What you will learn
Show When you’re applying for your first job, or moving to a new career, you may be feeling like you don’t have all the necessary experience for a particular role – but this isn’t necessarily a bad thing. How you respond to gaps in your knowledge or experience is just as important as filling them in. Simply having an awareness of what you need to work on will show employers that you’re proactive and adaptable. So, let’s start by viewing holes in your experience as opportunities to learn and become better skilled. We understand it’s not always practical to return to studying full-time, which is why we’ve outlined some other ways you can upskill yourself below. Understanding your transferable skillsIf you lack work experience there are many things you can do to build up your CV. Start by listing your previous achievements, no matter how big or small they are. Did you complete a course at college or university? Are there activities you’re a part of? Have you successfully given a presentation? It is important to remember that all these achievements required skills to complete and whether this was teamwork, sticking to deadlines or being a leader, you will have learned ways of working that will be transferable in the workplace. A positive attitude and personality can be a skill in itself. Use this to sell yourself, even if you lack the experience required. By being your best self and describing what experience and skills you do have you will be able to make a lasting impression on your CV and at an interview. Always ensure that your CV sells your experience and skills that you do have instead of the skills you do not currently have. Employers aren’t always looking for the finished article – they are looking for someone who will integrate well within their company so ticking all the boxes isn’t always necessary. Though, if an employer is looking for something you don’t have, is there something you can do right now to address the gaps? How to build on your experienceDon’t let your lack of experience stand in the way of going for your dream job. Take some time to identify where your knowledge or skill gaps may be then look into practical ways to get more experience on your CV. This doesn’t always have to be paid or full time positions and education, there are opportunities out there that you may not have considered in the past. It is perfectly normal to take a step down the career ladder to get to your dream position in the long term. Take a look at ways you can build on your experience below.
A lack of work experience shouldn’t be treated as a barrier to your career development. It should give you the motivation to explore other options and what skills you need to develop and what experience will help you land you your dream job. All experience is valid and building upon this can help you in the long run. What do you do if you do not meet a requirement of a job description?Focus on Your Transferable Skills
You don't have to satisfy every requirement or meet every qualification listed. If your skills are transferable and you are in the ballpark with the number of years of experience the company's looking for, apply. Applying gives you the opportunity to be considered.
How do you answer an interview question if you don't have work experience?What other jobs have you held? If you have no industry experience, you can answer this question by briefly describing other jobs you've had up to that point. If there are transferable skills between previous jobs and the position you're applying for, you can structure your question around these similarities.
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