What to do when entry-level positions require “two years of experience”

The job description states the employer is looking for candidates with a minimum of two years of experience and you've just graduated.

This is the ultimate catch of job hunting: as a fresh grad or a professional looking to make a career change, you're aiming for entry-level roles, but even these demand at least a couple of years in the industry or the role. How on earth are you supposed to get started if you don't even qualify for a position at the bottom of the ladder? And why do so many companies include it in the JD?

Fret not, it's not quite as futile as all that.

Approach job listings with a pinch of salt

Jds are like a recruiter's wish list. They contain all the characteristics your future manager wants in an ideal employee—from personality and work style (i.e. flexible or go-getter) to area-based skills (i.e. experience with SEO or managing social media accounts). They'll also pick a number of years in the field based on the level of expertise the job entails. More often than not, it's more a nice-to-have point rather than a must-have.

So number of years doesn't count for anything?

Not quite. Some hiring managers will use it to screen out candidates, particularly if there's a deluge of incoming applications. More important is whether you convey the knowledge you do have in a way that shows the recruiter how your abilities would suit their needs. If you think you meet the majority of the requisites (say 80 percent), just apply.

It's not as straightforward as you think

Relevant experience in marketing, for example, doesn't mean two years sitting outside the Head of Creative's office. Internships, projects you worked on while in uni, or part-time jobs and consultancies where you had similar duties all count. Always focus on transferable skill sets. If it's in the description and you've done it, it should go straight to your résumé.

Knowing what you're passionate about

Ideally, you knew back in uni what industry you might be interested in so you were applying for internships and volunteering in those areas. If you've graduated with none of those things under your belt, consider interning while you job hunt. Depending on the position, you could work in teams, learn how to write professionally, and pick up software that might be useful in your first full-time job.

Don't discount side-gigs

If you worked part-time during uni or volunteered with youth organisations, highlight how you picked up practical skills in those jobs and discuss the real-life challenges you faced during your interviews. If you're aiming for a job in HR and you worked in the registrar's office in uni, the time management, administrative and problem-solving skills you practiced are all applicable.

Drive that home in the description of duties in your résumé. It could read something like this: "Ensured seamless operations in the programme office, facilitating communication with administration, partners, and students. Supervised trainees and motivated team to deliver the highest level of satisfaction." In your cover letter and interview, you could describe in detail specific events and what you learned about HR during your time.

Not quite there?

If it's something you're truly passionate about and you realistically think you can do the job, try regardless. Up your game by customising your cover letter and résumé, including referees, and using your network to get in touch with people who already work at the company, preferably your alumni.

A powerful recommendation from someone who can vouch for your abilities and potential may go as far as directly applicable job experience. Additionally, find alumni on LinkedIn who work in companies with a position you'd love to have someday. Request to connect and ask if they would be willing to chat with you about career paths.

New connections can suggest online classes to take, networking events to attend, or colleagues who might be looking for interns. Remember, they were in your position once, waiting for their big break.

Last but not least, is there ever a time you should think twice? Yes: if you don't have any transferable skills or the number of years is way out of your reach, e.g. 10 years when you only have four.

Don't forget, most recruiters are going to be interested in the full package—the candidate whose application stands out, whose work is innovative and fresh, not some arbitrary period of time.

Amiya is In-charge of the career publication of The Daily Star.