| Often people feel intimidated as they enter the | | | | call the people they serve clients, doctors call |
| work force. They are afraid employers may not | | | | them patients, and retail organizations call them |
| want to hire people who lack professional | | | | customers. Spend some time reading and |
| experience. It's true that many jobs require | | | | speaking to people in the industry. Learn their |
| experience, but it's equally true that employers | | | | terminology and make sure your resume |
| need motivated individuals for entry level positions. | | | | consistently uses the correct terms. |
| Often a person who lacks experience but has a | | | | 4. Volunteer. Sure, you are eager to get your |
| good resume and a great attitude can beat an | | | | first paycheck. However, if you are looking for |
| experienced worker. Keep in mind that your | | | | work in a field that's competitive, it may take |
| resume is the first thing an employer will see. | | | | awhile. Volunteering is a good way to network, |
| Here are 5 tips for anyone just entering the work | | | | learn about the industry, and learn the |
| force. | | | | terminology. Once you have some volunteer |
| 1. Think like them-not you. If you were the | | | | experience, you may want to ask industry |
| person hiring, what skills would you be looking for | | | | professionals if they have any suggestions about |
| in a job candidate? What qualities would be | | | | how you might find employment in the field. You |
| important? | | | | can also ask them to glance over your resume |
| 2. Look at skills you learned from sources other | | | | and see if they have any suggestions (i.e. classes |
| than work. Think about volunteer positions,school | | | | to take, what to emphasize, how to organize). |
| and organization duties, and life skills you've | | | | 5. Spend money wisely. Make sure you have one |
| learned. Consider writing a list of all the things | | | | good outfit for interviews. Your resume is usually |
| you've done outside of work and skills you've | | | | your first introduction to perspective employers. |
| acquired. Now look back at question one and see | | | | If you think you might need help, it is well worth |
| which of these skills should be included in your | | | | the cost to hire a professional writer or visit a |
| resume. | | | | career counselor. Avoid generic resumes and |
| 3. Learn the terminology. For example, lawyer's | | | | work with people who know your industry. |