Make Mine Magic: How to Get a Job With No Experience

Written by Jordan Cooper

Graphic Design by Mary Johnson

Have you suffered low self-esteem when you cannot get a role in your chosen profession? Baffled at employers who turn you down over “lack of experience” when their entry-level position calls for 3-5 years of experience? Well, you’re not alone, and what’s more, many people like you are asking the same question!

According to Career Group Companies, “[i]t takes the average college student about six months to find a job after graduation.” This means that landing your first job is a shared struggle and nothing to shame yourself over. It also makes it imperative that you start searching as early as possible, whether you’re in school or not.

We commit ourselves to give you The Gift of a Salary this holiday season (and free of charge!). So, buckle up as we show you five trade secrets on how to get a job with no prior experience!

Step 1: Build Yourself, Not Just Your Resume

“Candidates should offer a clear, concise description of their roles, responsibilities, achievements, and what they’re looking to do next,” says veteran recruiter Michael Tuller, as cited by Forbes.

It’s okay to lack a job still, but don’t sell yourself short! Compile the skills you have and put them on display. My career coaches stressed that even “student-level skills” would make good resume points. This includes things like properly scouring search engines for research. It’s a rather run-of-the-mill but a practical necessity to being a Communication major. Outside my immediate orbit, any good history major knows the value of proper sourcing. They also learn to declare their expertise openly, so employers know how honest they are. If you’re reading this article, you wouldn’t have made it this far without a desire to improve your lot in life.

Don’t forget to reach out to the free and low-cost resources that offer job-hunting services. These include LinkedIn’s video backlog or CareerOneStop’s Video Library. And of course, practice persistence perpetually. Wanting something very much does not guarantee anything. However, your opportunities can increase with patience, discipline, and a guided plan.

Step 2: Never Negate Networking

CNBC posits that 70-80% of available jobs are unseen online … but some of the people who can get you those jobs might be online.

Start with family and friends, then (ahem) diversify your portfolio. You may have your very own web of mutuality weaved to catch a job. For example, my boss claims her friend to be the best networker ever due to one 30-second pitch: “I eat food for a living.” It’s the ultimate conversation-starter to explain what she does: food critique/blogging, which either stemmed from or led to collaborations with Food Network stars like Bobby Flay. My boss’ friend can serve as a teacher to us all. If you want to make your name, stake your claim. You’ll never know who can help you if you don’t put yourself out there!

Step 3: Flexibility

The increase in remote work has become a sort of equalizer for the workforce. Everyone participating in remote work has more or less the same work environment. That means you need to find ways to stand out!

Go above and beyond the call of duty for remote workers (within reason, of course). Was the commute scaring you away from a position that entailed weekend office work? Well, if that company is still hiring and doing full-time remote-jobs, call them again! Is unemployment making you extra-interested in learning the ropes of the position? Then express to your interviewer(s) that you’re coachable and seeking a mentor. Good employers are willing to meet eager prospective employees halfway on many things.

Step 4: If the Search is Slow, Consider an Internship

The word “intern” has developed a bad reputation. It’s unfortunate because an internship’s barrier for entry is low, and they can bolster skillsets. They can also teach you job market skills such as proper interview/email etiquette. That was not a mandatory subject at my college, mind you. And this is to say nothing of the fact that internships are often at no actual monetary cost to you.

We know that the hunt for a job can be a slow process. As such, we strongly advise that you cover as many of your bases as possible. While looking for jobs, look into internships that fit your schedule and values. Glassdoor.com is an excellent place to start, as is LinkedIn, Indeed, your library’s job board, or your alma mater’s career center.

Step 5: Seek out a Mentor

I mentioned earlier that you could state your openness to mentorship during interviews. But why stop there?

Call your imaginary friend who returned from their Peace Corps tour for life advice. Or, seek out trusted professionals, be it family, friends, or school career center counselors. Many of the latter will offer alumni their services for free. This is an avenue that especially works for those who can’t find a full-time internship. For example, if your parents are comedy writers, ask who taught them how to succeed in their career paths. Who showed them the value of comedic timing and gave them their big break, the bread, and butter. Or, if they weren’t mentored formally, ask about any contemporaries they met on their way up the ladder. Seek out old teachers as well if your interests align. They want to see you succeed.

Conclusion

This Gift of a Salary isn’t just a one-time thing; it’s our ongoing message to help you get the job you deserve. Even if your resume looks a little sparse at the moment, that doesn’t mean your self-esteem has to be as well. Know your worth, find the people around you who can enhance your worth, and show the business world you have what it takes in this unusual frontier.

For more information on how to be the best business person you can be, check out our blog.

Have a Super Day!