Those who have just graduated often have to fight hard for jobs because many positions require 1-2 years of work experience, even for beginner positions. Most people don't realize that in most cases they actually have the experience and skills needed. Both of these can be obtained through part-time work, internships, or volunteer experience. To get a job with no experience, you must increase your personal and professional experience, highlight your skills and achievements, and sharpen your job hunting skills.
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Method 1 of 3: Gaining Work Experience
Step 1. Volunteer in a position related to your field of interest
If you're having trouble getting a job in your desired field because you don't have enough work experience, you should try volunteering in that field. In this way, you will have real-world work experience and begin to develop the skills that are important for prospective employees.
For example, if you want to be a social worker, you can volunteer at a homeless shelter or help out at a shelter for street children
Step 2. Sign up for an internship program
Internship programs, paid or unpaid, are a great way for new job seekers to gain real-world experience working in the field. Look for information about this internship program in newspapers, job boards, and the company's official website (or social media accounts).
For example, some companies will hire final semester students to do office work such as tidying up documents, filling in data, and answering telephones. This job will give you experience working in an office and the opportunity to meet people in your area of interest
Step 3. Develop your skills
If you want to venture into a field like writing, film editing, or interior design, create sample products to show target companies. For example, if you want to be a writer, you can start blogging. This will show that you have experience creating written material on a regular basis.
- You can also offer pro bono (unpaid) work to well-known blogs or websites in exchange for letters of reference.
- In this way, you can simultaneously build a personal portfolio.
Step 4. Find a part time job
Even if you can't find a job in the field you want, try working part time. The company you are looking for will also consider all forms of work experience, including part-time work. You can use this work experience as an opportunity to show that you have successfully developed communication, customer service, and problem solving skills.
- For example, sign up for part-time jobs in retail sales, fast food, or even waitresses and bartenders. You will get valuable experience from it.
- Working part-time is a great way to get referrals, which many employers look for when hiring employees.
Method 2 of 3: Highlighting Skills and Achievements
Step 1. Write down all your skills
The reason employers emphasize work experience is that they want to make sure you have the skills needed to get the job done. Therefore, of course you must list and write clearly all the skills needed. Some of the skills you need to consider include:
- Computer skills: Computer skills include Windows and Mac operating systems, typing more than 60 words per minute, fluent in PowerPoint or other Microsoft Office programs, web programming, blogging, content management systems, databases, graphic design, and more.
- Communication skills: Communication skills cover many things, from public speaking, writing, running training, and listening to facilitating teamwork.
- Problem solving and research skills. College students and blog writers usually have honed research skills, which can be a company asset. People with organizational or office management skills can also highlight outstanding problem-solving skills.
- Managerial or leadership skills. If you've ever led a project on the job, whether it's charitable in nature or limited to just friends, it's safe to say you've had experience developing leadership skills.
Step 2. Connect the skills you have with the experience
While it is important to know and understand all the skills you have developed over the years, it is still much more important to be able to relate these skills to past work or volunteer experience. This also shows the company that you are actually making use of your skills.
It is okay to say “I have good written communication skills”. However, it would be much more impressive to mention, “I have 2500 blog followers focused on creative writing.”
Step 3. Explain how these skills can be used in work or industry
Perhaps you have developed various skills through extracurricular activities and the relationship between the activity and your dream job is not clear. For example, your hobby is football. This hobby can not directly be used to a position in the IT field. However, if you coach a soccer team or manage a league, you can show it off as concrete evidence of your leadership skills.
Step 4. Describe your award
Awards and acknowledgments will support the standard statements that are commonly made on resumes. For example, you describe yourself as a hard worker. This statement can be supported by evidence of the Best Employee of the Month award that you received while working part-time. Include any awards or recognitions you've earned on your resume, from employee of the month, best retail associates, to dean's commendations. These awards and recognitions should be included on your resume to demonstrate your dedication and outstanding work ethic.
You should also include any awards or recognitions you have received in volunteer activities
Method 3 of 3: Honing Job Hunting Skills
Step 1. Create an effective resume or curriculum vitae
To support your job search, you should have a resume that highlights your skills and relates them to your current job. You can organize the experience section of your resume into different skills. For example, you could list your communication skills and give direct examples or information about when and how you developed those skills through work, internships, or volunteer activities.
- Always make sure that your resume and cover letter are appropriate for the job you are applying for. This accuracy shows the target company that you have taken the time to research and read carefully the job vacancy information.
- If you don't think you're good at writing or are worried about formatting your resume, ask a friend for help! You can also search the internet for resume templates to make your efforts easier.
Step 2. Network with people who are already working in your target industry
Use social media sites, such as LinkedIn to reach out and get to know people who are involved in the industry. You can also network while attending local community events or job fairs. People in this network can provide job recommendations, help you develop skills, and answer your questions about the intricacies of their industry.
Step 3. Look for jobs on online sites
Take advantage of sites like Monster.co.id, hiredtoday.com, qerja.com, Indeed.com, or SimplyHired.com to start looking for jobs for those of you with no experience. These sites help you find specific or general jobs in the job market, such as teaching or advertising.
Narrow your search by selecting 0-2 years of work experience. This step will eliminate vacancies that require more experience
Step 4. Enter your application
Most job search engines will help you apply directly on their site. You should apply to as many jobs as possible, even if you don't have all the experience that the job vacancies require. For example, in the job vacancy information it is stated that applicants with 2-3 years of work experience are preferred. Reading the sentence, there is still a possibility that the company will still consider applicants who do not have 2 years of work experience.
Step 5. Practice your interviewing skills
To pass the interview stage, you must research the company. That way, you will appear to know the job you are after as well as the company's goals. You should also practice interview questions with friends or family members. Practice will give you the opportunity to be bold and determine how you will answer questions.
- This kind of preparation will help you appear confident and calm in the interview.
- Show that you are confident in the experience you have had but are also still interested in learning more. Companies want to hire employees who are eager to get ahead.
