Want to land an entry job without much experience? Here’s how to go about it

As a fresh graduate, these tips could help you land a job without necessarily having much work experience.You can get a job as a fresh graduate. (lionessesofafrica)Employers are fond of emphasizing work experience in their job postings because they believe that tends to qualify candidates for their jobs more than any other thing.

On the other hands, job applicants especially fresh graduates don’t like to see is that part that says “three years of experience required’’ because it sounds like an automatic disqualification for them.

However, you don't have to feel disqualified when you see a job posting that comes with a certain years of work experience. If you sharpen your skills and present yourself in a manner that shows you're the best candidate for the job.

Are you eyeing a job and you don't have much work experience, try the following tips.

1. Submit your portfolio with your application

Don't just submit your CV and application letter, add your portfolio to it.

Most of the time, your experience isn’t all that matters, the hiring manager would like to know your skills and how much you’re interested in the position. So, when you are submitting your application, you can include a well presented blog that highlights your passion and enthusiasm for the company and the career field. 

Even if your CV is slim and doesn't cover much work experience, the hiring manager may be intrigued by your creativity, skill and interest that you package in the blog.

For example, if you’re applying for an entry-level job in journalism, you can include the link to a feature article you’ve written about your community or a video that showcase your creativity and efforts. Doing this might bring the focus away from your lack of professional experience and get you endeared to the hiring manager.

2. Align the keywords in your CV with the job descriptions

Edit your CV and make sure it aligns with the Keywords used in the job description. (madamenoire)

Another good practice is to make sure the keywords in your CV and cover letter match with the ones in the company's job descriptions. Don’t submit your CV or cover letter without putting these together. For example, if the job listing says they’re looking for someone who can use analytics and pays “attention to detail”, it’s important for you to include that quality in your credentials. However, if you don’t know how to use analytics don’t lie in your CV, it’s very unprofessional.

3. Use your networking contacts

Think about your networking contacts and reach out to them. (Muse)

The importance of networking for professionals cannot be over-emphasized. Get in touch with your friends, lecturers and acquaintances who can help you connect with opportunities at specific companies.

For example, if you’re a fresh graduates and you have close relationship with some of your lecturers, and the entry-level job you’re applying to happens to be at company have contacts at, you can ask them to a quick email recommendation.