Securing employment without work experience has always been the major challenge for fresh graduates. In our world, employers are keen to employ people with hands on experience- they always avoid employing people who would come to consume company resources and time to train them.
Since as a graduate you need somewhere to launch your career, it’s inevitable to learn ways to secure employment with zero work experience. Below we discuss some of the common tricks successful career men and women have employed to secure jobs.
- Internship
The first and most common route most people take is to seek internship in reputable organizations. While most graduates go for internship while completing their college studies, it’s advisable they start seeking internship as soon as they begin college studies. If you are able to start internship during your year one in college such that by the time you are through with college, you have accumulated a total of 1 year of experience, you are likely to secure employment as soon as you complete your studies.
- Networking
Research shows that more than 50 % of people who secure employment without experience are lucky due to their professional networks. In employment world networking is extremely important as it leads you to where there are opportunities. Where do you get these networks?
Networks are people you interact with on daily basis, their friends, relatives, career coaches, lecturers and politicians. If you develop good relationships with these people and inform them about your ambitions, you are likely to get employment through them.
When you are a student, don’t forget to attend career talks as they will inform you of the various job hunting skills you will employ while seeking employment. Even after you have graduated, make sure you interact with as many people as possible and eventually these people will connect you with individuals who can help you start your career.
- Online short courses
I know you would say once you have completed your degree, you don’t want to continue furthering education, but I can assure you, without adding more knowledge, you are likely to be defeated in interviews by the more educated competitors.
Assuming you pursued Bachelor of Statistics and never bothered to pursue R statistical software. Another person went ahead and pursued online course in R and has a certificate. During a job interview, the one with additional certificate is more likely to outshine you.
If you are a job seeker, I would recommend online short courses by Udemy-you can see the list of courses they offer through this link (Udemy courses link).Once you pursue a course of your interest and have a certificate, you will boost your chances of getting employed even without professional experience.
- Professional courses
I am sure you have noticed that most employers nowadays prefer people with professional certificate more than those without. As a graduate, the only way to prove your competency and determination is by pursuing a professional certification. There are many professional courses to do online, which include CPA, CFA, CFA, ACII and ACCA.
- Volunteer
Lastly, you should always be prepared to volunteer your skills, especially if your field is competitive. Volunteering is important because you potential employer will get a hint of who you are and possible offer you a job.
