One of the most frustrating things about job searching is the unreasonable job requirements. Employers post “entry level” positions that require 3-5 years of experience in the role. If it’s really entry level, it should require 0 experience because it’s ENTRY LEVEL!
What’s even worse is having an employer explain to you that you don’t really have experience that you do have. The issue is, you don’t have the kind of experience s/he wants. What they are most often looking for is experience in the exact role title they are advertising in a company exactly like theirs. That’s often times impossible to come by. Every company is different. Each role offers different challenges. Many employers have a very difficult time understanding the relevance of similar roles and transferrable skills.
Those of us who have tons of experience working not only in the corporate sector, but with small companies, start ups, and for ourselves know the pain of trying to show corporate employers how relevant the skills we’ve gained working in the thick of things really are. Unfortunately, without the corporate title, I’m not sure they will ever listen.
One of the most ironic things about this dilemma, for me, is the fact that one of the most effective skills I have honed through my journeys is communication. Either I’m not using my communication skills properly, or I’m deluding myself about the effectiveness of those skills.
Whichever the case, I know that I’m not the one losing out by refusing to see the value in transferrable skills. From running a home cleaning business with my mother to troubleshooting computers, to teaching, to product management, to self-made agile consultant–I have done a lot, learned a lot, and have a lot to offer the right employer.
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