We are repeatedly told that work experience is important. However, in the current circumstances, it is inevitable that the job market is going to be tougher – fewer opportunities for a bigger pool of job-seekers.
What are you going to do? Give up? Or “embrace sideways thinking and approach a problem in a new way to find the best solution?” as advocated by the Recruitment Team of Her Majesty’s Government Communications Centre.
You may not be able to get sector specific experience but transferable skills can be gained in many ways. Here are some ideas …
- make speculative application i.e. apply to an organisation that interests you even if they don’t have any opportunities. myAdvantage expired vacancies (tick ‘Include expired vacancies’ in ‘More search options’) is a database of ‘warm’ potentials. You may or may not be successful, but the action demonstrates initiative, proactivity and your enthusiasm to work with them. Besides, if you don’t ask, the answer will always be ‘No’!
- volunteer – difficult times have increased such opportunities. It shows employers that you have made the most of your time, and your attractiveness as an employee who tick the ‘corporate social responsibility’ box.
- network – contact employers (ex and current) from e.g. part-time job, or alumni in roles or sectors that interest you e.g. via LinkedIn. They may not be able to offer work experience but you can find out about them, their business or role, and how they got there. You are also putting into practice ‘networking’, a useful employability skill. Don’t forget friends and family who may have ‘connections’.
- start your own business or help with your family’s - you gain transferable skills making you more attractive for your next job and show that you’re enterprising – a sought-after quality by employers. Self-enrol on Getting Started with Work Experience: Unit 5: How can I find work experience? with Warwick email to find out more.