Not sure how to get a job with no experience? With expert insights from leading recruiters, this guide is here to help you break the ‘no job, no experience’ cycle.
Whether you’re new to the world of work or looking to change career path, not knowing how to get your foot in the door can be frustrating to say the least.
It can feel almost impossible – how am I supposed to get a job with no experience, if I can’t get experience without a job?
We’ll talk you through what you need to do to land a great role and get started on a new career path. From foundational job search 101 tips to our recruiters’ cheat codes for success, here’s what we’ll cover:
- Job search 101
- Cheat codes to break the ‘no job, no experience’ cycle
- Where to look for jobs when you have no experience
- How to stay motivated
- Your action plan
Job search 101
Let’s start with the basics – these tips will give you a great starting point and help you get yourself out there.
1. Aim for entry-level roles
When you’re stepping onto the first rung of the career ladder, you should be applying for entry-level roles.
Ideal if you’re looking for your first job, these roles don’t require you to have years of experience in-role. They’ll also be more flexible if you have no relevant industry experience at all.
So, when you’re looking for opportunities, be sure to include ‘entry level’ and the role title in your job search query.
Before you apply, we’d recommend that you start by reading through entry-level job ads in your desired industry. Have a look and see where your gaps are, so you know what areas you’ll need to cover in your application.
2. Think about your transferrable skills
You might think you don’t have anything to shout about on job applications. But, actually, transferrable skills can come in all forms!
Transferrable skills are skills that can be applied to various different job types and industries.
These can include:
- Teamwork: When have you worked well with people in the past, and achieved stronger outcomes as a result?
- Communication: Think about times when you’ve effectively shared information. How did clear communication help you achieve goals or resolve issues?
- Problem-solving: When have you encountered a challenge and found a creative or effective solution?
- Time management: Reflect on how you’ve organised your time to meet deadlines or balance multiple tasks. What strategies did you use to prioritise and stay on track?
- Organisation: Consider how you’ve managed tasks, projects, or events. What methods did you use to keep things orderly and efficient?
- Technology proficiency: Consider the tools, software, or systems you’ve learned to use effectively. How has your ability to quickly pick up new technology contributed to your productivity or problem-solving?
These are all skills you can showcase in your cover letter and CV when you start applying for entry-level roles.
You might not have exact experience. But, by highlighting your transferrable skills, you’ll demonstrate that you understand the demands of the role and are able to close any gaps.
3. Tailor your CV (or resume)
Just because you don’t have experience doesn’t mean you can’t have a strong CV. So, take the time to make it stand out in other ways. Your effort and proactivity are sure to make it shine!
Start by creating a master resume or CV that includes all the skills and qualifications you have.
Ideally, your experience should fit on one side of A4 paper, so every point should be succinct.
You’ll need to tailor your master CV for every application you send off. Wherever you can, find a way to make your skills and experience relevant to your target role or industry. It’s important that employers can clearly see that you’ll be a good fit for that particular role.
So, make sure to highlight those elements, remove any information that might make your application seem irrelevant, and try to mirror the language of the job ad where possible.
The more your application aligns with what they’re looking for, the more likely it is to stand out!
4. Cover letter
A cover letter is a personalised document that accompanies your CV or resume when you apply for a job. Think of it as a potential employer’s first impression of you. It should highlight your interest in the role and company, and why you think you’d be a good fit.
While it might be tempting to gloss over your lack of experience in a cover letter, it’s definitely better to be honest. So, acknowledge any experience or knowledge gaps, and explain how you’ll overcome them.
Cheat codes for breaking the ‘no job, no experience’ cycle
Wondering how to get experience without a job? Or how to stand out when you don’t hit specific job requirements?
To give you an extra edge in the job application process, we’ve brought together some top tips from leading recruiters.
1. Online courses
“Online platforms like LinkedIn learning will help you build up a toolkit of relevant industry skills…”
It’s easier than ever to get certified in skills relevant to your chosen industry or role.
Check out platforms like LinkedIn Learning, the Open University, and CPD for courses that will help you fill any knowledge gaps. You’ll also find courses that will help you with different aspects of your job application.
Benefits include:
- Access to courses taught by industry experts, with a focus on upskilling you professionally.
- Certificates that you can publish to your LinkedIn page and reference in job applications.
- Flexible, so you can do as many as you want in your own time.
While many upskilling platforms are paid, some (like LinkedIn Learning) offer a free trial period before you have to pay. That will give you plenty of time to upskill before you start sending off applications!
2. Online projects
“Prove you have motivation, passion, and knowledge by starting an online project that you can talk about in your CV, cover letter and job interviews…”
Starting an online project is a great way to build a portfolio that highlights your dedication, work ethic, and drive to succeed.
Great online project ideas include:
- A regular blog on an area of the industry you’re particularly interested in.
- A podcast, where you speak to people within the industry and get expert insights.
- A web series or vlog related to the industry you want to work in.
The benefits of starting an online project can be huge. As well as helping you build an online presence and your own knowledge, it will also push you to develop additional skills that you can speak about to prospective employers.
In other words, an online project can also show potential employers that you are, for example, organised, collaborative, proactive, and an out-the-box-thinker.
3. Part-time work
“A part-time job, even in another industry, can highlight important transferrable skills…”
As we mentioned earlier, transferrable skills are essential – and so is knowing how to big up those skills in your job application and (fingers crossed!) a job interview. That’s where a part-time job can come in handy!
Even if your part-time job is in an unrelated industry, it will give you valuable insights into the world of work. From customer service to tutoring, there are plenty of options available to you, and you could even consider freelancing.
By dedicating yourself to part-time work, you’ll prove to your future employer that you can:
- Manage your time.
- Communicate effectively.
- Adapt.
- Problem solve.
- Work well in a team.
Just make sure you know how to relate the skills you learn back to the industry you want to work in.
Remember that it’s better to have unrelated experience that you can speak about with enthusiasm than no experience at all!
Interning and volunteering
“Volunteer work is a good way to prove that you’re motivated…”
Another great way to build your skillset is to do volunteer work.
You could even ask to shadow someone who’s currently in your ideal job or industry! That would really show off your initiative.
4. Applying to a job with no experience
“Remember that you lose nothing by applying for a job when you don’t have experience…”
Now that you’ve got more things to talk about on your CV and cover letter, it’s time to start applying!
It can be daunting to apply for a job without specific experience. But, if you find a role you like the look of, here’s what to do:
- Don’t worry! You lose nothing by just going for it and applying.
- Make sure you talk up your new skills, industry knowledge, and passion in the application. Proactivity and a clear interest in the industry can go a long way.
- Do plenty of research before the interview so you feel comfortable answering common interview questions, as well as questions about the business.
- Be confident, but don’t be afraid to say when you’re unsure about something. Remember that it’s important to be honest.
- Make your drive and desire for the role clear from the start!
Where should you look for jobs when you have no experience?
If you’re not sure where to look for exciting entry-level jobs opportunities, here are some good places to start:
- Online job boards: Keep an eye on the latest roles in your industry across different job boards, including typical role requirements and desired skills.
- LinkedIn: Follow big businesses and make connections in the sector to see what pops up. This is also a great way to stay up to date with relevant industry news that you can chat to an interviewer about.
- Careers fairs: Have a look for job fairs in your area. They’re the perfect opportunity to network, ask questions, and see what’s out there!
- Work with a recruiter: If the opportunity comes up, it can be beneficial to partner with a recruiter that understands your target industry, the entry-level job requirements, and has industry connections.
You can also check out the Aspion Search LinkedIn page to find jobs which need no experience!
Just head to the Jobs tab and, under the dropdown that says ‘Experience level’, select ‘Entry level’. From there, you can apply to any that stand out.
If you’re a good fit for the role, an Aspion Search recruitment specialist will help guide you through the interview and application process.
How to stay motivated
Staying motivated during a job search can be challenging, but taking proactive steps can make a significant difference.
Consider making speculative applications. This means sending in an application to a company for a role you know they have in the business, but that they aren’t currently hiring for.
While these might not always result in a job, they can lead to valuable work experience, strong references, and new connections. This initiative also demonstrates your motivation, passion, and drive – qualities that will make a great impression on employers.
If you don’t receive the response you were hoping for, don’t hesitate to ask for feedback. Remember, sometimes organisations require specific experience, so it’s not always a reflection of your abilities.
Focus on what you can control, learn from each experience, and keep pushing forward!
Your action plan
When you find a job you want, it’s important that you’re as prepared as possible for the application process.
Thankfully, our free Cheat Codes series is here to guide you through the process!
Here are the essential job application skills that the Cheat Codes eBooks cover:
- Finding a Role that Aligns Professionally & Personally.
- Writing Great Cover Letters & CVs.
- Combatting the ‘No Job, No Experience’ Cycle.
- Personal Brand Online & Offline.
- Being Successful at the Interview Stage.
- Utilising LinkedIn in Your Job Search.
Request our eBooks for free today, or message us on LinkedIn to find out more.
