How To Get A Job With No Experience: Can You Do It?

Needing experience to get hired, but needing a job to gain experience. It may seem like a paradox, but in this guide we explore how to get a job with no experience.

Yep, we get it – it’s one of the most frustrating things in the job hunt. Whether you’ve just finished university or you’re switching careers, it can feel like a brick wall – but the circle isn’t as vicious as you might be thinking. 

We frequently see applicants landing jobs without experience.  This is thanks to them knowing how to frame what they do have in terms of skills and experience. 

They also are proactive and will make moves that catch an employer’s eye. Let’s see how you can get a job with no experience.

Key takeaways: how to get a job with no experience

• Paid work isn’t the only experience – use projects, volunteering, internships and life skills to show you’re qualified.
• Try speculative applications – don’t just wait for job ads. Proactively contact companies you admire with tailored, enthusiastic messages.
• Show willingness to learn – highlight your adaptability through online courses, side projects, or industry research.
• Reframe your experience – focus on transferable skills, not just direct experience.
• Network smartly – talk to friends, family and LinkedIn connections to find new opportunities
• Take stepping-stone roles – entry-level jobs, internships and contracts build skills and open doors
• You’re more ready than you think – success is about how you present your story and potential, so stay persistent and confident!

Experience isn’t just a job title

Think beyond paid work. Employers want to know if you can do the job. And proof of that can come from all kinds of places. 

• Think of university projects, volunteering, freelancing, internships, leading a club, or even caring responsibilities – all of these count.
• Have you ever planned an event, budgeted, worked with tricky people, or solved a problem under pressure? Well, you’ve demonstrated valuable, transferable skills. 

What is key is learning how to talk about those experiences in a way that connects to the role you want. 

Why speculative applications are worth your time

Job boards are competitive places. If you’re sending off applications and hearing nothing back, try flipping the script. 

• A speculative application means reaching out to a company you like – even if they haven’t posted a job ad.
• It takes effort and maybe a little courage – but it shows initiative and enthusiasm – two things employers love. 
• Look for businesses that align with your interests and values. Send a short, tailored message explaining why you’d love to work with them, and where you think you could add value.

Need help with the wording? Check out how to write a speculative cover letter here.

Show you’re ready to learn

If you’re new to a field, employers know you’ll need to pick things up on the job. How can you demonstrate that you’re teachable and a fast learner?

This could be evidenced by online courses you’ve completed, side projects you’ve worked on, or the fact that you’ve clearly done your research on the company and industry.

In LinkedIn’s 2023 Workplace Learning Report, skills like adaptability and a willingness to learn were highlighted as increasingly important – especially as companies look for people who can grow into evolving roles.

Even if you don’t tick every box, showing that you’re willing to learn fast and pitch in can make a big difference.

Prepare for the tricky questions

You might worry about being asked something like, “Can you walk me through your experience?” – especially if you haven’t worked in a similar role before.

The trick is to reframe it. Use examples from uni, part-time work, or life in general.

Try the STAR method: Situation, Task, Action, Result. It helps you structure answers that are clear and relevant.

You might have professional experiences that transfer neatly here, too. And if your lack of experience comes up directly? 

Own it. By saying something like: “While I haven’t worked in this exact role, I’ve developed similar skills through [example], and I’m confident I can hit the ground running.” you show honesty, self-awareness and a focus on potential – all things hiring managers respect. It shifts the conversation from what you lack to what you bring.

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Who you know still matters

You don’t need a huge network to start making connections. Start with friends, family, classmates, tutors, or even past managers (always important not to burn those bridges!).  

Let people know what kind of work you’re looking for. You’d be surprised how many roles are filled through informal referrals.

You can also reach out on LinkedIn. Ask someone in your desired field if they’d be open to a short chat about their job. 

You’re not asking for a position — just advice. It shows initiative and helps build relationships in the industry. Here is our informal interview guide.

If you’re unsure how to use LinkedIn to find a job, we have a handy article for you too.

Take a stepping-stone job

Your first job may not be your dream job – and that’s okay. Sometimes, it’s more about getting your foot in the door. 

• Entry-level roles, internships, apprenticeships, or even short-term contracts can give you the exposure, skills, and network that open doors later.
• In some sectors, especially in media, marketing, or tech, people often move up quickly once they’re inside an organisation. 

What matters is showing that you’re committed and capable — and building a track record that future employers can see.

Rejection isn’t the end

You’re going to get a few no’s. That’s part of it. 

What matters is what you do next. Each rejection is a chance to learn and tweak your approach.

• If motivation dips, set small goals: one new contact, one updated application, one new thing learned. Momentum builds confidence.
• Keep applying, but don’t just fire off the same CV each time. Adjust it to fit the job. Track which types of roles you’re getting responses from and refine your strategy.

For more details, read our dedicated guide: How To Tailor Your CV To The Job Description

Final thoughts: how to get a job with no experience (UK)

Getting a job without experience is 100% possible. It’s about how you tell your story, how you present your potential, and how you show up in the process.

We hope you found this article useful. If so, why not take a look at some of our other blogs, such as:

• How To Tell If An Interview Went Well: Good and Bad Signs
• Tell Me How You Handled A Difficult Situation Example Answers
• Being Self-Employed But Working For An Employer
• What Does A Good CV Look Like?

If you want expert support in shaping that story, our CV writing services are here to help you highlight your strengths and get your foot in the door. You’ve got this.

We also offer career coaching services – take control of your career journey and achieve your professional goals with our professional 1:1 coaching.

Our mission is to help you take that vital next step up the career ladder – to find out more from PurpleCV, please get in touch.