Three Steps to Success
So, do you think that you can’t have a “killer” resume or Curriculum Vitae (CV) with little to no work experience? Think again. Yes, the challenge may be real, but success is still possible.
As a human resources professional and a hiring manager, I’ve seen all types of resumes/CVs. I’ve also seen job candidates with seemingly less experience defy the odds and win the job. Don’t believe me? Let me share a story with you.
I thought a IT hiring manager was crazy when he informed HR of his selected candidate for a vacancy on his team. The guy had less corporate IT experience than some of the other candidates and his undergrad degree was in music. So, I initially did not support the selection.
How He Did It
So, how was he able to pursue and land his dream, higher-level IT job? He completed self-paced online IT courses and worked an entry level IT position for about a year. Subsequently, this further developed his IT knowledge and skills. He then launched his own IT blog and wrote articles for it. In addition, he started a side hustle as a computer repair technician. Not surprisingly, he also answered people’s IT questions in online forums. As you can imagine, his credibility in the IT space increased and he subsequently out interviewed the competition.
Inspired now? I hope so.
My late father did not have a college degree, but he and his older brother, started their own TV and appliance repair business. My uncle continued to run the successful business after Dad amazingly landed a position with Xerox Corporation where he worked many years to retirement age.
So, consider implementing the following three steps when you are an entry-level person wanting to break into a new career field.
Three-Step Strategy
Volunteer – I recently saw a candidate’s resume on which she listed their experience as an unpaid officer, in her field of expertise, for her sorority. Now, she lists it as professional experience…which it is. Who knows, you might even come in contact with someone who is uniquely positioned to give you an unexpected opportunity. .
Think Creatively – As an entry-level candidate, you must consider ways to increase your expertise and visibility in your chosen field. In many cases, online learning can unlock your door to success. Take advantage of the low-hanging fruit and enroll in free and low-cost, self-paced courses. Track the courses that you complete. Also, if you are able, purchase a certificate of completion to prove that you completed the course(s). As your knowledge in the field increases, find innovative ways to expose your new-found expertise.
Highlight outside interests – These are the non work-related activities that you enjoy and are good at. I recommend that you include a skills section in your resume. This is where you feature the knowledge, skills, and abilities that you’ve gained from these hobbies. They might include leadership, concentration, attention to detail, teamwork, organization, problem-solving, creativity or a host of other qualifying characteristics.
Remember, dynamite comes in small packages. The same can be true for your resume.
For more job search advise, visit my site, HR by Nnamtique, at https://nnamtique.com.
If today’s post inspires you, scroll down and leave a comment. That inspires me.
Career Search Success to You! Go Get Your New Job!
Original post by HR by Nnamtique
