10 Tips For Landing A Job When You Have No Prior Experience

Most interviewers check the applicants’ previous experience. So, what happens when you don’t have any? You can either cross your fingers and pray or play it smart to make sure you get the role. For those who prefer the latter, here are ten professional rules that can help you clear those hiring rounds without the necessary experience.

Wow Them With A Cover Letter

You’re never going to land an interview without an amazing cover letter. You have to wow the employers with the approach. If you can’t write something that stands out, then hire someone to do it for you. It’s not that difficult or costly and can open the door to the interview.

Dress The Part

So many people forget this, and then it doesn’t matter how much experience you have or don’t have. If you are dressed unprofessionally at a job interview, your chances of getting hired stoop down significantly. So, get that outfit right—a business suit or a dress and appropriate footwear. The footwear won’t be needed, of course, if you are on for a virtual interview!

Be Exceptionally Confident

Make them feel that you know why you are here and have an idea of what you want to do. Be confident in your skills and try to show your zeal to learn. One sign of meek behavior, or uncertainty, and no one would want to risk it with a candidate who has no experience to begin with.

Do Not Be Arrogant

Remember, when you are showing off your exceptional confidence, there is a very fine line between being confident and being arrogant. You don’t want to cross that line. Just be sure of yourself without looking like you are full of yourself. It’s always better to practice this with someone else.

Give Your Reasons

If you want to land a job with no prior experience, you must know why you would be good at this role. Leverage your past life experiences and the challenges you have overcome to show how you will be a great fit. Answer the “why” in a way that leaves them thinking that you might be the best candidate for the job.

Forget Being Perfect

If you don’t know something, don’t lie to look perfect. They won’t prefer someone who pretends to be perfect at everything. A potential employer is only going to feel confident about a self-aware candidate who can say, “No, I don’t know how to do that,” or “No, I haven’t yet got the opportunity.” 

Don’t Act Mysterious Or Standoffish

Sure, being computer savvy and knowing about complex topics is good. But that’s not what everyone might be looking for. Attitude also matters. If you come out as friendly, engaging, or even a bit witty, they’ll feel that they can trust you with important matters, which may increase your chances of getting hired. 

Be Honest If A Task Is Too Complicated For You

If you can’t or don’t want to do a certain task during an interview, be honest about it and try to share the reasons. Don’t go about taking a risk and failing at a task. Ask the employers if they can offer you some time to prepare since you don’t have the experience right now and you want to give your best.

Do Not Try To Impress

The worst thing you can do in a job interview is attempt to flatter your way up. Anybody can tell you that this is not good in the long term, and some good employers don’t even appreciate such acts or gestures, especially when people with no experience are attempting to do that.

Be Direct 

Silly stories, off-topic conversation, and all that jazz is just a waste of time. Be direct. Tell the person interviewing you what makes you “you,” and answer what they ask you when they ask you. Being straightforward with your answers will likely reflect well on your comprehension and communication skills.