10 answers
Haley
Student
Flagstaff, Arizona
1
Question
Asked
416 views
How do I get job expericene?
I have no job experience and really want to get a job but everywhere I apply declines my application because I have no experience
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10 answers
Doc Frick
Career Coach and Mentor
1349
Answers
California, CA
Updated
Doc’s Answer
If you're applying for entry-level job Haley, most managers aren’t expecting you to come in with a resume filled with experience. Make sure you’re applying for positions that are appropriate for you. If you aren’t sure, give the listed contact a call or email to see what they’re looking for. In a tight job market where employers receive lots of applications, there’s less incentive to take a chance on a candidate who doesn’t meet the key selection criteria. Carefully target jobs you truly can prove you can succeed in—not just those where you think, ‘I could do that’, but those where you can excel with the transferrable strengths and skills you already have.
SHOWCASE YOUR STRENGTHS
Highlight your strongest personal qualities like friendliness, professionalism, and responsiveness. Highlight examples of your dedication, curiosity, and commitment to learning and growth. You can learn more about a potential employer’s values through their website and explain you have shown these values. It’s also important to convey to potential employers your enthusiasm and motivation for the opportunity. Employers are more likely to consider candidates who have a positive attitude and express a sincere interest in the role. These traits are highly valued in the workplace.
BE PERSISTENT
Searching for a job, especially when trying to start your first job, can be a daunting process. It’s important to remember that you’re not alone. Everyone who has searched for work, such as your friends and family members, would have also started out with little or no experience. Patience, determination and dedication can be great values to have when you’re a job seeker. And remember, you can get help. Building your personal network is a reliable path to a great job at any stage of life. Connect with everyone you know—and in turn with everyone they know—through social media, community and professional events, or setting up lunch or coffee dates to stay in touch.
Hope this helpful Haley
If you can’t find a job, consider volunteering to build transferable skills and to help you get a better understanding of the industries you’re interested in. Volunteering also shows commitment and your personal values. A volunteer position can often be easier to find than a paid job. You’ll not only gain valuable experience and contribute to an organisation that needs you, you’ll also be able to build a network and get a foot in the door.
SHOWCASE YOUR STRENGTHS
Highlight your strongest personal qualities like friendliness, professionalism, and responsiveness. Highlight examples of your dedication, curiosity, and commitment to learning and growth. You can learn more about a potential employer’s values through their website and explain you have shown these values. It’s also important to convey to potential employers your enthusiasm and motivation for the opportunity. Employers are more likely to consider candidates who have a positive attitude and express a sincere interest in the role. These traits are highly valued in the workplace.
BE PERSISTENT
Searching for a job, especially when trying to start your first job, can be a daunting process. It’s important to remember that you’re not alone. Everyone who has searched for work, such as your friends and family members, would have also started out with little or no experience. Patience, determination and dedication can be great values to have when you’re a job seeker. And remember, you can get help. Building your personal network is a reliable path to a great job at any stage of life. Connect with everyone you know—and in turn with everyone they know—through social media, community and professional events, or setting up lunch or coffee dates to stay in touch.
Hope this helpful Haley
Doc recommends the following next steps:
Milan Stajcic
Worldwide Service Provider Business Development
2
Answers
Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
Updated
Milan’s Answer
Written on behalf of a group of volunteers at HPE:
There are a lot of opportunities for the internship in most of the companies out there (for example I know for a fact that there are in HPE). My advice would be to scan couple of major job portals and Linkedin, pick several job advertisements for internships, and contact directly the hiring person (it will be somebody from HR). To increase your chances, write a motivation letter specifically designed for the company in question. For example, if you apply for HPE internship you should mention if you had any interaction o r education about some specific technology like AI, computing, networking, or you can just express your interest in some areas like sales, development, etc. Also, try to connect to as many people as possible on Linkedin and ask them for a referral.
In the end, keep the positive attitude and don't worry too much. Remember that we all started from scratch : )
Good luck!
There are a lot of opportunities for the internship in most of the companies out there (for example I know for a fact that there are in HPE). My advice would be to scan couple of major job portals and Linkedin, pick several job advertisements for internships, and contact directly the hiring person (it will be somebody from HR). To increase your chances, write a motivation letter specifically designed for the company in question. For example, if you apply for HPE internship you should mention if you had any interaction o r education about some specific technology like AI, computing, networking, or you can just express your interest in some areas like sales, development, etc. Also, try to connect to as many people as possible on Linkedin and ask them for a referral.
In the end, keep the positive attitude and don't worry too much. Remember that we all started from scratch : )
Good luck!
Vamshee Gunturu
Principal Engineer
187
Answers
Chandler, Arizona
Updated
Vamshee’s Answer
Gaining experience for employment can often seem like a catch-22 situation. You might find yourself pondering, "How can I gain experience if I can't land a job?"
However, don't let this discourage you. There are numerous avenues to acquire the necessary experience, even if you've never held a job before. The options listed below are designed to help you build your job skills, workplace knowledge, network, and self-confidence. Plus, having any of these experiences on your resume can significantly boost your chances of getting hired.
Internships:
Internships offer a fantastic way to gain hands-on experience in a real-world work setting. These short-term positions may be paid or unpaid, and can be found in various sectors like businesses, retail stores, schools, government offices, or nonprofits. To find an internship that fits your interests, you can:
- Visit the internship office at a high school, college, or employment program
- Use an online internship finder
- Reach out to the Human Resources office of a workplace you're interested in
Job Shadowing:
Job shadowing allows you to observe a professional at work for a few hours, a day, or even a few days. You can ask someone you or your family knows if you can shadow them, or request a contact through a professional association or school program.
Volunteer Work:
Volunteering offers a wealth of opportunities to learn and develop new skills, from writing and coaching to sales and construction. Reach out to a nonprofit or school you're interested in and ask about volunteer opportunities. Many organizations even provide training.
School and Community Activities:
Getting involved in clubs, sports, theater, music, dance, religious organizations, and other community activities can be both enjoyable and skill-enhancing. Be sure to include these experiences on your resume. You can find such activities through school districts, community education, local arts groups, religious organizations, and public libraries.
Part-Time Jobs:
If your schedule permits, consider applying for a part-time position that offers the experience you're seeking. These jobs often provide on-the-job training and a chance to learn as you go. You'll also have the benefit of a new network of colleagues who can assist you in learning new skills.
Consulting or Staffing Companies:
Some businesses hire consultants for specific projects through their approved vendors, which could be consulting or staffing companies. Working as a consultant for a period can work in your favor to gain both a job and valuable experience.
Remember, every step you take towards gaining experience is a step closer to landing your dream job. Good luck!
However, don't let this discourage you. There are numerous avenues to acquire the necessary experience, even if you've never held a job before. The options listed below are designed to help you build your job skills, workplace knowledge, network, and self-confidence. Plus, having any of these experiences on your resume can significantly boost your chances of getting hired.
Internships:
Internships offer a fantastic way to gain hands-on experience in a real-world work setting. These short-term positions may be paid or unpaid, and can be found in various sectors like businesses, retail stores, schools, government offices, or nonprofits. To find an internship that fits your interests, you can:
- Visit the internship office at a high school, college, or employment program
- Use an online internship finder
- Reach out to the Human Resources office of a workplace you're interested in
Job Shadowing:
Job shadowing allows you to observe a professional at work for a few hours, a day, or even a few days. You can ask someone you or your family knows if you can shadow them, or request a contact through a professional association or school program.
Volunteer Work:
Volunteering offers a wealth of opportunities to learn and develop new skills, from writing and coaching to sales and construction. Reach out to a nonprofit or school you're interested in and ask about volunteer opportunities. Many organizations even provide training.
School and Community Activities:
Getting involved in clubs, sports, theater, music, dance, religious organizations, and other community activities can be both enjoyable and skill-enhancing. Be sure to include these experiences on your resume. You can find such activities through school districts, community education, local arts groups, religious organizations, and public libraries.
Part-Time Jobs:
If your schedule permits, consider applying for a part-time position that offers the experience you're seeking. These jobs often provide on-the-job training and a chance to learn as you go. You'll also have the benefit of a new network of colleagues who can assist you in learning new skills.
Consulting or Staffing Companies:
Some businesses hire consultants for specific projects through their approved vendors, which could be consulting or staffing companies. Working as a consultant for a period can work in your favor to gain both a job and valuable experience.
Remember, every step you take towards gaining experience is a step closer to landing your dream job. Good luck!
Thank you, this is really helpful.
Haley
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity.
3764
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Hello Haley,
If you volunteer you will get recognition early. If you help People for nothing, pretty soon People will recognize your value! It happens quick if you volunteer! Why? The ethic is to take what you can get; while you can get it for free! I must admit, when my rich cousin opens his wallet, it is impressive! 50 hundred dollar bills and that is pocket money for him. He recently sold the old Burleigh Theater Arcade here on the Gold Coast, Australia for AUS$13.6 million. Volunteers can make or break an organization! Vide Infra.
Securing job experience might seem daunting when you're just starting out, but it's definitely achievable. Here's a friendly guide on how you can boost your chances of getting a job even if you're a newbie.
1. Volunteer or intern: A fantastic way to gather job experience is by volunteering or interning in a field that aligns with your career goals. Many groups, charities, and companies offer volunteer roles or internships that give you priceless hands-on experience. Even though these roles might not come with a paycheck, they can help you build key skills, make connections with industry professionals, and show your dedication and passion.
2. Part-time or entry-level roles: Think about applying for part-time or beginner roles that don't need previous experience. These jobs often act as stepping stones to higher positions within a company. Even though the first job might not be your dream role, it can give you important experience and lay a solid foundation for your future career growth.
3. Networking: Networking is a super effective way to find job opportunities, especially when you're starting from scratch. Go to industry events, join professional groups, and connect with professionals in your chosen field on platforms like LinkedIn. Making connections with people already in the industry can lead to job openings that aren't advertised elsewhere. Plus, networking lets you learn from seasoned professionals and understand what skills and experiences employers are looking for.
4. Highlight transferable skills: Even if you haven't worked before, you probably have transferable skills from other parts of your life like school, hobbies, or personal projects. Find these skills and highlight them on your resume and in interviews. Transferable skills include things like communication, problem-solving, teamwork, leadership, organization, and adaptability. Showing off these skills can prove that you have what it takes to succeed in a professional setting.
5. Craft a strong resume and cover letter: When you're applying for jobs, it's super important to have a top-notch resume and cover letter. Customize your resume to showcase relevant coursework, academic achievements, volunteer work, internships, and any other experiences that show off your skills and dedication. Focus on showing your potential and eagerness to learn instead of just relying on past job experience. Your cover letter should also show your excitement for the role and explain why your skills and qualities make you the perfect candidate.
6. Get certifications or extra education: Think about getting certifications or taking classes related to your chosen field. Many industries have certifications that can boost your credibility and show your dedication to professional growth. Online platforms like Coursera, Udemy, and LinkedIn Learning offer a huge variety of courses that can help you learn new skills and knowledge.
7. Be proactive and keep going: Getting job experience might need persistence and a go-getter attitude. Don't let rejections or no responses get you down. Keep applying to relevant roles, follow up on applications, and ask for feedback whenever you can. Also, think about reaching out directly to companies or professionals in your chosen field to ask about potential opportunities or informational interviews.
Remember, getting job experience takes time and effort. Be patient with yourself and keep looking for chances to grow and learn. With determination and a go-getter attitude, you can conquer the challenge of not having previous work experience.
Top 3 Trusted Reference Publications/Websites:
1. Harvard Business Review - www.hbr.org
2. Forbes - www.forbes.com
3. The Balance Careers - www.thebalancecareers.com
If you volunteer you will get recognition early. If you help People for nothing, pretty soon People will recognize your value! It happens quick if you volunteer! Why? The ethic is to take what you can get; while you can get it for free! I must admit, when my rich cousin opens his wallet, it is impressive! 50 hundred dollar bills and that is pocket money for him. He recently sold the old Burleigh Theater Arcade here on the Gold Coast, Australia for AUS$13.6 million. Volunteers can make or break an organization! Vide Infra.
Securing job experience might seem daunting when you're just starting out, but it's definitely achievable. Here's a friendly guide on how you can boost your chances of getting a job even if you're a newbie.
1. Volunteer or intern: A fantastic way to gather job experience is by volunteering or interning in a field that aligns with your career goals. Many groups, charities, and companies offer volunteer roles or internships that give you priceless hands-on experience. Even though these roles might not come with a paycheck, they can help you build key skills, make connections with industry professionals, and show your dedication and passion.
2. Part-time or entry-level roles: Think about applying for part-time or beginner roles that don't need previous experience. These jobs often act as stepping stones to higher positions within a company. Even though the first job might not be your dream role, it can give you important experience and lay a solid foundation for your future career growth.
3. Networking: Networking is a super effective way to find job opportunities, especially when you're starting from scratch. Go to industry events, join professional groups, and connect with professionals in your chosen field on platforms like LinkedIn. Making connections with people already in the industry can lead to job openings that aren't advertised elsewhere. Plus, networking lets you learn from seasoned professionals and understand what skills and experiences employers are looking for.
4. Highlight transferable skills: Even if you haven't worked before, you probably have transferable skills from other parts of your life like school, hobbies, or personal projects. Find these skills and highlight them on your resume and in interviews. Transferable skills include things like communication, problem-solving, teamwork, leadership, organization, and adaptability. Showing off these skills can prove that you have what it takes to succeed in a professional setting.
5. Craft a strong resume and cover letter: When you're applying for jobs, it's super important to have a top-notch resume and cover letter. Customize your resume to showcase relevant coursework, academic achievements, volunteer work, internships, and any other experiences that show off your skills and dedication. Focus on showing your potential and eagerness to learn instead of just relying on past job experience. Your cover letter should also show your excitement for the role and explain why your skills and qualities make you the perfect candidate.
6. Get certifications or extra education: Think about getting certifications or taking classes related to your chosen field. Many industries have certifications that can boost your credibility and show your dedication to professional growth. Online platforms like Coursera, Udemy, and LinkedIn Learning offer a huge variety of courses that can help you learn new skills and knowledge.
7. Be proactive and keep going: Getting job experience might need persistence and a go-getter attitude. Don't let rejections or no responses get you down. Keep applying to relevant roles, follow up on applications, and ask for feedback whenever you can. Also, think about reaching out directly to companies or professionals in your chosen field to ask about potential opportunities or informational interviews.
Remember, getting job experience takes time and effort. Be patient with yourself and keep looking for chances to grow and learn. With determination and a go-getter attitude, you can conquer the challenge of not having previous work experience.
Top 3 Trusted Reference Publications/Websites:
1. Harvard Business Review - www.hbr.org
2. Forbes - www.forbes.com
3. The Balance Careers - www.thebalancecareers.com
Your advice was so helpful!
Haley
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity.
3764
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Hey there, Haley!
PICKING OUT
Figuring out your career path can feel like a big puzzle, but don't worry! It's a journey that involves considering your likes, talents, what you value, and the opportunities around you. Plus, a little bit of what the world throws your way. Here's a friendly guide to help you navigate through this exciting journey:
1. Getting to Know You: The first step is all about you! It's about understanding what makes you tick - your interests, your strengths, what you hold dear, and your dreams. Think about what you love doing, what you're really good at, and what matches your values. This will help you narrow down your career choices.
2. Homework Time: Now that you have a sense of what you're into and what you're good at, it's time to do some research. Look into different careers and find out what they're all about. Check out job descriptions, what kind of education you'd need, potential earnings, and chances for growth. The more you know, the better choices you can make.
3. Test Drive: After doing your homework, it's a good idea to get some real-world experience. You can do this through internships, part-time jobs, volunteering, or even shadowing someone who's already in the field. This gives you a taste of what the job is really like, helping you decide if it's a good fit for you.
4. Decision Time: Once you've gathered all this information and had a taste of the real world, it's time to make a choice. This involves looking at the good and bad of each option, based on what's important to you. Consider things like job satisfaction, work-life balance, financial stability, and future prospects.
5. Ready, Set, Go: After you've made your decision, it's time to take the next step towards your dream career. This could mean getting the right education or training, gaining experience through internships or entry-level jobs, and always learning and growing in your chosen field.
Remember, it's perfectly normal for your career choices to change as you grow and evolve. Life is a journey of continuous self-discovery, learning, and adapting.
As for why people choose certain careers, it's different for everyone. Some common reasons include:
1. Love and Interest: Many people choose careers that they're passionate about. They follow their heart and pursue fields that excite them.
2. Talent and Skill: Some people pick careers that let them use their natural talents and skills. They're drawn to areas where they excel.
3. Money Matters: For some, financial stability and earning potential are big factors. They look for careers that offer good pay or job security.
4. Personal Values: Some people pick careers that match their personal values and let them make a positive difference. They're driven by a desire to help others, support a cause, or bring about social change.
5. Outside Influences: Family, friends, mentors, and societal expectations can also sway career choices. People are often influenced by the experiences and advice of those around them or by societal norms.
In the end, everyone's reasons for their career choices are unique, shaped by a mix of factors that are personal to them.
Top 3 Go-To Career Resources:
1. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) - www.bls.gov
2. The Balance Careers - www.thebalancecareers.com
3. CareerOneStop - www.careeronestop.org
PICKING OUT
Figuring out your career path can feel like a big puzzle, but don't worry! It's a journey that involves considering your likes, talents, what you value, and the opportunities around you. Plus, a little bit of what the world throws your way. Here's a friendly guide to help you navigate through this exciting journey:
1. Getting to Know You: The first step is all about you! It's about understanding what makes you tick - your interests, your strengths, what you hold dear, and your dreams. Think about what you love doing, what you're really good at, and what matches your values. This will help you narrow down your career choices.
2. Homework Time: Now that you have a sense of what you're into and what you're good at, it's time to do some research. Look into different careers and find out what they're all about. Check out job descriptions, what kind of education you'd need, potential earnings, and chances for growth. The more you know, the better choices you can make.
3. Test Drive: After doing your homework, it's a good idea to get some real-world experience. You can do this through internships, part-time jobs, volunteering, or even shadowing someone who's already in the field. This gives you a taste of what the job is really like, helping you decide if it's a good fit for you.
4. Decision Time: Once you've gathered all this information and had a taste of the real world, it's time to make a choice. This involves looking at the good and bad of each option, based on what's important to you. Consider things like job satisfaction, work-life balance, financial stability, and future prospects.
5. Ready, Set, Go: After you've made your decision, it's time to take the next step towards your dream career. This could mean getting the right education or training, gaining experience through internships or entry-level jobs, and always learning and growing in your chosen field.
Remember, it's perfectly normal for your career choices to change as you grow and evolve. Life is a journey of continuous self-discovery, learning, and adapting.
As for why people choose certain careers, it's different for everyone. Some common reasons include:
1. Love and Interest: Many people choose careers that they're passionate about. They follow their heart and pursue fields that excite them.
2. Talent and Skill: Some people pick careers that let them use their natural talents and skills. They're drawn to areas where they excel.
3. Money Matters: For some, financial stability and earning potential are big factors. They look for careers that offer good pay or job security.
4. Personal Values: Some people pick careers that match their personal values and let them make a positive difference. They're driven by a desire to help others, support a cause, or bring about social change.
5. Outside Influences: Family, friends, mentors, and societal expectations can also sway career choices. People are often influenced by the experiences and advice of those around them or by societal norms.
In the end, everyone's reasons for their career choices are unique, shaped by a mix of factors that are personal to them.
Top 3 Go-To Career Resources:
1. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) - www.bls.gov
2. The Balance Careers - www.thebalancecareers.com
3. CareerOneStop - www.careeronestop.org
Jerrica Krzywicki
Services Business Manager
2
Answers
Chicago, Illinois
Updated
Jerrica’s Answer
Start with your guidance counselor or career center to see what programs might be available to students. Many internships or co-ops know that the students they want won't have a lot of relevant experience, but you can still focus on building relevant skills that can apply to the workplace.
You can also start volunteering at an organization that you feel passionate about (bonus points if it's also relevant to the industry you're interested in as well). Could you teach or tutor in a subject you're strong in? What activities are at your school that would be good for building your resume?
You're never too young to start networking! People love to talk about themselves, so don't be afraid to ask people about their jobs, their education, how they got to where they are now. A big part of networking can help you figure out what you want to do.
You can also start volunteering at an organization that you feel passionate about (bonus points if it's also relevant to the industry you're interested in as well). Could you teach or tutor in a subject you're strong in? What activities are at your school that would be good for building your resume?
You're never too young to start networking! People love to talk about themselves, so don't be afraid to ask people about their jobs, their education, how they got to where they are now. A big part of networking can help you figure out what you want to do.
Shabbir Yakub
Manager
2
Answers
Sammamish, Washington
Updated
Shabbir’s Answer
My suggestion would be to do freelancing or contract work as a way to build a portfolio and gain practical experience, even if it's not a full-time job.
Melissa Abbett
4
Answers
Updated
Melissa’s Answer
Hi Haley,
Our team of HPE volunteers came together to provide a few items that may help.
1. Find a volunteer role in areas or fields that interest you.
2. Search for internships
3. Ask someone if you can shadow them in their role and learn from them
4. Request informational interviews
5. In any of these that you get traction, seek for additional responsibility, ask questions, this will allow you to get more experience that you can put on a job application.
Our team of HPE volunteers came together to provide a few items that may help.
1. Find a volunteer role in areas or fields that interest you.
2. Search for internships
3. Ask someone if you can shadow them in their role and learn from them
4. Request informational interviews
5. In any of these that you get traction, seek for additional responsibility, ask questions, this will allow you to get more experience that you can put on a job application.
Laura Jean Golden
Sales Business Planner
4
Answers
Houston, Texas
Updated
Laura Jean’s Answer
You can volunteer or community volunteering- find a way to start in your local community!
Get a part time jobs, or maybe a few "for now" jobs just to get started.
Full time is not always required or fit for you, and sometimes getting in the door is easier if you are more flexible.
Research Internships at various companies: see if you can get a mentor in the process that can help you get that full time job. Keep your options and mind open- there are many possibilities that you have not considered.
The first step is the hardest so make any step forward toward your goal.
Get a part time jobs, or maybe a few "for now" jobs just to get started.
Full time is not always required or fit for you, and sometimes getting in the door is easier if you are more flexible.
Research Internships at various companies: see if you can get a mentor in the process that can help you get that full time job. Keep your options and mind open- there are many possibilities that you have not considered.
The first step is the hardest so make any step forward toward your goal.
Rebecca Tang
Banking
1512
Answers
Hong Kong
Updated
Rebecca’s Answer
Thank you for your question. Many students have similar question.
Below are my suggestions:
1. Many corporate has internship program. You can find out these opportunities on the corporate website or college career office
2. Some large corporate has management trainee program. They may host information session in the college or information is available in college career office
3. Some openings are suitable fresh graduate. The recruiter may state this in the job post.
4. If you have interest on a particular corporate, you can send your CV to their HR
to seek for opportunities
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
Below are my suggestions:
1. Many corporate has internship program. You can find out these opportunities on the corporate website or college career office
2. Some large corporate has management trainee program. They may host information session in the college or information is available in college career office
3. Some openings are suitable fresh graduate. The recruiter may state this in the job post.
4. If you have interest on a particular corporate, you can send your CV to their HR
to seek for opportunities
Hope this helps! Good Luck!