It's a problem that's been around for ages, but it still plagues those looking for employment, whether they've just finished college or are working in one field but want to move into another: Employers like to work with candidates who have previous work experience; yet, how are you supposed to get a job if nobody is interested in hiring you since you don't have any?
Although gaining access to the organization's internal workings may be challenging, it is not impossible. In this article, industry professionals teach how to sell your abilities to prospective employers in the most favorable light possible.
Examine transferrable strengths
Even if an applicant has no prior experience in the role they are applying for, it does not always make them a bad candidate. Things that are learnt in one employment might often be useful in another one.
"I can think of more than one instance in which a candidate was able to sell himself for a specific role despite having little or no experience and who went on to be a fantastic fit for the position long term," says Julie Rulis, who is the talent acquisition manager for Western Union. "I can think of more than one instance in which a candidate was able to sell himself for a specific role despite having little or no experience."
"Training people in technical skills is considerably simpler for organizations to do than training employees in fundamental qualities such as leadership skills, analytical ability, drive, ambition, and problem-solving. These characteristics are seen across a variety of business sectors and functional domains."
David Couper, a career counselor and author of the book "Outsiders on the Inside: How to Create a Winning Career... Even When You Don't Fit In," recommends taking a look at the ways in which the fields you have worked in the past and the one you are interested in might be similar. "The handling of insurance claims and the processing of medical claims are quite similar. It would be legitimate to make this comparison if you wished to go into the health care industry from the financial services industry."
Take a look away from the office.
Employment is not the only factor that contributes to the formation of a candidate. "Do an analysis of the activities you have taken part in outside of work and list the skills you have utilized," advises Couper. "Doing this can help you identify areas in which you may improve." "Any number of things, from chairing a PTA committee to reupholstering a chair in your own house, might fall under this category of activities. One of my clients in the coaching industry gained experience in charitable giving via his extreme cycling passion, which required him to earn money in order to participate in big events. He used that knowledge to his advantage and landed a full-time position in business development with an advertising firm."
Create a functional résumé
You have the responsibility of demonstrating to a potential employer not what you lack but what you can bring to the table. As a result, it's possible that switching from a traditional resume that emphasizes work history to a functional resume that emphasizes skills and qualifications might be beneficial.
According to John Robak, executive vice president and chief operating officer at Greeley and Hansen, a leading national niche firm headquartered in Chicago that specializes in innovative engineering solutions, "If an applicant lacks experience, his résumé should highlight examples of professional skills, such as problem-solving, time management, or other skills related to the particular industry and position he desires," says John Robak. "If an applicant lacks experience, his résumé should highlight examples of professional skills, such as problem-solving,
"Most significantly, the job seeker should specify the ways in which he can utilize these abilities in the position he is seeking," and "outlining how his skills would be valuable to an employer" are two of the most crucial things a job hunter should do.
According to Couper, having a cover letter that contains a reference from a personal contact might go a very far way in the job search process. "Having a reference from someone the employer respects will assist to negate whatever disadvantages he may notice in your history," says the author of this article.
During the interview, you should sell yourself.
In the event that you have a firm understanding of what you offer to the table, the interview is the opportunity to make the link between the two of you crystal evident to the potential employer. This requires not just being aware of your own talents, but also how well your skills align with the objectives and requirements of the firm.
"It's really important to spend time understanding the role before the interview takes place so the applicant can position him or herself appropriately and be prepared for any questions that come up," says Rulis. "The applicant can position him or herself accordingly and be prepared for any questions that come up."
If the interviewer does bring up the fact that you lack experience, you should attempt to divert the topic back to the talents you already possess, as many experts recommend doing. Lies should never be said.
Couper admonishes the group, saying, "Don't pretend." "The person conducting the interview is aware of your level of experience. For instance, a human resources manager that I was familiar with would inquire to prospective employees on their prior knowledge with Microsoft Excel. If the applicant was unable to explain what a pivot table was, the manager was able to deduce that the candidate did not have extensive expertise."
Display your commitment.
Last but not least, it is of the utmost importance to show to potential employers that your interest in their sector is more than just a passing notion or an effort to acquire any employment. Among the many ways to do this are:
• Conducting research about the firm before going in for an interview.
• Regularly educating themselves via the practice of reading relevant materials.
• Participating in various types of professional conferences.
• Engaging in conversation (as well as networking) with the relevant individuals.
Or, you might take it a step further:
Robak adds, "For those individuals who are seeking work but do not have prior experience, I urge that they, if it is at all feasible, conduct an internship or volunteer their time within the field in which they are seeking employment." "By choosing one of these paths, a job seeker may improve their marketable abilities, show their dedication to the field, and get some work experience."