...experience

Words many job hunters fear. Usually accompanied by at least _ years, (usually at least two). My problem with this word, and it has always been my problem, is... where does one get the years experience required to do a job if everyone is asking for x or y years of experience? Being one of the persons unfortunate enough (maybe not) to have graduated in the midst of a global recession, I met these words countless times. There were (and still are) jobs that I could do and would qualify for save for the fact that I may not have experience in said industry.

This ponders the question of organisation's willingness to train. I am forced to wonder if by requiring a certain amount of years of experience for a job the company is saying (in less words) we don't train, you're on your own? It is understandable that training staff does require time and money but wouldn't any new entrant (with or without) into the company need some amount of orientation being that no two organisations are the same? I do agree that with years of experience it is possible to cut orientation time significantly but who determines whether the x years that one has accrued are a good marker of what value he or she will deliver? The human resources department, usually the first department to interact with the applicant, acts as a talent scout (so to speak). This should mean that it is HR's responsibility to develop or at least enforce more definitive markers to determine one's aptitude during an interview.

Clearly there are usually other variables at play, but as a once frustrated job seeker, I wish more could be done to assist persons entering the working world. Many times the industry persons do get work in is worlds away from the one they hoped to enter when in school. This sometimes is a blessing in disguise. Everyone couldn't have attended an Ivy League University or graduated with highest honours from their school, but I believe everyone who is able to work hard enough to get a college degree deserves at least a fighting chance SOMEWHERE.

We all have some value to add and it is important we never lose sight of this!

Valuably thoughtful,
SB