Just how 'entry-level' are entry-level jobs?

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Just how "entry-level" are entry-level jobs?

Posted by Rob on March 25, 2013

Does this look familiar?

"Hiring! Entry-level junior officer position. Must have 3-5 years experience."

Since when has an entry-level job required up to 5 years of professional work experience? How is that entry-level? What gives?

However, since you know I’m a huge advocate of networking, I strongly encourage you to apply anyway! Think positively! Even if all it amounts to is getting your name out there and to work on your interview skills. Besides, you never know … it could work out in your favour. You’ve just got to show them your stuff!

I’ve assembled some tips as to how you can downplay the “number of years” of experience required, while upselling the skills that are desired so you can get an interview!

Rewrite your résumé so that it fits the style of a hybrid/combination résumé. If you have very little work experience beyond what you’ve studied in school, then I would encourage looking into a functional résumé.
1. Both of these styles of résumés focus on the skills you have to offer. This is where you can demonstrate how you meet all that is listed on the job description.
Write an amazing cover letter. This is incredibly important because this may be your only opportunity to sell yourself. Address each of the main criteria on the job description with detailed explanations as to how you have experience in doing so. List accomplishments, accolades and any additional, but relevant experience or training.
Upsell volunteer experience. Just because it’s not paid work is no excuse not to list this front and centre. I’ve done some great work with volunteer organizations that have helped significantly build my professional skill inventory.
Do your research. This is an obvious statement, but if you’re granted an interview you need to blow them away with how much research you’ve done on the company. You could be going up against candidates who have 5 or more years of experience. Show them that it’s not the amount of experience that matters!

Good luck! There’s never a guarantee that you’ll make it past the gatekeeper when it comes to job postings like this, but that should not prevent you from trying. Applying for jobs can sometimes feel like a full-time job in itself, but it does eventually pay off –sometimes when you least expect it to!

Do you have any other advice?