Find a job, you need experience but to get the experience, you need a job…the classic Paradox!
Sometimes, you just need to get your foot in the door so you can obtain your first job!
After all of your years of education, graduation day may feel like the first day of the rest of your life. You have plans of being hired for a great new job that pays a great salary and finally being able to afford a dinner date, a car or a pad of your own. When you submit your resume, however, it is met with either no response, or you being told that you lack basic experience!
It’s a question asked by more new graduates than any other: how do you land your first job, when each company requires that you have experience in your chosen field in order to be hired?
So, how do you get the necessary work experience to apply for jobs if you need experience in the first place? If you lack paid work experience, the best thing you can do is to try to build up other kinds of relevant experience. Taking the initiative to take the “experience issue” into your own hands is also a great way to demonstrate to employers your willingness to work and determination to succeed.
A classic catch-22 situation in which to find a job, you need experience but to get the experience, you need a job. It is not unusual for candidates who are new to the jobs market to take months searching for an entry-level position.
Here are ways to gain experience and get your foot in the door so you can obtain your first job.
Internships
While many students complete at least one internship as a part of their undergraduate degree requirements, more and more new graduates are applying for internships as well. Interning with a company in your career field is a great way to gain hands on experience doing the kind of work you would like to do. Often companies offer a salary or stipend for new graduates who intern with their company. An internship can sometimes lead to a job with that company, or at the very least give you experience and references to add to your resume.
Volunteering
There are many non-profit organizations that have volunteer positions where you can gain work experience. Whether you have a degree in Web Design, or Education, there are ways that organizations can put your skills to good use. Some companies look favourably on volunteer activities, so reach out to organizations that interest you. Volunteering is unpaid work. You can gain skills like writing, child care, teaching, coaching, fundraising, mentoring, sales, phone answering, organizing materials, construction, arts, and more. Call, email or stop in at a non-profit or school you’d like to volunteer for, and ask about opportunities. Many provide training.
Networking
Networking is a great way to make professional connections that could lead to a first job. Join student and professional organizations based on your career objectives. Most organizations sponsor networking events, conferences, and workshops. Each interaction you have with people in your career field could foster a new relationship, or contact that can get you an interview for a job you really want. Check out organizations based on your major for more information.
Freelancing
Sometimes you have to prove that you can do the work before you are hired. Freelancing is a great way to show what you can do. You may have to do your first freelance job for free or low pay, just to gain the experience and positive reference. After your first time, however, you now have more experience that you can add to your resume. Freelance jobs can be as short as a day or two, to several months. Sometimes a job that starts out as freelance can turn into a full-time position. Employers not only want to see what skills you have, but also how dependable you are as an employee. The next time you are told that you don’t have enough experience for the job you want, try using one or more of the techniques above to gain more experience and quality references to help get your foot in the door.
School and community activities
Participating in clubs, sports, theatre, music, dance, religious organizations, and other community activities can be fun and develop your skills. Include these on your resume. Find activities through school districts, community education, local arts groups, religious organizations, and the public library.
Job shadowing
Job shadowing gives you the experience of following a person in their job for a few hours, a day, or a few days. Ask someone you or your family knows if you can observe them. You can also request a contact through a professional association or school program.
In addition to building up experience, you should also invest some time and effort into creating an airtight application. Before even putting pen to paper, do your homework on the organization. You can then use this information to your benefit in your cover letter, resume and in the interview. Experts also recommend avoiding generic applications. Tailor every application to the employer – you can do this by understanding the job description and requirements used in the original job posting and by writing about why you specifically want to work for the company in your cover letter.
