12 answers
Kathryn
Student
Charleston, South Carolina
2
Questions
Updated
1085 views
How to stand out in job interviews with limited professional experience?
I have not had time for an internship because of school and my current job. I am worried how this will look for future interviews. I need to find an experience that I can fit into my schedule.
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12 answers
Matt M
Auditor
9
Answers
San Francisco, California
Updated
Matt’s Answer
Hey Kathryn! Here are a few ways I think you could stand out given your situation:
Leverage transferable skills:
Highlight what you’ve gained from school and your part-time job, such as teamwork, problem-solving, time management, communication, etc. Employers care deeply about these skills, especially for entry-level roles.
Show initiative through personal projects or certifications:
If you don’t have time for a formal internship, consider doing a small project related to your field — for example, building a portfolio piece, contributing to an online open-source or community project, or completing a short online course. Even a few hours a week can make a difference.
Demonstrate curiosity and commitment:
Talk about how you’ve pursued learning outside of class or work, like podcasts, professional associations, events, or webinars in your field. This will show genuine interest and motivation. I would also do plenty of research on the company you're interviewing/applying for, and weave it into the interview/cover letter.
Prepare thoughtful stories:
Even without formal experience, think of examples where you took initiative, learned something new quickly, or handled a challenge. You can also explain to the interviewer why you are working a job outside of college (e.g., paying for tuition), and explain why you were unable to do an internship.
Network strategically:
Campus networking events / on-campus clubs can give you insights and connections that might lead to short-term or project-based experiences that fit your schedule.
Leverage transferable skills:
Highlight what you’ve gained from school and your part-time job, such as teamwork, problem-solving, time management, communication, etc. Employers care deeply about these skills, especially for entry-level roles.
Show initiative through personal projects or certifications:
If you don’t have time for a formal internship, consider doing a small project related to your field — for example, building a portfolio piece, contributing to an online open-source or community project, or completing a short online course. Even a few hours a week can make a difference.
Demonstrate curiosity and commitment:
Talk about how you’ve pursued learning outside of class or work, like podcasts, professional associations, events, or webinars in your field. This will show genuine interest and motivation. I would also do plenty of research on the company you're interviewing/applying for, and weave it into the interview/cover letter.
Prepare thoughtful stories:
Even without formal experience, think of examples where you took initiative, learned something new quickly, or handled a challenge. You can also explain to the interviewer why you are working a job outside of college (e.g., paying for tuition), and explain why you were unable to do an internship.
Network strategically:
Campus networking events / on-campus clubs can give you insights and connections that might lead to short-term or project-based experiences that fit your schedule.
Anthony Feng
Marketing
5
Answers
San Francisco, California
Updated
Anthony’s Answer
As a hiring manager, I find that the most memorable candidates typically demonstrate the following:
1. A proactive effort to learn about the company or industry. For example, taking an online course or gaining a relevant certification.
2. Curiosity for the job, the company, and just for the sake of learning. This might take form in questions throughout and after the interview, as well as genuinely trying to understand the problems to be solved.
3. Being personable, friendly, and authentic.
4. Especially strong communication skills that can be continually improved through books, courses, or just practice.
1. A proactive effort to learn about the company or industry. For example, taking an online course or gaining a relevant certification.
2. Curiosity for the job, the company, and just for the sake of learning. This might take form in questions throughout and after the interview, as well as genuinely trying to understand the problems to be solved.
3. Being personable, friendly, and authentic.
4. Especially strong communication skills that can be continually improved through books, courses, or just practice.
TJ Vignola
Digital Marketing Manager
1
Answer
Morristown, New Jersey
Updated
TJ’s Answer
If your professional experience is limited, one of the most important things you can do is pursue knowledge and skills that related to the type of work you're pursuing. For example, if I were interviewing a candidate for a digital marketing position and they showed me that they had built themselves a website, applied some basic SEO principles, and regularly monitored the website's performance, that would impress me just as much as an individual who had professional experience. Sometimes, the ability to self-teach is a strong indicator of talent and work ethic, so be sure to use whatever time you have to find creative ways of building your skillset.
Additionally, during interviews, be friendly, organized, presentable, and most of all, *confident* in your knowledge, even if you believe it's more limited than your competition's.
Additionally, during interviews, be friendly, organized, presentable, and most of all, *confident* in your knowledge, even if you believe it's more limited than your competition's.
Henry Portillo
Accounting
2
Answers
Irvine, California
Updated
Henry’s Answer
Great question! If you don't have much experience yet, don't worry. Focus on skills you already have, like managing your time, communicating well, working in teams, paying attention to details, and solving problems. You can find examples of these skills in your jobs, school projects, clubs, or volunteer work. Employers are more interested in how you take initiative and manage responsibilities than in specific job titles.
