How to get an entry-level job with no experience

There’s a major catch 22 when it comes to getting an entry-level job without experience: the job is meant as an entry point into a profession, but you also don’t have the experience needed to show that you can do the job in question.

This is something that plagues people often, and it’s not always easy to figure out the best solution. Of course, education goes a long way but sometimes it’s not enough to stand out next to a candidate who might have more hands-on experience in the role. Fear, not though—if you’re wondering how to get an entry-level job with no experience, there are solutions. 

If you’re a college student currently looking to find your first job post-school, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed in the era of COVID-19 when a large percentage of students are expecting to land an entry-level role. Whether you’re a student or not, though, the first thing you should do when you come across an entry-level role that you’re interested in is apply. 

Don’t let doubts about experience prevent you from putting yourself out there. In your application, it’s never a bad idea to put some sort of resume or cover letter together that highlights your strengths as a potential employee. Use any contacts you have to provide references and letters of recommendation, and don’t be afraid to ask those people in your life for help in this process.

Before any of that, though, you should certainly consider any internships, apprenticeships, fellowships, and similar opportunities that might help enhance your resume and show that you have knowledge of the role and have some level of experience in it. Even if an internship or similar opportunity doesn’t necessarily apply to the role you’re applying for, any sort of work-related program can help in positioning you for an entry-level job.

An entry-level resume is a tricky thing sometimes, simply because you need to highlight your strengths and attributes but you aren’t able to do that through work history. The key here is to really highlight why they should hire you. If you’ve got internships and other experience-related opportunities under your belt, focus on those and really explain what you learned from them in a way that can convey your hireability. 

Once you apply, it’s all about networking and connecting. Stay in touch with the company and hiring manager after you’ve applied, as this shows interest and initiative and signals that you’re someone who is serious about the opportunity. Also, make connections with people in the industry who might be able to put in a good word for you or even just be a good friend or point of contact to have for future opportunities. 

Perhaps the biggest thing to keep in mind after you’ve gone through the hiring process for an entry-level position is that ultimately you might not get the job. Don’t be discouraged, though. Use the process and the connections you’ve made throughout and stay active within the greater community of professionals in your field. And most importantly, do not stop applying. Eventually, the more you work at it, you’ll find the role that was right for you all along.

— Article by Sean Kelly, an analyst researching the latest industry trends for College Recruiter