How to get a job with no experience

Entering the workforce without professional experience can be daunting, but by presenting your strengths and proactively developing your skills, you can successfully position yourself as a competitive candidate

Identify your transferable skills

You might not have formal work experience, but you've probably developed valuable transferable skills through activities like: 

• academic projects 
• extra-curricular activities 
• internships  
• hobbies  
• volunteering.  

These transferable skills often include: 

• communication - effectively conveying information verbally and in writing 
• digital proficiency - competence in using digital tools (e.g., MS Office, data entry, coding, social media) 
• problemsolving and critical thinking - identifying issues and developing effective solutions 
• time management and organisation - planning, prioritising, and managing tasks efficiently 
• team collaboration and leadership - working effectively with others and guiding teams. 

To understand what employers value most, it's wise to research the essential skills currently in high demand. This research will enable you to customise your applications, emphasising the transferable skills that match the specific roles you're applying for. 

To help, take a look at the essential skills that employers are looking for.

Tailor your CV and cover letter

To effectively adapt your CV to each role you apply for, start by carefully analysing the job description. Identify the: 

• key responsibilities 
• desired qualifications 
• required skills 
• specific keywords or phrases used. 

For each requirement, take a moment to reflect on your own background. Ask yourself 'When have I demonstrated this skill?' By using the same terminology as the job description, you signal to the employer that you understand their needs. 

In your cover letter, avoid vaguely mentioning a skill. Instead, emphasise specific coursework, projects, or research that directly align with the job requirements. Clearly explain what you learned and how it's applicable to the role. 

For example, instead of stating 'responsible for managing social media accounts for a student society,' consider a more impactful statement like 'successfully grew social media engagement by 25% through targeted content creation and community management.' This provides a concrete example of your achievement. 

See our example CVs and discover how to write a cover letter for a jobseeker with no experience. 

Gain experience outside of work

If landing your first job feels like a challenge, don't overlook your involvement in university societies, student union, or sports teams. These opportunities not only build your skills and confidence but also demonstrate your potential to future employers. 

Learn more about the importance of extra-curricular activities. 

Consider: 

• Freelancing - platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, and Freelancer offer a marketplace to provide your skills in areas such as writing, graphic design, web development, and social media management. You'll also be able to build a portfolio showcasing your abilities with real-world examples, learn professional communication, manage expectations, and deliver results. 
• Internships - even brief internships can provide valuable experience and references. They offer a chance to build connections that can lead to future opportunities and learn from experienced professionals in your chosen career path. 
• Personal projects - showcase your initiative through blogs, creative portfolios, or research work. 
• Volunteering - nonprofit organisations often need help and are open to training volunteers. 

Search all volunteering opportunities.

Use your network

When you lack experience, who you know can significantly enhance your chances of getting hired. Networking is essential and often opens doors to hidden opportunities. 

Your network includes: 

• alumni from your school or degree course 
• local business owners or community leaders 
• professors, mentors, and advisors 
• professionals on LinkedIn. 

To build a strong professional network, make the most of university careers fairs, recruitment events, and guest lectures. These are great chances to meet people who could be future employers or valuable industry contacts. 

When you're networking, try asking for informational chats. This is a relaxed way to learn about a company or industry without the pressure of applying for a job. Instead of asking for a job directly, seek advice. This can make people more comfortable talking with you and help you build real, long-term connections. 

A well-put-together LinkedIn profile is really important. Many graduates get job offers off the back of their presence on this platform. To learn how to make your profile work best for you, discover how to improve your LinkedIn.

Search for open days and networking events.  

Consider entry-level roles

Don't overlook temporary, part-time, or entry-level roles, even if they aren't your ideal job. These opportunities can provide: 

• a stepping stone to a full-time position 
• hands-on experience 
• networking opportunities 
• professional references. 

To make a strong impression when applying for entry-level roles, remember to: 

• Thoroughly research the company and understand its mission. This demonstrates genuine interest and helps you tailor your application effectively. 
• Be prepared to speak confidently about your skills and how you've applied them in the past. Even seemingly small experiences can highlight valuable qualities. 
• Share specific examples of times you learned something new quickly or successfully overcame a challenge. This showcases your adaptability and problem-solving abilities. 
• Ask thoughtful questions about the role and the company culture. This demonstrates your engagement and helps you assess if it's a good fit for you. 

Accepting a contract or short-term role in your desired industry can often pave the way for more permanent opportunities once you've proven yourself. It's crucial to set realistic expectations and focus on roles that align with your current qualifications as you begin building your experience. 

Additional strategies to consider: 

• Target regional offices or smaller to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), where competition for entry-level positions might be less intense.  
• Send speculative applications to companies you're genuinely interested in, even if they aren't currently advertising roles. This proactive approach can sometimes uncover hidden opportunities.  
• Offer to shadow employees or complete short-term projects to gain firsthand insight into the industry and build valuable connections. 

When expressing your interest, consider phrases like 'I'm passionate about entering this field and would be grateful for any opportunity to learn more about your operations, including work experience or job shadowing'. 

Even without direct industry experience, you can highlight your eagerness to learn by explaining, 'While I may not have direct industry experience yet, I'm a fast learner, have taken the initiative to study, and am excited about the opportunity to contribute to your team'. 

Discover more about work experience and internships. 

Continue learning to improving your employability

To significantly boost your chances of getting hired and stand out in a competitive job market, actively commit to ongoing skill development and professional growth. 

Consider these proactive strategies: 

• Explore and enrol in online courses and pursue industry-recognised certifications that directly align with your career goals and the evolving demands of your field. Platforms like Coursera, edX, LinkedIn Learning offer a wealth of programmes to gain specialised knowledge and credentials. 
• Participate in competitions relevant to your industry like Young Ones if you're in a creative field or Hackathon events for those in science or tech. These events offer opportunities to apply your knowledge in real-world scenarios, collaborate with peers, receive feedback, and potentially gain recognition for your skills. 
• Attend webinars to gain insights, learn new skills, and stay updated on industry trends, often offering opportunities for live Q&A and networking. You can find these through industry bodies or your online network. 

For more information, discover CPD opportunities for graduates. 

It's crucial to remain receptive to feedback received during the job search process, whether it's constructive criticism from interviews or insights gained from rejections. Use these valuable learnings to continuously refine your skills and tailor your application materials.  

Discover how to write a successful job application.

Find out more

• Explore work experience and internships.