Another Door Closed?

A recent college graduate reached out to the Wilbanks Consulting Group (WCG) because she was having a difficult time finding her first job. She was under the impression that with a degree from a well-respected university, she would instantly find the perfect job. She initially thought her resume was restricting her job opportunities so she reached out to WCG for resume assistance. After her time with a career consultant, she quickly learned additional job search skills to apply during her job hunt, including successful techniques specifically for people with little experience. Within weeks of finalizing her resume and learning new job search tools with the experts at WCG, she was able to find a job even though she had little experience. 

Do you have little to no job experience and are competing in the job market? Are you finding yourself in the endless cycle of applying for jobs only to receive the dreaded rejection letter? Or perhaps even worse, you have your eyes set on a job and never receive closure one way or another. Keep reading to discover proven tips you can apply to your job search strategy to find a job with little experience. 

Where, Oh Where, Do I Begin My Job Search?

It can be overwhelming to start a job search, and those normal feelings of angst are multiplied if you don’t have experience from which to draw. There are some simple things you can do to make sure you represent yourself as a standout candidate, even with limited experience. 

Networking is a critical component of any job search, and it is especially important when you are beginning your career or shifting industries/disciplines. According to Forbes, “many experts suggest at least 80% of all jobs are filled through a professional network connection.” People who already know you are typically more inclined to take a chance on you, based on their perception of your work ethic. So, as someone entering the job market with little to no experience, develop relationships with people in your ideal industry and/or profession. Seek out advice from people who have walked the path before, as they might have good advice or even a job opportunity for you to consider. 

The idea of networking can be daunting to some people; however, it can be as easy as connecting with past college professors and classmates. Ask them for connections and ideas on how to progress your job search. Join professional or industry associations for your discipline - many of them even have discounted rates for students and people with little experience. Connect with people on LinkedIn, taking the time to send a message asking for an informational interview or coffee. Finally, volunteer - you never know who will be standing next to you as you roll up your sleeves to help others. As you are networking and connecting, remember these three tips from The Muse:

• Embrace your inexperience, discussing how you wish to expound upon your current skills and continue to grow as you develop your career; this shows initiative, perseverance, and aspiration, which are skills that can’t necessarily be taught.

• Get personal and share experiences that reflect your personality. Did you study abroad or participate in a sport in college? Highlight these experiences and what you learned - you never know when you might form a connection to build upon.

• Find a link to connect you with the role. You can do this by sharing your passion and why you are interested in your profession or discipline, or you can share another personal story that ties into the mission and values of organizations that interest you.     

All of these ideas help someone create a lasting impression of you. They will remember you after the conversation, and perhaps even be on the lookout for opportunities that will help you begin your career.

Finally, if you are financially able to do so, consider taking an internship. Whether paid or unpaid, this will give you the opportunity to meet new people in your field, get work experience to add to your resume, and might even lead to a permanent paid position.

All of these ideas take time to develop and see the fruit of your labor. But be patient and persevere, recognizing that you are setting a strong foundation for the rest of your career. In time, you will be able to find a job with little experience.

Tactical Steps to Take

You may be asking yourself “what can I do now, in the short-term, to elevate my job search and find my first real job?” After all, networking and developing relationships take time, and you may not be able to quickly find an internship. Indeed gives practical advice that you can implement immediately to see if your job search gets more traction. 

• Consider transferable skills - what skills do you have from your schooling and previous jobs that will apply to your new career? Highlight those skills on your resume, and also write a cover letter that explains how your skills will meet the needs of your ideal position. When detailing your skillset don’t forget to highlight your interpersonal or soft skills. Many of the softer skills are highly sought in most jobs, so proudly show your ability to communicate, manage projects, manage your time, problem-solve, or collaborate in teams, remembering specific examples from school projects or other opportunities that allowed you to showcase these skills.

  
  

• After identifying your transferable skills, update your resume and cover letter, ensuring you tailor your resume with the right keywords for each specific opportunity. And while you are tailoring your resume, remember to include experiences from your past, even if they don’t relate to a specific job title. Remember group projects where you demonstrated leadership skills, and make sure to highlight your academic achievements as well.

  
  

• While you are job searching, it’s a good idea to consider taking any additional courses or certifications that will increase your qualifications for your desired position. Many courses do not require a significant time or monetary commitment; however, you will receive the benefit of learning new skills and having additional qualifications on your resume.

  
  

• Attain letters of recommendation from past professors and professionals that have seen you demonstrate leadership and skills, even if not in a professional setting. Perhaps you led an event in a volunteer setting, led an Eagle Scout project, or even showed the initiative to open your own company mowing lawns or babysitting. Ask people with whom you worked to write a positive letter of recommendation highlighting your skills and interpersonal behaviors.

  
  

• Finally, consider creating a portfolio which will showcase your work product and demonstrate your skills, as it will also show initiative and perhaps set you apart from the competition.

  
  

If you don’t know what types of entry-level jobs are available, BetterUp provides a list of jobs that require little to no experience. While this list isn’t exhaustive, and it might not be in your preferred field or discipline, it does provide a variety of roles that might appeal to you:

• Customer Service

• Sales Associate

• Virtual Assistant

• Copywriter

• Public Relations Assistant

• Social Media Manager 

• Retail

Consider taking one of these positions to gain additional skills and experience that you can add to your resume, showing initiative and continued learning for your next job. 

One of the most important things you can remember during your job search is that your first job doesn’t have to be your perfect job. It can simply be a stepping stone to achieve additional experience, skills, and interactions with others to continue growing your network. 

Find That Job!

Do you find yourself needing support as you start to embark on a job search? Whether you are looking for your first real job, or if you are a seasoned employee looking to advance your career, the Wilbanks Consulting Group can help. Similar to the recent college graduate that reached out to us, we can help you identify unique job search tools that will set you apart from the competition. 

Reach out today for a free 30-minute consultation!