Breaking into the professional world seems paradoxical when entry-level jobs demand experience. Let's delve into the conundrum faced by inexperienced workers, exploring the barriers they encounter and the reasons behind this seemingly contradictory job market scenario.
Entry-level jobs have disappeared
35% of postings for “entry-level” positions on LinkedIn ask for years of experience
- 60% of listings for entry-level software and IT Services jobs require 3-4 years experience.
- Internships are now the entry level
- Companies can save money by using interns to do work without having to pay junior employees
- Applicants with one or more internships on their resume are left out in the cold
- The vast majority of internship opportunities are located near major cities, meaning those who don’t already live there or can’t relocate are out of luck
When it comes to “hacking the algorithm” of an automated job search system, Dettman says sometimes the best way to get through is to go around
Find people who do the job today and engage them
Keeping qualified workers from becoming under-employed will require a paradigm shift
Moving away from one-size-fits-all systems for sorting job applicants
- Reevaluating what skills a job really requires and broadening the definition of relevant experience
- Better hiring practices might focus on an individual’s accomplishments, characteristics, and potential
Automation
A lot of what would have been classified as entry-level 30 years ago has gone away because of automation
- What’s left at the “entry level” are often jobs that require more interpersonal communication, higher-level responsibilities, or consumer-facing roles
- The wage gap between people working a college-level job and those who don’t is 22%
- This perpetuates economic inequality, as it disproportionately affects people who didn’t – or couldn’t afford – have internships
If you can’t get a job, don’t list a service or retail job on your resume.
Seals’ research suggests listing a service/retail job on a resume can be detrimental when applying for other, higher-paying, non-medicine-related jobs.
