It\u2019s a classic catch-22 that many job seekers face: You need experience to get the job you want, but you can\u2019t gain experience unless you get a job\u2014or so you thought. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to increase your odds of getting hired.<\/p>\n
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Here are six strategies for overcoming the \u201cno experience\u201d roadblock.<\/p>\n
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Identify the skills you have that are relevant to the new position. Showcase these on your resume, in networking conversations, and throughout the interview.<\/strong> For instance, if you\u2019re interested in entering the human resources field, highlight any training, interviewing, and employee relations skills you\u2019ve acquired even if it wasn\u2019t the primary focus of the position.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Show how your education applies to the specific job you want. If you developed and implemented a training program as part of a college course, include it in an \u201cEducation Projects\u201d section on your resume and in an interview response. If you\u2019re still in school, select course projects that will allow you to showcase skills that are related to the work you want to do.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n My Capella career counselor helped me to think differently about the skills I already have, how they would transfer into my new field of mental health counseling, and how to write about my key accomplishments most effectively. I incorporated key points about my volunteer work and skills related to counseling that I gained through previous employment.\u00a0 Tyffany K., <\/em>MS in Mental Health Counseling, 2015<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n <\/p>\n Offer your services to a volunteer organization that needs help in your intended job area\u2014then include your volunteer accomplishments in a \u201cRelated Experience\u201d section on your resume. You can \u201cvolunteer\u201d at work, too. If you\u2019re interested in project management, for example, offer to coordinate a project as part of your current role or as a stretch project.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n When people meet you in person, they\u2019ll see what you have to offer. Informational interviews are a great way to make that happen. By setting up informal meetings with people in your intended field, you can understand your new industry better, get insights on potential employers, and make connections that could lead to a position. (Other ways to grow your network: joining a professional association and attending industry events.)<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Employers want job candidates with field-specific qualities (in project management, for example, these might include attention to detail and effective communication). Understand the key attributes in your field and show others how you\u2019ve demonstrated them in the past. While you\u2019re at it, make sure potential employers and networking contacts understand your passion and enthusiasm about the field you\u2019re trying to enter.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n As you gain new experiences, collect work and academic samples and professional documentation that demonstrate your skills, education, volunteer accomplishments, and more. Showing proof of your accomplishments on LinkedIn, a personal website, or portfolio is an effective way to set yourself apart from other candidates.<\/p>\n A lack of experience is an obstacle, but it\u2019s one you can overcome\u2014by taking action. Use these simple suggestions and boost your odds of getting the position you want.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n2. Highlight related educational experiences.<\/h4>\n
4. Network. Network.<\/h4>\n
5. Emphasize what\u2019s unique about you.<\/strong><\/h4>\n
6. Showcase your accomplishments.<\/h4>\n