Is Experience Everything?

Wednesday, January 27, 2016

It seems like more and more now days job seekers require years of experience. Even for entry level positions. This creates a barrier that can make it feel pointless to even apply. But can you get a job when you don't have the required experience.

The Permission Paradox

This situation is called The Permission Paradox. You need experience to get a job, but need a job to gain the required experience. This is most challenging for people new to the work force or newly graduated students.

Don't let the experience requirement on a job ad scare you out of applying. Employers often advertise for their dream employ, placing over the top requirements on their job ad. But that person often doesn't exist. Coming close to the requirements is often enough for the employer. If you can address how you'll rise to the challenge.

Over the top requirements can also be a way to screen out those that aren't serious or confident in their abilities before they apply. For many jobs once you've done it for 12 months you either get it, or you don't. More years on the job doesn't necessarily show that you're more skilled at the job. Just that you've been at it longer.

An employer considers two things when examining your suitability.

1. What experience do you have that will help you excel at the job?
2. What is your future potential?

Showing your potential is important when you lack the necessary experience. It can show all the positive aspects you'll bring to the role, and prove that you can bring value to the company if given a chance.

Getting around the paradox

To get around the problems caused by the paradox there are four things to consider.

• Develop your skills and experience
• Re-evaluate your existing experience
• Start at the bottom
• Network and act on opportunities

Gaining a qualification in your area of interest will give you the skills and training you need to break into the industry. But then what, you only have the skills needed not the experience. This is why it's important to try and gain experience during your studies by volunteering, completing work experience, or doing an internship. You'll not only gain skills to show your potential. You gain the experience you need.

Skills and experience don't have to come from a job. Projects that you've completed can be used to show your abilities. Just be aware that some employers don't put much value in school or university work. When using it as an example by itself without anything else.

You may have more to offer than you think you do. Examine all the jobs you've completed. No matter how small. You may be able to match your responsibilities to the new role, and reword them to sound more relevant.

Starting at the bottom may not be what you planned, especially if you're over qualified. But it's a way of getting your foot in the door. From there you can show your true worth and climb the company ladder.

Use your professional contacts to help you get into a company through the backdoor. A recommendation from someone who can attest to your skills and knowledge can help you gain an interview, and make your lack of past experience les of an issue. If your contacts are able to get you an interview, don't pass up the opportunity. Examine it thoroughly before you say no. It may not be exactly what you want to do. But it could be useful in gaining experience and transferable skills that will be useful later on.

So if you lack the experience required for a job, but have all the skills and knowledge, apply anyway. You're not losing anything by giving it a go, and it may just be the entry point into the industry you want.

Until next time,
Steven

Would you like to comment on this article?

Name:
Location:
Comments:
	Please type the red letters and numbers into the red box above. This is to protect our system from SPAM and viruses.

Previous Comments

There are no comments for this blog post as yet. If you have recently commented then please be patient while your comment is reviewed by our staff.