HOW TO GET A JOB WITHOUT EXPERIENCE
“I’m educated and looking for work, but I still struggle to find a good job. Many people share this experience.”
After graduating, many have spent two years applying for jobs with no interview calls, despite having good grades. This is a common complaint among unemployed individuals. Many dream of securing high-paying jobs right after their studies. How can you effectively prepare for a well-paid position?
Let me introduce you to a film called Chinthavishtayaya Shyamala. If you haven't seen it, it's worth watching. In one scene, Sreenivasan’s character, Vijayan, a schoolteacher, tries various jobs to earn more money but fails each time. Eventually, he turns to asceticism. One day, he asks his guru, "When will I learn to get gold chains and watches from thin air?" The guru replies, "Isn't that what magic is for?"
This scene offers valuable lessons. Many, like Vijayan, dream of high-paying jobs right after graduation but aren’t willing to endure the necessary hardships to achieve them.
Graduates from prestigious colleges, universities, and national institutes often find it easier to secure jobs, with many receiving offers during campus placements. However, in Kerala, there are fewer institutions of this standard, and gaining work experience is often essential.
How do you land a great job?
To become an officer at the UN like Shashi Tharoor, a world-renowned chef like Chef Suresh Pillai, or a medical expert like Dr. S.S. Lal, who has worked with the WHO, you need work experience. None of them achieved success overnight, as Vijayan Mash imagined. Their top positions are the result of years of continuous effort and perseverance.
Where do you start?
As the saying goes, "The secret to getting ahead is getting started." It’s important to understand that no one gets hired without work experience.
Let’s explore how to gain work experience:
1. Create a Strong CV and Cover Letter: Ensure your CV is error-free and contains accurate information.
2. Join Professional Networks: Become a member of platforms like LinkedIn. Connect with professionals in your field and send your CV via email.
3. Continuously Improve Your Skills: Keep learning and developing your expertise.
4. Be Open to Volunteering: Consider offering your skills for free if a paid job isn’t available. Reach out directly to companies in your field, expressing your willingness to work for free for six months. You might need to take on part-time jobs in the evenings to cover expenses (e.g., at a hotel, supermarket, or tutoring). Your dedication could lead to a permanent position.
5. Leverage Your Experience: Use the experience from volunteering to apply for paid positions. With each step, you can aim higher and progress in your career.
Remember, sometimes you need to work for free to gain valuable experience. "A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step." That first step, even if unpaid, can be the start of your great journey.
Don’t apply for jobs with a work experience certificate you don’t actually have. It may lead to a big trouble. This is a serious point to consider.
Article By: Mujeebulla K.M
CIGI Career Team
