You Keep Saying Entry Level
I do not think it means what you think it means
Many companies are looking to fill “entry level” positions. The problem, however, is when they demand a couple of years of professional experience—which is crazy, right? If they’re demanding two years of experience, how can they call the position an entry level position?
Is there a pre-entry-level-post-internship job that I don’t know about? It just doesn’t make sense. If you’re feeling discouraged and frustrated, I know how you feel. I’ve been there—which is why I have some advice for you.
Go ahead and apply for the job anyway! What’s the worst that could happen? They’ll just say no.
There’s a variety of plausible reasons as to why companies are doing this. Maybe they’re trying to pay their employees less (entry level typically means lower salary). Perhaps the company simply doesn’t understand your industry.
Or maybe they’re trying to weed out the unfit candidates.
It’s possible that they only want the cream of the crop. No one could blame them if they only wanted the ambitious ones. Show them that you meet that criteria! I’m certainly not suggesting that a graphic designer should apply for a nursing position…but a graphic designer could apply for a position that requires knowledge in HTML and CSS.
If somebody offers you an amazing opportunity but you are not sure you can do it, say yes — then learn how to do it later!
—Sir Richard Branson
If you only have one year of experience through various internships and you see a position that is demanding 3 years of full time experience—go ahead and apply.
Worst case scenario: you simply won’t get the job. No harm done. The world hasn’t ended. You’re in the same place in which you started.
Best case scenario: They’re impressed by you and they make an exception to the “requirements”. You get a great job and you get paid to learn new skills (not to mention, you’ll be even more marketable in the future with your new skills and your new experience).
—Nik Parks, Co-Founder of Launching Creative
