5 ways to get a job when you have no experience

Everyone has to start somewhere. If you’re looking to enter or even re-enter the workforce, you may feel that you’re at a disadvantage if you don’t have any experience. However, every single worker has at some point in their lives had to start somewhere, and often that place is at the bottom of the chain of command.

It’s a bit of a paradox – you need experience to get a job and you need a job to get experience. But there are many ways to prepare yourself to find the job of your dreams.

Have no experience tip #1: Skill yourself up!

LinkedIn influencer James Citrin talks about “giving yourself permission”. He says,” One of the most logical ways to gain permission is to obtain relevant credentials. This can be in the form of a specialised degree or targeted training.” It makes sense, even a short course can help you to get ahead. Could you do a 6 week course in marketing? Or UX? Or even in IT? Even learning skills in Microsoft Office might help set you ahead of the pack.

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If you have no experience tip #2: It’s OK to start at the bottom

Chad Dickerson, the CEO of popular website Etsy says that he began his career as one of the lowest paid workers at a US newspaper. Luckily for him, it turned out to be one of the first newspapers go on online, so he ended up gaining a great skill set as a web designer – something he would use in his later career.

If you have no experience tip #3: Make friends in high places

Even if you’re just starting out, use online tools to help introduce you to the right people. Read blogs about the industry you’re looking to enter, make comments and try to form connections with people. Use networking tools like LinkedIn to meet influencers and to learn about the companies that hire in your area.

If you have no experience tip #4: Research your targets

“Which companies are in your target industry? Who are the best employers?” asks Career One. “Top-notch employers tend to be really open to interns, so approaching companies known for leading the way in their industries and looking after staff is a great place to start.” Even if you don’t plan on interning, it’s still possible to do plenty of research on a series of companies that you might be able to approach for work.

If you have no experience tip #5: Write a great cover letter

There’s no need to follow a stuffy, old-fashioned format, particularly if you’re looking to get into a creative industry, or even a job role in retail or hospitality. Sometimes enthusiasm goes a long way to getting your foot in the door.

“It can’t just rehash the contents of your resume or consist of a few paragraphs of generic filler,” explains job expert Alison Green. “It needs to explain why you’d excel and why you’re truly excited about the opportunity.”

Now you’re ready to search!

Put simply, if you put the effort in, you will be successful. By meeting people online, reading about the industry, networking, getting the right qualifications and being enthusiastic you’ll be well on the way to reaching your career goals – whatever they are.

Tell me your tips! Have you managed to get a job with little or no experience? How did you do it?

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