Many jobs have built-in on the job training such as construction work, retail, and even computer programming. These positions train you on the job; therefore, the employer expects that you will have no experience in the area they are hiring. Some actually prefer this because they can teach you the way they want.
How to Prepare for an Entry-Level Interview?
First, you need to have a professional resume, if you do not know how to create a resume; it may be worthwhile to hire someone to write your resume for you. One of the hardest things to do is write your own resume because most people are very humble and often downplay very important experience that you have had in the past that may not be pertinent to the position you are applying but does show what you are capable of doing. A professional resume writer can take your information and turn it into a professional resume and is more objective with your skills than you may be for yourself.
Many people make the unfortunate mistake of thinking that since it is entry-level work, they do not need to dress the part, but this is not true. However, if you are applying for at a casual retail-clothing outlet, for a salesperson, you probably do not need to dress in a business suit, but you should always wear business casual. Never wear jeans, sneakers, or shorts to your interview. If you are a man and have facial hair such as a beard or mustache, make sure they well trimmed because if you come in with a scraggly beard, you will not make a very good first impression.
What Will the Entry Level Position Turn into?
This truly depends on your goals and aspirations. For instance, if your goal is retail management than beginning as a sales clerk can definitely help you to advance to that level in the future. On the other hand, if you are applying for a retail clerk but you are in college to being a dentist, then the entry-level job is not going to be something that turns into your long-term career.
Use entry-level work as a learning experience in the building blocks of your career because ultimately that is what the job is - your entry into an area you are unfamiliar and in essence it is helping you gain needed experience for your future. Regardless of the position you land, even if it is not your dream job, you can learn a great deal and take those skills to another job sometime in the future.
What about Internships
Often, if you are interested in an area, a good way to get your foot in the door is by taking entry-level internships because this gets you inside the company and helps you learn the business. If you find it is something you love, then the internship can easily turn into a full time position and you will be well on your way to a rewarding career.
On the other hand, you may find that during entry-level internships, it is not the career for you and if so, you can move on and take the experience you gleaned to a future position. Internships are wonderful learning experiences that are often the next step to gaining meaningful employment and often a new career.
Final Thoughts
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