Whether you just graduated or you’re looking for a career change, you’ll surely agree that one of the worst parts of a job hunt is coming across jobs that want a disproportionate amount of experience compared to the level of the role. So, how can you get a job when you have little to no relevant experience?
Focus on your transferable skills
First things first, think about all the skills and experience you do already have, even if it isn’t exactly what the job specification is asking for. Chances are, you’ve picked up a lot of transferable skills over the years. With a bit of creativity, you can show that your seemingly unrelated skills are actually perfect for the job in question. Think back to your education, your early jobs, your volunteering experience. You will be able to find things there that are applicable to other roles - working to deadlines, working in a team and communication skills are some obvious examples. But get creative!
Do free online courses
If you’ve noticed a specific skill that all the roles you are interested in are asking for, and it isn’t covered in your transferable experience, it may be worth teaching yourself said skill. This is where free online courses come in handy - there are loads of them out there and they’re often not too time-commitment-heavy. Check out our blog post here for our favourite free online course providers and find the right course for you. It may only be a very brief introduction to the skill in question, but it will show your enthusiasm and commitment.
Network
We’ve all heard the phrase, ‘it’s who you know, not what you know’. Don’t know anyone? Start networking! Join groups related to your industry/field on LinkedIn, Facebook, literally any social media platform. Start connecting with people, asking for advice or sharing posts that will be useful for others. Get your name out there, and before too long you will have some useful connections who may be able to point you in the direction of relevant job openings or put in a good word for you with their own connections. You can find some tips for virtual networking here.
Address your inexperience
For all your transferable skills and free online courses, the fact remains that you just may not have the kind of specific experience that the employer is looking for. As well as playing up all the experience you do have, don’t be afraid to address the fact that you haven’t done it all yet. Mention it head on, but make sure to follow it up by demonstrating your ability, enthusiasm and commitment to learn new things quickly. Free online courses are evidence that you are keen to keep learning new things and developing your skills, so even if you haven’t done any relating directly to the role, it’s still worth mentioning.
Take a chance
Don’t hold back from applying for roles that you think you are underqualified or not experienced enough for. Even if you don’t get the job, you never know what could happen. A friend of mine was looking for grad jobs without much luck. Out of frustration, she applied to a very senior role that she clearly wasn’t qualified for, saying as much in her cover letter but nonetheless asking for pointers in the right direction. The hiring manager called her back, thanking her for the laugh her application provided...and offering her a place on a work experience program normally not open to the general public. By taking a chance, she was able to start networking and get an opportunity to gain that much-needed experience.
Finally…don’t feel hopeless!
It is possible to find the right job for you even if your experience is lacking. Remember, everyone has to start somewhere. It’s about how you start, not where you start. And with the help of our tips, you’ll be able to start strong and get to where you want to be.