Consider short-term opportunities that fit your schedule, such as virtual externships, project-based work, or leadership roles on campus. Even small experiences are valuable if you can explain what you learned from them.
Show your curiosity by sharing how you're learning more about the field. You might be networking, attending info sessions, or studying for something like the CPA. This shows your motivation and eagerness to learn, which employers really appreciate.
Remember, your journey is unique and shows that you're managing many things while still eager to grow. That's something truly valuable.
Consider short-term opportunities that fit your schedule, such as virtual externships, project-based work, or leadership roles on campus. Even small experiences are valuable if you can explain what you learned from them.
Show your curiosity by sharing how you're learning more about the field. You might be networking, attending info sessions, or studying for something like the CPA. This shows your motivation and eagerness to learn, which employers really appreciate.
Remember, your journey is unique and shows that you're managing many things while still eager to grow. That's something truly valuable.
Michelle M.
Actress
3276
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Kathryn !
You will need advice about this for a specific career as all types of work present different types of interviews. You have seven career interests mentioned on your profile tags and each field of work is expected to be approached in different ways.
We all have to start sometime, so there's no need to worry about not having much experience yet. Are you in High School or College ? If you don't have time for an internship because you are currently employed and go to school, how will you add volunteering to get more experience ? All of these factors matter for you to get accurate advice that would be helpful.
Whatever job you have now is certainly experience. When you say "professional experience", do you already have a college degree or in college obtaining one and in what field of work ? I wouldn't generalize much on this because if you really need a plan, you'd need to fit it to your own circumstances.
What type of "experience" do you actually want ? What is actually your schedule ? Are you qualified to enter into a professional position ? All these factors are important as you can only do what you are able to according to your specific circumstances.
You may want to explore volunteering in the field you are interested in on the weekends. Working online may not give you a full experience to increase your qualifications, so whatever field of work you're aspiring to, I suggest doing it in person. Have you tried to apply for different jobs already ? Try applying before worrying. You never know who may hire you.
I would suggest that if you are a college student, visit the Career Center because the employers that offer jobs through a Career Center on a college campus know that the applicants might be college students with little experience. If you are in high school and soon going to college, you can obtain a Work Study job through Federal Student Financial Aid. So you do not necessarily have to volunteer somewhere. There just may be a position close to the field of work you're pursuing that will hire people with little experience through their college or a program.
Again, without specific information about your intended career goals and what level of school you're in, I can't make accurate referrals for you, however, you can explore and meet with the Charleston Area Urban League’s Workforce Development program. Employers that partnership with Employment Programs understand that the applicants may not have much experience. It does take time to build skills and a work history, so please do not worry, much less about future interviews. You'll do fine if you do not rehearse or worry about it. There are supports at your high school, college and in your community. You can do this !
I hope this helps and I wish you all he best ! Always be yourself and remember that being open minded for jobs and gaining knowledge about life will help you with your future. You will start to enjoy interviews after a while. It's about opportunity and not about focusing on what you think you lack. Always think positive and smile along the way !
You will need advice about this for a specific career as all types of work present different types of interviews. You have seven career interests mentioned on your profile tags and each field of work is expected to be approached in different ways.
We all have to start sometime, so there's no need to worry about not having much experience yet. Are you in High School or College ? If you don't have time for an internship because you are currently employed and go to school, how will you add volunteering to get more experience ? All of these factors matter for you to get accurate advice that would be helpful.
Whatever job you have now is certainly experience. When you say "professional experience", do you already have a college degree or in college obtaining one and in what field of work ? I wouldn't generalize much on this because if you really need a plan, you'd need to fit it to your own circumstances.
What type of "experience" do you actually want ? What is actually your schedule ? Are you qualified to enter into a professional position ? All these factors are important as you can only do what you are able to according to your specific circumstances.
You may want to explore volunteering in the field you are interested in on the weekends. Working online may not give you a full experience to increase your qualifications, so whatever field of work you're aspiring to, I suggest doing it in person. Have you tried to apply for different jobs already ? Try applying before worrying. You never know who may hire you.
I would suggest that if you are a college student, visit the Career Center because the employers that offer jobs through a Career Center on a college campus know that the applicants might be college students with little experience. If you are in high school and soon going to college, you can obtain a Work Study job through Federal Student Financial Aid. So you do not necessarily have to volunteer somewhere. There just may be a position close to the field of work you're pursuing that will hire people with little experience through their college or a program.
Again, without specific information about your intended career goals and what level of school you're in, I can't make accurate referrals for you, however, you can explore and meet with the Charleston Area Urban League’s Workforce Development program. Employers that partnership with Employment Programs understand that the applicants may not have much experience. It does take time to build skills and a work history, so please do not worry, much less about future interviews. You'll do fine if you do not rehearse or worry about it. There are supports at your high school, college and in your community. You can do this !
