How can I get experience if nobody will give me the opportunity?
by CareerMVP.com
Yes, this is a very popular question for good reason. So, we thought we would put together some information to help you understand the problem and some potential solutions. We should clarify that some industries do not require experience and thus solve your problem. For instance, entry level engineers, doctors and nurses will likely have no problem finding a job!
Why are you a valuable investment for the company?
One of the most important skills in business is to understand your client's needs and demonstrate that you have their best interest in mind. Applying this strategy to finding a career can be quite effective and less frustrating. So, let's examine the employer's goal in hiring you. The bottom line is that every employee is an investment. When you make and investment, you want value. This means you must balance the cost of investment with return.
The investment for an employer is much more than salary, taxes and benefits. The cost of training new employees can be massive. Plus, it can take the valuable time of experienced employees. With an experienced employee, an employer gets training, industry experience and experience in life. More importantly, they get a person with industry contacts, knowledge of the target market and perhaps valuable customer relationships. So, paying a $60,000 salary to an experienced person in the industry could be a much better investment than paying an entry level person $25,000.
Does this mean it is impossible to get the job with no experience. Certainly not. You can certainly never count out the value of personal relationships or even luck. But if the ad says they require experience, I wouldn't want to waste my time or the time of the employer.
Working with recruiters.
There are numerous types of employment agencies. All have a very useful purpose in the job search depending on your needs. As far as recruiting firms go, they are usually looking for experienced people because that's what their clients pay them to do. Most are not going to work with that many entry level applicants accept in certain industries like engineering and medical. From time to time, their clients may need entry level people. Then they will want to talk with you. If you do get an opportunity to work with a good recruiter, consider yourself lucky because they do have the power to give you the right opportunity. For more information, read our article on recruiting firms.
WHAT CAN AN ENTRY LEVEL APPLICANT DO?
Know what you want!
This is absolutely the most important point. If you don't have experience, you have to at least know what you want and why you want it. Why would a company take a chance on you if you're not even sure you want to do the job or be in the industry? On the flipside, passion might overcome experience if the company sees you are in it for a long-term career. This might allow them time to realize a return on their investment in you.
Learn everything about your industry
If you really think you're ready for a company to make an investment in you, ask yourself how much you really know about the industry, company and job. We often hear entry level applicants talking about their people skills and ability to learn. When we probe their knowledge about the industry, company or job, they don't have a clue. So much for their ability to learn! So, make sure you learn as much as you can about the industry, company and job! For more information, read our article on researching job opportunites.
Get involved in the industry.
It's who you know! That really is the truth. How do you get to know people in the industry. Get involved! Join the industry association(s). Attend meetings. Go to tradeshows. Your strategy for meetings is to lay back and observe. Meetings happen on a regular basis which means you'll see these people again. Get a feel for it before diving in. Most of all, be humble and willing to listen. Be especially careful not to be too aggressive or occupy the time of important people in the industry. Try to attend a few meetings before asking for a business card. Build the relationship first.
Training and experience are two different things.
Before thinking you do not have the experience you need for a job, read the requirements carefully. You may be able to train and test for certifications that will increase your value to the employer. Your industry association can usually tell you how to get these certifications. Of course some certifications may require experience in the industry. For more information, read our article on training and certifications.
Trainee Programs.
Some companies want to train their talent. So, they offer trainee programs. Trainee programs should have on-the-job training, a set career path, a salary and benefits. These are one of the best ways to break into the industry. We have a site devoted to trainee programs. To find a trainee program that fits you, visit our partner site TraineeMVP.com. Click here! (OPENS NEW WINDOW)
Be aware of bogus opportunies or claims!
Because trainee programs are so popular, some companies disguise their commission sales jobs as training programs. While these may be legitimate, be very careful. If they are making claims of really high yearly earnings, they are usually inflating it to make it more attractive. Plus, the salary might be a draw which means you still have to sell enough to earn the money. Any experienced salesperson will tell you they would rather be on straight commission. But, they are experienced and know they can make sales. You are inexperienced and need to eat!
Getting your foot in the door.
So, the company or industry doesn't offer a training program? Don't be afraid to look at jobs you don't want to do. If you have truly done your research to where you know the industry, company and personal contacts within the company, you should be confident that there is opportunity to move up from the ground floor. If you haven't done your research, you might never advance and ruin your resume with low-end positions that offer no opportunity for advancement. So, do your research!
We have a site devoted to trainee programs. To find a trainee program that fits you, visit our partner site TraineeMVP.com. Click here! (OPENS NEW WINDOW)
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