While many employers understand that giving a chance to a recent graduate can turn out to be beneficial, there are still those who prefer hiring an experienced one. Here are some tips that will help increase your chances of landing a better employment option even if you lack industry experience.
Do Not Worry About Being a Perfect Match – Yes, there is nothing to worry about if you are not a 10 out of 10. People do get hired even if they lack certain qualities; you just need to have a positive approach. Of course, if you are an amateur, don’t apply for a job that demands years of experience, but, yes, if the job demands 4-5 years of expertise, and you only have passed 2 years in the industry, you certainly have a chance of landing the job.
Don’t Underestimate the Importance of a Cover Letter – Create a strong and eye-catching cover letter defining your qualities that would help compensate for your lack of experience. Make a cover letter that highlights your strong points, like your achievements and other qualities that would make you beneficial for the company. This should not be an overview of your resume but must answer what the manager stands to gain by hiring you. For Example, if you are applying for a sales manager post, the hiring manager would want to know what makes you a pro. He would want you to tell him how you can increase sales and improve customer retention. You must ensure that your cover letter addresses this critical selection criteria.
Highlight your Soft Skills – You lack industry experience and there is nothing you can do about it. The situation won’t change overnight but what might get you going are your soft skills. If your resume or cover letter has nothing much to highlight in regards to work experience, talk about your skills, like your positive attitude, hard-working nature, professional spirit, and honest approach. By mentioning such skills, you can make up for a lack of work experience to a certain degree.
What other Experience you Have – Experience does not just have to come from traditional jobs. You can talk about college internships, even a hobby if it has helped you develop skills that are relevant to the job you are applying for.
Learn to Strike the Right Balance – During the interview, you need to strike a balance between your capabilities and future capabilities. This is tricky to handle, but, if done right, can land you the job. Be confident but do not promise anything that you cannot deliver.
In short, make an effort to get yourself noticed and show an employer how you can positively contribute to the organization. If a manager is convinced about your potential, your chances of success improve greatly.