Many employers are so daring to advertise for entry-level jobs yet demand for decades of experience. The question is, how do you get that job when the only experience you have is a degree?
When you’re fresh out of college, embarking on a job search may feel intimidating. However, remember that everyone begins somewhere. With some hard work and a great CV template, it can happen.
Embrace Your Reality
Most employers are not expecting lots of experience from fresh graduates. So you should first accept the reality that you’re not experienced and use that as your motivation to learn.
Mostly, employers are looking for dedicated people with curiosity and commitment to learning. So long as you’re hard working and smart, then you can easily land a job without experience.
Get Support
You could be discouraged in your job hunt owing to the fact that you’re not experienced. The truth is that you’re not alone. There are lots of discouraged job seekers like you, who often turn to online social forums like Reddit to share their experiences.
Seek help for resume writing as well, or make use of easy to use resume templates. For example, a customized air CV template is an elegant timeline-like structure which gives your resume a modern flair.
As you connect with the like-minded people, you will get comfort in numbers, but more importantly, people are able to share their own experiences and even offer proven solutions.
Identify Your Skills
Do you have research skills, problem-solving skills, computer skills etc.? Make a list of all your skills that make you desirable in the workforce. Remember to showcase qualities like friendliness, professionalism, responsiveness, and follow-through. Highlight your soft skills which can go a long way into helping you land a job.
Balance Confidence With Beginner’s Mind
While searching for a job as a beginner, confidence cannot be undermined. It is an asset in any given position, but while it’s important, it has to be mixed with humility and modesty. Here, you are supposed to show that you’re willing and able to take up the task, yet express your willingness to learn as you deliver your best.
Start Volunteering
Have you looked for a job for a long time without success? It’s recommendable that if you can’t find paid opportunities, than turn to volunteering and work for free.
No company would refuse a volunteer as it costs them nothing to have one. Volunteer in relevant services as much as possible, and get to test your abilities as a young professional. Other than gaining valuable experience, volunteering helps you establish and expand your networks which help you get a foot on the door.
Keep Learning
Learning never stops and the much you learn, the better you become in your area of specialization. If you have acquired a law degree, for instance, you may discover a particular line of interest in legal matters, so this is time to go for that knowledge.
You can also find ways outside formal education to keep current and up-to-date with skills that increase your knowledge base. Enroll in professional seminars or special training courses or just read lots of materials in your field to become a better professional. This knowledge helps you step to the forefront.
Be Realistic
If you want to make the most out of your job search as an inexperienced fellow, make sure you apply for positions which you’re sure you can deliver when given the chance.
Any employer wants a person who is capable of handling the duties. So, with the highly skilled job market, you should target jobs which you can excel in, based on your strengths and skills you already have.
Don’t Feel Defeated
Many people are lured into thinking of defeat based on their minimal levels of experience. For a fact, employers can discourage through their demands for an experience.
While it’s still necessary, the experience is not everything as it pertains to scaling up in your career. When you allow yourself to be defeated, you will find the experience to be despairing. But rather, have the right mindset that the whole process is a career journey which is an adventure, a learning process and an opportunity to explore.
Network in Your Industry
Most certainly, your professional field has professional associations and unions right? You need to attach yourself with them.
Keep an open ear to networking events and forums. Go and meet new people and build relationships. You may not get a job right away but learning from people who share your professional interests is a milestone.