Posts tagged with employment.
"Experience needed” ... but I’ve been in school?!
Have you ever been confused by entry-level job postings with requirements that include anywhere from one to three years of experience in a specific industry, role or skill? Did you immediately count yourself out for the position because you thought you couldn't fulfill the minimum requirements?
After all, how could you possibly have years of experience? You've just spent the past three or four (or more) years in college or university, attending classes, getting involved in extra-curricular activities and working part-time to make ends meet. There was no time for years of working full-time - all that stuff was a full-time job and then some, right?
However, most students and recent grads don't realize that when employers say "1-3 years experience," they don't mean that kind of experience.
So what does the word "experience" really mean?
When an employer says "experience" what they usually mean is that you've shown a demonstrated interest in pursuing experience in your field. This might include internships, co-ops, volunteer experience, extra-curricular activities and more.
Bottom line: The experience doesn't have to be all day every day in a professional setting, and you definitely don't have to be paid for it. Employers are usually flexible on the duration and types of experience they require.
How can you demonstrate to employers you have the experience they want?
You have to answer the question, "How do the skills and experience you've picked up translate into exactly what the employer is looking for, and more?" in a coherent way that draws parallels between what you've done and what you can do for your potential employers if they hire you.
It's up to you to show and tell potential employers through your résumé, portfolio, references and interviews.
Highlighting results - not tasks - is key. What personal or professional goals have you smashed? How much time, money and effort have you saved a company, charity or school organization (or a hypothetical one in a case study assignment)? What changes have you taken from the idea stage to their full implementation?
Think long and hard about what you've accomplished, and how you can present it in a meaningful way to potential employers when the time comes.
How can you get the experience you need if you don't have it?
It's simple enough: do paid or unpaid work, volunteer your time, go above and beyond on school assignments, take extra courses and make sure you have at least the minimum professional certifications required to be considered for an entry-level job.
For more in-depth tips: Do you even meet the basic requirements of an entry-level job?
Tagged with
employers,
job,
experience,
requirements,
entry-level,
posting,
volunteering,
employment,
internships
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