work experience isn’t the only thing that prepares us for a job; previous educations do too. Consider developing new studies or empathizing with the ones you have. For example, if you are seeking an entry-level position for an office job, add to your resume your courses oriented to writing, administration, or computer skills. If you desire to improve some of your skills, you can always find online courses on a subject you might know will be required.
As a job-seeker, you won’t apply for an office position without first taking classes online or researching to better understand the job. This will show your future employer that you are willing to learn and committed to the field when you have no job experience. Once you have a work-related certification or footprint, you can include a short description in your resume.
Entry-level positions
Aiming for entry-level positions is the first pointer to getting your career on the path. They are usually meant to help employees develop experience and skills. These jobs don’t expect applicants to have significant field knowledge or years of professional experience. As a result, focusing your job search on entry-level positions will improve your chances of getting a job and working towards something more extensive, providing you the opportunity to grow and continuously learn.
Setting and understanding a goal when applying to an entry-level job is essential. It could be growth potential, skills development, or networking. Establish a high priority within yourself, whether staying and growing or using the job as a platform.
The best entry-level job position will be the one that helps you achieve the priorities you’ve outlined. That being said, stay at least one year in an entry-level job when looking for growth potential. That time frame will allow you to learn and show commitment. When your priority is skill development, find a role that will involve working with something new, helping you augment the skills you’ll need to keep advancing your career. Or networking, who you meet, and how you present yourself can be a valuable asset as you seek advancement, take advantage, and foster healthy relationships.
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Conclusion
Having no job experience doesn’t mean you are unqualified. Keep in mind to continually promote your skills and achievements; employers will be sure to see you as a perfect fit for their company, even with no work experience.
Every job search is different; it might take a couple of weeks or even months to land an interview for the perfect position. There are many factors to take acknowledgment from, so don’t get discouraged if you don’t get it the first time. You can and will get a job. Empower yourself by being proactive and always cheerful!
In Support Services Group, we offer tons of job opportunities by marking the benefits of working for one of the best companies. And, promoting a happy workplace that ensures the continuous growth and progress of everyone.
Visit our Careers page and be part of SSG!