How do I get a job with no experience? I used to hear this question get asked a lot while I was working as a career counselor with college students. It’s a bit of a catch 22. You supposedly need experience to land a job. But if you don’t have any experience, how are you supposed to get your first job?!
Let’s start by combatting the myth that you need to have work experience in order to land your first job. That’s not true. There is a lot that you can market on your entry-level resume besides traditional paid work experience.
Read on to learn about the many steps you can take to get a job with no experience:
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Leverage your education
If you have completed any formal education, use it to your advantage! High school, community college, four-year college, and trade schools are just a few of the types of education you can include on your high school or college resume. Highlight relevant coursework, projects, and skills that are applicable to the job you’re applying for.
Print out the job posting of your targeted position. Emphasize how your educational background will allow you to be a rock star and add value to the job. As an example, check out our resume example for students with no experience below:
Participate in internships and volunteer work
Include internships, part-time work, and even volunteer work on your resume if you have it. Even if you weren’t paid or the job wasn’t a formal job (for example babysitting or pet sitting), it still counts as work experience, and you can include it in your work history on your resume.
If you have never worked before in any type of job, consider applying for internships or volunteer jobs related to the field you are interested in. These can provide valuable experience and help you build a network of professional contacts. They also demonstrate your commitment and interest in the industry. Often times a volunteer job can turn into a paid job!
Network
Another way to get a job with no experience is to reach out to family and friends to let them know you’re looking for a job. You want to shout from the rooftop that you’re looking for a job (well, maybe don’t actually shout from your roof. Your neighbors might call the cops). But seriously, you never know, your uncle Larry might know someone who knows someone who works at your favorite company.
If you’re feeling shy or nervous about posting online and reaching out to people, that’s okay. It’s common to be nervous, especially if you haven’t done this before. I recommend starting by reaching out to family and close friends first. This is a great way to practice networking. Once you get warmed up, you can send messages out to professionals and people you might not know on networking sites like LinkedIn.
If there are any events going on near where you live, I strongly recommend going! Things like job fairs, employer information sessions (these are common on college campuses), and basically any kind of event where there will be employers, is the kind of event you want to attend. Make sure to dress on the more professional side (I don’t recommend wearing jeans unless the company is super casual – do your homework to find out!) and always bring lots of copies of your resume.
Target your resume
While we’re on the subject of resumes, make sure to target your resume to every single job. I can’t stress this enough. The majority of job applicants don’t do this, so if you take the time to include skills and qualifications that are listed in each job posting throughout your resume, you will set yourself apart immediately.
Learn new skills
Another great way to get a job with no experience is to continuously work on improving your skills through online courses, workshops, and self-learning. This will not only enhance your resume but also show potential employers your dedication to personal and professional growth!
According to a recent article by Forbes, some of the top technical skills sought by employers in 2024 include coding, data analytics & statistics, content marketing, social media & digital marketing, and web development. Soft skills on the list include communication (oral and written), teamwork, problem solving, leadership, time management, adaptability, creativity, and more!
These in-demand skills are important to keep in mind when choosing a major or career path. You want to try to align your skills and training with the skills employers are seeking. There are so many ways to gain new skills. There are free video tutorials on every topic you can imagine on YouTube. For more formal training, you can take classes or get certifications at a local community college. Most colleges and universities have online classes and programs as well.
Create a professional online presence
Build a professional profile on platforms like LinkedIn. Use it to showcase your skills, education, projects, and any internship experiences. Connect with companies and join groups related to your career interests. Create a blog or website to showcase skills like writing, blogging, vlogging, art, design, and so much more.
Don’t give up
Stay positive. Job hunting can take a long time, especially if you want to get a job with no experience. Keep applying, and don’t get discouraged by rejections. Don’t just use one method of job hunting. Applying for jobs online is a great way to broaden your search. However, you should also use networking and informational interviewing to get your resume passed directly to a hiring manager.
In conclusion
Based on the information covered in this blog post, you can see that it’s entirely possible to get a job with no experience! Remember, it takes time. Give yourself small goals to reach each day. Reward yourself. Just by reading this article, you’ve completed the first step toward landing your very first job. Congrats!
Frequently Asked Questions
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How can I get a job with no experience and no degree?
Start by focusing on entry-level positions that are open to candidates without specific experience requirements. Highlight transferable skills, such as communication, problem-solving, and teamwork, that you’ve gained through volunteer work, internships, or extracurricular activities. Consider networking and reaching out to connections who might be able to help you find opportunities or provide recommendations. Additionally, emphasize your willingness to learn and grow in the role during interviews and showcase your enthusiasm for the industry or company.
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What are some jobs that require no experience but pay well?
Jobs like babysitting, pet sitting, and dog walking do not require any prior experience. If you work for yourself, you can set your own hours and pay rate!
Food servers make great money too given that tips are included on top of your base salary. If you are strong in school subjects like English or math, you can offer tutoring services and charge anywhere from $20 to $50 per hour, depending on your skill level and qualifications.
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How can I stand out in job applications without any prior work experience?
Even without prior work experience, you can still make a strong impression in your job applications. Craft a compelling and tailored resume that highlights your relevant skills, volunteer work, and educational achievements. Write a persuasive cover letter that explains your motivation, passion, and eagerness to learn. Consider creating a portfolio or personal website to showcase projects, coursework, or any independent initiatives you have undertaken.
