Applying for a job with no experience might seem scary when you're wanting to further your career - but with a little grit and dedication, you can still find the ideal possibilities.

If you haven't worked while at university, you may be in the classic catch-22 position where you need experience to obtain a job and a job to gain experience.

While this might be depressing, keep in mind that you are not alone. Many other final-year students and graduates will be in the same situation, having spent the previous several years concentrating on their academics as well.

It's true that getting job immediately after graduation with little experience to put on your CV might seem difficult - but there are plenty of methods to strengthen your CV, obtain the skills that potential employers are looking for, and get your foot in the door.

Sign up to receive personalised job notifications and save your favourites.
Look for internships and apprenticeships by registering.

Internships and apprenticeships are excellent methods to get valuable experience if you are unable to secure a long-term or permanent career. They allow you to earn money while learning about a profession or organisation firsthand, are beneficial for creating a network of connections, and can occasionally lead to permanent employment.

An internship looks good on your resume and can help you stand out from the crowd. Some larger corporations may offer formal internship programmes, so visit the websites of organisations that interest you to see what's available. Because small and medium-sized firms (SMEs) seldom announce their openings, you may need to apply speculatively.

Internships can last anything from a few weeks to a year and are quite popular; expect a tough application process, especially at larger firms.

An apprenticeship will place you in a genuine work while you study for a recognised certification. You'll sign a contract with your company after which you'll be trained in a certain job.

Apprenticeships are a long-term commitment that can last anywhere from one to four years. The majority of apprentices are promised employment upon completion of their training programme.

Learn how to apply for a job as an apprentice.
Begin volunteering.

Volunteering roles, which are typically easier to get than internships, are a sure-fire approach to increase your employability, especially if you lack relevant experience. Despite the fact that you will not be paid, you will benefit from the skills and relationships you learn.

Volunteering demonstrates dedication, initiative, and a strong work ethic, all of which are valuable and appealing qualities to prospective employers.

You'll also gain a variety of in-demand, transferrable skills, such as:

Teamwork, self-assurance, time management, flexibility, and communication organisation

Volunteer in areas related to the field you want to work in; for example, if you want to work with children, try to volunteer in schools or with youth organisations.

If you can't find anything relevant, don't panic - any volunteering experience will strengthen your CV and provide you with real-life examples to discuss during your interview.

Opportunities in your region can be found through organisations such as:

Do-it.org
Student Volunteering Is Important

Look for all available volunteer options.
Create your networks.

When you're just starting out and don't have any experience, who you know might be just as crucial as what you know. A reference from a personal acquaintance to an employer may go a long way. But how can you create a network of connections if you're having difficulty breaking into the workforce?

If you're a student, make use of the resources available to you before you graduate. Make the most of employment fairs, networking events for recruiters, and employer speeches or lectures. Visit your university's career centre to see if they can connect you with employers in your field.

Maintain communication with instructors, individuals you meet on work experience assignments or internships, and fellow volunteers; you never know when these relationships will come in handy.

Social media may also help you create and manage your professional network. Following and interacting with firms and individuals in your chosen sector on sites like Twitter and LinkedIn may generate astounding results. It is not uncommon for students and graduates to be given jobs based solely on their social media presence.


Highlight your abilities.

Work experience, internships, and volunteering are all necessary to ensure that your CV does not appear empty throughout the application process.

When constructing your CV, prioritise the talents you do have above the ones you don't. Analyze the job description and build a list of all the talents and personal characteristics that make you a good fit for the position.

Make a point of emphasising soft and transferrable abilities such as communication, leadership, teamwork, and attention to detail. Take a look at the vital talents that companies are searching for to assist you.

Don't ignore this truth, though, because you're likely to lack firsthand experience in your chosen industry. Instead, utilise it to display your want to learn. Showcase your devotion and commitment to learning through volunteer work, internships, or work shadowing.

Also, don't underestimate your dedication to any societies or sports teams you've been a part of while at university. This is due to the fact that you would have gained abilities in areas such as teamwork and leadership. Find out more about the significance of extracurricular activities.

Identify positions that are realistic.
There's nothing wrong with aiming high, but if you have no prior experience, it's futile to begin your job hunt with applying for senior positions. Instead, go for entry-level or junior positions and be prepared to start at the bottom and work your way up.

Applying for positions in regional offices may be less competitive, and applying to SMEs may let you uncover excellent firms that others may have ignored.

It's also a good idea to be proactive by sending out speculative applications. While the majority of published openings demand prior experience, who's to say you couldn't create your own vacancy by emphasising what you can add to the company?

Conduct your homework and apply to firms that pique your interest. As you search to enter into the sector, tailor each application and inquire if there are any entry-level opportunities available.

Although the organisation may not have any relevant vacancies at this moment, you may still take use of the chance by asking if you might perform some work experience for the firm or shadow one of its workers.