Dear Mrs Henry,

I will be graduating from one of our tertiary institutions in 2007 with a degree in Management Studies. So far, I am doing well academically, and should graduate with first-class honours.

I am beginning to prepare my résume for the job search, and my major problem is that I do not have any work experience since I went to university immediately after completing A levels. All the research that I have done stress the importance of prior experience. What advice can you give me about applying´for a job.

Lack of experience is one of the most common concerns of prospective graduates of tertiary level institutions. Over the years, finalising students have reported that majority of the vacancies they see advertised are asking for three to five years work experience. However, based on contacts with public and private sector organisations, there are still entry-level positions that do not require much work experience.

The other side of the coin is that some organisations prefer to recruit the recent graduates or from a graduating class, with little work experience and then train them. Many employers emphasise that they prefer to recruit new employees with good attitude and then train for skills.

I am, therefore, giving you some suggestions which will help to make you more marketable despite your lack of work experience.

Prepare an impressive résumé

Make sure that your résumé is very impressive. Ensure that it is well structured, and without typographical errors. Otherwise – irrespective of your work experience – you will not be given an interview.

When preparing your résumé, use a format that emphasises skills and competencies rather than work experience. Be sure to include your co-curricular involvement, for example, the clubs and societies in which you were involved, any sporting activities or development programmes.

The development programmes include serving as a peer advisor, involvement in leadership or mentorship programmes and debating activities.

Another important element of the résumé is any summer and/or part-time employment you may have had. Many prospective graduates/job seekers omit these as they were not continuously employed. Voluntary work and work done in a family business should also be included.

This inclusion in your résumé will help the recruiter recognise the many skills and competencies you have acquired, despite not having worked before entering university. Many of these skills and competencies that are requirements for job success can be garnered through involvement in co-curricular activities.

It is also an indication that you can manage your time well, work as part of a team, and possess leadership qualities, good inter-personal and communication skills.

Carefully select vacant positions

Know which positions to apply for. Positions requiring many years experience are not entry level, junior management or management trainee positions.

Try to do a good match of your qualifications, skills, competencies and experience. Many accounting firms, for example, are looking for entry-level applicants.

You should register with the placement and career services of your institution. Most tertiary-level institutions should have a placement officer, who helps prospective graduates to prepare for the job search.

They also organise annual on-campus graduate recruitment programmes. These recruiters come to the campus looking for prospective employees who are of the graduating class, and so do not focus on work experience as a major criteria for selection.

Be prepared for the interview

If selected for the interview, be prepared. Focus on your physical appearance, knowledge of the company, and the requirements of the job.

Communicate well verbally and otherwise. Try to possess a winning personality. Attend seminars and workshops that focus on preparing for the world of work. You may not have the work experience, but you can be impressive, because you are prepared.

Carefully select references

You should select references who are able to speak about your achievements not only in the academics, but also your co-curricular involvement and other outside classroom learning experience that you have garnered. Your positive attitude, and willingness to learn should also be emphasised.

The challenges of limited or lack of work experience can be significantly reduced. Recognising this, you should now focus on how you can minimise the effects. The above suggestions should help you and others with similar concerns to better cope with this challenge.

Merrit Henry is career counsellor and students services manager at the Placement and Career Services Unit, UWI, Mona. She may be contacted at merrit.henry@uwimona.edu.jm.