FAQ: Why Do Entry-Level Jobs Require Experience? (Plus Tips)
Many entry-level jobs prefer or expect candidates to have some experience in their industry. Often, recent graduates or individuals who are changing career paths may not have relevant experience before they apply for an entry-level job. Learning about why entry-level jobs require experience and how you can improve your job application materials to qualify for these positions can help you secure your preferred entry-level role.
In this article, we answer some frequently asked questions about entry-level jobs, including why entry-level jobs require experience, and offer tips to help you get an entry-level position.
What is an entry-level job?
An entry-level job is a position that requires basic skills and little job experience to obtain. These jobs are typically sought out by recent college grads or individuals who are seeking a new career path. Some examples of entry-level jobs are:
Related: What Is an Entry-Level Job?
Why do entry-level jobs require experience?
Many entry-level jobs express a preference for experienced candidates to encourage these types of professionals to apply. Typically, candidates with more experience in the field have more developed skill sets within their area of specialty. Hiring managers may prefer to hire these types of candidates because they may be more likely to have the qualifications needed to perform their duties.
While hiring managers may state that they prefer or require candidates to have experience for an entry-level job, you can still apply for positions even if you have little direct experience in the industry. Often, having general skills like time management, organization, communication and teamwork can make you a qualified applicant for an entry-level role. Additionally, if you have technical knowledge of the industry, whether through your experience in past roles or based on your educational credentials, you may highlight these qualifications in place of work experience.
Related: Entry-Level Resume Skills: Definition and Examples
How can I gain experience?
There are many opportunities to gain work experience, even without accepting a formal, entry-level job. Many students, recent graduates or those looking to change careers find opportunities through internships, freelance work or volunteer positions. Internships and volunteer opportunities can equip you with the practical experience that employers prefer while also allowing you to network with established professionals in your industry.
Many employers are willing to make exceptions for applicants who don't have all the required experience if their resume shows their effort and motivation. For example, volunteering in your free time can show your initiative and dedication. Freelance jobs can also allow you to develop important skills that you can use on your resume to obtain a full-time job in the career of your choice. Finding industry-relevant freelance opportunities can help you gain skills, meet industry professionals and earn an income while you pursue your career path.
Related: Experience vs. Qualifications: Differences and Importance
How can I highlight my education on my resume?
If you're a recent graduate, you may benefit from emphasizing your relevant education over your work experience on your resume. When you begin to write your resume, consider the projects you've worked on and the research you've conducted. Think about the skills and expertise you gained from these assignments and write them down. If the skills are transferrable for the job you're applying for, you may consider listing them on your resume. It's also helpful to consider the extracurricular activities you participated in during your education.
Assess your participation in any student government, service-related, academic achievement organizations or other organizations. Consider your role in the organizations you participated in and identify similar responsibilities or skills that you can list on your resume. This way, employers can gain a better understanding of your experience and interests.
Related: How To List Education on a Resume (With Examples)
How much experience do I need for an entry-level job?
Most entry-level jobs list two to five years of previous experience as a requirement. Although hiring managers may list this level of experience in their job description, note that they based the description on their ideal candidate. You may still qualify for the job based on your knowledge, transferrable skills and cultural fit for the organization. Hiring managers consider a wide range of factors when choosing a job candidate, so you can compensate for a lack of experience by showing other qualities that make you well-suited for the role.Related: What Does Learning By Experience Mean? (Plus Benefits)
What can I expect from an entry-level job?
Since every organization has its own approach to the hiring, onboarding and training process, your experience with getting an entry-level job may differ from one position to another. For example, some organizations may have a more formal hiring process than others. While some companies may onboard many new employees at once, others may only hire one or two at a time. In general, here's what you can expect when starting an entry-level job:
To be trained and mentored
To learn a variety of new things
To handle mundane tasks that can teach you about your company or business
To receive feedback
How do I get an entry-level job?
