Saturday, August 16, 2008

no job experience - how to win

Britneys_Jugs HI abcxyz, hope you could answer my question. Several companies I've applied for are looking for someone with experience. I still sent my resume, anyway. I highlighted my strengths yada yada yada, so that I could at least have a slight advantage. Do you think my resume will be a given a second glance? I know I have a lot to offer, my resume shows it, too. But, it just depresses me that they always look for someone with experience. Hope you could help. Thanks

here's how it is from the employer's standpoint :

  • you look to hire people to fill up SPECIFIC needs for the group and the company.
  • these could be to (1) replace someone who resigned or someone who got promoted or (2) expansion, need someone to fill up a new position.
  • when the above happens, you tend to look for someone with experience. you do that because you want the new person to hit the ground running, because you have no time for training or no time to lose. or at times, you don't know how to train.
  • some companies very smartly purposely look for new graduates, those without experience. they do that because they have a corporate philosophy that says they like to develop and promote from within. they also like to nurture people, they have a distinct culture that they want their employees to have.
  • also, new graduates tend to be paid less than those with experience.
  • or its a company who believes fresh blood and new thinking is good for their business and future.

that is the basic thinking. analyze that and see how it applies to you and how you can go around it. these are the realities you face when you look for a job. while these are realities, they can be overcome by playing it smart.

some ideas have been posted here, but let me recap a few :

  • make sure you have a well written resume.
  • demonstrate real life skills and achievements, not too much theory.
  • DO RESEARCH on the company you are applying for.
  • do some tailor fitting SPECIALLY on the cover letter.
  • pay extra attention to your COVER LETTER. the cover letter is THE FIRST DOCUMENT they will read. so in the cover letter do a lot of tailor fitting, include something relevant and unique to the specific company (that's why research is important)
  • when u get an interview --- apply the same principles.
  • ANTICIPATE questions on your handicap of not having any experience.

ok, ok ----- i know that seems to be a lot to do. and it seems really tough. but what can i say? that's how it is in the real world. you know your handicap and you want to overcome it, so you need to work harder than most. be tough. and don't give up.

#73

No comments: