Is it possible to get a job with no experience?

[DJWilson]

I've been after a job for ages now and had no luck.

Don't really know anyone that can get me in anywhere.

No experience due to being at college and no contacts.

Any advise people?

[DeckstarDeluxe]

Are you getting interviews??

Whats your cv looking like?

[DJWilson]

Are you getting interviews??

Whats your cv looking like?

Nope, there saying "Sorry, no experience...."


I've lost count on the amount of time's i've changed/tweaked it!

[Vectis]

No experience

How so?

You run a mobile disco right?

So from a transferrable skills perspective, that's:

- customer service
- cashflow management
- budgeting
- purchasing
- project management
- time management
- dealing with people
- dealing with sensitive/awkward situations
- public speaking
- delivering to a tight schedule
- thinking on your feet
- prioritising tasks
- letter writing
- record keeping

- and that's before you get into any of the technical aspects.


Make sure that CV details a good sprinkling of the above! But no

[DeckstarDeluxe]

What sort of jobs are you going for?

Surely you can put the discos on there? Stuff you've done for your school/college projects etc...

Don't be afaird to pad out a few experiences too, everyone does it

[Corabar Entertainment]

"Is it possible to get a job with no experience?"

Of course it is, or no-one would ever get their first job! Everyone had 'no experience' at some point in their lives, but as Martin says - you do have work experience. However, are they talking about specific relevant experience?

What area are you trying to break in to?

[DJWilson]

How so?

You run a mobile disco right?

So from a transferrable skills perspective, that's:

- customer service
- cashflow management
- budgeting
- purchasing
- project management
- time management
- dealing with people
- dealing with sensitive/awkward situations
- public speaking
- delivering to a tight schedule
- thinking on your feet
- prioritising tasks
- letter writing
- record keeping

- and that's before you get into any of the technical aspects.


Make sure that CV details a good sprinkling of the above! But no

Wow! Thanks Martin, ill jot them down

What sort of jobs are you going for?

Surely you can put the discos on there? Stuff you've done for your school/college projects etc...

Don't be afaird to pad out a few experiences too, everyone does it

I'm after any jobs that pays to be honest mate.

I wasn't sure weather to put that I do discos down or not, as I read on another thread that they may think i'll be more bothered about them rather than the job in hand?

[Corabar Entertainment]

Are you paying close attention to your spelling and grammar too? That can make a huge difference when applying - eg Just from you're last post:-

Wow! Thanks Martin, ill jolt them down



I'm after any jobs that pays to be honest mate.

I wasn't sure weather to put that I do discos down or not, as I read on another thread that they may think i'll be more bothered about them rather than the job in hand?

[DeckstarDeluxe]

That is true, a few similiar things put me off employing people that I thought would interfere with the job.

In all fairness all I wanted was reliable people who were presentable. Most jobs require training whatever your past experience.

If your not getting as far as the interview stage then clearly you need to add the mobile disco stuff so you overcome the experience barrier.

[Steve the DJ]

I've been after a job for ages now and had no luck.

Don't really know anyone that can get me in anywhere.

No experience due to being at college and no contacts.

Any advise people?

Most people don't know this but as well as a DJ I am a freelance trainer and I currently work with a charity that helps young people in exactly the same situtation as you.

Building work experience on a CV is vitally important and whilst it would be nice to get something that reflects your long term goals it really is a case of being flexible and in many cases, doing some work for free.

First stop is the Apprenticeships website to see if they have any opportunities that match your goals.

Next, head to Connexions the Government website for 13 - 19 year olds which is chock full of useful advice.

To help bulk up your CV check out Do-it.org the volunteering website. Working for free is not everyone's cup of tea and is usually associated with charity shops but there are actually a wide range of jobs you can sign up to do which are interesting, fun and above all will gain you work experience and a reference.

Last but not least (at this stage, I have more if you need it ), retailers from M&S to Tesco have 100,000 part time vacancies across the UK for Christmas workers, a brilliant way to get in with a company and work around existing commitments. Send me a PM with your email address and I will send you a document I have that JCP have produced with all the contact details.

Keep your chin up, there are plenty of ways to improve your situation and take advantage of the opportunities out there.