No experience, no problem!

Getting your first job or a job in a new industry can be difficult. Employers often want you to have experience, yet you need the opportunity to gain that experience in the first place. So what do you do? 

The good news is that even without direct experience, you can still present yourself as a strong candidate. By focusing on your attitude, transferable skills, and preparation, you can show employers your potential and readiness to learn. 

Highlight your great attitude 

Varavudh Thamrongrat, Director of SoGood House, Post-Production, explains that attitude is often more important than experience. “The question is whether someone is trainable and whether they have the genuine commitment to learn.” 

Employers look for candidates with a desire to learn, a strong work ethic, and good interpersonal skills. Go beyond simply stating you have a great attitude — give examples that show it. For instance, highlight achievements that demonstrate persistence, positivity, or teamwork. 

Thirayada Jantapon, HR Manager, adds that personality traits can align naturally with certain roles. “If you love maths or accounting, that can point you toward finance. If you enjoy working with people, hospitality might be a fit. In sales, loving challenges and wanting to win are valuable traits.” It may be valuable to include information about your personal traits in the details of your resume. 

Call out your transferable skills 

Thirayada emphasises that transferable skills should always be included in your resumé. “Note skills such as service mind, the ability to deal with problematic clients, flexibility in working styles — whatever is relevant to the role.” 

Employers often care more about whether you have the skills to do the job than whether you’ve done the exact job before. For example, a chef might successfully transition into IT because they are organised, able to multitask, and driven by deadlines and outcomes. Another example is moving from sales into hospitality, where customer service and communication skills overlap. 

When listing transferable skills, always provide examples of when you used them. This shows recruiters how you can perform. 

Connect with the recruiter or hiring manager 

Thirayada advises not to simply send your application and wait. If possible, make a polite connection with the recruiter or hiring manager — but do so carefully. A gentle and indirect approach is often preferred. Respect any instructions in the job ad, especially if it explicitly says “do not call.” In such cases, avoid direct contact and instead research the company online so you can demonstrate knowledge and interest during the interview. This shows initiative and preparation, while still respecting cultural expectations and employer preferences. 

Prepare a 60-Second Professional Summary 

Your resumé should include a brief personal summary stating your career objective. But you should also be able to talk about this in person — a short 60 seconds, clear statement of who you are and what you want. 

Thirayada recommends practising this so you’re ready. If you are able to make a good impression, you may move to the top of the shortlist.  

Use internships and education to show potential 

Thirayada also stresses the importance of including internships and relevant study in your resumé. “If you’ve done internships, list the company name, describe your responsibilities, and note how long the internship lasted. These details help explain who you are and what potential you have, even without solid experience.” 

Education, training, and side projects can also demonstrate commitment and capability. Use them to support your application and show employers you’re serious about building your career. 

It can feel daunting to apply for jobs without experience, but a lack of experience simply means taking a different approach. Highlight your attitude, showcase your transferable skills, include internships and education, and prepare your professional summary. 

By presenting yourself as someone with the desired mindset, commitment, and potential, you can show employers that you’re ready to learn and grow — even if you’re just starting out.

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