Everyone has that ideal company that they’ve been dreaming to work for and a job they would be delighted to have. Whether it’s for the tremendous benefits or the amazing company culture, there is a job out there that perfectly matches your dreams and goals.
Yet, we all know that looking for a job in this generation is no walk in the park, and your dream job is definitely even harder to pursue. Regardless of what your dream job is, you might’ve noticed that they all have one thing in common — and it’s the job requirements.
Most of the time, these companies require their job applicants to have a college degree with two to three years of related experience. According to a study, 61% of entry-level job postings oblige their applicants to have three or more years of related experience.
While your college degree can equip you with the skills that you need for your job, it does not necessarily give you all the skills to help you succeed in your career. Even more so, it won’t give you the years of experience you need to boast in front of the hiring manager.
So how do you get enough experience that will help you get your dream job?
1. Never sell yourself short.
According to a survey from Robert Half, around 62% of employees were being hired for positions when they were underqualified. On the other hand, 84% of companies are willing to train candidates who don’t have all the required skills.
That survey alone is enough to boost your confidence. Your lack of experience should not hinder you from giving something a shot. So if you’re holding yourself back from sending that resume, this is the sign that you should submit it now.
Don’t underestimate your value. Include your internships, volunteer jobs, and part-time jobs on your resume. If you don’t want to lose out on opportunities that come to your life, it’s time to stop underestimating your value to employers.
2. Review your transferable skills.
Experience doesn’t necessarily mean having past job titles relevant to the position you are applying for. You can see experience in the context of what you’ve learned (i.e. transferable skills).
These transferable skills are the skills and abilities that are helpful across various areas of your professional life. For instance, if you’ve worked as a cashier before, chances are you were able to master patience as well as balancing a cash drawer. These same skills can be valuable in any job that involves dealing with people, like IT support.
Check: Best Online Courses to Enhance Your Skills
3. Consider a freelance job.
A freelance job is another good way to expand your experience. In fact, 57 million people in the U.S. joined the world of freelance this 2020. If you’re seeking a new experience or just want to polish your existing skills, you may consider joining them as well.
Don’t know where to get started? Well, you can start finding freelance job listings on sites like Indeed and FlexJobs. Apart from that, you can also post your skills on LinkedIn and network your way through freelance jobs.
Related Course: Freelancing Tips for Beginners
3. Try volunteering.
Volunteering is a surefire way to kill two birds with one stone. If you’re feeling stuck in your job that doesn’t kindle your soul, you can try to volunteer for an organization you care about. Not only is it beneficial for you, but it’s also an excellent way to extend your help to those in need. Plus, volunteering can give you a sense of purpose in your life within the short-term.
I suggest that you choose an organization that is related to your career and experience. In this way, you can use that volunteering experience to fill a gap in your resume. If you want, you can also turn that volunteer work into a full-time job.
4. Apply for an internship program.
Most people don’t want to go through another internship experience, especially if they have just recently finished school. But you might want to reconsider getting one depending on the situation. Perhaps, you are eyeing a job position with a particular requirement that you are lacking. This can be filled by attending an internship program.
According to research, the average hourly wage is $19.54 for interns while 68% of interns are being absorbed by their company after accomplishing their internship. With that being said, an internship program might be what you need to help you make ends meet until you’re able to secure that full-time job you’ve been dreaming of
5. Expand your network
Did you know that 80%-85% of job positions are filled via networking? Even if you are nervous about reaching out, you can still expand your connection thanks to social media.
Plus, you wouldn’t believe that there are people who are big in their field who are willing to lend a helping hand to those who want to reach their professional goals. Just don’t hesitate to reach out by sharing your expertise or passion with them.
If you want to work for your dream job, you should never be afraid to grab every opportunity that comes your way. Remember to always aim high and don’t hold yourself back.