“How do I get a job when I don’t have any experience?” We hear this question a lot from first-time job seekers, teenagers and folks who don’t think they have any job experience.
Do you really have no job experience? Think about it. You’ve probably done some volunteering, lawn care for the next-door neighbor, babysat for somebody up the street--these jobs are perfectly fine to include on an entry-level resume, so don’t discount the experience you have from working those positions.
One job seeker who we met was 15 and looking for her first job, and she used her experience baking biscuits with her family every Sunday morning to apply to a biscuit-making job. That’s perfect! This is the kind of initiative that employers want to see in a first-time job hunter. They’re looking for people who are smart and who can apply themselves, and in this instance she already had specific experience doing the job that they were looking for.
Look for any skill or experience you can highlight. Just because you weren’t paid for it, doesn’t mean it’s not valuable to employers. For most entry-level jobs or summer jobs, employers are really looking for a great attitude, so make sure you bring whatever experience you already have and you should be set.
Have a question? Head over to the Snagajob YouTube channel and leave us a video response with the question you want answered. If your question is selected, we will send you a gift card and include your video in our response!
About Kim Costa
Thank you SnagaJOB.
I am also 15 and looking for my first job. Any Ideas about wat types to look for.
Hi Ben – Think about what you are interested in and go from there. Are you interested in the restaurant industry? Retail? Be sure to ask around with your friends and family to see if they know of any job openings. Good luck and let me know if you have any other questions!
im lookin for a good job i got two kids that i need to take of and i have never had a job before i used to work at bridges for school that is all
Unfortunately this is only partially true because not all employers look as this in as real work experience. Employers have told me that yes this is experience but not really experience. Example is if someone had a job as a waitress and applied for sales job that yes you do have sales experience but not real sales experience. What the employer is saying is that things you have done in past such as make biscuits every Sunday or cut lawn for neighbor or waitress applying it as sales experience is a value to the company not an assett as experience for the job.
I’m an high school student looking for my first job. I haven’t had any luck yet. I applied everywhere, and no one is callling me back for an interview. I’m looking for a job in the restaurant industry, or retail. Schools almost out, and I’m having no luck. Is there something I’m doing wrong? Please help!
Hi there! If you aren’t hearing back from employers, these tips can help: http://tinyurl.com/76fzuze & http://tinyurl.com/7j8pgkd
Je suis tres enthousiaste a ce sujet ci-dessus;
Il est bien vraie qu’un employeur qui recherche urgemment les employes a besion des experiences. Mais aussi et sertainement cas d’urgences lorsque la situation oblige un employeur qui est face a un demandeur d’emploi celui-ci peu se renseigner physiquement sur l’accoutrement de ce dernier(Demendeur d’emploi). Cas pour lmes employeurs experimentes. PUISQU’on trouve des demnedeurs d’emplois non experimentes qui peuvent instantanements fairent quelque chose lorque la situation l’exige(C’est a dire : Hommes ou Femmes font tous; Rien n’est difficile a comprendre et a appliquer ). Par fois meme on peut avoir une experience sur tel ou tel domaine mais l’exigence de l’emploi ou meme l’employeur le fait changer selon le poste qu’il veut vous confier. on dirait l’emploi c’est experience pratique? ou l’experience venue d’ailleurs est l’emploi? SI OUI il est vraie mais tous demandeur d’emploi peut dire : mon corage, me fait bien affronter a tout.
Merci pour votre temps
De : ARISTHA RODRIGUE OLANGANA
Am looking for anything need fast money to pay bills like today
Hi Todd! Check out this video on how to find a job fast: http://www.snagajob.com/resources/video-series-how-to-find-a-job-fast/. Good luck and let me know if you have any other questions!
I just graduated high school June of 2011. I am currently a Online University student take classes for Everest University. My course of study is Criminal Justice. I am having trouble trying to get a job where I can gain experience in the Criminal Justice field. Can anybody give me some tips on what I should try and do???
Hi Nicole! Great question – I would start by volunteering somewhere like a police station or court house. Also, try calling a place that you are interested in working and ask if you could shadow someone for a day, as you are interested in this field of work. I did this in college and it really opened up doors for me and gave me connections I still use today.
I am interested in working in the retail industry. But, I honestly do not know where to start. Can you please help me?
