How To Get An Entry-Level Job With Zero Experience

As seen on Forbes.

Once upon a time, getting a bachelor’s degree was the surest way to get a job. But that story has changed. With more college graduates entering the job market each year, a diploma alone isn’t enough anymore, especially when “entry-level” roles now expect real-world experience.

In 2019, 73% of graduates were employed, per data Census Bureau data, but many ended up in jobs unrelated to their studies. The class of 2020 had it even tougher with only 50% secured full-time work within six months of graduation, the National Association of Colleges and Employers found.

The result? High stakes and even tougher competition. The bright side is that you still have a shot at getting that job. Most companies don’t actually expect you to have it all. They are looking for someone with promise, initiative, and creativity. So instead of focusing on what you don’t have, let’s talk about what you can do.

Don’t Underestimate Everything You’ve Already Done

Experience isn’t limited to paid jobs. Employers care more about what you can do, not where you did it. Your resume is the place to show that. Skills, achievements, and real-world practice can come from anywhere: school projects, volunteer work, side gigs, freelance work, or even something you built on your own.

Volunteer work, for instance, is always worth adding. Even though it isn’t paid, the expectations are just as real. Being reliable, showing up on time, and completing tasks are all qualities employers look for, no matter the setting.

The same goes for personal or school projects. Maybe you designed a resume for a friend, built a website, planned an event, or organized a group. These experiences show initiative and the ability to apply your skills in real situations.

It doesn’t have to be a formal job to count. If it taught you something and gave you a chance to practice real skills, it deserves a spot on your resume.

Show What You Can Do (Even If You Haven’t Done It Yet)

How do you stand out when you don’t have much experience? It’s simple: Show, don’t tell. If you haven’t worked in a role yet, that doesn’t mean you can’t prove you’ve got the skills. One of the best ways to do this is by creating a sample project that shows your abilities in action.

Let’s say you’re applying for a social media role. You could build a mini social media campaign for your favorite brand. If you’re going for website development, create web mockups or sample websites. Eyeing a design position? Create a mock flyer, resume template, or product ad.

Once you’ve built something, don’t let it sit on your computer. Add a “Projects” section to your resume, especially if you’re light on direct work experience. Give each project a clear title, write a brief description that highlights what you built and which skills it shows, and include a link so hiring managers can see it for themselves.

If you’ve got a few projects to showcase, pull them together in a simple portfolio. Tools like Google Drive, Notion, or a personal website make it easy for employers to explore your work.

Use The Job Description As A Guide For Your Application

No one loves rewriting their resume for every job application. After all the work it takes to build one, it’s tempting to send the same version everywhere. But that’s precisely why tailoring your resume gives you an edge. Most candidates skip this step, and hiring managers can tell.

Start by reading the job description carefully, line by line. Highlight all of the key qualifications, responsibilities, and skills the company is asking for. Look for both technical tools and soft skills, like collaboration or communication. Pay attention to tone, too. Words like “fast-paced” or “cross-functional” can tell you a lot about the company’s culture.

If you spot the same tools, phrases, or qualities being repeated, those are your clues. Make sure your resume reflects them, especially in your skills and experience sections. The closer your language matches the job description, the easier it is for a hiring manager to see you as the right fit.

Make Your Resume Easy To Read For Hiring Managers

When you’re starting out, one page is all you need. A clean, clear layout helps your experience stand out, especially when every bullet point is relevant.

Padding your resume with unrelated jobs or projects can backfire. It might make the page look fuller, but it also signals you don’t fully understand what the company wants.

Good design matters, too. A well-organized resume is easier for both people and systems to read. Use plenty of white space, clear headings, and a clean font like Times New Roman or Helvetica. Bullet points help break down your experience, while bold or italic text can highlight key details. And if you want your resume to look professional from the start, Workhap’s free resume templates are a fantastic place to begin.

Go The Extra Mile And Do What Most People Won’t

Once you hit “apply,” don’t stop there. Most candidates will, which is why following up helps you stand out. Here’s the reality: 98% of Fortune 500 companies use applicant tracking systems to sort through resumes, according to Jobscan, and 58% of employers now use AI to screen applications, according to Jobvite. This means your resume might not even make it to a human unless you take one more step.

A quick message to the hiring manager can shift the odds in your favor. Something as simple as: “Hi [name], I just applied for the [role] and wanted to say how excited I am about the opportunity. I even put together an idea I’d love to share.”

You can also record a short video or send over a small project or suggestion. It doesn’t have to be fancy. All it has to do is demonstrate your seriousness and your willingness to go the extra mile.

You won’t always meet every requirement in a job description. Few people do. However, the way you present your potential through tailored applications, clear projects, and a little extra effort often matters more than checking every box. You’ve got this!