Experience, or the lack thereof…

As someone who stands to lose their job in the coming month, articles like this highlight what I find frustrating about the job market. The vast majority of employers seem to be looking for people who do not exist. Ever noticed the amount of job ads that have the word “Senior” in the title, or ask for 10-15 years experience? Apparently there is a severe shortage of people who are experienced in their careers. All the experienced people must be so highly valued, and therefore highly paid that they never enter the job market. What this leaves for the rest of us are positions that we have no chance at filling. Think how often you see a job advertised as “entry level”. Of the ones you have seen, how many were for sales? Probably all of them. So what can you do? Todd Bavol, the Job Search Ninja has some advice for college graduates which I think also works well for those with less than 15 years in a specific career. The item that really catches my attention is volunteering. There are always volunteer opportunities available. This seems to be a great way to gain experience and network all at the same time. If a company wont hire you because you don’t have enough experience in the field, find a volunteer position that performs some of the same skill sets. This shows potential employers that you are learning and bettering yourself while being unemployed, and its building the experience that you need. It also allows you to network and interact with people who could help you down the road in securing a job. I am no career coach but this is what I would do if I were me  ; )