This is how you find a job without experience or diploma

You have just graduated and are applying to land your first job. Or you want to work in a certain direction in which you have absolutely no experience, and also do not have the right papers. You haven't had any really relevant jobs yet and so little to put on your resume. Do you think. How on earth are you ever going to find that job? 

This is how you can handle it if you apply without experience.

1. Realize that organizations are looking for a person

In the first place, it is good to realize that companies are not only looking for the right experience and papers, but also and perhaps especially for someone who suits them and the job in terms of person. The person is often much more important than what is written about your experience on paper. So take advantage of that and don't be put off by an extensive package of requirements; almost no one can do that anyway.

2. Map out what it takes for the position you want

A first important step is to properly map out what - in addition to experience and diplomas - is required and necessary for the position you want to do. Check job descriptions and ask people who do the position what will help them in their work. For example, ask the following questions:

* What does the job entail in terms of tasks?
* What competencies are needed to be able to do that job well?
* In addition to training, what else could you do to become proficient in the position?
* What qualities are useful to you in the position?
* What problems do people with this position encounter in their work?

Once you have a specific vacancy in mind, do your research in the organization you want to apply for and write down for yourself why that organization makes you so enthusiastic and what your added value can be.

3. Focus on your skills and traits

What skills have you acquired in your current and previous work that will help you in the job you envision? Have you learned to deal with deadlines, to make tight schedules, to coordinate and to organize? Also look at your qualities. For example, are you a good connector, do you create atmosphere, do people often ask you for advice or a critical look? Do you have a sense of humor, do you say it like it is, are you a go-getter? Try to articulate what you are strong at and make it concrete with examples.

Not only in the field of work can you have skills or characteristics that reflect your qualities. You also have qualities in the private sphere that you can use in your work. Do you find it difficult to determine which these are? Dance and ask the people around you what they think are your strong points. Do they think you are reliable and why? Are you a good listener or organizer? Put them on paper and use them.

4. Show enthusiasm and eagerness to learn

At least as important as your competencies are perhaps your motivations. So if you can articulate and radiate why you would really like to do that particular position and that you would love to learn (new) things, you are already a lot further. So look for positions and organizations that really make you enthusiastic and where you think you can really add something. You do not only have to respond to vacancies, but you can also send an open application to companies or organizations where you would like to work.

5. Create a skills resume

If you have little or no relevant work experience, it is important to shift the emphasis in your CV to what you are good at. In other words: here again focus on your skills and characteristics. And start your resume with a profile in which you summarize all your qualities and motivations. You can see here how to design and create such a skills CV.

6. Look for references

To reinforce your skills, you can ask in your environment who would like to act as a reference for you. Choose someone who knows your qualities well. This can be people from different settings, for example a former manager or internship supervisor, a teacher or a sports trainer. Just make sure it's a person who isn't ALWAYS too close to you, because that takes away from credibility.

7. Emphasize what you can do

Although you may not completely fit the profile of the requested profile, you do not have to emphasize that. If you do this, you give the person reading your resume or cover letter reasons not to hire you. You thus reduce your chances of getting the job. Emphasize what you can do and think about the advantages you have as a newcomer.

And there may be more than you think. A fresh look, useful capabilities that you have brought with you from your work or internship (see point 2), or innovative ideas, for example. With this you may be able to surprise the employer or offer different perspectives on what kind of person they want to hire.

8. Gain experience elsewhere

If you still want to be more prepared, it is also an idea to do an internship or gain experience through a work experience place. Of course you must have the financial space to be able to do this. While the responsibilities you get are sometimes just as heavy as a 'normal' job.

If you have a clear idea of ​​the skills needed to perform the job well, you could also see if you can learn these kinds of skills in other settings. For example at a club or association or through another form of volunteer work.

You can also learn leadership and organization - skills that are generally considered important by employers - by taking on certain tasks at a club or association. Or you can get started with presentation skills by publicly speaking about your knowledge or experiences.

9. Use your network

A final but no less important tip is: use your network. People who know you as a person know what you have to offer and may be able to introduce you to their organization or within their own network. So take a look in your environment or your LinkedIn network to see if there is someone who works at an organization or has a position that you think would be great and get in touch with them.