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It’s no secret that employers seek out experience when they look to fill open positions. It leads to the age-old job-search quandary: how do you get experience if no one will hire you without experience in the first place? Well, there are ways to accomplish this trick. You just have to look outside the box to build up your resume.

Experience is clearly the bedrock of an attractive resume. One study showed that about 9 out of 10 employers (91%) said they preferred candidates have experience when they hire them. Unless you’re ready to scrounge for work from that remaining 1 out of 10, you need to find ways to build out your work history.

The key is to find unconventional ways to gather career bullet points. Experience works like a snowball. Get a little moving and your momentum will help you pick up more. It’s just a matter of getting started – from there, relevant positions become easier and easier to land.

With that in mind, here are a few outside-the-box ways to build up your resume and gain the experience you need to jumpstart your career:

Embrace the Gig Economy

No, we don’t mean that driving for Uber is going to land you a dream job. But you can gig your way into career advancement. Many companies are reluctant to hire full-time staff. It’s expensive and risky. However, if you find an opportunity with less commitment, you can get your foot in the door.

Look for contract or temporary assignments. The requirements should be less stringent than with full-time jobs. This could give you a chance to earn some crucial entry-level reps.

Become an Industry Expert

Build your name within the industry with a blog and an active social media feed. This sideline is more than a hobby. For starters, it will allow you to keep pace with changes in your field. At the same time, your online presence will allow you to make connections.

Unpaid Internships

People often think of unpaid internships as only available to college students or recent grads. That image is incomplete. Anyone can take advantage of an unpaid internship.

Of course, whether or not you can’t afford to work without a paycheck will depend on your current circumstances. But if you can swing it, it provides great way to gain experience. This tactic is perfect for people looking to switch fields or to re-enter the workplace after an absence.

Volunteer

Nonprofits are always looking for help. If you’re willing to pitch in for free, these desperate organizations will rarely turn you down. Pick the right ones and you gain develop skills that paying employers will value. Also, volunteer gigs are usually flexible, so you can work them into your current schedule.

Start Your Own Business

Can’t get someone to take a chance on you because they say you don’t have enough experience? Then find a way that doesn’t require anyone’s permission. In other words, launch your own business.

Figure out how a small business could contribute to your industry and start an enterprise that services the sector. Keep your risks under control and even failure can represent a long-term win. Even if the business doesn’t turn a profit in the long run, you can gain the experience and connections you need to land your ideal position somewhere else.

Use a Staffing Agency

Everyone needs help to expand their career horizons. A staffing agency provides exactly the kind of expert guidance you need. You can build your resume with temporary assignments, while simultaneously seeking out the perfect long-term placement. It’s the ideal way to gain vital experience.

Ready to get started? A top recruiter, like PrideStaff, can steer you in the right direction.

Contact PrideStaff Bend today to learn more.

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