Top Workplaces: When you need job experience to get job experience
So you're fresh out of school, ready to interview for your first "real" job — and the section of your résumé labeled "previous experience" isn't exactly eye-catching.
How do you become part of the 27% of college graduates who, according to a 2013 report by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, have jobs related to their majors? Or at least part of the 62% who have jobs that require a college education?
All is not hopeless. Experts say there are ways you can showcase your talent even before you've had an opportunity to prove yourself on the job.
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A candidate’s knowledge of the prospective employer's mission and culture, as well as their own attitudes and life experiences, can play a large role in the hiring process.
Neil Davies, senior vice president at Cielo, a global talent acquisition and recruitment firm, says a good attitude is as important as a candidate's skills. As he puts it, "ability and agility" are pivotal characteristics in the modern economy.
Timmothy Merath, chief operating officer of Epic Creative, wants to see more applicants think creatively and demonstrate real excitement for the work they'll be doing.
Merath was previously the director of creative services at the West Bend advertising firm and would hire designers for the company. He said he wished he had seen more candidates doing personal projects.
“I would have liked to see more people take a personal initiative,” Merath said. “Personal projects give them the chance to experiment and show a fun and playful side.”
He said it also demonstrates a certain level of dedication.
“It’s not just about what they did for school and internships,” Merath said. “We want to see that they have a passion for what they do.”
In addition to showcasing initiative, personal projects can also underscore a candidate's potential, said Gary Zajc, associate director of the Hunger Task Force.
Zajc said that just because a candidate has held a similar position before doesn’t guarantee them the job. He looks for employees who will make an impact in the workplace.
“What I look for is relevant experience: Do they have the potential to change things?” Zajc said. “Can they move the needle?”
Before you draft a cover letter, experts say it's imperative that you understand the company’s mission. Most organizations make it readily accessible on their website.
Candidates' enthusiasm for that mission helps employers gauge their willingness to work, Zajc said.
“I never read a list of questions” when interviewing applicants, Zajc said. “I always have a conversation. ... That gives me a sense (of whether) they will work hard.”