How to Have Three Years of Experience Right Out of College
- Jackie Vermeulen
- Aug 3, 2016
- 3 min read
Entry-level position. Qualifications: B.A. degree, and two to four years of experience or an internal organ. I guess there are a couple of vestigial ones that have been hanging out in there for a little too long. But two to four years? Like that’s possible.
Wait right there, mister! Don’t phone your doctor just yet. Companies don’t expect you to have two to four years of experience in a position with an equal title when you’re applying for those entry-level jobs; they are simply looking for candidates who have that magical word: potential. You know…people who have worked with others and know how to take direction.
This might require taking an extra-close look at all of the resume-worthy things you’ve done. Here are things you can call out to fulfill those requirements:
1. Internships
There’s a reason many universities have internship requirements for students to graduate; they are an easy way to boost your experience on your resume. When adding your internship experience to your resume, include your responsibilities and how they translate into qualifications required for the job.
Worked closely with the legal department to avoid discrepancies
Wrote 20 blog articles for the company blog (PS when adding numbers, make sure they’re mention-worthy; dinky ones are better left unsaid)
Assisted in managing a $500K client portfolio
2. School Activities and Projects
Call out activities in which you took on leadership roles. If you were captain on the lacrosse team, list your responsibilities on your resume.
If you were officer of a club, explain what you were in charge of and any number-driven results you accomplished. Were you able to increase membership by 25%? Call it out!
Did you lead a group project? What did you do to create results?
Managed the club’s calendar and sent out weekly reminder emails
Acted as the main liaison between the coaches and players
Ensured all requirements were fulfilled by holding each team member accountable
3. Volunteer Work
Feel-good items on your resume can boost experience and set you apart from other candidates. Making time for volunteer work on top of the responsibilities you already have for work, school, activities, and projects proves you’re a pro at managing your time.
Organized a 5K run that raised over $800 worth of donations
Managed the finances for the Philadelphia chapter
Explained the value of the organization at two community fairs
4. Part time jobs
Working as a bartender, you calculated bills, multitasked, and balanced the register at the end of the night. You also helped your manager develop marketing plans and provided insights as to business opportunities.
Working as a camp counselor, you were in charge of managing a group of people and taking charge. You adapted to changes and solved problems quickly.
And as a pet groomer, you were in charge of managing and scheduling clients and pointing out new business opportunities.
Developed and implemented a marketing plan to attract new visitors
Organized activities and managed up to 12 kids at a time
Maintained three social media accounts and created a posting schedule
The goal is to avoid year-long gaps in your resume. Set yourself up for job-hunting and resume success by seeking out opportunities that will help you gain experience.
So, no, it’s not impossible to have a respectable resume when looking for your first job. Will you have to have a little creativity? Why yes, yes you will. But hey, that’s just another reason you’re so hirable. Hold onto that appendix for another day, my friend.
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Jackie Vermeulen is the founder of The Career Mint. She works closely with the mentors and some off-site experts to address the hard-hitting career topics in articles like the one you’re reading now.
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