How Do I Land a Job with No Experience?!?
You see the perfect job advertised! You eagerly read the specs.
And there it is again – two years of experience.
You have no experience.
Good to Know:
There is little difference between two years experience and zero experience.
How to Think about This:
Why would the employer want to hire someone who is quitting their job after two years?
1. You need information, so start researching.
Find out to whom the job reports or their boss. Either of these can help. A telephone call to the company may give you all the information you need, or Google them. Next, check LinkedIn for the connection to their title/company, or check the Hoover's database online.
2. After you have identified the name of the person/boss to whom you will report, develop a plan.
3. First, scour your network to see if there is anyone who can introduce you.
4. If you find no connections, make a cold call.
If you do not have the direct dial number, work through the company's automated dial-by-name directory or the operator. If you were able to uncover the person's direct dial number, call them every half hour between 7:30 am and 9:00 am.
5. You will have 30 seconds to make your point, so work off a script.
(example: "I became aware you are seeking someone as a marketing copywriter. For the past two years, I have been writing tweets, blogs, and articles on youth soccer. Would it be possible to set up time to meet with you?" Of course, if you are a finance or accounting major, you will change the wording to fit your background.) *Keep in mind your internships do count as experience.
6. Finally, Human Resources is not an option.
Most HR professionals agree that unless there is a perfect fit, they will screen out your resume.
We have a saying at Beyond The U, "If you want a different outcome, you have to think differently."
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