You Can Land that Dream Entry-level Job—Yes, Even Now

Today’s episode is a conversation with Alexa Shoen, career coach and author of the new book #ENTRYLEVELBOSS: How To Get Any Job You Want. Alexa shares her advice on how to position yourself to land your dream job in any market.

Maybe you have questions like:

• If every entry-level job requires 1-3 years of experience, how do I get the experience to get the job?
• How do I convince an employer that my degree in music/arts/basket-weaving positions me to be a great hire?
• Are companies even hiring in a recession?

Read on for actionable advice that will get you ready to get yourself hired. There's also a lot more great information in the interview, so click on the audio player above or have a listen on your favorite podcast app to get every nuance.

Let go of beliefs that limit you

It turns out, landing a job requires action. (Who knew?) And you're more likely to take action when you believe the desired outcome is actually possible. Here are just a few of the beliefs Alexa gives you permission to let go of.

Limiting belief #1: Companies don’t hire during a recession

Actually, yes they do. Even in the darkest economic moments, companies are absolutely hiring. Your job is to research the industries that are booming.

During the pandemic, for example, unemployment is high. But some industries are in high demand for skilled labor. Think healthcare, virtual communication platforms, and virtual learning providers (both for adults and kids), to name a few. Spend some time researching the industries that might offer you your next opportunity.

Alexa says:

At the beginning of your career, it's not like you can just wait to get started. And you shouldn't be waiting to get started! There are a whole bunch of companies that are hiring.

Limiting belief #2: I don’t have any valuable experience

I'll bet you do! Maybe you’re fresh out of college and you don’t have any full-time employment on your resume. But experience comes in many forms.

Have you had internships? A leadership role in a campus organization? Did you lead a group project, or spend a semester abroad navigating a different country? Have you volunteered for your church or babysat for a cousin or written for your school paper? Any of these experiences can be woven into a powerful story sure to impress.

Alexa says:

Reframe any experience you have, whether that's internships or leadership activities or volunteering at your church—any sort of tool you have in your tool belt. And say, 'Here's how this is going to be...

Keep reading on Quick and Dirty Tips