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How to get a job if you don't already have experience

Written by Eight Recruitment | Dec 13, 2022 10:29:48 AM

“How am I supposed to get experience if no one will give me experience?”

A narrative we’ve all heard before. And probably experienced ourselves as well.

Feeling like a hamster on a spinning wheel, you’re likely feeling like you’re trying to go forward but really, you’re not making any tracks. 

It’s frustrating but lucky we’ve seen it time and time before and hopefully as recruiters we can shed some light for you.

As a candidate, you’ve got the power to not only be yourself but to also dig deep and discover the transferable skills could help you along the way. Being in the same boat once in the past, here are our top 3 tips:

  1. Highlight your genuine interest in the role or industry. This may be through demonstrating you current study path or intention to study in the relevant field. This shows the employer that you are dedicated to staying in the said industry and role for a long time.
  2. Show real drive and enthusiasm. Be responsive in your communication to the prospect employer and remember that showing initiative and motivation are your best friend. Keep them close and use them when you can. 
  3. Network. Even if you are looking for an entry level position, networking is the bread to your getting experience butter. Reach out to recruitment agencies, build a LinkedIn profile, and connect with or follow companies have your ideal role.

As a client, broadening your horizons to candidates that might not have the exact technical skills but will be the right culture fit may be the answer.

Although it may take longer to develop a candidate with little or no experience, finding that they'll gel with your company more may just be the short road, disguised. Given your company has the resources to develop the capability of new staff, curating an individual’s skill set to suit the operations of your company can be a lot more beneficial AND efficient in the long run. 

In these instances, a more suitable culture fit will triumph lack of technical skill (if you’re willing to make the investment), and you'll also feel good for giving someone a chance. We all started in the same position right?