I hope this helps and I wish you all he best ! Always be yourself and remember that being open minded for jobs and gaining knowledge about life will help you with your future. You will start to enjoy interviews after a while. It's about opportunity and not about focusing on what you think you lack. Always think positive and smile along the way !
Misha D'Andrea
Learning + Development
55
Answers
New York, NY
Updated
Misha’s Answer
It is challenging, but the candidate can show a portfolio that shows interest in the field, even without formal experience. Recruiter knows that there is not a lot of experience, but will be more interested in problem solving skills: how you react, how you tackle it. Also how you show up, the enthusiasm, the interest, the passion for the role; this is sometimes more important than actual knowledge/experience itself. Knowledge can be acquired, but attitude is harder to change.
Answer on behalf of Cloudera new hires: Rade, Thomas, Ganne, and Diego
Depending on area of interest, build a portfolio of connected activities / groups / engagement that demonstrates interest on the topic
Attend free events in that industry and have references to mention in the interview, perhaps even networking with people
Be curious and show you are going out of your way of learning beyond the academic knowledge of that field
Practice, practice, practice your interview!
Answer on behalf of Cloudera new hires: Rade, Thomas, Ganne, and Diego
Misha recommends the following next steps:
Murtaza Shambhoora
Sales/Consulting
1
Answer
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Updated
Murtaza’s Answer
As a student, you have many great ways to show off your professional skills during job interviews. Whether it's volunteer work, part-time jobs (even in retail), or leadership roles in college clubs, all these experiences count.
In most interviews, companies want to see that you can take initiative and make a difference. Think about how you've improved a process, raised funds, or saved time for your organization. These achievements can really help you stand out in future interviews.
Write down all your extracurricular activities while in school
Think about how you demonstrated impact, or changed your role.
Quantify your impact.
In most interviews, companies want to see that you can take initiative and make a difference. Think about how you've improved a process, raised funds, or saved time for your organization. These achievements can really help you stand out in future interviews.
Murtaza recommends the following next steps:
Steve J
Manager
35
Answers
Manhattan, Kansas
Updated
Steve’s Answer
That’s a very valid concern — and you’re definitely not alone. Many students and early-career professionals face the same challenge of lacking formal internship experience while balancing work or academics. The key is to present what you already have in the strongest, most professional way possible — and that’s exactly where a Resume Review Service like LockedIn AI can help.
LockedIn AI’s Resume Review Service analyzes your resume for hidden strengths — such as transferable skills, part-time work achievements, academic projects, or volunteer experience — and reframes them to sound relevant to hiring managers. For instance, customer service experience can be positioned as “stakeholder communication,” or school projects can be reframed as “data-driven analysis” or “technical collaboration.”
With LockedIn AI, you don’t need years of experience to stand out. Its AI-driven resume optimizer ensures your achievements are written in impact-focused language, aligned with the role’s requirements, and ATS-friendly — so even with limited experience, you appear as a capable, job-ready candidate.
If you’re short on time, start with a Resume Review Service session from LockedIn AI — it’ll help you transform your current background into a strong narrative that gets you noticed in interviews.
LockedIn AI’s Resume Review Service analyzes your resume for hidden strengths — such as transferable skills, part-time work achievements, academic projects, or volunteer experience — and reframes them to sound relevant to hiring managers. For instance, customer service experience can be positioned as “stakeholder communication,” or school projects can be reframed as “data-driven analysis” or “technical collaboration.”
With LockedIn AI, you don’t need years of experience to stand out. Its AI-driven resume optimizer ensures your achievements are written in impact-focused language, aligned with the role’s requirements, and ATS-friendly — so even with limited experience, you appear as a capable, job-ready candidate.
If you’re short on time, start with a Resume Review Service session from LockedIn AI — it’ll help you transform your current background into a strong narrative that gets you noticed in interviews.
Lauren Small
Cslt - Prog & Proj Mgt
16
Answers
New Jersey, New Jersey
Updated
Lauren’s Answer
This is a great question and a valid concern. The job market is very competitive so it makes sense you'd want yourself to stand out. It's completely understandable to prioritize school and work. The great news is you can absolutely stand out in interviews by leveraging your transferable skills and finding flexible ways to gain relevant experience.
You can highlight the experiences you have in school and your job and how they make you an enticing candidate for the job. Just because you don't have an internship, doesn't mean you don't have relevant working experience. You can also tie in projects at school you've worked on that are relevant to the job. It would also be helpful if you look for jobs related to the current work experience you have.
Preparation is also key. Interviewers will notice someone who is excited and passionate about working for a certain company. Make sure you do plenty of research on the company history, what they do, and how you would be a good fit.
