It is a common problem among those who are just entering the workforce that most employers want previous work experience. For the young and ambitious, this poses obvious problems. How does someone with no previous job experience gather the necessary credentials to meet or get around those requirements?
To answer these questions, I have put together a few strategies to penetrate the job market for the first time. These tactics are meant to help you build your experience -- or even circumvent the need to have experience -- so you can land your dream job in no time.
Do freelance work
Friends or family members who can offer freelance assignments can help you build up the experience you need to land a full-time job. If you think you have what it takes to do a job, demonstrate it in the real world; that is essentially what your prospective employers are looking for.Freelance work is a good way to prove that you have the skills to make the jump into a full-time profession. For example, if you are looking for work in the advertising world, try to find a few customers of your own. Do a good job and hopefully they can be good references when you try for that advertising company.
A freelance assignment may only consist of a very short stint, but that fact is not something you should play up. Instead, emphasize your command and knowledge of the profession.
Build a personal portfolio
Many creative professions require you to put together a portfolio before they will even consider you. But even those who are looking for less artistic jobs can benefit from a portfolio.For example, if you participated in a university investment analyst club, the presentations and reports you put together might make a suitable starting point for a portfolio if you are applying for an investment or finance position. A portfolio shows examples of your work, so make sure anything you put in it is representative of your highest quality.
Join sponsored competitions
Look for the opportunity to demonstrate your skills in industry-sponsored competitions. There are numerous competitions you can enter; some are centered on academic programs, but many are not. Be it literature contests for writers or marketing contests for business majors, there is a wide range of opportunities to test your talents against some of the best.From doing internships to presenting yourself as a fast learner... Next >>
