When You Don’t Have Enough Experience for the Entry-Level Job

Have you ever seen a posting that says “entry-level,” only to realize the job requires three years of experience? This is a common frustration of the ‘experience paradox,’ but there are practical ways to navigate this barrier. You can build experience while still in school or early in your career.
 

Reframe what counts as experience

First, try redefining what ‘experience’ is. Unlike what most people think, experience is more than paid full-time work. Many employers also value:

• Volunteer work and community involvement
• Class projects, research and presentations
• Extracurricular activities and student clubs
• Freelance or informal work

Before assuming that you have nothing to present to a potential employer, reflect on what you’ve done in the past. It’s often about framing what you already have in a way that fits the job description. You can check out our page for resume and cover letter tips to learn how to do this.
 

Ways to build experience

• Volunteer boards: Provides leadership and practical experience that look strong on a resume
• Contract and Short-term Employment: Builds a track record even without a permanent role. Check out the WorkBC job board to find what positions are available
• Co-op Programs: Gain experience and get paid while earning credits towards your school credential
• Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP): International students who have graduated from an eligible Canadian post-secondary institution may be able to work in Canada for up to three years post-graduation. This gives you time to build local work experience
• Work Internships: Paid and unpaid options are available across industries. Try to check with your institution’s career centre for internship listings exclusive to students that aren’t posted publicly and whether internships can count toward academic credit
• BladeRunners Program: For young adults (ages 15-30) who need job readiness support
   

How to apply with limited experience

Here are some tips to help you apply to jobs despite having limited experience in the field:

• Focus on transferrable skills in the cover letter rather than apologizing for lack of experience
• Tailor your resume to the job description, matching the language and key words from the posting
• Lead with what you can do, not what you haven’t done yet
• Consider applying to smaller companies and organizations, as they often value potential over years of experience

Head to WorkBC’s Job Application Tips for more.
 

Get support

WorkBC Centres offer free resume help, job search coaching and connections to employers. You can apply online for free to access the WorkBC Online Employment Services portal.

You can also reach out to professors, mentors or people in the field to know more about the field, their career journeys and to get advice. Check out our Networking page for tips on how to start a conversation and set up a coffee chat.

Everyone starts somewhere, and experience builds over time. If you’re not sure where to start, WorkBC’s Employment Readiness Services offers free, flexible one-on-one support to help you build confidence and take the next step – at your own pace.