So, you don't have a job because of NO EXPERIENCE?? You're not the only one.. Tips on how to break i

I hear not only from students but friends and family about how hard it is to find a job with no experience, especially in healthcare! I want to share what recently happened with a family member. My brother, Jacob, has been looking for a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) position for the last 6 months. He has had several interviews but never would get any calls back. I finally took some time to sit down with him to see how I could help.

MK Education offers entry level certificate programs in the healthcare field. So, I knew that I could help him out since he graduated from a similar program that we offer. Jacob told me he has had one-on-one interviews and even group interviews for several positions. He said that employers kept on choosing applicants that had more experience. I recently spoke to a student in California who had the same problem! Has this ever happened to you before!?

I told both my brother and the student that you need to work on “selling yourself” and highlighting what you can offer. Don’t worry about the other applicants. Yes, if they have 10+ years of experience they probably understand the field more and can solve problems a lot quicker but YOU are fresh and new! YOU are moldable into an ideal employee!!! Below are some questions to ask yourself:

Are you applying for the right position?

• Focus on entry level positions or opportunities with 2-3 years of experience

• Research the company so you are able to focus your answers around their mission statement

Have you tailored your resume based on your education?

• Highlight your career training program and what you learned in the classroom

Are you highlighting your externship experience?

• Yes, if this is the only experience you have use it for what it’s worth!

• Have a story and experience from your externship ready to share with the interviewer

Have you asked for help?

• Use any resources that you can! Go to your local library, community college, or education center for resume and interview workshops

• Use online resources such as YouTube! There are practice interviews on YouTube, even post your own and see the comments and feedback you get.

I hope the tips above encourage you to sit down and think. My brother finally was hired as a CNA here in the Chicagoland area! He reviewed his interview skills and had to change his answers around when asked questions about his experience. The student in California hasn’t given up hope yet and is taking time to re-evaluate her interviewing process.

So, take some time and really write down how you would answer “You don’t have any work experience, why should I hire you?”

#careeradvice #healthcaretraining #lifehacks