No Previous Experience Required

Are you new to the labour force? Being young, inexperienced, out of the workforce for any length of time, or just anxious to 'get out' of what you've been doing so far can mean a difficult job search ahead. What is important is your willingness to work, and work hard to reach your goal, to find meaningful employment.

There are jobs out there for just about everyone. Getting experience on your resume can mean taking a job to do just that--have something, anything to put on that resume of yours. If you are resigned to such work, consider your long term goals. A mundane, entry level job might be better than it seems, if it is a foot in the door to an industry you would like to work in.

Don’t forget that a resume devoid of paid work experience, can be filled with other types of work, like volunteer, committee or service club work. Talk about the things you have been doing, highlighting the skills that you have utilized and/or developed through this work. Letters of reference from those you have worked with can be a great asset, so approach colleagues or supervisors that have expressed their appreciation for your work as a volunteer, chances are they will provide you a glowing recommendation.

It has been said, “It’s not what you know, it’s who you know," so remember to network. Let people know you are looking for a job (unless of course you are already working and just looking for a move, advertising your discontent with your current position might put you in an awkward situation and lose you a future job reference). You never know when a friend or relative of a friend might have a line on a job that would be suited to you.

Lack of necessary education can be a difficult obstacle to overcome. If you do not have it already, achieving your high school equivalency may be an important first step. There are many organizations out there that offer free training courses—availing yourself of these services can be a great way to bolster your resume and your self-confidence. Attending courses and workshops can also be a great way to network to find work. Consider applying to temporary employment agencies that offer free courses for their workers—this is how I learned to use a number of software packages when I first got out of school. Temp agencies are also a good way to get your foot in the door, getting some experience on your resume without having to remain in what might be a ‘dead-end’ job. Keep in mind, however, that most agencies will have a contract with both the employer and the worker forbidding offers of permanent employment unless arranged through the agency.

The internet is a great resource for finding all types of work. Use the search engines to find work by searching jobs where you don’t need any experience, be sure to specify your area, for example you could search the phrase “Toronto job no previous experience required" and you’ll be linked into a number of jobs from a wide variety of industries.

Keeping a positive attitude will serve you well, and remember, finding a job is a job in itself. Approaching your job search with a combination of creativity, hard work, creativity and a good attitude is a sure recipe for success.