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mary
Student
Des Moines, Iowa
1
Question
Asked
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how do get a job that I could earn experience from where do I even start from? ?
how do get a job that I could earn experience from? where do I even start from?
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7 answers
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
6340
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Hello Mary!
How to Get a Job for Experience: A Step-by-Step Guide
1. Identify Your Interests and Skills
Before you start looking for a job, it’s essential to identify what areas interest you and what skills you possess. Consider the following:
Interests: What subjects or activities do you enjoy? This could range from technology, arts, healthcare, education, etc.
Skills: What are your current skills? These can be technical (like computer programming) or soft skills (like communication and teamwork).
Understanding your interests and skills will help narrow down the types of jobs that would provide valuable experience.
2. Research Potential Job Opportunities
Once you have a clear idea of your interests and skills, research potential job opportunities in your area. Here are some avenues to explore:
Job Boards: Websites like Indeed, Glassdoor, and LinkedIn can provide listings of entry-level positions or internships.
Company Websites: Visit the careers section of companies you’re interested in to find openings that may not be listed on job boards.
Networking: Reach out to friends, family, or acquaintances who work in fields you’re interested in. They may know of job openings or can refer you directly.
3. Tailor Your Resume and Cover Letter
When applying for jobs, it’s crucial to tailor your resume and cover letter for each position:
Resume: Highlight relevant experiences, even if they are volunteer roles or school projects. Use action verbs and quantify achievements when possible.
Cover Letter: Write a personalized cover letter explaining why you’re interested in the position and how your background makes you a suitable candidate.
4. Apply for Jobs
After preparing your application materials:
Submit Applications: Apply to multiple positions to increase your chances of getting an interview.
Follow Up: If you haven’t heard back after a week or two, consider sending a polite follow-up email expressing continued interest.
5. Prepare for Interviews
If selected for an interview:
Research the Company: Understand their mission, values, products/services, and recent news.
Practice Common Interview Questions: Prepare answers for common questions such as “Tell me about yourself” or “What are your strengths/weaknesses?”
Dress Appropriately: Choose professional attire that aligns with the company culture.
6. Gain Experience Through Internships or Volunteer Work
If you’re struggling to find paid positions:
Internships: Look for internship opportunities which often provide hands-on experience in your field of interest.
Volunteering: Consider volunteering at organizations related to your career goals; this can also enhance your resume while providing valuable experience.
7. Build Your Network
Networking is crucial in any job search:
Attend Events: Participate in career fairs, workshops, or networking events related to your field.
Join Professional Organizations: Becoming a member of industry-related groups can provide access to resources and connections.
8. Continue Learning
Finally, keep enhancing your skill set:
Online Courses: Platforms like Coursera or Udemy offer courses that can help build relevant skills.
Certifications: Depending on the field you’re interested in, obtaining certifications can make you more competitive.
By following these steps systematically, you’ll increase your chances of securing a job that provides valuable experience.
Probability the answer is correct: 95%
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used in Answering this Question:
1. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)
The BLS provides comprehensive data on employment trends across various industries including information on entry-level jobs and internships.
2. National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE)
NACE offers insights into best practices for students seeking internships and entry-level positions while emphasizing the importance of networking.
3. LinkedIn Learning
LinkedIn Learning offers numerous resources on resume writing, interview preparation, and skill development tailored specifically for job seekers looking to gain experience.
God Bless You!
JC.
How to Get a Job for Experience: A Step-by-Step Guide
1. Identify Your Interests and Skills
Before you start looking for a job, it’s essential to identify what areas interest you and what skills you possess. Consider the following:
Interests: What subjects or activities do you enjoy? This could range from technology, arts, healthcare, education, etc.
Skills: What are your current skills? These can be technical (like computer programming) or soft skills (like communication and teamwork).
Understanding your interests and skills will help narrow down the types of jobs that would provide valuable experience.
2. Research Potential Job Opportunities
Once you have a clear idea of your interests and skills, research potential job opportunities in your area. Here are some avenues to explore:
Job Boards: Websites like Indeed, Glassdoor, and LinkedIn can provide listings of entry-level positions or internships.
Company Websites: Visit the careers section of companies you’re interested in to find openings that may not be listed on job boards.
Networking: Reach out to friends, family, or acquaintances who work in fields you’re interested in. They may know of job openings or can refer you directly.
3. Tailor Your Resume and Cover Letter
When applying for jobs, it’s crucial to tailor your resume and cover letter for each position:
Resume: Highlight relevant experiences, even if they are volunteer roles or school projects. Use action verbs and quantify achievements when possible.
Cover Letter: Write a personalized cover letter explaining why you’re interested in the position and how your background makes you a suitable candidate.
4. Apply for Jobs
After preparing your application materials:
Submit Applications: Apply to multiple positions to increase your chances of getting an interview.
Follow Up: If you haven’t heard back after a week or two, consider sending a polite follow-up email expressing continued interest.
5. Prepare for Interviews
If selected for an interview:
Research the Company: Understand their mission, values, products/services, and recent news.
Practice Common Interview Questions: Prepare answers for common questions such as “Tell me about yourself” or “What are your strengths/weaknesses?”
Dress Appropriately: Choose professional attire that aligns with the company culture.
6. Gain Experience Through Internships or Volunteer Work
If you’re struggling to find paid positions:
Internships: Look for internship opportunities which often provide hands-on experience in your field of interest.
Volunteering: Consider volunteering at organizations related to your career goals; this can also enhance your resume while providing valuable experience.