Hi Alexis! Try contacting your favorite stores in your area and see if they are hiring. If you are being told they want someone with experience, try volunteering at your local thrift sore or Goodwill. This type of retail work does count as experience, and will give you valuable references and contacts.
All the jobs are usually taking
Hey am 19 and looking for my first job but I can’t get any ideas about what type to look for
Hi there! Think about what your are passionate about and go from there. If you love working with children – try a daycare. If you are a master chef – look into restaurants. If you are having difficulty figuring out what you want to do, think about volunteering somewhere. This will give you valuable experience and you may realize your passion. Good luck and let us know if you have any other questions!
I was a computer programmer for over 35 years until my job was outsourced. I no longer even want to pursue a job in that area, but am looking for a job job, but I am not getting anywhere. All the experience I have is technical , so how do I go about “changing my career” so to speak.? I have had only a few interviews and no job offers. All they see on my resume is what I used to do.
Hi Larry! Do you know what field you are interested in? Try volunteering in that particular area to gain some experience, and this will also give you valuable references and connections. Changing careers can be scary but rewarding. I think this article can help you: http://www.snagajob.com/resources/how-to-change-careers/. Let me know what you think!
Well I am not looking to make a killing I used to make some pretty good money but I know that is not going to happen, and that is OK. I am essentially looking for work at let’s say Lowes doing whatever, I am fine with that. I actually had two interviews last week but since I have no on the job experience ( though I do have many years of working with things they sell as I am very very goo DIY person) I was not hired. I am sure my resume is not a very good one, but I have not written a resume sine 1969, and all the jobs I got were essentially offered to me. I am so out of touch with the situation these days. he jobs I am applying for probably don’t pay more than $10.00/hr which is fin, but I think they look at my resume and thing wow this guy used to make $85,000 why does he want to work here.
I’ve been looking for my first job for some time now. I always make sure to put that I cook at home for my entire family, answer the phone for when my mom has important calls coming in, running errands, etc. I’ve done interviews and named all these things off to the interviewer, and I’m not exaggerating when I say I’ve gotten a lot of annoyed looks! If naming off home experience doesn’t work, what should I do to help my odds in this tough job market?
Thank you!
Hi Symone! Great question. You should only list the experience you have that directly relates to the position. For example, if you are applying at a restaurant then you should mention how much you cook at home. This would not be appropriate if you were applying for a retail position. Also, instead of saying you run errands and answer the phone at home, say you are a multitask-er and are in charge of keeping your family organized. Have you thought about volunteering somewhere to gain experience? This does count and it will also give you valuable references. Good luck and let me know if you have any other questions!
I am 23 and have had only one paying job at a cafe. I have tried to apply for jobs in the small town I moved to about 9 months ago. No luck. Any ideas?
Hi Jaimee – I am sorry you aren’t having much luck. Have you thought about volunteering in the area to gain experience and make some connections? Also, check out this video for a few reasons you may not be hearing back from employers: http://www.snagajob.com/resources/video-why-am-i-not-hearing-back/. Good luck and let me know if you have any other questions!
Kindly advise what answer an employer was looking for when I was asked the following: “What was your favorite all time job? I answered honestly, it was my one of my first, several positions ago. However, my answer as to why were relevant to the sought after position. What did they want to hear?
Hi Margaret – Interesting question. Instead of picking a particular job, turn the question around into your favorite aspects of the jobs you’ve held. This way it won’t look like you’re trying to get back into that particular field or company. Focus on what the skills that the job you are interviewing for would need. For example, if you are applying for a job where you will be working with people, talk about how much you enjoy working in customer service, and give examples of that quality from your different jobs.
That’s what I initially thought. However, they clarified by stating they wanted me to name the specific position. I related the aspects that I enjoyed to the skill set for the position that I am seeking. I don’t believe that the sequence of my favorite job should be an issue because it is the position where the passion for customer service began. Am I wrong?
Interesting. It sounds like you gave them a good answer. They may have wanted to see how your favorite job is similar to the job you are applying for – how happy you will be in the position. By focusing on how much you enjoy customer service, you showed them that you will be satisfied in in that position. Good luck and please keep me posted!
