How to Get Experience When You Have No Experience (Infographic)

Take a look at this infographic for valuable tips and tricks on how to get your career off the ground.

According to figures from The Balance, the average first-time job-hunter spends between three to six months looking for their first position. In today’s highly competitive job market, experience-light candidates are at a disadvantage. It’s a classic catch-22: you need experience to get experience but to get experience you need experience. Luckily, there are many ways you can build up experience and impress employers.

How to Write a Great Resume with No Work Experience

One of the best ways you can boost your chances of securing an interview is by carefully proofreading the grammar, spelling, and formatting of your resume. In fact, an estimated 77% of hiring managers immediately disqualify resumes because of grammatical mistakes or typos

You should also make an effort to tailor your CV and cover letter to every position that you apply for. You can do this by mirroring the language used in the job posting. You should also be sure to include any and all skills, experiences, qualifications, and projects that are related to the job. 

Candidates who lack professional experience should also include any relevant personal projects or personal projects. Even if these were not paid positions, they will still demonstrate your skills and achievements to potential employers. 

How to Interview When You Lack Experience

So how can you overcome the “experience” issue in an interview setting? The most important thing is to be confident in your own abilities. Remember that the hiring manager wouldn’t have invited you to an interview if they weren’t convinced by your resume. When the interviewer asks you about your experiences (or lack thereof), take a positive stance and mention your skills, qualities, and achievements that are relevant to the role. At the same time, it’s important to be honest as you don’t want to be caught in a lie by the interviewer.

Find Out How to Gain Work Experience in 2020

If you are currently looking for a job or will be in the near future, and need some help overcoming the “experience” issue, then you should check out the infographic below which comes from the team at Trainwest. This helpful guide covers a range of topics including:

• 5 ways to build professional experience
• Where to find entry-level jobs
• Job application and CV tips
• Advice on how to stay motivated during the job-hunting process