It can seem almost impossible to land a job in a field when you don’t have any prior experience in it. And although it is difficult, it’s not as hard as you might think. Plenty of people do it every day, and you can be one of them.
Take a look at our three tips for getting a job when you don’t have prior experience:
Promote your soft skills.
You might not have “hard skills” in the field of the job you’re considering, like knowledge of accounting software or management experience leading a team. But that doesn’t mean you don’t have anything to offer. Soft skills are just as important. These are things like multitasking ability, communication skills, customer service knowledge, organization, etc., and they’re absolutely essential to almost every job. On your resume, in your cover letter, and in-person while you’re interviewing for a job, be sure to promote these soft skills. It will surely increase your chances of landing the position.
Translate your work experience.
Even if your work experience isn’t related directly to the field that you’re trying to break into, that experience can still serve you well. Think about ways that the experience and skills you do have translate directly to the job you’re vying for. Do you have strong people skills? Experience giving presentations? Have a track record of increasing sales? These kinds of accolades might not relate directly to the field you’re entering, but they still apply and say a lot about your character and work ethic.
Consider an apprenticeship or internship.
Taking a job for no pay is never ideal. But taking on an apprenticeship, internship, or mentorship is still a great way to get your foot in the door at a company you admire or in a field you’re interested in. And it never hurts to add a line to your resume showing you have real-world experience in that industry. For many, signing on for an internship or apprenticeship role is the first step toward a wider career.
Are you ready to take the next step in your work life? You’ve come to the right place. Contact Axiom Staffing Group and check out our jobs page to see what’s available near you.