I remember the first time I felt genuinely excited about a job listing. It was labeled “entry-level,” had a cool title and even mentioned training and growth opportunities. Finally, I thought it was something I could apply for.
Then I scrolled down. “Minimum two to three years of experience required.” Seriously?
How are we supposed to get experience if every “starter” job already wants us to have years of it? It feels like some weird catch-22 where we need experience to get a job, but we need a job to get experience.
This isn’t just me venting, it’s something nearly every college student or recent graduate has felt. We do what we’re told: go to school, build a resume and maybe juggle a couple of unpaid internships or part-time jobs along the way. But when it’s time to apply for jobs, it feels like the entry-level roles are written for people who have already had full-time careers.
Internships help, but let’s be real – internships don’t prepare us for everything.
What’s even more frustrating is the way these job listings are worded. “Must hit the ground running.” “Must be an expert in (juggling three tables at once).” “Must be highly adaptable in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.”
It’s exhausting, and honestly, it’s discouraging.
We’re not lazy. We’re not trying to skip steps. We’re just asking for a fair shot. We’re not afraid of working hard. In fact, most of us are already working hard in school, while also holding down part-time jobs or taking on internships just to make ends meet. But that still doesn’t seem to be enough.
Even when we apply for jobs that match our skill sets, the frustration doesn’t stop. We’re competing against other recent grads who also have similar qualifications, and it feels like every posting is flooded with applicants who somehow have more experience, even though they’re in the same position as us.
What’s wild is that companies are missing out. A lot of us bring new energy, fresh ideas and a willingness to learn all things that can make a team stronger. We need a chance to prove that. We don’t come with 10 years of experience, but we come with motivation and potential.
It’s also worth noting that the “experience” many job listings ask for often doesn’t even align with what the role truly needs. Sure, applicants may need someone good with social media, but do they need someone who’s already run paid campaigns on Instagram for three years? No, they need someone willing to learn and who can adapt quickly.
I don’t think it’s too much to ask for employers to reconsider what “entry-level” really means. Stop asking for years of experience for a beginner role. Offer training. Give people the space to grow.
We’re not asking for handouts. We’re just asking for a starting line. We’re ready to work if someone will just let us in the door.
