With the common phrase ‘you need more experience’ being thrown around, it can feel almost impossible to get into the world of work these days. But don’t worry if you find yourself in this position, you’re not the only one!
Below are 6 tips on how you can get a job with no experience:
Talking about any experience or transferrable skills you have is a great way to show an employer that you can do the job you’re applying for. You don’t necessarily need to have experience in all aspects of a job description, making it important that you show off your skills!
Below are a few examples of transferable skills you can shout about:
Adaptability - this is a skill businesses are always looking for as it shows you can do multiple things at a time and manage workload.
Creative thinking - this shows you can help solve problems and provide innovative ideas.
People skills - people skills show that you can work as a team and build strong relationships.
Time management - time management is a skill you use in everyday life that’s easily transferable into your working life. Time management will help you stay organised and complete work on time.
A great way to improve your skills is to say yes to new things within your next role, so you can help your career path grow further.
When going for an interview, focussing on your positive attributes will show employers why you deserve the role.
Here are some things you can do to figure out your positive attributes:
Take note of things you enjoy! - Making notes on things you enjoy, such as hobbies, can help you identify transferable skills that may relate to the role you’re applying for. For example if you enjoy photography, you may have transferable skills such as creativity and attention to detail.
Think about any feedback you have been given in the past - It can be useful to think about any feedback people have given you before, whether it’s positive or negative. The positives will allow you to understand what transferable skills you have and the negatives will help you identify what you need to improve.
How can you showcase your positive attributes in an interview?
After you have identified your positive attributes, it’s helpful to practise how you can weave them into an interview.
Below are a few ways you can highlight your strengths in an interview:
Match 3-5 of your skills to requirements within the job role you’re applying for.
Back up your skills with personal stories. For example, start off with your strength and follow up with a story that highlights you implementing the skill.
Have confidence in yourself and the skills you’re telling prospective employers you have.
Visit Indeed to learn more about how you can showcase your positive attributes in job applications and interviews.
Your CV and cover letter are the first opportunity employers have to get to know you. Due to this it’s important to make your resume and cover letter stand out through highlighting your skills and accomplishments.
Read our blog to receive tips on how to achieve the best cover letter.
Networking is a great way to find a job. You can do this by talking to friends and family about whether they know anyone offering any roles; through attending in person networking events or by creating a LinkedIn profile.
Getting involved with networking will give you more opportunities to gain a role as people may be more likely to contact you about job opportunities they may have.
What are you passionate about? Animals? Mentoring young people? Supporting good causes? By volunteering your time, you could help some worthwhile causes in need while boosting your own set of skills ready for your future.
Volunteering is a great way to strengthen your CV, as it highlights skills such as empathy, determination and kindness, of which are all relevant transferable skills that can help you gain your first job.
This isn’t to say that volunteering is only relevant for those looking for their first job, as it helps to round off your CV showing a mixture of professional and volunteering skills, helping to keep the skills on your CV relevant and strong.
Being open to entry level roles can help you get your foot in the door when it comes to looking for a job. Taking an entry level job may pay less than you’re looking for or require less skills than you have to offer, however you shouldn’t let this put you off. Even if this means taking a step back from your current position, to path your way forward in a new industry and/or department.
Entry level jobs may allow you to focus more time on training and upskilling, helping you to accelerate your career, while giving you the opportunity to network with others, get a taste of the industry you want to work in and help you develop a career plan.
Identify your skills and strengths. Make a list of your skills and experience, even if they're not directly related to your desired job. This can help you find jobs that match your abilities and increase your chances of being hired.
Landing your first job with no experience is possible! Follow these tips to help you gain your first role!
How can Ingeus help you gain a job with no experience?
Here at Ingeus we help people improve their health, wellbeing, employment and skills by rethinking public services and building alliances with expert partners around the needs of citizens today.
Our services can help you develop new ways of dealing with or overcoming issues you’re facing that affect your employability.
Find out more about our employment services.