No Experience, No Job--Not Really

The biggest complaint I hear coming from newly minted college grads is trying to get a job with no experience.  You have to have experience to get  a job but can't get a job because you have no experience.

Not exactly.  First of all, the gate keepers in companies are the Human Resources folks.  They write up the job description, in most cases, and screen the resumes.  I, as a hiring manager, let them do neither.  But I was the exception as most bosses are too lazy to take the time or do the work so they leave it to HR and reap the result.  The one thing HR always puts in there is 1-2 years experience.  They must have it programmed into their computers.

So you read the ad and don't do anything.  You don't send in a resume because you don't have 1-2 years experience.  Big mistake.

Here are the facts of getting a job or actually that first good job.

1.  HR puts the 1-2 years thing in there just to make sure the people THEY interview know what it is like to show up for a job.  HR doesn't want to take chances so they would rather screen all you high potential folks out in favor of some idiot that has "1-2 years experience."

2.  The hiring manager wants a bargain.  We all do.  He/she wants a great employee for a bargain basement price.  So your job is to get around HR and to the hiring manager.

3.  Don't compare yourself to other workers.  You have a degree (which most people in this country do not) and you are smart but you don't have experience.  In twenty years you will have plenty of experience and people (headhunters) will be calling you but for now the equation is Young and Inexperienced=Low Pay.  Older and Lots of Experience and Competence=High Pay.

So how do we get the first job?  By going through job hell.  Step number 1 is to realize that getting the first job is a numbers game.  Finish the resume, jump on the on line classifieds first thing on Monday morning and start slamming.  Send out a resume (and sincere cover letter if allowed) to any job that seems remotely interesting.  When Margot was looking for a job I emailed her every link that didn't include adult entertainment.

Network but don't think that is the only way.  The first job will be achieved by volume.  Somewhere out there is a cheap boss looking for a good deal.   

On Monday we will go over how Margot got her first real job after three other jobs.

Comments

[Spice]

I got my first job after strugging for 11 months. This after having a Masters degree in Computer Science. This was in the year 2002-2003. Even though, the times were bad back then, 11 months seem to freaking long. My only suggestion for college grads, hang in there, there is a job out there for each one of us. Just don't give up trying no matter how long it takes, well definitely improve the methods if you think you can better them in any way. NEVER LOSE HOPE.

btw.BILL- I have a question for you, you mentioned that you are working as a hiring manager, can you give me an idea about your position and the path you have taken, if you do not mind please.

[Kira]

You can also cut a lot of the crap by working jobs during college and getting some good references. I worked a total of 11 different jobs during college and when I graduated I had four at one time. I think that fact alone impressed the hell out of the people I interviewed with and I had a job two months after I graduated. Plus, I got more money because one of my jobs was sort of kind of related.