You can highlight the experiences you have in school and your job and how they make you an enticing candidate for the job. Just because you don't have an internship, doesn't mean you don't have relevant working experience. You can also tie in projects at school you've worked on that are relevant to the job. It would also be helpful if you look for jobs related to the current work experience you have.
Preparation is also key. Interviewers will notice someone who is excited and passionate about working for a certain company. Make sure you do plenty of research on the company history, what they do, and how you would be a good fit.
Wong Loke Yuen
Head of Programme cum Senior Lecturer
645
Answers
Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Updated
Wong’s Answer
Hi Kathryn. One of the best ways to stand out is to focus on your transferable skills, or the abilities you've gained from school, part-time jobs, or other activities that can apply to any workplace. For example, if you've worked in customer service, you've built communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills. If you've managed a heavy course load, that shows time management and responsibility. Be ready to give specific examples of how you used these skills and what you learned from them.
You can also show your motivation by doing some extra preparation. Research the company, learn about its values and recent projects, and think about how your interests connect with its mission. During the interview, you may ask thoughtful questions about the role and how you can contribute.
To build more experience that fits your schedule, you can look for short-term or flexible opportunities. You might volunteer for a few hours a week, join a student organization, complete an online certification, or take part in virtual projects or micro-internships. Even small experiences can help you develop new skills and give you something concrete to discuss in future interviews.
You can also show your motivation by doing some extra preparation. Research the company, learn about its values and recent projects, and think about how your interests connect with its mission. During the interview, you may ask thoughtful questions about the role and how you can contribute.
To build more experience that fits your schedule, you can look for short-term or flexible opportunities. You might volunteer for a few hours a week, join a student organization, complete an online certification, or take part in virtual projects or micro-internships. Even small experiences can help you develop new skills and give you something concrete to discuss in future interviews.
Armando de Jesús Herrera
Sr. Project Engineer
33
Answers
Roswell, Georgia
Updated
Armando de Jesús’s Answer
Hi Kathryn,
What I can say about your question is that when you're applying for junior positions, managers aren't expecting you to have years of experience, they're looking for the right attitude. What truly makes a candidate stand out is their willingness to learn, their curiosity, and their ability to adapt.
Here are a few ways to shine in interviews even if your professional experience is limited:
a) Showcase your learning mindset: Talk about times when you taught yourself something new, overcame a challenge, or took initiative — even outside of work. Employers value candidates who are proactive and eager to grow.
b) Highlight transferable skills: Skills like communication, teamwork, time management, and problem-solving are valuable in any role. Think about how you've used these in school, part-time jobs, or volunteer work.
c) Be honest and positive about your journey: If you haven’t had time for an internship due to school and work commitments, explain that clearly and confidently. It shows responsibility and dedication. You can say something like: “I’ve been balancing school and a job, which has taught me how to manage my time and stay committed. Now I’m actively looking for opportunities to gain hands-on experience.”
d) Express your enthusiasm for the role and company: Research the company and come prepared with thoughtful questions to show genuine interest which can leave a lasting impression on the recruiter.
e) Leverage online learning: Completing a relevant course or certification shows initiative and builds your resume.
What I can say about your question is that when you're applying for junior positions, managers aren't expecting you to have years of experience, they're looking for the right attitude. What truly makes a candidate stand out is their willingness to learn, their curiosity, and their ability to adapt.
Here are a few ways to shine in interviews even if your professional experience is limited:
a) Showcase your learning mindset: Talk about times when you taught yourself something new, overcame a challenge, or took initiative — even outside of work. Employers value candidates who are proactive and eager to grow.
b) Highlight transferable skills: Skills like communication, teamwork, time management, and problem-solving are valuable in any role. Think about how you've used these in school, part-time jobs, or volunteer work.
c) Be honest and positive about your journey: If you haven’t had time for an internship due to school and work commitments, explain that clearly and confidently. It shows responsibility and dedication. You can say something like: “I’ve been balancing school and a job, which has taught me how to manage my time and stay committed. Now I’m actively looking for opportunities to gain hands-on experience.”
d) Express your enthusiasm for the role and company: Research the company and come prepared with thoughtful questions to show genuine interest which can leave a lasting impression on the recruiter.
e) Leverage online learning: Completing a relevant course or certification shows initiative and builds your resume.
David Seides
Finance
29
Answers
Alpharetta, Georgia
Updated
David’s Answer
The key to standing out in an interview is to be unique and memorable, especially when you think about trying to get your first job after college. While you may not have an internship on your resume, think about how you are different from other people that might be applying for the same job. Most candidates don't really do a lot of research about the job they are applying to. Try to learn about the person you are interviewing with (LinkedIn is a great resource for that), what the company's current strategy is and how it relates to the job you are seeking, etc. You can then leverage that knowledge in interviews to show you went the extra mile for that position and that will make you stand out.