How did you break into your field?

@deejean06 (1952)
United States
March 30, 2009 2:49pm CST
If everyone is only hiring experienced workers, then how can you gain experience in a particular field? How did you break into your field? I would like to enter the field of online data entry / virtual assistant / online bookkeeping. However everyone wants experienced workers. How do you get your first job? How did you get your first job? Did you ever switch careers? Was it difficult at first because everyone wanted experienced workers? Any advice would be appreciated...
3 responses
@cher913 (25782)
• Canada
30 Mar 09
i went to a government sponsered school program that had a job placement program and stayed at the job for 12 years. it was a secretarial course and i have worked in that field, on and off for almost all my working life. the job that i had right out of highschool was at a big box store and with that job, i got hired for my smile.
1 person likes this
@deejean06 (1952)
• United States
29 Apr 09
Hi cher... Thanks for the smile too! That's a great story! Thanks for your response.
@coldmoon (1088)
• France
30 Mar 09
Personally, I had a part-time job during my graduate year, and it was credited as my experiences. After finishing my academic studies, I continued my job at the same company, this time it was full-time. The boss and other agents knew me very well and so they're very kind to me. We got familiar with our style. It seemed too easy for me, but I think that there're always companies accepting unexperienced workers. The tactic is to find these companies. I don't think of leaving my current job, but if I had to do it, I would forge my interview skills to compete a new career. Well, I've been a recruiter, and I know what they need. Don't describe yourself with idle comments such as I'm a good seller, a good worker,...Should start directly such as : I sold that product, I did this trick,...
1 person likes this
@deejean06 (1952)
• United States
29 Apr 09
Hi coldmoon...You were very lucky to have a job during your graduate year that just became full time after graduation. Thanks so much for the great tips about description. I think that's somehow the most difficult part of an interview for me. I'm so hesitant to boast for fear of coming off as arrogant and simply full of myself. But there is a real need to be proactive and your biggest fan during an interview. Thanks again!
• Canada
30 Mar 09
I got my job set up while I was still in University. The thing with getting a job out of university is information is still fresh so if they get you coming out while your mind is still a sponge then it allows for greater learning in trainning. SOme times we have high expectations from a job and we want that high salary but like everything we must start at the bottom and work our way up. Right now with the way the economy is companies benefit more from experience then if they have to put more money into training (money they could put else where if they had an experienced worker) I think with the way times are right now if you can't get a job and your young enough go back to school. A lot of people are choosing to upgrade their education for many reasons finding a job is one of them and while your waiting it out you can upgrade your degree to something that will make you even more qualified possibly giving you that experience they seek.
1 person likes this
@deejean06 (1952)
• United States
29 Apr 09
Hi Amanda...I agree - the things I learned in school I have lost because I don't use them continuously. And I have heard of people going back to school because they can right now. However I'm not in that position although some times I'd like to just be a student. Thanks for the response.