Entry-level jobs are important to kick start a career and gain financial freedom. It is reported that an entry-level job in college-educated fields earns 22% more than jobs that do not require secondary education. Yet more than a third of recent graduates fail to find entry level positions in their field.
The job market for a recent college graduate is riddled with positions demanding years of experience. A college degree no longer qualifies entry level candidates for an entry level job in their preferred career. Why is this, and what can you do to avoid it?
Technology Replaces Entry Level Jobs
Once, an entry-level job in a field did not require years of relevant work experience. This is no longer the case in part because of advances in technology.
Administrative work, like managing office inventory and scheduling appointments can be done by machines now. Making a presentation used to take a team of workers, but now one worker can complete the task with the help of PowerPoint. Technology eliminating complicated processes, though convenient, has reduced the number of entry level jobs posted.
Now entry level job descriptions require prior experience in the field because successful completion of the role demands industry-specific knowledge. Many available entry level positions are in customer service and social media management. A worker needs to understand the company and the industry to do well in these positions, so relevant experience is required to gain access to the field.
Automated Application Process
The hiring transition to application algorithms is another factor that results in inexperienced workers failing to get entry-level jobs. Advances in technology make it relatively easy to apply to lots of jobs in a short period. While this increases the chance of finding a job, it also floods the hiring departments with applications.
Hiring managers turn to algorithms to handle a large number of applications. These algorithms check for keywords and necessary experiences in applications to filter out applicants who don’t meet the criteria in the job posting. The resumes that do not list the necessary skills or experience do not make it to the hiring manager.
The issue with this process, though efficient, is that candidates who would make great employees in the real world are not considered because their applications do not make it through the hiring algorithms. The automated hiring process makes it critical to customize your resume to match the job description.
Solutions: Internships and In-Person Applications
Despite these elements working against young people entering the job force, there are ways to better your chances of landing an entry-level position. The prevalence of internships offers students and recent graduates an opportunity to gain work experience. You can also drop off your application in person to avoid the automated application process.
Internships get your foot in the door
Internships are more prevalent than ever, with over 60% of recent graduates completing an internship. These temporary roles are the new entry-level position, and they are effective. Job applications featuring internships garnered an interview invitation for 14% more people compared to applications without internship experience.
Internships allow you to learn about different career options and show future employers you understand the industry. The percentage of paid internships is increasing, which is necessary for people who need to earn money in college while gaining relevant work experience.
Internships are no longer exclusively found in metropolitan areas because of the increase in work-from-home jobs. Remote internships increase the number of openings available to inexperienced workers in any industry.
Businesses within your industry of interest likely hire interns. According to the Collegiate Employment Research Institute, within the finance industry, 83% of companies hired interns in 2018. That number jumps to 90% for government employers and 94% in the arts, entertainment, and recreation industry.
Go around application algorithms
If you feel that application algorithms are stifling your job search, do not apply online. Go to any local business you want to apply to and give them your application in person. This helps to get your application in front of a hiring manager.
Overcome the Obstacles and Find Your Entry Level Job Today
It is not easy to get entry-level jobs these days. The requirements for relevant work experience exist because technology has replaced past entry-level positions. Plus, the automated application process makes it harder for inexperienced applicants to be noticed by hiring managers. Invest time into internships and drop off applications in person to overcome these employment barriers.
If you want to learn more about the hiring process and be a noteworthy applicant check out Jobsfuel.com. Search for local entry-level jobs with the quick job search tool to find the right opportunity for your career.
