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Experience is a high-value commodity. But do you know what's even more valuable than years of experience? Skills and attitude.
Approximately 40% of employers would rather not hire a recent grad, instead prefer older workers due to Gen Z's proverbial lack of work ethic and work skills, according to a December 2023 survey of 800 employers involved in hiring decisions. Many employers are reluctant to hire Gen Zers, having been deterred by their negative experiences of Gen X's soft skills and work ethic—or lack of it—within the workforce.
At the same time, the market for candidates with little to no previous experience is extremely saturated. The highly competitive nature of the entry-level job market, combined with employers' wariness to hire younger workers, makes it increasingly difficult to land a job with no experience, even for much-coveted graduate programs and traineeships.
How To Get Hired With No Experience
But thankfully, it's not impossible. By following the below steps, you can more than compensate for your lack of experience.
1. Freelancing And Side Hustles
One of the best and most effective ways to show employers that you have the necessary experience is by launching a side hustle or becoming a freelancer, using the skills and knowledge you gained through your studies, and pursuing your passions and hobbies.
Not only is this smart because you're able to make extra money even before you start a full-time job, but this also carries the added advantage of filling out your resume with practical work experience, which will give you transferable skills that you can demonstrate to employers.
Additionally, having your own side hustle is a very impressive accomplishment, showcasing leadership skills, tenacity, self-drive, and business acumen, which are exactly what potential employers would look for in new hires with no experience.
2. Highlight Your Transferable Skills
Everyone has something to offer, whether they have practical work experience or not. You're no exception. Look back and consider the past five years. What new skill have you learned and developed? What experiences have you gained when traveling or volunteering?
Think about the time you were nominated to serve as president or officer of your student society. There are likely many skills such as problem-solving, communication, time management, and interpersonal skills that you would have gained while engaged in these activities. And since many employers are moving towards skills-based hiring, this certainly works in your favor.
How To Find Companies Hiring With No Experience
- Search graduate job boards for entry-level roles, graduate programs, internships, traineeships, and full-time opportunities, such as CollegeGrad.
- Check the career pages of company websites; sometimes they may promote their graduate or trainee programs on these pages.
- Attend career fairs and industry events with your resume, and most of all, s bold, shining personality. Engage and network at these events and don't be afraid to ask for connections or opportunities. Sell yourself.
- Tap into your existing network and alumni.
What Companies Are Hiring With No Experience?
To kickstart your search and provide some inspiration, here are 10 employers who are currently (at the time of writing) hiring for roles that require no previous experience:
- Avera Health
- US Army
- Enterprise Rent-A-Car
- Bank of America
- Amazon.com
- Cigna
- American Express (they're currently hiring remote no experience, required jobs)
- AT&T (this job for example, is part-time and does not require experience as they provide on-the-job training, as do many other employers)
- CGI
- Dell
Remember, your experience is important but not nearly as important as your attitude and skills. Focus on tailoring your resume, application, interview answers, and any cover letter you decide to include so that they all highlight your relevant skills, work ethic, and experiences—even if they're not directly related to the role you're applying for.