You could be fresh out of school or university, or you’ve been in the employment game for some time but desire to do something totally different. If you don’t have any previous experience working in a certain industry or particular job role, then how do you go about getting that job? Is it even possible to land a job with no previous experience?
While it can certainly be more of a challenge, it’s not impossible. Of course, this all depends on what type of job you’re focusing on. For example, there’s no way you’re going to get a job as a medical director at the local hospital if you’ve never worked as a doctor before.
Some professions are obviously off the table for the inexperienced but there are still thousands of different jobs you could potentially apply for with no experience. Let’s look at some tips on how to get a job with no experience.
Focus On What You Do Have To Offer
While it’s important to employers that you have experience, it’s not the be-all and end-all of what a potential employer may be looking for in a potential employee. You need to put your best foot forward, explaining that you have no prior experience, but then highlighting what you can bring to the role and the company you wish to work for.
Be sure to make a note of your positive attributes, experience in other work environments, your attitude and work ethic, the fact that you’re always punctual and reliable, your thirst to learn and improve.
These are all attributes that are desirable to employers and bosses.
Do Some Work Experience To Gain Experience
This is one of the easiest ways to get experience for the job you want. Okay, so work experience generally doesn’t pay you a wage but it can offer you something just as valuable, and that’s industry knowledge. Even working in a similar job role for just a few weeks can gain you enough experience to impress an employer.
Another thing to consider is this: The company you are doing work experience with might decide to hire you once they discover what a good worker and quick learner you truly are. Work experience can definitely get you one foot in the door to landing the job you want.
Networking Can Be a Powerful Tool
We’ve all heard the cliche “It’s not what you know but who you know”. This is very true when it comes to networking.
These days, not only do we have our own circle of friends and family members, but we also have large networks built up online on platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, and others. These online contacts are the perfect way to spread the message that you’re looking for a particular type of job or a career change.
Once again, you should let it be known that you don’t have experience, but also highlight the positive things you do have to offer an employer. The great thing about the online environment is that the word can spread extremely rapidly. Your networks also have their own networks, so the message that you’re looking for work can spread far and wide.
The internet is a powerful tool, so take full advantage of it in your job search efforts.
Seek Out Jobs That Aren’t Advertised
This means, rather than only applying for positions that are currently available and advertised, you reach out to potential employers, asking if they have any positions available.
Why is this to your advantage?
To begin with, when you apply for an advertised position, you’re basically just a resume and you’re experience and skills will be assessed against all the other applicants. If the employer wants someone with experience, chances are you’ll be overlooked in favor of someone else with experience.
On the other hand, if you write up a brief cover letter expressing your interest in working for a certain company, you can state you have no prior experience, but that you’re keen to learn and you can also list all the other positives you have to offer. You won’t be getting assessed next to any other applicants.
The Takeaway
Depending on the type of job you want to apply for, you definitely can land a job with no previous experience. It just may take a little extra work.
