Why does every job I look at require experience?

Question

Its getting ridiculous, even leaflet distributors and cleaners are asked for experience! I mean everyone has to start somewhere right? It just seems like studying for a degree is a complete waste of time cos all they want is industry experience. Am I the only one with this problem?

If i had no idea about a job role then what is the point of education?

PS. to Heartensoul4u and others, yea I could go for any job out there.....but i dont want to. I want to use my degree (its what i worked 3 gruelling years for). I've been part time working since I was 16 so i do have work experience, but just not in the career I want.

Answer 1

I know it really sucks. I have this problem too. I guess the reason is, they want to be sure that they're not wasting their time and money, with someone who doesnt' know what they're doing. I think it is selfish, and they should try to give new people chances. I don't like most people these days anyways, always only looking out for themselves, and not giving a rat's (expletive) about anyone else. Someone should teach them a lesson!

You're right, everyone has to start somewhere.

Answer 2

Hi,

I know how you feel. I graduated 4 years ago with an Accounting degree. Trouble was that even a lot of the graduate jobs were asking for some sort of experience. I had no real world accounting knowledge! Luckily I found a company who were willing to give me a chance even though I had no experience. I am still with them 4 years down the line with no intentions of leaving at the moment.

So hang on in there.. somebody will give you your break if you keep on at it..

In the meantime maybe there are related temp jobs you can look for? Also in some larger companies you just need a foot in the door with any job.. if they like you then there is a chance you can move into the job you really want to do.

Good luck!

Answer 3

It's a sad truth that so many people spend 2-4 yrs in college studying for a degree only to be told "you don't have enough experience". I ran into this a lot myself and I was a Graphics Designer and it just didn't seem to matter. I think one of the things I found out the hard way is while you're in college it's good to see if you can find a way to work internship in whatever you're studying. Having a degree doesn't seem to matter these days because no one wants to take the time to really train someone for a position.
I finally gave up and found http://www.bedavis1.mywayout.net and fell in love with the idea of working from home. I can still put my talents to work and they give excellent training. Plus I read the book "The Business School" by Robert Kiyosaki who says this is the best way to get on the other side of the cash flow quadrant.
One never knows what they're really looking for til they find it.
Good luck on your endeavor!

Answer 4

Its unfortunate that you are caught in one of the two worst traps in jobs; If you are not working they dont want you, and if youve never worked, they don't want you. You'll be glad to know most people go there, and get through it.

Qualifications are good as it lays a foundation of knowledge, now you want to get out there. Try this:

1) Review your CV; I laugh at people who did their CV 2 years ago and claim its fine. Are the dates right, Are your referees up to date, have you gained any new skills etc. Recruitment websites will have a ton of stuff about this.

BTW: What are you doing now; "Unemployed" is a big turn off, but careful position planning for the right company" seems more positive. Think about showing things in good light.

2) Register with Temping agencies. Temp jobs provide you with a brief period of work at various places to fill in for staff who call in sick or who leave. This is a good experience builder, builds good contacts, and looks better on your CV than a blank slab.

3) Pay regular visits to the local Jobcentre. When I was on Jobseeker benifit, I went to sign on every second Monday, so whilst there I did lots of job searching. It was a good way to do something productive.

4) Read as many joblisting sources as you can, papers, websites, trade publications etc. Look for anything asking for Office Junior, Admin Assistant, Receptionist. These Junior positions are the best start. On the other hand, don't even think about Office Managers, PA, Exec. Secs etc. Aim your sights realistically.

5) Dont Beg and Plea. No employer will give you a job for the sake that you want a job. Make them think its the company you want to work for that draws you in. You may then be able to be a little hard to get. Make them want you rather than you want them.

6) Stay positive. Everyone gets into that trap, and people get out. I left school and was jobhunting for 2 years before I got a job as a telephonist in a hotel. Today I am a Hotel consultant, dealing with business running and recruitment matters. Before that, I was a Hotel Front Office Manager. All from a job answering a telephone everyday. Start small and work up.

Answer 5

No one wants to take a chance on someone with no experience. Do you have babysitting experience? Summer Camp Couselor? Were you on any responsible committees at school? If you have ZERO experience, you can always get letters of rec. from people WITH experience to vouch for you (old teachers, people you've helped in your neighborhood, etc)...if you STILL can't do that, then just take a chance and fill out the application without experience but attach a note explaining what you have been doing instead of working (i.e. school) and possibly a copy of your report card. Good luck! Everyone has to start somewhere is right - you'll get there.

Answer 6

Just imagine how difficult it would be to get a job if you had lots of experience. Who would want to employ you then?

Consider the scenario where you have so much experience, that in fact you are probably the expert in your field. Who can give you a job?

You are learning something, you are learning patience and you are gaining an insight into what a job means. Use your time to learn wisely, and decide if getting a job is really what you want to do with your life. Why do you want a job?

Is there another way of getting what you want without being subservient to an employer?

Answer 7

I know what you mean. I am going through the exact same thing and it is driving me crazy. How can you get experience if no one is willing to give it to you? I went to a two-year college, and graduated with a 3.91 GPA and that still does not seem to make a difference. Try to find an entry level job, stick with it awhile, and then apply to a the position you really want. Even that is hard to do, I know, but don't give up. If all else fails try a staffing firm. Good Luck.

Answer 8

I had a really hard time when I changed careers, everybody seemed to have this magic number in their head of two years experience, so I can relate to what you are going through.

When companies post a job ad they post for their ideal candidate. If it's a job that you think you can do then just apply anyway, even if the company doesn't hire you for the position they posted they may have entry level positions that are not posted. With persistence you'll find something.

Answer 9

NO you are not alone.
Just like many who have no college time invested are made to feel that onhands experience may not be equitable with a degree.....it is all in the choosing of the employer.

When interviewing, present the fact that you have completed your education time with the excitement of being able to apply your skills there to day to day tasks....if just given a chance.

Show interest in the company and be willilng to start at any level....in time, can work your way thru once they see you are an asset.

Answer 10

i'm sorry you're finding it so hard to get a job, you certainly deserve one! I've not been in the situation myself as i didnt go on to further education but i have been in the situation of interviewing people. I tended to look more for experience and common sense rather than qualifications.
You have done a degree, that proves that you do have common sense!
When applying for a job, say that although you do not have the relevant experience, you have common sense, are intelligent and a very quick learner. Tell them you enjoy challenges.
Just keep trying, you'll get there eventually but dont just take anything, you deserve better than cleaning, etc!!!!

Good luck