Applying for jobs you've no experience in? How to adapt CV

Marie88_2

Hello to you all

As probably most of you all know, it is proving so difficult to secure any form of job and we are all being forced to apply for jobs completely out of our fields and work history. I've tried dumbing down my CV and applied for part time work, and the majority of jobs I've applied for recently have been minimum wage. The problem I'm wondering is how do you apply for basic/medial jobs you have no experience in? There are so many people who have had these basic jobs, and have had years and years of experience in. With a background in science and administration and significant educational history including a masters, I'm rather unsure how I can be considered for these basic jobs with no experience; essentially, how do I show I have the skills to do these basic jobs when I've never done anything like it? Most employers seem to say you are too qualified, and are afraid of giving you an entry level position.

Many thanks
Marie

gibson123

Apply for jobs at entry level in your field, so say you have a masters in chemistry apply for jobs working in a lab cleaning the equipment, chances are you will ahve some relevant experience and relevant knowledge.

InsideInsurance

First of all you dont have to put down all your qualifications etc, though its a challenge if you dont and subsequently want to use it for an internal promotion.

Secondly, all jobs have transferable skills even if it is the basics of teamwork, managing your own time/ time keeping, meeting targets etc. You should be able to get the kinds of things they will be looking for and just ensure you reflect them in your CV

kingfisherblue

As II said, all jobs have transferrable skills. Show that you are adaptable and that you meet the person specification.

You mention admin work - it amazes me how many people apply for an admin job without mentioning their IT skills. Tell prospective employers that you can use MS Office, don't just let them assume you can. Give examples. A basic admin position might include low level marketing, so if you can make posters on Publisher, tell them. If you have taken Minutes before, give them this information.

Other transferrable skills include teamworking, reliability, punctuality, honesty, ability to learn new skills, ability to work on own initiative, being able to set up meeting rooms, having knowledge of Health and Safety, showing commitment, organisational skills, being able to follow instructions, etc.

Don't just list the skills, though, try to show how you have put some into practice. Commitment and loyalty can be shown by a record of being with one employer (or doing voluntary work) for a long period of time. H&S can be evidenced by commenting on the use of aprons, gloves and hairnets in certain professions. You can give examples of organisational skills if you have arranged meetings between several employees.

heart_free

You can also gain skills while looking through voluntary work. This can cover all sorts of skills from manual labour to supervisory experience.

Plus use 'spin' - if you can use a computer you are "fully IT literate", if you have sent out flyers you have "direct marketing experience"

westv

If you're going for any jobs via agencies then it's almost a complete waste of time if you aren't already fully experienced in the job role being advertised.