The big problem many unemployed people face these days, is finding a Job; obviously. But where the problem comes in, and an unfortunate catch 22, is that most jobs require some sort of work experience. So many people are stuck having no job and unable to get one until they get experience. It’s a sort of backwards unending loop that has no good ending. Until you can get out of it that is.

Volunteer
If you can’t find paid work, then work for free. It may sound like slave labour, but it does give you the chance to develop valuable skills and experience that can help you find work in the future. You also gain the chance to network with many different people and create connections that can help you find paid work. Volunteer work also looks good on your CV. Employers want people who can demonstrate initiative, self-motivation as well as leadership skills and volunteer work can give you all of that. It’ll show employers that you are willing to work for a good cause and it proves to them that you can put in the hours and work hard. The key is to focus on building your skills and your character so you can get better work in the future.

Intern
Interning is one way to get a career started in a specific industry you’ve had your eye on. You get the chance to connect with a few influential people in the industry as well as gaining experience that could help in the future. Interning also gives you that chance to make an impact in the company you’re working for, and hopefully once your internship ends you’ll be offered full time employment at a low-level position.

The perks of interning is that, unlike volunteer work, it’s sometimes paid. It isn’t always, but there are a few that do.

Skills
When you’re out searching for work, don’t expect to get offered jobs left, right and centre. Because of your lack of experience and skills not many places will look twice at your CV. Instead of falling into a pit of self-despair, embrace your inexperience. Use it as a motivator to learn. Employers want people who are willing to work hard and want to learn. So try drive those points across, or better yet, prove it to them.

You can also highlight your ‘soft skills’, like professionalism, responsiveness and friendliness. These skills can’t be taught so they are often sought after. Whatever you do, keep expanding your knowledge, keep learning and read a lot about your fields of interest and work.

Be Realistic
Having no experience can make it a very tough working world. But, when applying for potential job prospects, make sure they’re promising. There’s no use wasting time by applying for a job that has 3 years’ experience, because you’re not going to get it. Instead, target jobs that you can prove you can succeed in. Jobs where you can make use of your strengths and skills you already have.

When you start out in the working world, it’s all about gaining experience. Going from job to job expanding your skills as well as your strengths. But one day you’ll get to choose who you work for, and not the other way round. You can get a chance to be the one in control.