Getting a job with no experience possible?

[FinalDragoon]

Well, since the last topic I made here I ended up being my own thread killer; I decided to change things a bit.

Simple question really:

Is it possible to get a job without any previous job experience? If so, how?

[RD!]

People do it all the time... it's usualy how they get experience.

Fill out an application.

[sun]

People do it all the time... it's usualy how they get experience.

Fill out an application.
Yes, many jobs require no experience..unfortunately, they do not pay well.Do you have some kind of skill which would make you a more desireable applicant? If so, your chances are much better...What is your educational background? How old are you....What kind of job do you desire? Good Luck Stu

[Scythemantis]

I guess I don't need to make a whole thread about this after all.

I hate working in a grocery store...or ANY kind of store, but that's the only experience I've had and and I've only had a tiny bit of college so far.

I currently make 7.25 an hour, and need to make more. Even a couple more dollars an hour would suffice, but I can only do evening work, and I'm terrible at anything physical (asthmatic). I'd love to do something like filing, reception...something slow. I have no idea what to look for, though.

[Phantasm]

Oooh...yeah...I need adive too.

So basically I have no chances of getting into College.:sad: My having no job experience is one of the major problems. And I am ready for any kind of job really...preferably in Barnes and Nobles/Borders. They were looking for people, only I chickened out of applying...I mean...I don't know what kind of people they want...?

[One Radical Dude]

If you mean a career (not the lower-paying jobs), your chances of finding something are smaller than those with experience. You need to work on projects, whether you do it at home, school or college/university, for your community, etc. Do something! Sometimes, just a degree isn't enough. I'm still looking for that career of mine, but I'm not there, yet. I know it's hard. You just have to keep your head up, and continue to work really hard.

If you mean just any job, like McDonald's, Pizza Hut, Wal-Mart, etc....it shouldn't be hard at all.

[PowerZord]

I seen managers with only a High school diploma, so I guess u can.

Here in PR is getting really dificult to find a Job without prior experience

[ToOn~g@l]

I've always had trouble trying to get a job, even if I did not have any experience, which always annoys me. Luckily I tried the work/study thing at my college where they will hire you in any way, shape, or form. YOu get to either work in a cafe, bookstore, or college library. If your in college right now, that might be a good solution because they will hire in the summer and they adjust to your schedule so you won't have to worry about working if you have a class to take. The pay was only $6.75 an hour for me but it did wonders now that I don't need to ask my mom for money. So you should try that out FinalDragoon, you may like it.


Yay 1,000 posts!!!!!:D

[FinalDragoon]

Well let's see...

I'm 20 years old, entering my 5th semester of college just for my associate's(long story, dont ask), and the only thing that makes me stand out is my A+ Computer Repair certification. Most of the time I have applied I was either somehow overqualified, or didn't meet their exact specifications....

[One Radical Dude]

Well let's see...

I'm 20 years old, entering my 5th semester of college just for my associate's(long story, dont ask), and the only thing that makes me stand out is my A+ Computer Repair certification. Most of the time I have applied I was either somehow overqualified, or didn't meet their exact specifications....
It took me seven semesters to finish with an Associate's Degree, so you have nothing to complain about. :p I also have an A+. You may want to see if you can do some projects at college or get an internship/apprenticeship. I wish I had done an internship while in college.

[silverwings]

Well, a lot of places you can start at the min. wage in the low level jobs. However, if you do well and stay with the company, you get raises and promotions. I believe that's how it usually works.

Once you get your first job, I think it's a bit easier to get the next (at least for me, for summer jobs). It's just getting that first one that's hard.

[solarflere]

Well let's see...

I'm 20 years old, entering my 5th semester of college just for my associate's(long story, dont ask), and the only thing that makes me stand out is my A+ Computer Repair certification. Most of the time I have applied I was either somehow overqualified, or didn't meet their exact specifications.... I have A+ certification and I am also Microsoft certified on all of the operating systems since in 95a. But I still could not get a decent job with my expertise with out a collage degree. I work now in a regular hardware store as a cashier. I used to internship in the American Museum of Natural History education department. It was really nice working there, I really enjoyed it.

