You probably know it, that vicious experience circle: You need a job to gain experience, but in every job posting the requirement is "two years of experience". Don't lose heart! Here are some tips for your job search without experience.

1. Look for a job elsewhere

Most jobseekers look for a job via the well-known channels: LinkedIn, VDAB, Indeed, Jobat. Everyone scrolls through these job websites and applies for jobs. So look for vacancies that are not online for a change: open a newspaper or register for a job fair. You'll be amazed how many vacancies you come across that are not online.

Or approach your dream employer directly. Put on your bold shoes and apply spontaneously. Prepare your CV well and explain in your cover letter where you can add value to the company in question.

2. Think about your network

Job websites, newspapers and job fairs are one way, but do not forget your own network. It is the most reliable channel to find a new job. Both online and offline. Tell everyone you know that you are looking for a job. And also proclaim that online on LinkedIn and Facebook.

Also use your network to sell yourself. You can ask former students, former teachers or an internship supervisor to pass on a reference, and show on your social media that you are engaged in your profession. Recruiters will definitely look at your profile and this shows that you are really motivated.
3. Go for an entry-level trainee job

In some companies, traineeships are laid out for starters with no experience. As a trainee, you follow a walk-in programme for three or six months where you are already paid, but spend most of your time training. After your traineeship, you can then progress to a permanent team. It is the ideal way to get started as a starter. You work and thus build up experience, but you also learn a lot on the job. Search for jobs with the word trainee in them.

View all our traineeship jobs on select-jobs.be

4. Traineeships or voluntary work

No experience? Everyone has experience! It may not be professional job experience, but leading a youth movement or managing a school project is also experience. Have you ever volunteered or done an internship? Put all this on your CV.

5. Do not use a standard CV

Start from a CV template to make sure you have everything on it, but also personalise your CV. Customise your CV for each job application. In this way, you show your future employer that this job really suits you, that you are genuinely interested in the organisation and that you have taken the time to customise your CV.

6. Why should they choose you?

Everyone applying for that particular job will have the same technical skills as you. So it is a matter of standing out. And you can do that even without experience. Put the focus not on what the job would mean to you but on what you can do for the company. How will you add value to the organisation? What motivates you to choose this company?

7. Think about your attitude

Have you already received several "do not resist" messages or phone calls back? Don't let your head hang! Look ahead and be realistic: not every job application is an instant hit and you cannot expect a generous salary package right away. Stay optimistic and don't let your disappointment shine through in your next applications. Be enthusiastic and see each new application as a new opportunity.

8. Just try

Is "2 years' experience" a requirement? Try applying anyway! Maybe you can convince your future employer with your motivation. The candidate market in some sectors is very scarce. Employers will also recognise this and may dare to take the plunge and hire you as a starter.

Are you applying through a recruitment and selection agency? Then there is a greater chance that you will be invited for an interview with an employer without experience. This is because recruiters know the organisation they are recruiting for inside out. They know what they are looking for and whether you fit the bill, with or without experience.