How do I find relevant work experience if no one is willing to give work experience?

Hi Kamil,
Your question is a great one. We have found that engaging high school and college students in volunteer projects not only helps our programs become more successful, but it also gives valuable work experience for the volunteer that can be included on a resume. A great organization to volunteer with that gives a lot of flexibility with volunteer times is: HandsOn Network. http://www.handsonnetwork.org/ If you put your current zip code in it will connect you with the local HandsOn organization in your community with a list of volunteer opportunities. Good luck with your quest to build your resume. This is an exciting time for you I am sure!

Kamil - Volunteer at local YMCA, Senior Centers, join DECA (DECA prepares emerging leaders and entrepreneurs in marketing, finance, hospitality and management in high schools and colleges around the globe) Google it Start your own business Make a list of things you are willing to do and hand it out in your neighborhood, Babysit, walk animals, mow lawns, wash windows, weed gardens, run errands, etc. Collect recyclables/aluminum cans from 20 homes in your neighborhood 2-3 times weekly (state when, be prompt, keep your word) (google - (45-odd-jobs-for-teens-and-tweens) for ideas. Money is exchanged for value. What value can you bring to your family or neighbors. Identify best by asking! The best! Paul

I've faced the same problems when I was in school with absolutely zero work experience, so you are not alone! What has worked for me is to reach out to your teachers, mentors, friends, etc, essentially people you know who appreciates your intrinsic skills and talent over actual experience, and ask them if they know of any opportunities and would be willing to refer you. A referral like that can go a long way.

Some suggestions: internships, volunteering, mentoring. Entrepreneurships. And, look harder. People have also recommended joining student organisations and such, but I didn't because their meetings were always in the evening and I didn't like going outside once it's dark. I got my first internship via a career expo at university, with pretty much a blank resume. I understand it is frustrating but you will get there.

Good luck.

p.s. This may help: https://80000hours.org/career-guide/how-to-get-a-job/

It can be quite disappointing to find that no one is looking to hire a fresher, but there are ways to overcome this problem. Here are some solutions I have tried/ been a part of:

1. 
   

   Approach companies to volunteer with, at no salary, so you can build an experience while you continue to look for paid jobs. This can even be part time since you may need the day to do other things, related to finding a salaried job.

   
   


2. 
   

   If you can manage somehow to get an interview or a face to face meeting (or even a personal email id) with someone in the company you are looking to join, then use the opportunity to convince them that although you don't have the experience yet you have the interest, the attitude and the capability and are a quick learner. Ask them to take you on as a temp or an intern for a short period to allow you to prove yourself. Often you will find employers agreeing to this.

   
   


3. 
   

   Keep applying! Sometimes it takes 20 applications (to various companies) before someone responds, sometimes 50 and sometimes over a 100 applications. Stay positive stay focussed and use visualisation.

   
   

All the best!