Photo by Markus Winkler on Unsplash
We’ve all seen it.
The “entry-level” job with a low base salary, yet still requires 3-5 years of experience.
The term “entry-level” often refers to beginner-level employment in a position that doesn’t typically require experience or training. So how are these potential candidates supposed to gain experience if the job advertised as “entry-level” requires previous experience?
Here are a few ideas to help build your portfolio and boost your resume:
Internship Programs
Not everyone has a clear idea of what career path they’d like to follow upon graduating high school and even college. Choosing a college, and a career, can seem like high-stakes choices, but internships are a great way to try out multiple avenues before making a commitment. Contact companies that you would be interested in working with to see what opportunities are available, whether paid or unpaid.
Rotational Programs
Some companies hire recent college graduates to take part in their entry-level rotational programs. Often this means working in one specific department for 4-12 months before moving to the next rotation. Each company is different, but this gives you a good overview and understanding of multiple different departments within a company. Not only does this allow you to gain exposure, but it can also help you pinpoint a specialty.
Networking
Make a list of companies that you would like to work for and send a LinkedIn connection request to the HR and Recruiting teams. Include a brief overview of what you intend to contribute to a prospective employer and provide a tailored version of your resume to each company you reach out to. Make sure that your LinkedIn profile is updated to include all relevant experiences and skills.
Market yourself by building your personal brand via a solid resume, a detailed LinkedIn profile, and other professional social media platforms and job opportunity sites. This can ultimately help you stand out among candidates and get your foot in the door.
And remember: Don’t reject yourself before even applying.
You are NEVER wasting a recruiter or hiring manager’s time if you reach out! If you never try, you will never know what could have happened.
Written by: Emily Henion, Search Consultant at Hunter Crown, LLC
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