Are you looking for a job, but have no previous experience? Do not worry, everyone has been there! It may seem like an endless cycle, but it Is possible to land yourself that first job, you just have to know where to look.
What jobs can you do with little work experience?
Everyone has to start somewhere! That means there are plenty of jobs out there that hire people with little or no experience. Retail and customer service jobs are great examples of starter jobs and are perfect for people who love to interact with others. If that’s not for you, why not look into work from home roles? There are plenty of data entry jobs that require no previous experience and you can do them from the comfort of your own home!
Alongside making your CV and cover letter relevant for the job at hand, below are a few other ways to make sure you secure that job!
Why not start a side hustle?
Starting a hobby can be a really productive way to spend your spare time! It’s a great way to get some extra experience that others may not even have. Maybe you could start your own blog or youtube channel. Or start some freelance writing or learn to edit videos. There is an infinite list of paths to take, so you are sure to find something that suits you!
This extra hobby will equip you with niche skills and experience that you can show off on your CV!
Network!
It is always a good idea to grow your network and you’re probably doing it already, even if you don’t realise it. In simple terms, networking is getting to know people who may be useful in a business context. In the future, these people could help you to find a job, or help your business thrive.
You will most likely have a large network of friends, but why not go further? If you know the specific industry that you want to move into, why not try to go to events or trade shows; you never know who you might meet! You can also do this via social media using sites such as LinkedIn.
Look at volunteering
You may not have thought about it in this way, but volunteering is one of the best ways you can get work experience! It shows that you are willing to dedicate your time to a great cause in order to gain experience. Volunteering is especially useful if you don’t know what career you want to go into. So why not see if you are able to volunteer, even if it’s only for a couple of hours, you will be putting your foot in the door!
You may not think it, but many recruiters actually look to hire people with no experience as there are plenty of reasons to hire inexperienced candidates. Besides this, there are several ways to bring out the best of yourself in your CV to help you stand out, a few of which are described below!
Creating a CV Without Experience
It may sound impossible, but it isn’t! Everyone will have had to make their first CV, you may just need to focus on other aspects of your life such as your extracurricular activities. Your CV is meant to show off your personality, so make sure to include your hobbies and any achievements you have! These are all valuable and are perfect for making your CV stand out.
In any job application, the recruiter will be looking for someone who shows motivation for a particular interest and does want the job. One of the best ways to do just that is by tailoring your CV towards the role. Does the role require teamwork? Think about when you have worked in a team, maybe in a school project or to prepare for an event? There are plenty of inexperienced CVs to get inspiration from if you are feeling a bit lost.
An Inexperienced Cover Letter
A cover letter is your chance to explain why you want the role, what you can bring to the company and ultimately why they should hire you. Your cover letter gives you the space to explain your motivation and skills.
By looking into the company and learning more about the role, you will give yourself a better understanding of whether it is the role for you! It also allows the recruiter to visualise you in their company and help you stand out.
Standing Out in Your Interview
You may be asked to complete an interview after impressing the recruiters with your application! This is a chance for the employer to find out about you and also an opportunity for you to get a greater understanding and ask any questions you may have.
There may be other candidates at this stage, and you may worry about them having more work experience. However, the recruiter has picked your application so you have definitely caught their eye!
There is plenty of advice out there to help you smash your interview so make sure to be prepared and arrive with plenty of time to spare!
Hopefully, we have given you some guidance on how to get yourself a job without any experience. It may seem tough, but it is possible, you just need to find the best way that suits you. After all, we all have to start somewhere!
Written by Rebecca Hart, an Online Marketer at StudentJob UK. If you are starting your job search but not sure where to start, then check out StudentJob. Our application tips will help you create an effective CV, cover letter and help you smash interviews!