Karen
How do you gain experience when employers are only looking for workers with experience?
I had numerous experiences where my older brother, who is 20 years and old and going into his third year of college, would come home disappointed that the place he applied for previously did not accept him. Many of these places require outside experiences, but how is it possible to gain that experience when nobody is willing to provide it without other experiences? You would expect that starting from the bottom would answer the question, but even retail stores that are spread across the country require some type of previous retail experience. It is hard to understand the logic behind this prerequisite. #experience #job-requirements
2 answers
Chris Lawler
Chris’s Answer
That is a great question! You have to sell yourself. Make the potential employer realize that although you don't have the "required experience," it would be a mistake for them not to hire you. It also helps to have an interesting story or experience to share when you interview. Remember, there are likely many people interviewing for the same position. Give them a good reason to remember you from the group. Sell your qualities which make up for the lack of experience.
This was an excellent answer! I'm an introvert so it is hard for me to really socialize and step out of my comfort zone. Without your advice, I would probably be going from employer to employer, expecting at least one person to hire me without really putting much effort into showing them how I would benefit their company. Your input has pushed me into the right direction toward really striving for what I want. Thank you Mr. Lawler!
Karen
Gwon Chang
Gwon’s Answer
Storytelling is key. We recently hired an applicant from the food service industry. We asked her to describe a situation where she turned a negative customer experience into a positive one. She was able to be very specific, detailing how a team-oriented failure to deliver was turned around by that same team when they realized what had happened. She then explained how she specifically helped within the team to deliver the positive experience.
These types of interview answers mitigate the lack of experience aspect. Especially when you are starting at the "bottom," we understand that the experience may not be there. However, a great candidate will show us why they deserve the position in ways that will make lack of experience not matter.