7. Build Your Network
Networking is crucial in any job search:
Attend Events: Participate in career fairs, workshops, or networking events related to your field.
Join Professional Organizations: Becoming a member of industry-related groups can provide access to resources and connections.
8. Continue Learning
Finally, keep enhancing your skill set:
Online Courses: Platforms like Coursera or Udemy offer courses that can help build relevant skills.
Certifications: Depending on the field you’re interested in, obtaining certifications can make you more competitive.
By following these steps systematically, you’ll increase your chances of securing a job that provides valuable experience.
Probability the answer is correct: 95%
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used in Answering this Question:
1. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)
The BLS provides comprehensive data on employment trends across various industries including information on entry-level jobs and internships.
2. National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE)
NACE offers insights into best practices for students seeking internships and entry-level positions while emphasizing the importance of networking.
3. LinkedIn Learning
LinkedIn Learning offers numerous resources on resume writing, interview preparation, and skill development tailored specifically for job seekers looking to gain experience.
God Bless You!
JC.
Veronica Antoinette Morris
Technical Support
9
Answers
Chicago, Illinois
Updated
Veronica Antoinette’s Answer
Great question. I know for my current career and position was to do temp services with an agency while in college. I gained a vast veriety of experience doing temping services.
Steve Schallert
Business Banking Relationship Manager
3
Answers
Seattle, Washington
Updated
Steve’s Answer
Start with thinking about what you want to do. I can tell you that if you want to get a job in business banking relationship management, start by applying for a teller position at any bank. But if that's not your bag, it's worthless. So focus on what would make you happy, and what interests you. What do you want to learn more about first.
Once you figure that out, start learning about the entry level positions to that area of interest.
Once you figure that out, start learning about the entry level positions to that area of interest.
Grace Leonard
Accountant
15
Answers
Dallas, Texas
Updated
Grace’s Answer
Hi Mary, I know how overwhelming it can be trying to figure out the path to a job that requires experience. In my experience, many companies hire through internship programs. Internships are particularly relevant to students as they are normally geared towards students and many university programs require an internship to graduate. I'm not sure how old you are, but if there is a career path you have in mind, research internship opportunities within that field. Many companies have smaller programs for high school students or freshmen/sophomores in college that are a great foot in the door for a more impactful internship your junior/senior year of college that can lead to a job offer after college. Often you just need to start somewhere. Most people don't start out at their dream job but if you can get an entry level role somewhere, that opens up exponentially more internal opportunities than you would have as an external applicant. Also, utilize your network! If you have family or friends who have some connection to a company you'd like to work for, reach out to those people and see what opportunities are available and how/if they can put in a good word for you. Again, I'm not sure how old you are, but if you are old enough to work and have the time/ability, get a job that will build your soft skills (communication, teamwork, self-discipline, task management, etc.) in the meantime. If you can find a job like this that's relevant to your desired field (like Steve's example of working as a bank teller if you want to eventually get a more advanced banking job), that's optimal, but having any job experience, even if it's not directly relevant to the next job you apply for, will make you feel better going into a job interview than having a blank resume. Hope this helps!
Veronica Antoinette Morris
Technical Support
9
Answers
Chicago, Illinois
Updated
Veronica Antoinette’s Answer
Great question. I know for my current career and position was to do temp services with an agency while in college. I gained a vast variety of experience doing temping services.
ian villebrun
Correctional specialist
115
Answers
Mountain Iron, Minnesota
Updated
ian’s Answer
Go ahead and apply for internships! They're fantastic short-term opportunities for you to learn and gain first-hand experience in your chosen field. You'll get to know the ins and outs of the industry in a real-world setting.
Consider doing some volunteer work too. Many non-profit organizations offer volunteer positions that can provide you with valuable work experience.
Keep an eye out for shadowing opportunities. It's a great way to learn from professionals in your field.
Don't stop learning! Continuing your education is always a good idea.
Have you thought about freelancing? Starting as a freelancer can give you a lot of flexibility and hands-on experience.
And don't forget to network. Meeting new people in your field can open doors to opportunities you might not have known about.
Consider doing some volunteer work too. Many non-profit organizations offer volunteer positions that can provide you with valuable work experience.
Keep an eye out for shadowing opportunities. It's a great way to learn from professionals in your field.
Don't stop learning! Continuing your education is always a good idea.
Have you thought about freelancing? Starting as a freelancer can give you a lot of flexibility and hands-on experience.
And don't forget to network. Meeting new people in your field can open doors to opportunities you might not have known about.
Raya Makawi
Regional Sustainability Leader
9
Answers
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Updated
Raya’s Answer
Hello Mary,
Gaining experience and building your career is definitely important; you need to start with what you like to do, what you are passionate in and start enriching your knowledge. Remember that continuous learnings is key.
You can then benefit from volunteering programs, internships , shadowing opportunities. These will help you a lot to better understand what you do, build connections and see if you really want to continue in this path.
Always remember that if you don't know where to start from, try experiencing different jobs, you can better make a selection in which you want to dig deeper, learn more and gain the experience you look for but you need to give it a try.
Hope this will help :)
Gaining experience and building your career is definitely important; you need to start with what you like to do, what you are passionate in and start enriching your knowledge. Remember that continuous learnings is key.
You can then benefit from volunteering programs, internships , shadowing opportunities. These will help you a lot to better understand what you do, build connections and see if you really want to continue in this path.
Always remember that if you don't know where to start from, try experiencing different jobs, you can better make a selection in which you want to dig deeper, learn more and gain the experience you look for but you need to give it a try.
Hope this will help :)