Many jobs require you to have at least some amount of professional work experience before you can be hired or advance to a new position. This can be very difficult when you need experience to work in a specific field, but you cannot get that experience without actually working in the field in the first place. Entry-level positions, internships, volunteer positions, and a little creativity on your resume can all help you get the professional work experience that you need to obtain a position with a company.
Entry-level positions, or positions that do not require much experience, are the best way to get professional work experience because you are paid for your time. The starting pay is usually low, around minimum wage or slightly higher. The duties of entry-level positions vary by industry, but typically require very little prior knowledge about the procedures of the workplace. In many cases, entry-level positions can lead to a better position within the company.
If you are unable to obtain an entry-level position, try finding an internship to gain professional work experience. While the majority of these are unpaid, you may be able to find one that pays a small hourly wage. Internships are often advertised in professional trade magazines. You can also call places that you are interested in working with and ask if they have any openings for interns. Use your networking contacts as well. Internships are often easier to get than a paid position because many people need extra help but don’t have the budget to hire a full-time employee.
Volunteering is another good way to get professional work experience, especially if you are unable to find a paying position or internship. Look for charitable organizations in your area that need extra help with a task that would help you gain relevant work experience. For example, if you would like to become an administrative assistant, volunteer to work in the organization’s office filing papers or answering phones. Volunteering also looks great on your resume.
You may already have more professional work experience than you realize, and a little creativity on your resume can help get your application to the top of the stack. Even if you have never worked outside your home, you still have talents that can translate to the work place. For example, if you are responsible for determining how much money your family can spend on food and other expenses, you have experience working with budgets. If you frequently juggle the schedules of several children and your spouse, you have good organizational skills. Think about the tasks you do every day and how they translate to a work place, then add them to your resume.