Key Steps to Landing an Entry-Level Job That Requires Experience

Landing your first job can feel like a frustrating conundrum. How are you supposed to gain experience if entry-level positions require it? Many young professionals encounter this challenge across industries, from marketing to tech. Companies increasingly expect candidates to build relevant skills through internships, freelance work, or volunteering before applying for roles labeled “entry-level.” This shift reflects not only the competitive job market but also the significant cost of onboarding. In my previous role, onboarding new staff cost the company around $36,000 per employee, which can vary depending on the role. Inflation has likely driven these expenses even higher. Plus, existing staff often need to help train new hires, temporarily lowering their own productivity. However, you don’t need to feel stuck—there are practical ways to navigate these expectations and stand out, even if you lack formal work experience.

Why Experience is Now Expected for Entry-Level Roles

The original idea of entry-level jobs was to provide recent graduates or career changers with opportunities to gain experience. However, several factors have complicated entry level jobs.

Changing Labor Market Dynamics: Many companies now expect even entry-level candidates to have internships or side projects under their belt. This shift emerged after economic downturns, like the 2008 recession when companies became more selective due to a surplus of job seekers. This selectiveness persists today, even in industries with higher demand for workers.

Employer Risk Aversion: Companies see hiring and training as costly investments, so they prefer candidates with some experience to minimize the risk of underperformance. Even roles labeled as entry-level often require transferable skills from internships, freelancing, or volunteer work.

Vague Job Descriptions: Sometimes, hiring managers post inaccurate job descriptions due to internal miscommunication. What is listed as entry-level may reflect the company’s ideal candidate but not the actual requirements for the role.

How to Compensate for the Lack of Experience

Leverage Internships, Freelance, and Volunteer Work: Experience doesn’t have to come from traditional employment. Highlight relevant internships, part-time roles, or volunteer work on your resume. These roles demonstrate transferable skills that employers value, such as teamwork, problem-solving, and project management.

Tailor Your Resume for ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems): Companies often use ATS technology to screen resumes based on keywords. Ensure your resume contains relevant keywords from the job descriptions you are targeting. Critical keywords for skills and responsibilities can boost your chances of getting noticed, even for roles that ask for more experience than you have.

Build a Portfolio of Practical Skills: Use online learning platforms to earn certifications or gain new skills. These qualifications show initiative and can supplement your lack of experience. Include relevant links to personal projects, case studies, or online portfolios in your applications.

Network Strategically: Many job opportunities are discovered through personal connections rather than online applications. Attend networking events, join industry groups, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn to increase your chances of finding roles that align with your interests.

Don’t Get Discouraged by Experience Requirements: Apply to roles even if you don’t meet every qualification. Employers are often flexible if they see potential, a willingness to learn, and relevant soft skills. Mention in your cover letter how your transferable skills align with the role’s needs.

The trend of requiring experience for entry-level roles isn’t going away anytime soon, but you can adapt by strategically presenting your existing skills and experiences. Make your resume stand out by tailoring it to each role, and don’t shy away from applying for jobs that seem slightly out of reach. With persistence and preparation, you can turn this challenge into an opportunity to start your career on the right foot.

This approach keeps your job search focused and motivated despite the obstacles. Every small step—whether through internships, networking, or learning new skills—brings you closer to landing that first job. The more skills and experience you build, the better you position yourself. Arriving at an entry-level job with practical knowledge shows employers that you’re eager to learn and assures them you’ll become productive faster than candidates starting with little or no experience.