Q: How do I get a job for which I have the required education but not all of the work experience the employer prefers?
A: Employers look for a combination of education, experience, skills, and attributes in a job candidate. While your education is important and adds a lot of value, organizations also want candidates to have experiences related to the job. If your work history does not precisely fit the specified requirements, you may still be qualified to successfully perform the job. Here are some suggestions to show that’s the case: Focus on transferable skills Highlight related skills you’ve gained even if they weren’t the main part of your job. Consider using the combined resume format to point out relevant experiences. For example, one learner was interested in entering the human resources field, but he had no formal human resources experience. However, as a program manager, he had conducted training, participated in recruiting efforts, and managed employee issues. Even though these were not his primary job duties, he could show he had the relevant skills. Explore the Skills Inventory section of the Career Center for more guidance on identifying your transferable skills. Highlight related educational experiences Show how your educational experience applies to the specific job. A great advantage of Capella’s educational model is that the course assignments are often directly applicable to the field. For example, one learner developed and implemented a training program as part of a course. To market this relevant experience, she included the project details in an “Education Projects” section on her resume this way:
- Conducted needs analysis to determine reason for delay in customer service response time.
- Conducted in-person interviews with 10 managers and 25 front-line employees.
- Observed five hours of incoming call traffic over period of two weeks.
- Designed training program to address issue of delayed service time; proposed program to management team.
- Developed and implemented program including conducting stand up training for 50 front-line employees with corresponding job aid.
- Received recognition from company for 20% increase in response time.
Find ways to gain related experience If your resume lacks relevant work history, consider volunteering to gain experience in the field for which you are applying. For example, one learner without paid IT experience is volunteering to manage the IT functions at his church. Describe your relevant volunteer accomplishments at the top of your resume so it is quickly seen by hiring managers. Another approach is to take on stretch assignments or tasks within your current position that relate to your career goals. For example, if you want to move into project management but haven’t formally had any project management positions, explore opportunities within your current position to coordinate a project. Emphasize your unique attributes Employers look for field specific attributes in job candidates. For example, counselors need to demonstrate active listening and empathy. On the other hand, a public safety officer needs to show the ability to make rapid judgment calls under extreme stress Understand the attributes important in your field and take every opportunity to demonstrate how you have displayed them in the past. Besides conducting yourself professionally with good communication skills and follow-through, you should show interest in and passion for the field and organization. Companies want to hire people who are excited about the field they are going into and have an interest in what the organization does. Convey your passion and interest during networking conversations and interviews. Apply networking strategies You have a lot to offer an employer that isn’t easily translated in your resume. That is why it is important for people to meet you in person. Candidates often wonder how to do this when they haven’t been contacted for an interview. This is where networking can be very beneficial. By demonstrating your unique attributes in your networking interactions, you are showing the employer who you really are and the value you can bring to their organization. This also will provide the opportunity to explain why you are transitioning (and any career goals, if applicable). Consider setting up informational interviews with people in your field of interest. Talking with someone directly can help you understand your field of interest better, gain insight into potential employers, and make connections that may lead to a job possibility. Learn more at Job Search Tools and Connecting with Others.
This entry was posted on Monday, October 27th, 2008 at 8:22 am and is filed under Alumni, Learners. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.
