🎯 What Hiring Managers Really Look for When You Don’t Have Much Experience

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🎯 What Hiring Managers Really Look for When You Don’t Have Much Experience

(Hint: It’s Not Just About Job Titles)

If you're applying for jobs and thinking, “I’d crush this if they just gave me a shot,” — you’re not wrong.

Here’s some good news: many hiring managers agree with you.

In fact, when you don’t have years of experience, they look for something else entirely, your potential.

Let’s break down what really stands out when your resume is still short on formal titles.

💡 1. Attitude Over Everything

Hiring managers want to know:

• Are you coachable?

• Are you curious?

• Will you do the work, even when it’s not glamorous?

A motivated, humble person who’s eager to learn often beats a more experienced candidate who’s checked out or entitled.

If you’re excited about the role, say so. If you’ve gone out of your way to learn something, share it. Energy is contagious.

📚 2. Transferable Skills Count (A Lot)

You don’t need a perfect match with every bullet in the job description.

Instead, show how things you’ve done — in school, side gigs, internships, or life — map to the role.

For example:

• Retail job? You’ve got customer communication, time management, and problem-solving.

• School project? That’s collaboration, research, and deadlines.

• Content you made on your own? That’s initiative and creativity.

Frame your story in terms of value, not just tasks.

🤝 3. Signals of Responsibility

Even if you haven’t held a “real job,” you can still show responsibility:

• Did you lead a group?

• Volunteer consistently?

• Help a small business or family project?

Hiring managers want people they can trust — people who show up, follow through, and learn fast. If you’ve done that in any context, it’s relevant.

🧠 4. Thoughtful Applications

Want to really stand out? Customize your resume or LinkedIn intro a bit. You don’t need a fancy format — just make it clear you read the job post and connected the dots.

Pro tip: End your cover note or email with something like: “I may not have formal experience in [industry], but I’ve done [X, Y, Z] that align with this role. I’m excited to contribute and grow fast. I'd love the chance to learn more.”

You’d be surprised how often that simple clarity opens the door.

✅ Wrapping Up Our Suggestions

You don’t need a perfect resume to be a great hire.

When you focus on attitude, transferable skills, and clear communication, you give hiring managers what they’re really looking for:

• Someone who’s ready

• Someone who cares

• Someone who grows

You already have more to offer than you think. The key is making it easy for them to see it!

In this episode of Career Hack, Brandon Amoroso sits down with Priscilla Philavong, Senior Technical Recruiter at Abnormal Security, to uncover what it takes to land your dream tech job. From the power of networking and mentorship to navigating AI in the recruiting process, Priscilla shares actionable advice for early career professionals and job seekers aiming to break into tech or elevate their careers.

Here's What You'll Learn:

🚀 Navigating Different Work Environments: How to decide between joining a startup or a large organization.

🤖 AI in Recruitment: How AI is transforming both the hiring process and job applications.

✨ Standing Out: Tips for making your application stand out in a competitive job market.

🤝 Networking and Referrals: Why building connections can help you skip the job application line.

⚠️ Avoiding Common Pitfalls: Mistakes job seekers make and how to avoid them.

🧠 Mentorship Matters: How finding the right mentor can supercharge your career journey.

🔑 The Power of Keywords: How to tailor your resume for high-volume recruiting processes.

📊 Job Market Realities: Balancing quality versus quantity in job applications.

Follow SCALIS on social to stay updated with early career opportunities and exciting new trends!