I have been a member of this website for almost 6 months. After I graduated from high school i was hit with a plethora of joint problems related to an auto immune disorder i developed. It took 6 months of various visits to different doctors to finally get a hold of a prescription drug I now take every day that stops my immune system from destroying my joints. Im 19 and have no job experience whatsoever. I do not have a car or a license for that matter and I live far from town on the outskirts. Every single Job ad i got from this website in my email was bogus, either way too far away or for some position that required years of training and experience. I once tried to sign up with Vector corp as they said you didnt need to know anything, what did i get a meeting to tell me to give 300 bucks for a kitchen kit to sell door to door. I spent the last of my savings on custom orthotic shoe inserts i didnt have any cash. I started working for my dad extremely part time but im hoping one day he just teaches me the register so I can work the main station. I didnt want to work for family for various reasons but i guess i should count myself extremely lucky to find any work at all. I am going to unsub from snagajob sick of their garbage spam in my email. I am glad if this site helps someone but it did not help me.
Hi Joey! I am sorry you are frustrated. Do you have a local bus system? Check out this article: http://www.snagajob.com/resources/searching-for-jobs-without-a-car/ and let me know what you think! The daily alert emails pull jobs within 20 miles of your residence. You can use our keyword search tool: http://www.snagajob.com/job-search to find jobs closer to you.
I have been told and read on many websites to never give out your social security number when applying online.However, on many of these online applications it is a required field. One of the jobs I was applying for would involve driving and it also required my drivers license number. How safe is this? Why would they need any of this information before they even consider hiring you? It makes me very nervous with all the identity theft out there. Thank-you.
Hi Maureen – Great question. Check out this article: http://www.snagajob.com/resources/is-it-illegal-to-ask-for-my-social-security-number/ that outlines why an employer may ask for your SSN and what to do if it looks a little sketchy.
I would like to know if a company doesn’t call you back is okay to re-apply to the same job, but a different position?
Hi Mitchell! Great question. Have you been following up on your applications? This is am important part of the job search process that is often overlooked. I think it is okay to re-apply, especially if it is a different position. You may not have had the skills they were looking for in the original position, but may have what they are looking for in the new position. Good luck and let me know if you have any other questions!
Hi, im 19 looking for my second job. I use to work at s skating rink but they recently closed, I got recently got kicked out of my moms house because I got engage. I have appalyed to over 75jobs in the last two months and have called multipul times to check up on the jobs and I get the same responce well you dont have enough experince or the job is taken and if I dont find a job soon I will become homeless. I have a disease called chronic fatuige syndrome I causes me to become very tried if I over exert myself so I have applied to part time jobs with limited lifting and such but due to my lack of experiance and the fact that I dropped high school due to my illness but an curtently in the process of getting my ged no one will hire me. I got the job at the rink simply because my fiance got it for me because the owner is a family friend of his. I can just volenteer rill I find a job because if I do I will have no home. What should I do?
Hi Katerina – I am sorry to hear about your situation. We put together a video about how to find a job fast that I think can help you: http://www.snagajob.com/resources/video-series-how-to-find-a-job-fast/. It has a few tips to getting something ASAP. Also, make sure when you are applying that you double and triple check your applications for any typos or spelling mistakes. I noticed a few in your post, and I don’t want something like this to hold you back. Employers tell us that this is their biggest frustration with job seekers. Good luck and let me know if you have any questions!
I have never had a job before. I need to find a job that is easy to schedule around my school. I start college in a month. I have no idea what to look for I need help..
Hi Eboni! Great question. Check out this article, I think it can help: http://www.snagajob.com/resources/getting-a-part-time-college-job/#. Good luck and let me know if you have any questions!
Ive recently applied for approximately 15 jobs and I’m having absolutely no luck. Ive tried different areas around where my father lives as well as where my mother lives and not one single person has called I’m in desperate need of a job and I honestly. Dont know what to do is there any advice for me because ive tried most if not all of the tips you’ve given..
Hi Desiree – I am sorry things have been frustrating. I know 15 applications seem like a lot, but in a competitive market, you may find yourself applying to more before hearing anything. Based on your comment, it looks like you have a few grammatical errors. If this is the case on your applications, it could hold you back. Employers tell us that this is the biggest mistake job seekers make. Take a look at this video: http://www.snagajob.com/resources/video-tips-for-great-resumes/ which gives you a few things you can do to make sure your application is in top shape! Also, be sure to follow up on your applications, it can really make you stand out!
