How to land a job when you have no experience in the field

When you’re changing careers, and you don’t have any relevant experience in your new field, you have to accept that you’ll need to take a step back for a while. This could mean taking a more junior role than your current position and perhaps accepting a pay cut.

However, don’t let this step back dishearten you. You can quickly begin to work your way back up the ladder, and ultimately, you’ll be working in the role or industry that makes you happy, so it’s worth the short-term sacrifice.

Another way to bolster your résumé when you don’t have any experience in your chosen field is to upskill yourself in relevant areas. Nowadays, there are several ways you can do this so you can find the learning style that best fits your lifestyle.

You could go to college to study, attending evening classes to fit around your current work schedule. Alternatively, you could complete an online course from the comfort of your own home and in your own time. There are thousands of low-cost (and even free) courses available online.

Volunteering can help you gain some valuable experience for your résumé, whilst also a nice way to give back. Although it may be unpaid, you’ll profit from the skills and experience further down the line.

Plus, it can be much easier to secure than a full- or part-time role, and again, it can fit nicely around your current job. Volunteering also shows a commitment and proactive decision-making, which always look great to an employer.

The key to “adjusting” your résumé is to focus on your qualities that are relevant to the new profession, and cut back on the parts that are geared toward your old profession (no matter how impressive they may be).

It’s a good idea to carefully read through posted job descriptions for wording or phrases to adopt as well as any skills and qualifications that match the recent courses you’ve taken and your relevant volunteering experiences. Be sure to highlight those skills and attributes on your résumé by giving them prominent placement at the top, in your profile and skills section.

Try to be patient, and remember that when you’re starting a race well behind the competition, you simply need to put in a lot of effort to catch up and then get ahead. So, be proactive, build relationships with recruiters, and try to get as many early job applications as possible.

Though it may take some time, all you need is one interview to get a foot in the door; then make a good impression, and you’ll land the job that will set you on your way in your new industry.