Whether you are a student that never worked or an adult who needs to enter the job market for the first time, finding employment without work experience can be tricky. There is hope though. Here are a few things you can do.
Take inventory of your non-paid experiences. Have you ever been a coach, a volunteer at church or elsewhere, an officer of a school club, or a babysitter for friends? Do you run any social media groups, YouTube channels, or blogs? Have you taken any online or offline courses? Have you accomplished team projects in high school or college? Have you interned anywhere? Do you play on sports teams? Have you ever done any fundraising? Do you help anyone with their finances? Have you ever helped anyone move their furniture? Have you ever planned a trip? Any of these types of activities demonstrate your work ethic, your potential and your leadership skills. If you have not done any of these things, now might be the time to start.
If you have a little time, try to get a certificate or credential in your field. You will have updated skills and a credential can be impressive. You should also be proficient with the computer software applicable to your industry. If you are not, take a community college course.
After you know what you have to offer, start promoting yourself. Tell everyone you talk to that you are searching for a job. Ask people if their place of work is hiring and if they would recommend you. Being referred is a really effective way to get an interview. If you have a particular company in mind, consider starting in a lower position such as in customer service just so that you can get into the door. You can use that job to be promoted from within the company, or use the job as a springboard to another company and a better position.
Find ways to separate yourself from competing applicants. One great way to stand out is to be very enthusiastic and passionate about the position for which you are applying. Research the company, the industry, and the job description. Follow staff on social media. See what is important to the company. Share your insights and positive energy at the interview. Explain why you want to work there. Mention the company’s exceptional products or customer service.
Hiring managers are on your side. They want to hire you. Do not give them any reason not to. Obviously, be drug free. Have a clean background and make sure your social media accounts look good. Make the interview understand that you are eager to learn and eager to work hard. Since you do not have work experience, you have to sell your potential. You may be hungrier for opportunity than many people who have more experience and this will show.
Try not to be very discouraged even if you have a generic degree or if you have never worked for a big company. You might be tempted to skip job ads because they seem to have too many demands. You can employ some of the tactics above and have a great chance for success.
If you have a little time, try to get a certificate or credential in your field. You will have updated skills and a credential can be impressive. You should also be proficient with the computer software applicable to your industry. If you are not, take a community college course.
After you know what you have to offer, start promoting yourself. Tell everyone you talk to that you are searching for a job. Ask people if their place of work is hiring and if they would recommend you. Being referred is a really effective way to get an interview. If you have a particular company in mind, consider starting in a lower position such as in customer service just so that you can get into the door. You can use that job to be promoted from within the company, or use the job as a springboard to another company and a better position.
Find ways to separate yourself from competing applicants. One great way to stand out is to be very enthusiastic and passionate about the position for which you are applying. Research the company, the industry, and the job description. Follow staff on social media. See what is important to the company. Share your insights and positive energy at the interview. Explain why you want to work there. Mention the company’s exceptional products or customer service.
Hiring managers are on your side. They want to hire you. Do not give them any reason not to. Obviously, be drug free. Have a clean background and make sure your social media accounts look good. Make the interview understand that you are eager to learn and eager to work hard. Since you do not have work experience, you have to sell your potential. You may be hungrier for opportunity than many people who have more experience and this will show.
Try not to be very discouraged even if you have a generic degree or if you have never worked for a big company. You might be tempted to skip job ads because they seem to have too many demands. You can employ some of the tactics above and have a great chance for success.
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