To get an entry-level job, it's important to prepare an effective application that highlights your qualifications. By showing what qualities make you a good candidate for the position, you may improve your chances of getting the job. Here are tips to help you get an entry-level job:
Screen entry-level jobs
Many job search engines have thousands of job listings posted as entry-level. You may have to sort through the jobs you're interested in and identify the truly entry-level jobs for which you qualify. The best way to do this is to type specific keywords into the job search engine. It's also important to read the job descriptions and requirements before you start the application to see whether you're likely to qualify for the role.
Emphasize your strengths
Experience isn't the only way a hiring manager can predict if you are likely to succeed in a position. Emphasize the things you've done and are willing to do and show the employer that you're motivated and willing to learn. Use your professional profile or cover letter to convey your strengths to the hiring manager. Include keywords and phrases from the job description and apply them to responsibilities or skills that you have.Related: Entry-Level Skills in the Workplace: Definition and Examples
Employ your network
Use your current network to improve your chances of getting an interview for an entry-level position. The people in your network may offer you useful advice or introduce you to someone who works in your industry of choice. Try networking with individuals who understand your work ethic and professional attributes, such as former teachers, professors, co-workers or managers. These individuals may also be willing to provide letters of recommendation to help with your applications.
Add any relevant unpaid experience
It doesn't matter if you received payment for the job experience you list on your resume. Include any experience you have on your application. For instance, if you're seeking an entry-level public relations job and you volunteered to lead and organize a campaign for an environmental non-profit organization three summers in a row, adding that experience to your resume may improve your candidacy. Your commitment to your volunteer work demonstrates your work ethic, initiative and leadership skills.
Use the 80/20 rule
You may not meet all of the requirements for every job listing to which you plan on applying. If you meet 80% of the requirements, apply to the entry-level position anyway. Hiring managers and recruiters are looking for their best fit within a wide range of qualifications, and they may consider your professional attributes if you choose to apply. It's unlikely that any candidate fits the ideal that the hiring manager describes in the job listing, so you may still be a strong candidate for a position even without meeting the experience requirements.
Frequently asked questions
Why do entry-level jobs require experience?
Entry-level jobs require experience for various reasons. Many hiring managers choose to list job experience as a way to seek out high-performing entry-level candidates. They want individuals who not only possess the necessary skills for the job, but also know how to apply them in a work setting as well. Recruiters may add a specific requirement for work experience as a way to filter through applicants and discourage unqualified applicants from applying.
Sometimes, job experience is not limited to experience in the field you wish to apply for. Many hiring managers prefer entry-level candidates who know how to follow directions, work in a team environment and communicate effectively. Many of these skills are developed through some sort of work experience.
How can I gain experience?
The best way to gain experience is to consider internships, freelance jobs or volunteer opportunities. You may complete some of this work experience while you are in school or unemployed. Internships and volunteer opportunities can equip you with the hands-on experience that employers are looking for. Many employers are willing to make exceptions for applicants who do not have all the required experience if their resume displays the necessary effort and motivation. Freelance jobs will also allow you to cultivate important skills that you can use on your resume to obtain a full-time job in the career of your choice.
Internships, freelance jobs and volunteer opportunities can likely be found on many standard job search engines.
How can I use my education as experience on my resume?
Your education is an essential tool that you can use to be successful. When you begin to write your resume, consider the projects you've worked on and the research you've conducted. Think about the skills and expertise you gained from these assignments and write them down. If the skills are transferrable for the job you are applying for you may consider listing them on your resume. It is also helpful to consider the extracurricular activities you participated in during your education.
Assess your participation in any student government, service-related, academic achievement organizations or other organizations. Consider your role in the organizations you participated in and identify similar responsibilities or skills that you can list on your resume. This way, employers will be able to gain a better understanding of your experience and interests.
How much experience do I need for an entry-level job?
Most entry-level jobs list two to five years of previous experience as a requirement. However, consider that most of the job listings you see are based on the ideal candidate. A candidate with less experience may be well-suited for the position and taken into consideration if their knowledge is thoroughly conveyed on their resume and cover letter.
What can I expect from an entry-level job?
Each entry-level job will be different depending on the industry you are interested in. If you are hired for an entry-level position, here are some of the things you can expect:
To be trained and mentored
To learn a variety of new things
To handle mundane tasks that will teach you about your company or business
To receive feedback
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