[Leaping Larry Jojo]

There are data entry jobs that don't require experience. As long as you prove you can type fast and can operate computers, it's reasonably possible.

[Kurtman]

I'm planning on becoming a writer due to my wild imagination. I think I have the experience for it,because I have written weird stories on my notebook paper many times before. I'm planning on going to an art collage of some sort because of my art and writing skills.

[Matt-a-Tastic]

I belive some jobs will only require experince from jobs like Supermarkets e.t.c

[sun]

I know a gal,now in her mid 20s,( I think 24) who was headed straight down hill, in high school...She was doing drugs, hanging with the wrong crowd, and too many other things to mention.
As a last resort, to keep her in school, she tried a small work study program, that the high school offered in cosmotology, or beauty school..Doing womans hair,nails etc. ...She finished the program, made a couple of connections...had some talent in this field she never tried, and bingo..now..probably 40 grand- maybe more- a year, at a very well known salon on the area...Bought a condo, turned around completely...Drives a fairly new car, lives the good life..and all cause of work study program, which at that high school, was looked down upon, because everyonehad to go to college....
Well college isn't everything...Lots of money to be made without it...Some skilled jobs, do not require a college degree. but some kind of skill, some skills are always in demand.No matter what the economy does...My friend's job...Women will always get their hair done.....Fixing cars...7 grade reading score, and mechanical ability will pass a mechanics test, and bingo. Set for life...I think car prices will continue to go up, and people will fix their cars they have...Will that person have trouble getting a job? I doubt a good mechanic with a license will ever be at a loss for a job. even those who do not pass the test, many family owned repair places don't care if they have the credentials, can they fix breaks, mufflers, engines, air conditioning, etc...don't give up....Stu

[Tienshin]

In any job the employer is looking for responsible, friendly people they can depend on to show up on time and perform the duties they have been tasked. Most times the employer will teach you how to do the job and from there it is up to you to perform. This is true even with several years of experience as each company has it's own standards and procedures, and while a person may know how to perform a particular job, they may not know how to functionally do that job with every company.

In that regard experience can be overrated because all it really means is that you have spent some time somewhere doing something for someone. That does not equate to knowing how to be functional employee in a totally new environment. As such, almost all jobs require some level of training by the employee. Having no experience means you won't be able to apply for a job as a NASA technician obviously, but it won't automatically close all opportunites. If you are looking at retail, fill out an application and go for it. If you are looking at an office environment, try giving a Temp agency a call. They can assess what your skills are and match you up with companies looking for bodies to fill spots especially administrative positions.

[Marklar]

There are data entry jobs that don't require experience. As long as you prove you can type fast and can operate computers, it's reasonably possible.
Definitely keep your eyes open for these. I saw a classified ad for a data entry position with the postal service in a free local newspaper, and now I'm making a smooth $14 an hour with no prior experience. If you just call every number that interests you in the classifieds section of any newspaper, chances are at least one of those places while hire you. Also, padding ones resume is always helpful. List stuff like school clubs or volunteer work.

[Scythemantis]

That's all I needed to hear, "data entry". I didn't know what category of job I should look for, but I knew something in typing would be best. I have ludicrous typing speed with very few errors.

Currenly I'm in part-time overnight cleaning at the grocery store where I formerly worked in seafood. Three nights from 10 pm to 6 am really aren't worth what I'm making. I've asked for my hours to spread out over 4-5 days so I can start getting some real rest in before noon, but after only two weeks at this job I feel completely worn out.

[mikestorm]

I have A+ certification and I am also Microsoft certified on all of the operating systems since in 95a. But I still could not get a decent job with my expertise with out a collage degree. I've decided that to really make it in that field you need both; a college degree gets you considered, and the specific certifications are what distinquish you. While the certifications will probably be more important in terms of actually doing the job you're applying for, it's the degree that puts you in the game.

