How to Get a Job With No Experience

PDF download Download Article
PDF download Download Article

Recent graduates often struggle to get a job because many positions, even entry-level jobs, require one to two years of work experience. What most people don't realize is that in many instances they already have the necessary experience and skills. This can come through part-time work, internships, or even volunteer experience. In order to get a job with no experience, you need to leverage the personal and professional experiences you have, highlight your skills and accomplishments, and hone your job hunting skills.

Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Developing Work Experience

PDF download Download Article
  1. If you are struggling to get a job in your desired field because you don't have enough work experience, you should volunteer in your field. This will help you get some real-life work experience and you will begin to develop some of the skills that will be important to future employers. [1]
    • For instance, if you would like to be a social worker, you could volunteer at a homeless shelter or become a Big Brother or Big Sister.
  2. Unpaid or even paid internships are an excellent way for entry-level job seekers to gain concrete experience working in the field. Search through online job boards and company websites for internship opportunities.
    • For example, some companies will hire a summer intern to take on general office duties such as filing, data entry, and answering phones. This can give you experience working in an office and will allow you to meet people in your field.
    Advertisement
  3. If you are trying to break into fields like writing, film editing, or interior design, create sample products to show to potential employers. For example, if you want to be a writer, you could start a blog. This will demonstrate that you have experience creating written material on a regular basis. [2]
    • You could also offer to do pro bono work for a prominent blog or website and ask for a referral in exchange.
    • This will also help you build your personal portfolio.
  4. Even if you can't land a job in your desired field, take on a part-time job. Employers will often put some weight onto any form of work experience, even your first part-time job. This early work experience could be leveraged to demonstrate that you have developed communication, customer service, and problem solving skills.
    • For example, apply to part-time jobs in retail, fast food, or even serving and bartending. This experience can be invaluable.
    • Working a part-time job is a great way to get references, which a lot of employers look for when they're considering hiring someone.
    5. Advertisement
Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Highlighting Your Skills and Accomplishments

PDF download Download Article
  1. The reason that employers place so much emphasis on work experience is because they want to ensure that you have developed the skills necessary to complete the job. As a result, it is very important that you clearly list and highlight all relevant skills. Some skills to consider include: [3]
    • Computer skills: This can include working with Windows and Mac operating systems, typing over 60 words per minute, proficiency with PowerPoint or other Microsoft Office programs, web programming, blogging, content management systems, databases, graphic design and more.
    • Communication skills: Includes anything from public speaking, writing, training, and listening to facilitating teamwork.
    • Problem-solving and research skills: Students and bloggers have finely honed research skills that can be an asset to a company. People with organizational or office management skills can also boast exceptional problem solving skills.
    • Managerial or leadership skills: If you have ever led a project at your job, through a charity, or amongst friends, then you have experience developing leadership skills.
  2. Although it is essential to know and understand all of the skills that you have developed over the years, it is even more important that you can relate those skills to past work or volunteer experience. This will demonstrate to a potential employer that you have actually put your skills into practice. [4]
    • It is one thing to say “I have excellent written communication skills,” but is even more impressive to say “I have 2,500 followers on my blog, which focuses on creative writing.”
    EXPERT TIP

    Meredith Walters, MBA

    Certified Career Coach
    Meredith Walters is a Certified Career Coach based in Decatur, Georgia. Meredith's coaching program helps people develop the skills they need to find meaningful, fulfilling work. Meredith has over 12 years of career and life coaching experience, including conducting training at Emory University's Goizueta School of Business and the US Peace Corps. She is a former Member of the Board of Directors of ICF-Georgia. She earned her coaching credentials from New Ventures West. She received a BA in English Literature from the University of California at Berkeley and a Master of Business Administration from the University of San Francisco.
    Meredith Walters, MBA
    Certified Career Coach

    Emphasize your strengths if you don't have experience. If you don't have the experience and skills required for a job, use concrete examples that point to your relevant strengths, instead. Those examples don't have to be work-related—you can use illustrations from any area of your life that demonstrate why you're right for the job.

  3. You have likely developed numerous skills through extra-curricular activities and the connection between these activities and your dream job, may not be obvious. For example, perhaps your hobby is soccer. This does not immediately transfer to a position in IT, but if you coached a soccer team or organized a league, you can demonstrate that you have concrete leadership abilities. [5]
  4. Awards and recognition can help to give weight to some of the standard statements that are common on a resume. For example, you may state that you are a hard worker. You can back this up by demonstrating that you won an employee of the month award in your previous part-time work. Include on your resume any awards or recognition, from employee of the month, to a top retail associate, to a dean's list commendation. Awards and honours should be listed on your resume to show your dedication and exceptional work ethic. [6]
    • You should also include any awards or recognition you gained through volunteer work.
    5. Advertisement
Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Honing Your Job Hunting Skills

