That employers consider the experience?

A reader recently asked: "If I have no real experience working as a counselor, but I have experience in the interior of my career college, this would be considered an experience?" This question raises the perplexing dilemma first professional job seekers face when they apply for entry-level positions where employers prefer candidates with "experience." Of course, the job seeker asked, "How do I gain experience, if employers do not want candidates with experience? "

How employers determine who is "experienced" may vary depending on the employer. In most cases, employers will have to define the experience as a teaching or counseling, not teaching students or training required by a college program. However, if you do that teaching students or internship experience, you will kindly describe this experience in your CV, cover letter and application.

So to answer the original question, most employers do not consider the work in the context of an academic career as "experience", but you do not want to discount what you have learned and accomplished through your college education. While your CV captures your achievements through the teaching of students, internships and work in a college class, your cover letter can effectively communicate what you learned in college and how you will apply this learning to job you are applying. Recognize that even if you have not yet been used in the field, you are confident in the skills you developed as a college student. Be sure your application materials clearly identify these skills and how you acquired. What are your professional references that have written about your ability to their letters of recommendation or a student teaching / internship evaluations.

Keep in mind that the job advertisements seeking the perfect candidate. A school district may prefer a candidate with "three years of experience," for example. However, representatives of the Research Committee may have the flexibility to consider non-experienced candidates who skillfully articulate their skills and potential based on outstanding academic career. If you have most of the qualities that identifies a job, there is no harm in applying. Allow the school district to determine if you are qualified and deserve an interview. Do not rule out even before the application. In the meantime, if you see a position that is strictly for an experienced candidate and you are not close to many of the job requirements do not apply to her. Instead, note the experience of this area and seeks to understand how you can gain this experience with other full-time or part-time or volunteer work. Keep in mind this area for future employment after you have related experience elsewhere.

John F. Snyder
Office of Career Services
Slippery Rock University of PA