Breaking into the job market without prior experience can feel daunting and overwhelming. This challenge affects more than just recent graduates – it also applies to mothers returning from maternity leave, individuals reentering the workforce after a long break, those relocating to a new area, or anyone recovering from a personal crisis. What obstacles make it so difficult? Why do some people persevere and eventually land a job, while others give up? And how can you maintain confidence and motivation after facing early rejections? Together with experts from ANO People of Labor, we’ll explore these questions.
The core challenge: The market demands experience – but you’re just getting started
Irina Gapchenko, coordinator of the Training and Employment Program at ANO People of Labor, points out a paradox in today’s job market: despite a widespread labor shortage, competition remains fierce, especially for office-based roles. To stand out, candidates are expected to have experience, which newcomers often lack. Compounding the challenge, many job openings come in the form of unstable employment arrangements, such as civil-law contracts, self-employment, or sole proprietorships, that offer little or no social security. These options can feel both intimidating and disorienting for those just starting out.
Another common barrier is the so-called “technology gap,” particularly for individuals returning to the workforce after maternity leave or a long break. The professional landscape evolves rapidly. New frameworks like Agile – a set of principles centered around flexibility, iteration, and fast adaptation – are now widely adopted. Digital proficiency and adaptability have become essential, and even in traditional roles, building and maintaining a professional online presence is increasingly important.
Career consultant Tatyana Grigoryeva adds that repeated rejections due to a lack of experience can significantly undermine self-esteem. This is especially true for young mothers whose résumés show extended employment gaps, prompting doubts from potential employers about reliability or frequent absences. In these cases, it’s crucial to address the issue head-on: communicate your readiness to work, highlight the family support systems in place, and demonstrate your sense of responsibility and commitment.
Pitfalls for beginners: How to avoid scams and burnout
Experts highlight one of the biggest mistakes that job seekers make: submitting irrelevant resumes. Instead of keeping it concise and relevant, many people end up writing long and detailed resumes that include every job they’ve ever had – even those that don’t relate to the position they are seeking.
Irina Gapchenko also mentions the dangers of using AI-generated formulaic resumes without customizing, or sending generic responses that fail to address the specific requirements of the job. This often creates an impression of a candidate who seems unsure or unprepared.
Particular attention should be paid when you encounter job listings that:
- require payment for training;
- offer unusually high salaries with vague job descriptions;
- don’t provide a formal contract.
Tatyana Grigoryeva stresses the importance of speaking with confidence: learn to highlight your strengths, and don’t take rejections personally. Job hunting is a job in itself; it takes time, efforts, and awareness.
How to keep going after rejections: Tips from psychologists
The key advice from all experts is to persevere after initial rejections. But how do you follow it in practice?
Ksenia Vladimirova, a psychologist with the Lyudi Truda (People of Labor) autonomous non-commercial organization, recommends connecting with your “inner child,” a part of you that is curious, energetic, and willing to try new things. To tap into this, you should nurture yourself by taking breaks, encouraging yourself, and giving yourself permission to fail.
Tatyana Grigoryeva offers another perspective: remember that companies are not choosing you but you are choosing them. Such mindset can help reduce anxiety, make it easier to handle rejection, and help you identify where the process might be going wrong, whether it is your resume, your first call, or the interview itself. This is a step toward growth and improvement.
Success stories: Support helps you succeed
There are numerous stories of people who built careers from scratch, often starting with small steps such as volunteering, attending career counseling, or simply having a meaningful conversation. Sometimes, all it takes is someone to help you believe in your ability to change careers, make mistakes, and take breaks. Taking an initial step results in gaining skills, experience and confidence, which leads to landing your dream job.
Starting a career with no experience is tough but not impossible. It is important to be aware of the risks and barriers you might face, recognize potential pitfalls, seek support, and take care of yourself. And above all, remember: you are not alone. There are people ready to support you every step of the way