Ever thought you’d found the job that was perfect for you, only to see “x number of years experience required”? When you’re just beginning on your career path, lacking required years of job experience can be frustrating — not only are you disqualified for the position, but how are you supposed to get job experience if you can’t get that first job?

Here’s a secret that savvy job hunters have known for years: Experience doesn’t have to be paid, full time, or even permanent. Seeking out volunteer or temporary experience can build your resume while you’re waiting for the right job to come along.

Volunteering For Resume Experience

If you’re between jobs right now, don’t waste your time waiting for a call back. Start volunteering at an agency or business in your career field. Volunteering helps you build valuable work experience in your career concentration, while also giving you two other traits that employers look for – a willingness to work hard even when you’re not directly benefitting, and an ability to make business connections on your own.

The Unofficial Internship as Resume Builder

It’s unfortunate that the unpaid internship has become a rite of passage for new graduates, but even unpaid positions in hot companies can be difficult to finagle. If you can’t get a free foot in the door with the company of your choice, try other similar employers, even ones that are not offering paid or unpaid internships. Offer them an unpaid internship in exchange for job experience. It’s not that much different than volunteering, but if you can get them to hang the title “intern” on you, it’s even better for your resume.

Temporary Jobs, Lasting Career Experience

Including temporary jobs in your job search just makes sense. One, you’re getting paid to get the experience employers require. Two, you’re making money while you’re getting that experience. And three, you may be setting yourself up for permanent employment, especially if you are applying for temp-to-hire positions.

If you’re new to the world of temporary employment, don’t go it alone! Staffing Partners’ temporary employment specialists can help you find temporary jobs that will give your career experience to build on. Don’t waste another day of your job search — contact us today!