When “entry level” is described as 3+ years of experience, how does one get experience—without already having some? Whether you’re a recent graduate or a more experienced professional shifting industries, it’s a catch-22 that many job seekers find themselves in: even the most basic jobs now require some kind of industry-specific work background, so there seems to be no way for those just stepping into the field to get their foot in the door. However, there are ways for candidates to stand out from those with more experience, and in many cases, employers look for more than just a certain number of years in your employment history.

As we’ve suggested before, you can spruce up your social profiles and maybe even start a blog, but those only go so far. Here are some other great tools you can use to break into the industry you want, despite your experience level (or lack thereof):

1. Emphasize your soft skills that set you apart/make you good at what you do: When assessing candidates, many employers base their decisions off of quality, not quantity.  As a result, during the application and interview processes it’s important to highlight your qualities that help you stand out.  Some common attributes that employers look for in candidates include: excellent communication skills, leadership ability, motivation, a positive, can-do attitude, a willingness to learn, and problem-solving skills.
2. Continuing your education: You don’t necessarily have to go back to school to gain knowledge and relevant skills in your field.  Showing potential employers that you took a few classes and/or attended a couple of webinars or workshops proves that you take initiative and are dedicated to learning; two things that are often sought by employers—even if the job description doesn’t list them.  These qualities are also important to highlight because they position you as a professional who will work hard to develop the skills you need for the job.
3. Write a skills-based resume: Make sure you’re composing your resume in a format that really highlights the skills you’ve acquired. We often recommend that candidates forego the “objective” section at the top of a resume, and use the space at the top to highlight their skills before listing their work experience. Such a format will minimize your lack of experience by focusing on the value you can bring to an organization.
4. Take on a temporary assignment or an internship: There was a time when temporary positions weren’t held in the highest regard.  However, as the workplace has evolved, an increasing number of employers have begun to utilize temporary staffing strategies.  Today, like internships, temporary assignments give professionals the opportunity to gain a lot of new and diverse experiences and skills in a relatively short amount of time. What’s even more important is that they both provide not only work experience, but field-specific experience and learning.  Both types of positions are just another way of showing that you are committed to building your skillset and gaining more industry-specific exposure.
5. Volunteer: Volunteering is a great way to exhibit interest and experience in a certain field, and since it is uncompensated, it shows above all else a genuine passion for what you do and a determination to make a difference. It’s also a great way to develop new skills or apply your skills to help an organization, and as with any other event in which you’re surrounded by like-minded individuals, you never know who you could meet.