Going through a job requirement, an applicant may be deterred from proceeding further with the level of experience required. It is not unusual for organisations to seek employees with a minimum level of experience. They do this to save costs, boosts productivity and increase profit margin.
Organisations don’t want to go through risks employing inexperienced hands. They would not only have to train them but bear the costs of any error in daily operation. Most times, they prefer to go for experienced professionals, they make work easier. Based on this rationale, it may be daunting task for a fresher to get a job.
Truth be told, every professional was was a fresher. People need experience to get a job but they also need a job to get experience. Perhaps you are fresher or someone looking to switch jobs with little or no experience. Here is how:
1. Face the issue
When applying for jobs that you have no experience for, write a winning cover letter. Ensure you address concerns that the prospective employer would likely have and highlight the values you would be be bringing to the table.
2. Draw from your strength
As you don’t have experience, focus on what you do have and do very well. This is a good time to showcase your strengths in other areas. This should include your attitude to work, your personality, resilience, motivation, ideas and every other good qualities.
3. Think outside the box
Before you accept you don’t have experience, dig deeper into other jobs, both minor and major, you have handled and how you can apply to the new job position you are seeking. For example, if you had sold items in a store that is marketing experience. If you had answered people’s enquiries that is customer service experience. Remember that no experience is lost. Seek ways of how you can add it to new job positions.
4. Volunteer
It is not a bad idea to offer your services for free. You can do this through volunteerism and internship. This way you build experience and get better in your expertise.
5. Leverage on social media
You can get into a particular industry through your connections. On social media, join relevant industry groups and add your voice to discussions.
6. Network
People do business with those they trust. Build trust by networking. Get your contacts to recommend you. Employers are likely to overlook your experience gaps, if they got you by recommendation from trusted allies.
7. Be intentional
Don’t only apply for advertised jobs because they assess you against the set criteria. Also, apply to companies you researched and interests you. Ask them for job opportunities and if there is none, think of how you can improve your chances when given the opportunity.