In some cases, the most difficult part of the job hunt is simply getting your foot in the door. Whether you’re straight out of college and trying to dive headlong into your dream job or even if you’re just trying to build a basic resume, there are several strategies you can use to get your point across without having the relevant experience.

1. Show Your Willingness to Learn

While some view a lack of prior experience as a negative, it does offer some positives. Primarily, it means you are an open slate. Your lack of professional knowledge, training or experience actually makes you an excellent candidate for employers who want to participate in the growth and development of their workforce.

If possible, try to translate experience from your everyday life into the workforce. Highlighting a lifelong passion for working on cars, for example, translates well when applying to many different jobs in the engineering field. Drawing relevant comparisons between the job at hand and the experience you do have – regardless of its origin – is the key here.

2. Highlight Any Post-Academic Development

It’s great to highlight a recent degree or certification on your resume – but what if it doesn’t relate to your current career? In that case, try to highlight any post-academic development you might have. This includes anything that is separate from your primary degree. Not only does this show initiative on your part, it’s a great way to break the ice during your initial interview.

3. Prove Your Dedication

Most employers aren’t just looking for workers who have prior experience in the field. In fact, many put tremendous value into traits like dedication and dependability. Highlighting these traits on your application or resume – and providing specific examples – is bound to win you some bonus points during that initial interview.

Again, try to make sure this experience is somehow relevant to the job at hand – even if it is a stretch. Mentioning the fact you’re a lifelong user of a product while applying at the brand’s manufacturing facility may seem like a moot point, but it could be enough to convince your interview that you’re worth the chance.

Finding a Job With Automation

Whether you’re just entering the workforce for the first time or even if you have decades of experience under your belt, the professionals at Automation Personnel Services, Inc. can help you land your next job and secure employment for years to come. Contact us today for more information!