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How can I get experience in what I want to do without having a job, and how can I effectively present that on my resume or CV?

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Chirayu’s Answer

There are several ways to gain experience in your desired field even if you don't have a job in that field yet. Look for volunteer opportunities related to your desired field. Non-profit organizations, charities, and community groups often need volunteers to help with various projects, and this can be a great way to gain hands-on experience. Consider applying for internships, even if they are unpaid. Internships can provide valuable experience and help you build a network of contacts in your desired field. Offer your services as a freelancer or consultant to individuals or small businesses in your desired field. This can help you build experience and develop your skills while also earning money. Create personal projects that showcase your skills and experience. For example, if you're interested in graphic design, create a portfolio of your work that demonstrates your skills and style. When it comes to presenting your experience on your resume or CV, focus on the skills and accomplishments that are relevant to your desired field. Even if you gained experience through volunteering or personal projects, you can still list these experiences as relevant work experience on your resume. Use action verbs to describe your accomplishments and highlight how your skills and experience can benefit the employer. It's also important to tailor your resume or CV to each job you apply for, highlighting the skills and experience that are most relevant to the position.
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Kim’s Answer

Beyond volunteering, which has already been mentioned, there are ways to acquire job-applicable skills in the school-setting, especially if you participate in extracurricular activities. Seek out leadership opportunities. How you would present that on a resume is through a section titled "skills and experience" perhaps, or anything similar. If you have no work experience, you should familiarize yourself with the functional resume.

Let's say you want to highlight 3-5 skills that you bring to the table. Things employers look for.

ACCURACY: Work a food booth during school carnivals, taking orders and handling sales. Conduct equipment inventory each year with the ROTC unit.

SAFETY: learn and comply with safety rules while playing football (4 yrs) and working in science labs (3 yrs)

TEAMWORK: Engage in sports and scholastic activities requiring teamwork, including football and debate team. Received award for outstanding teamwork in debate.

LEADERSHIP: mentor younger players on football team. Selected as team captain (2 yrs). Organized ROTC carwash.

Just because you have never worked doesn't mean you don't have work-related skills. It's just up to you to point them out!
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Tanara’s Answer

In addition to volunteering or participating in an internship, I would also suggest job shadowing. Reaching out to family and friends that may be in the career that you are interested in and asking if you can shadow them at their job for a day or two. Additionally, depending on the career field, I would also consider additional free trainings that are offered online that may provide more insight into what a career in that industry/field may encompass.
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Preeti’s Answer

Everyone starts where you are currently now at- with no work experience. Below are something I have added to show I have a good work ethic and attitude. Also, get references for all of the below you add in your resumes.

1. Add in your volunteering work.
2. Add in your internships or it is a good time to find internships even if it means less pay.
3. Add in your summer jobs.
4. Always add a "Skill" section to your resume. Add in skills like MS platform like word, excel that is needed for most jobs.
5. Add in a few soft skills like TEAM MANAGEMENT, EXCELLENT COMMUNICATION, PROBLEM SOLVING AND INTERPERSONAL SKILLS etc., Prepare an example (for your interview) where you showcased these skills in your volunteering/internship activities.
5. Try doing some relevant online courses that could make your resume stand out.
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Andrea’s Answer

Volunteer, find internships, help people with their business. It might not be a 9-5 job but there are many opportunities you could take advantage of in order to learn something new that you are interested in. Youtube "University", you can learn anything on Youtube. Online courses are a great place to start too.
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Rachel’s Answer

A great way to gain those skills or show those skills on a resume without having a job in that field is finding local volunteer work that pertains to what you're trying to do. Also, taking certifications available to better your skills and strengths is key!
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