WHEN YOU NEED EXPERIENCE TO GET EXPERIENCE

An artilce on CareerBuilder today examines ways to overcome a common job search  obstacle for recent grads and those changing careers:  how to get experience when you need experience to get the job in the first place.  Its a common catch - 22 - but it can be overcome.

Read the article for some great advice:  http://www.theworkbuzz.com/career-advice/when-you-need-experience-to-get-experience/

In addition to the adivce offered in this article, I will make another point that you have probably already heard from me:  Remember your transferable work skills!

Much too often when looking for a first job in a new field, recent grads make the mistake of automatically saying "I have no experience".  If you have worked ANY job, the previous statement is simply not true.  Just because the job(s) you held are  not in related fields does not mean it doesnt count!  Consider the following:

• Have you been a waitress or a retail clerk?  If so...you have customer service experience
• Have you worked on a production line?  If so...you have probably learned to work in a fast paced environment
• Have you worked in assembly or inspection?  If yes, you likely possess great attention to detail
• Have you been a cashier?  If so...you are trustworthy
• Have you ever trained new hires?  If you have...you have leadership skills

See where this is going??? 

NEVER down play your previous experiences or assume that your experiences are irrelevant! 

Remember...it's your job to show the prospective employer that you have what it takes to do the job.  It's up to you to play up your experiences and express them to the employer in a way that demonstrates you are a qualified candidate!