PDF download Download Article
  1. Create an effective resume . In order to help with your job search, you want to have a resume that clearly highlights your skills and relates them to your current job. You can actually organize the experience section of your resume into different skills. For example, you could list communication skills and then provide examples or when and how you have developed those skills through different work, intern, and volunteer positions.
    • Always tweak your resume and cover letter to fit the job you are applying for. This will demonstrate to a potential employer that you have taken the time to research and consider the posting.
    • If you're not the strongest writer or you're worried about formatting your resume correctly, ask a friend to help! You can also find resume templates online that will make the process easier for you.
    • Remember to make it scannable in a short amount of time. List things that immediately cause people to think, “This person can probably create value.”
  2. Use social media sites, such as LinkedIn to reach out to and meet with people in the industry. You can also network at local community events or job fairs. This network may be able to recommend jobs, help you develop skills, and answer any questions you may have about the industry. [7]
  3. Use job sites like Monster.com, CareerBuilder.com, Indeed.com, and SimplyHired.com to begin looking for entry-level job titles. These sites will allow you to search for specific jobs or more generally at career fields, such as teaching or advertising.
    • Define your search by choosing 0 to 2 years of experience. This will remove jobs that require more experience.
  4. Most job search engines will allow you to apply for jobs directly through their site. You should apply to as many jobs as possible, even if you do not have all of the required experience that was listed on the job post. For example, the post may say two to three years of experience is preferred. This likely means that they will consider candidates that do not have exactly two years of experience.
  5. In order to be successful in an interview, you should thoroughly research the company. This way you will appear knowledgeable about both the job and company goals and objectives. You should also practice some interview questions with a friend or family member. This will give you an opportunity to speak out loud and determine exactly how you will answer potential questions. [8]
    • This type of preparation will allow you to appear confident and relaxed in an interview setting.
    • Show that you're confident in the experience you do have but also eager to learn more. Employers want to hire people that are driven to succeed.
    6. Advertisement

How Can You Get A Job With No Experience?


Community Q&A

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    I have a post graduate degree in English literature, can I apply for the job of voice and accent trainer?
    Community Answer
    While your education may not be relevant (the most relevant formal education for a voice and accent trainer most likely being some form of linguistics), you can apply for any job you want! You're most likely to be interviewed for the job if you can show some form of qualification, like having taken related classes.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 1 Helpful 11
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Tips

      • Apply to multiple jobs, even if you don't fit all of the requirements. Your combined work, education, and skill set may make you an ideal candidate.
        Thanks
        Helpful 3 Not Helpful 1
      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
      Advertisement

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Get a Job
      How to
      Manifest a Job
      How to
      Apply for a Job
      How to
      Ask About a Job Vacancy over the Phone
      How to
      Ask if a Job Is Still Open
      How to
      Work in the USA
      How to
      Get a Job Fast
      How to
      Get a Part Time Job
      How to
      Find Your Dream Career
      How to
      Work at an NGO
      How to
      Get a Job Without a Car
      How to
      Get Your First Job (for Teens)
      How to
      Apply for the Police Clearance Certificate in India
      How to
      Get a Job when You're Only 16
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://www.selloutyoursoul.com/2015/09/23/how-do-i-get-a-job-without-experience/
      2. ↑ https://www.selloutyoursoul.com/2015/09/23/how-do-i-get-a-job-without-experience/
      3. ↑ https://www.fastcompany.com/3046146/how-can-i-get-a-good-job-with-no-experience
      4. ↑ https://www.selloutyoursoul.com/2015/09/23/how-do-i-get-a-job-without-experience/
      5. ↑ https://www.selloutyoursoul.com/2015/09/23/how-do-i-get-a-job-without-experience/
      6. ↑ https://www.selloutyoursoul.com/2015/09/23/how-do-i-get-a-job-without-experience/
      7. ↑ https://www.fastcompany.com/3046146/how-can-i-get-a-good-job-with-no-experience
      8. ↑ https://www.monster.com/career-advice/article/practice-makes-perfect-how-to-rehearse-for-your-next-job-interview-hot-jobs

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To get a job with no experience, try volunteering in a position that's related to your desired field of work so you can list it as experience on your resume. You can also apply to paid or unpaid internships, which are often entry-level, to gain experience. When you're preparing your resume to apply to jobs, emphasize your skills and any awards or honors you've received. Also, don't forget to submit a tailored cover letter that explains why you're a good fit even though you don't have experience. To learn how to hone your job hunting skills, scroll down!

      Did this summary help you?
      In other languages
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 403,215 times.

      Reader Success Stories

      • M. J.

        Aug 25, 2017

        "The article gave multiple ways to present your skills, promoting your ability. Excellent ideas!"
        Rated this article:
      Share your story

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement