A common dilemma for both the college graduate and the person looking to change careers is that they don’t have the required experience asked for in a job description. They often ask, “How do I gain the experience required if no one will hire me?”
I won’t lie to you. This does make the task of landing the first job in the field you’ve chosen a lot tougher. But I’m here to tell you, it’s not impossible. We’ve helped plenty of people in the same boat as you, and every one of them eventually found what they were looking for. However, it’s not easy. It requires that you set your priorities right at the beginning to have any sort of success. Here is what your priorities need to be as you begin on your quest to start or change your career.
1. Be Mentally Prepared
You must be prepared to hear “no” frequently. When you start your search, expect to get enough rejection letters to wallpaper a rather large room. Rejection can be a blow to our ego, feel deflating, and for some, even lead to depression. You will also have a lot of false starts. You’ll get a phone screen, then an interview, then a second interview…things look promising…you think you’ll finally receive an offer…and then, nothing. You wait and wait to hear from someone. Eventually, you decide to give the recruiter a call. They don’t answer. An hour later, you might receive yet another rejection email, even from the recruiter you just left a message with. It can feel like a cruel, cold world, and unfortunately, stories like this are becoming more common. Get ready for it.
The job search is a journey with many ups and downs, bumps, and unexpected setbacks. Remember that this is a temporary state. The challenges you face will eventually pass. It’s an endurance test for the mentally resilient. Prepare for it as best you can, keeping in mind that no one is ever truly fully prepared. Many believe their situation is unique and that their search won’t take long. Perhaps not, but be prepared if it does. You will have good days and bad days. Keep persevering, and positive outcomes will follow.
2. Acquire New Skills
As important as experience may be, having a strong skillset can significantly help overcome a lack of direct experience. This might involve taking online courses or evening classes at a local community college. It might also mean volunteering your time with an organization you are involved with where you can do something that allows you to get better at particular skills.
For example, if the job you’re targeting requires HTML coding skills, read books on it, take a class, and then consider offering your help with website updates to leaders in your church. The more relevant skills you can highlight on your resume and LinkedIn profile, the better.
I also wouldn’t recommend that the skills you learn be overly focused in one area. It’s good to have a balance between hard and soft skills. Skills like accounting, writing and business communication, presentation, persuasion, and technology are consistently valuable.
3. Do Some Networking
At this stage, actively meeting people is crucial. This is even more important than simply applying for jobs online – seriously!
‘Why?’ you might ask. Because you’re an unknown entity lacking the specific experience they seek. Therefore, it’s essential for you to become known. Begin by leveraging LinkedIn and your existing network of friends.
Introduce yourself to professionals in your desired field. Seek their advice (avoid directly asking for a job). Ask about their career journeys: How did they get started? What was their path? Why did they choose this field? What challenges have they faced? What key skills did they need to develop?
Ask any other relevant questions that come to mind during your conversation. Before concluding, ask if they could introduce you to other valuable contacts in the field. Have your resume with you, but only offer it if they specifically request it. Instead, have personal business cards to share so you can easily stay in contact.
4. Market and Sell Your Potential
Many people don’t realize that searching for a new job puts them in the realm of marketing and sales. Even those who believe they’d be poor salespeople must learn to market themselves effectively.
So, what do successful marketers and salespeople do? First, let’s consider what they don’t do. They don’t focus on their desperation to make a sale. Adopting this mindset will be evident during networking events and interviews, and you’re unlikely to receive an offer. No one hires based on pity.
Instead, successful marketers and salespeople focus on the customer’s wants and needs. This is where your networking proves invaluable – it’s essentially market research in action. Once you understand their needs, you can tailor your message to highlight how you can meet them. Emphasize transferable skills from previous roles and the new skills you’re developing that will be relevant to the new job. Demonstrate your passion for the field. Express enthusiasm for the company and the opportunity. Highlight your potential.
By doing so, you’ll effectively market and sell your most important product: yourself.
5. Taking a Step Back to Move Forward
It can be challenging for career changers and recent college graduates who envisioned immediate success to accept a lower-level position. This might mean a lower salary. It can be a blow to the ego. You might feel like you haven’t quite “made it” yet.
However, sometimes it’s the most effective way to begin moving in the right direction. Plus, a steady income is always beneficial. While swallowing your pride isn’t enjoyable, it’s sometimes necessary. Therefore, don’t dismiss these opportunities if they align with your field and involve a reputable company. Ensure there are clear opportunities for growth within the role.
Once you navigate this initial stage, the path ahead will likely be smoother and less challenging. I recall that the time it took to find my second job was significantly shorter than my first – at least a couple of months. So, take heart; once you overcome this initial hurdle, the rest of your journey should be less arduous.