Whether you’re looking for your first job or want to change career paths, you might be wondering if a lack of experience will hinder your hunt for a new role. It’s true that many job descriptions state that industry experience is a requirement. For many employers, training can be too expensive and time consuming to consider hiring someone without enough experience to hit the ground running.
However, there are ways to improve your chances of a job offer, even if you don’t have the experience needed. Let’s discover a few techniques you can use to paint yourself in the best possible light to a potential employer.
Review Your CV
Your CV is the first impression that an employer gets of you. So it makes sense to ensure it stands out. Take some time to think about all the experience you have. You may have forgotten about an achievement or minor job role that gave you additional skill that would be useful in your desired role. You may not be able to say that you’ve got 2 years of industry experience, but if you can prove that you’ve worked in a similar environment and have some transferable skills, this puts you in a much better position.
Apply For The Right Roles
It’s good to aim high, but a lack of experience can make it very difficult to secure senior positions. Try to aim for entry-level positions that offer you a foot in the door. Not only are you more likely to be accepted, you’ll also be more likely to receive the training and support you need to succeed in a new role.
If you’re not sure what an entry-level position would look like in your desired industry, it’s time to do some research. Check the job boards and learn more about the industry. Find out about courses, apprenticeships and traineeships and see if there are any available in your local area. This will make it easier for you to find roles that suit your interests and skill level.
Seek Out Experience Opportunities
Opportunities are all around you. Your local colleges may offer courses that will help you to build your skills. There could be a chance to volunteer or take on an internship. If none of these are available to you, you can still make use of the internet. You can take an online course or dedicate some time to learning more about the industry you want to work in. You might choose to read, watch videos or listen to audiobooks to advance your knowledge.
Build Your Network
Building a network sounds like hard work, but nowadays it’s easier than you think. You can make industry connection on LinkedIn, attend networking events and reach out to companies directly to build your network. Even if the connections you make aren’t able to offer you a job, establishing a connection with them could make you look more appealing to another potential employer.
Namedropping might feel like a cringey tactic, but it often does impress employers. This is because it shows you have a genuine interest in the industry and have made the effort to make some relevant connections. If you’ve established a good enough relationship with an industry connection, they may even offer to write you a letter of recommendation to support your CV.
Improve Your Chance Of Securing A Job With No Experience
If you know which industry you want to work in, why not get in touch with Search4Local Jobs? We can help you to find the perfect role, no matter how much industry experience you have. Our team work with trusted employers who are seeking talented new employees. Contact us to discuss your career goals today.