Read this infographic guide to find out how you can get your foot on that tricky first rung of the career ladder.
Whether you’re a fresh-faced graduate, changing career, or jumping back into the world of work after a break, one of the biggest issues you may face is that of experience. Unfortunately for newbies into today’s workforce, employers are making it more and more difficult for entry-level candidates to secure entry-level employment.
What Does “Entry Level” Mean in 2019?
By definition, entry-level jobs do not necessitate extensive prior experience. However, according to a 2018 study by TalentWorks, 61% of all advertised full-time “entry-level” jobs require at least three years of experience. In many cases, this is because employers who have been scarred by the recession are seeking a “unicorn” candidate who has the skills of an experienced candidate, but the low salary expectations of an entry-level job seeker.
Raising the Barrier for Entry
Elevated experience criteria have raised the barrier for entry into the workforce. As such, the average search for an entry-level job now takes candidates somewhere in the region of three to six months. Young adults, in particular, have been hard by this development and consequently many countries around the world are experiencing high youth unemployment rates.
How Can You Boost Your Chances of Success?
Fortunately, there are plenty of ways you can go about building up experience in 2019. You can develop new skills in a workplace context by completing an internship or apprenticeship. Volunteering at a charitable organisation is another great way to glean knowledge that could prove useful in your career. The more entrepreneurially-minded may wish to start their own project such as an e-commerce store, blog or you could even do some freelance work. Taking the initiative to build up your experience will demonstrate your drive, ambition and work ethic, and this is guaranteed to impress employers.
Learn More About How to Build Professional Experience
If you would like to learn more about this topic, then you should take a look at the below infographic which comes courtesy of the team at Trainwest. This infographic guide offers some helpful tips on how to build professional experience as well as some advice on how to address the “experience” question in your job application.
Happy hunting!
