How to Gain Experience When Employers Want Experience – Contract Personnel

At Contract Personnel, we speak to many candidates who are frustrated with the age-old catch-22: How can I get experience if employers are asking for experience? It’s a dilemma that many face, especially those entering the workforce or making a career change. But we want to reassure you – there are ways to break that cycle – even if you’re starting from scratch.

Understanding the Experience Paradox

When employers say they want candidates with experience, it’s not necessarily about the number of years spent in a specific role. What they’re looking for is a proven ability to handle the responsibilities the job demands. However, we know that if you’re just starting out or transitioning careers, you may not yet have that experience in the traditional sense. This can be frustrating, but it’s important to remember that experience comes in many forms. Employers also value transferable skills, adaptability, and the willingness to learn.

Building Your Experience Before You Get the Job

The key to overcoming the experience paradox is to find creative ways to build your skills and make them visible to employers. Here are some practical tips to help you gain the experience you need to land that permanent role:

1. Start with Internships or Volunteer Work

Internships, even unpaid ones, offer valuable on-the-job training and can lead to permanent opportunities. Volunteering is also an excellent way to gain relevant experience in your desired field. Not only will you develop your skills, but you’ll also have something concrete to show on your CV. Employers appreciate candidates who are proactive and willing to put in the effort, even if it’s not immediately financially rewarding.

2. Take on Freelance or Part-Time Roles

If full-time experience feels out of reach, why not try freelance or part-time work? Many companies hire contractors or part-time workers who have a specific skill set they need, even for a short period. This allows you to build up your portfolio while gaining experience in real-world settings. These roles may even lead to full-time opportunities as employers often prefer hiring someone they’ve already worked with and trust.

3. Focus on Transferable Skills

You may have experience in another industry or role that offers transferable skills. For example, communication, time management, teamwork, and problem-solving are all valued across sectors. When applying for jobs, be sure to highlight these transferable skills and explain how they relate to the role you’re applying for. Even if you’ve never worked in the exact industry before, employers will see that you bring valuable soft skills to the table.

4. Leverage Networking and Mentorship

Sometimes, gaining experience isn’t just about hard skills – it’s about who you know. Networking can be an invaluable tool in securing a job or internship. Attend industry events, webinars, or local meetups, and don’t hesitate to reach out to professionals who can offer advice or mentorship. Many people are willing to offer guidance, and you never know when a conversation will lead to an opportunity.

How Contract Personnel Can Help

At Contract Personnel, we understand that getting your foot in the door can be the hardest part. As a recruitment agency covering East Anglia, we specialise in connecting candidates with employers who value potential, passion, and transferable skills. Whether you’re looking for a permanent position or just getting started, we offer tailored advice and support to help you build the experience that employers are looking for.

Get in touch with our Permanent Recruitment Team on 01603 764044 or email perms@cpl.uk.com