Hey Snag, I’ve just been so confused. I list all my skills on a resume and applications, I am completely drug free, and in my opinion I think I have great qualities besides the fact that I have no expirence. I have applied in person, to places with “now hiring” signs and online through snagajob, and they say they’re hiring, but I never get a call back, but then 2 months later, I see someone else who applied and they got the job! is there anything I can do?! I’m losing hope.
Hi Bri! I am sorry to hear you haven’t had much luck. Have you thought about volunteering somewhere to gain experience? This will also give you valuable connections and references in your area. Check out this video for more info: http://www.snagajob.com/resources/filling-gaps-on-your-resume/ and let me know if you have any questions!
Hi, I’ve been applying for jobs the past few months and I either never get a call back, or I get an email back from the ones that tell me to apply online that say I “don’t have the necessary qualifications” I’m 17, I’ve never had a job before, but how am I supposed to gain job experience if no one will give me a job because I have no job experience?
It’s a little frustrating :/ A source of income would be nice. And I have to get job experience at some point. Any advice or comments?
Hey, I’m 16 and looking for my first job, I try looking around but it get so frustrating. I need money for rent, and groceries. But I need help.
I’m one of those guys who really has a tough time finding a job. Normally I’m very introverted and have a hard time talking with people seeing as I’m not necessarily ‘sociable’. I can always fake that grin and talk for a bit but it just goes out.
I have the car, I have the license, just graduated, and am looking for a part-time job to fit around my College schedule comming up next month.
All of the Work-Study programs are full as of right now. -Summer Program’s still in session and those students still there have those positions is my guess-
I haven’t volunteered anywhere really because I can’t afford to spend time other places if I’m not getting paid. My funds are really low and gas and car insurance is expensive.
The only official job experience I have is irrelevant to all of the places I’ve looked at so far. I can’t see how being an Assistant to a Painting Contractor (My father) can help me here.
Well, I guess what I’m asking here is. Are there any Part-Time job places one could find with little to no experience in the work place that doesn’t really require one to have exceptional people skills?
Hey im 17 and i’ve been searching for a job all summer. But i have no work experience. I need HELP !
So I’m 16 and looking for my first job. I’ve done a lot of cooking for my family and I’m also great with customer service. How do I apply that to finding a job with anything ? For example, a job at walmart or a fast-food place ?
I Just Graduated Hight School And Am Really Trying To Find My First Job.I Have Been Applying Online Because I Dont Have My Dad Support Which Is Diffucult To Move Around And Look For One,It Dont Matter Where But I Really Need The Job So I Can Go To College And Not Depend On My Parents.I Love To Help People Find What They Need.I Need Help Finding A Job.
Hey I’m 18 and looking for my first job and still in high school. I apply for a lot of jobs, how come I never get a interview?
Hi Victoria! Take a look at this video, where we give you a few reasons you may not be hearing back from employers: http://www.snagajob.com/resources/video-why-am-i-not-hearing-back/. Good luck and let me know if you have any other questions!
17 here. I’ve been looking for jobs for at least 2 years and have not gotten a single call or interview or anything. I’m not exactly a social person, which could be the reason why. Senior year has come in and my parents are getting more and more ticked off that I’m not working. Any good teen jobs in a city where all the college jobs have been taken by people who have been laid-off?
Hi Nick! Have you thought about volunteering somewhere? This will not only give you experiences, references and connections, but it may also help your interview confidence. Also, check out our Student Job page: http://www.snagajob.com/student-jobs and let me know if you have any questions!
Wish it was that easy, but I really had some thought on this. I have work experience, which is barely anything at all except short-term volunteering which both together add up to about 10 hours. Do I need more than that? I just feel 2 day volunteering isn’t enough, and to make matters even harder, traveling is a big issue for me. I don’t have my own care because well, duh I don’t have a job to afford it. Public transportation is an option, but the time and locations are inconvenient for me. Also, time is an issue as well, I wouldn’t mind working overnight hours, but it would probably be better if I had my own car to drive and I don’t think buses are out overnight. Any advice?