Many vacancies ask for previous experience, but how are you supposed to gain experience if nobody gives you your first opportunity?

The good news is that employers do not only look at formal work experience. Your attitude, education, transferable skills, volunteer experience and willingness to learn can also help you stand out.

Start With Entry-Level Opportunities

Look for positions designed for people starting their careers.

These may include:

• Call Centre Agent
• Receptionist
• Sales Assistant
• General Worker
• Cleaner
• Cashier
• Warehouse Assistant
• Junior Administrator
• Customer Service Agent
• Data Capturer
• Intern
• Learnership participant

Entry-level positions can help you build workplace experience and develop skills that can later open additional opportunities.

Identify the Skills You Already Have

You may have more useful skills than you realise.

For example, you may have developed skills through school, college, volunteering, helping with a family business or participating in community projects.

Useful workplace skills include:

• Communication
• Computer literacy
• Microsoft Word and Excel
• Teamwork
• Time management
• Problem solving
• Customer service
• Organisation
• Social media
• Basic administration

Include relevant skills on your CV.

Include Informal Experience

Work experience does not always have to come from permanent employment.

Perhaps you have:

• Helped in a family business
• Assisted at community events
• Volunteered at a church or organisation
• Helped manage social media pages
• Sold products to earn additional income
• Assisted with administration
• Completed school projects requiring teamwork or leadership

These experiences can demonstrate responsibility, initiative and useful skills.

Create a Strong CV

If you have limited experience, focus more attention on your education, skills and personal strengths.

Your CV could include:

Career Objective

A short introduction explaining the type of opportunity you are looking for.

Education

List your highest qualification and relevant subjects.

Skills

Include practical skills that could be useful in the workplace.

Training

Include courses, certificates, learnerships or online training.

Experience

Include part-time, temporary, volunteer and informal experience where relevant.

Apply for Jobs You Can Realistically Do

You do not have to meet every single requirement in a job advertisement before applying.

However, focus on positions where you meet most of the important requirements.

If a company asks for Matric and basic computer literacy and you meet those requirements, consider applying even if you do not have extensive experience.

Avoid randomly sending applications for positions that require specialised qualifications you do not have.

Improve Your Skills While Job Hunting

Use your job-search period productively.

Consider improving skills such as:

• Microsoft Excel
• Microsoft Word
• Email communication
• Customer service
• Basic bookkeeping
• Sales
• Digital marketing
• Computer literacy
• Interview skills

Many useful courses and learning resources are available online.

Adding new skills can strengthen your CV while also showing employers that you are proactive.

Tell People You Are Looking for Work

Do not keep your job search a secret.

Tell friends, family members and former classmates that you are looking for opportunities.

You can also follow legitimate job websites and employment communities.

Sometimes opportunities are shared through networks before candidates see them advertised elsewhere.

Apply Consistently

Finding employment can take time.

You may send several applications before receiving an interview.

Do not allow unsuccessful applications to stop you from continuing.

Create a routine.

For example, dedicate time every morning to:

• Checking new vacancies
• Sending applications
• Updating your CV
• Learning new skills
• Preparing for interviews

Consistency improves your chances of finding the right opportunity.

Prepare for Your First Interview

If you receive an interview invitation, start preparing immediately.

Learn about the company and practise explaining:

• Who you are
• What you studied
• What skills you have
• Why you want the position
• Why you are willing to learn

Employers understand that entry-level candidates may not have extensive experience. Your attitude and willingness to develop can therefore be very important.

Your First Job Is the Beginning

Your first job does not need to be your dream career.

It can be the opportunity that gives you the experience, references, confidence and workplace skills needed to move forward.

Start somewhere, learn as much as possible and continue developing yourself.

Visit Careerlist Jobs regularly for available vacancies and opportunities across South Africa.

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