To answer the original poster's question, there is one major industry that does buck this trend: banking. I work for a bank (the corporate side) and many entry level corporate positions are filled by individuals who had previously worked in the branches. I know many high ranking executives that started as tellers or sales reps in branches with 0 experience.

You do, of course, have to put in time on the front line servicing customers and engaging in other retail banking activities, but if you excel there you are either expected to progress up the retail banking ladder or make the jump to corporate.

[Sailor Chibi Otaku]

If you move to Quebec and don't have French, don't bother looking for a job. That's only if you don't want to learn French.

I look daily for one but I get nothing. Well, I get a lot but my French is now below par so it's not easy for me to find a job. EB needs to have more English customers. No reason, really. :D

I remind you that I do live in a bilingual country.

[DisneyBoy]

Listen up, scaredy cats...


...I was once where you are now. Wondering how to get a nice job, gain experience and money, and walk away feeling good about myself.

So I went to a local establishement, and was hired on the spot.

And I spent the next three months getting abused by my boss. Why? Who knows. I was a good worker, but he treated me like dirt. Stood on my feet, cursed at me in the back of the store, and called me names. And he didn't pay me fairly either. It was a minimum wage job, so it's not like I lost out on thousands, but nonetheless, I was put through hell.

And I'm glad I did it. There wasn't a single shift where I didn't feel like running out the door screaming, and often when I came home, I would burst into tears, or have nightmares. It was quite the summer.

But I got experience, and grew determined to get out of there as quickly as I could. I applied for another job, and during the interview for that position, plainly told my would-be-employer that "I'll do short of jumping off a cliff or shooting myself out of a cannon to get this position".

And I got it.

The moral of this story is that you really have no way of knowing what kind of challenges you'll encounter when working, but it's worth taking the chance, and sticking with something, even when it's bad, because it gives you a wider perspective of just what kind of people and experiences there are out there. Not everyone runs their stores the best way, but learning to run it their way could prove useful to you.

If you're looking for a good quiet job, I would recommend a bookstore. If you like interacting with people without having to push products, the food service industry could be enjoyable. Waitressing is extremely taxing, but if you're attractive and pleasant, there's no reason why you couldn't earn a whole lot of money doing it. But really, there's no way to know what you're getting into. The most important thing is that you get yourself out there and try, no matter how scared you are, to face your fears, and prove to yourself that you've got what it takes to make it. It's not about struggling until you find the right position. It's about trying things until you are able to go for the thing you really want.

So good luck to you. Don't fret over your application too much. Keep it clear and concise and make your cover letter dynamic, but realistic. Be enthusiastic during your interviews, no matter how quickly your heart is beating, but stay true to yourself and don't put on a show just to get a position. After all, the last thing you want is someone hiring the idea you sold them on, rather than the real person you are.

You'll be fine.

[Leaping Larry Jojo]

. Be enthusiastic during your interviews, no matter how quickly your heart is beating, but stay true to yourself and don't put on a show just to get a position. After all, the last thing you want is someone hiring the idea you sold them on, rather than the real person you are.
.
That depends on what kind of person you are, though. This famous Simpsons job interview line would sum ME up: "Well, It takes me a long time to learn anything...I'm kind of a goof-off...stuff starts disappearing from the workplace..."

(Okay, replace "long time to learn anything" with "I'm really lazy") :p

[90'sCartoonMan]

I've decided that to really make it in that field you need both; a college degree gets you considered, and the specific certifications are what distinquish you. While the certifications will probably be more important in terms of actually doing the job you're applying for, it's the degree that puts you in the game.
Honestly, there are a lot of good jobs, jobs you may want, that take educational background and experience.

I got my bachelor's degree last year, and it took me almost a full year to get a job. In the meantime, I did internships to help my resume. I still don't have enough experience to be doing what I really want, but with enough time and saving enough money, I'll go back to school and back to the internship game.

Good stories oldtoonguy and DisneyBoy, there is always hope!