How to get an office job in 2023 (with no experience!)

If you want to get an office job and have no experience, don’t despair! There are still plenty of ways you can get your foot in the door…

Whether you’re new to the world of work or are looking for a career change, working in an office environment can be hugely rewarding. As well as helping you get a foot on the career ladder, there are plenty of other benefits. Developing camaraderie with colleagues, enjoying regular hours, social events and other office perks are important to many people, as are the opportunities to learn from managers and to pursue long-term career goals. 

The good news is that there are a number of entry level office positions out there which don’t always require a specific skill set or training. While it is possible to apply for an office job even if you have no experience, there are many things you can do to help you get that first foot in the door.

Consider taking on work experience

It is always worth asking companies if you can do some work experience for them. If you are proactive and show that you can use your initiative, then you never know where this might lead. At the very least, it’s a great way to gain some knowledge of how an office environment works and to develop useful contacts. Contacts which could prove invaluable when it comes to asking for references for your CV and even job introductions further down the line. 

Ask about apprenticeships

Apprenticeships are becoming a popular route into entry level positions within an office setting. There are many you can choose from by looking at the government website https://www.apprenticeships.gov.uk/

Apprenticeships offer you on the job training and while the salary might not be very high, the knowledge and skills you will come away with will be invaluable.

Do a social media cleanse

There has never been a more important time to clean up your social media. It’s the number one way for employers to find out about you so your social media handles need to reflect how you want to be perceived. At the very least, you should have an up to date, professional-looking Linked In page.This is where you can list any soft skills and qualifications that might be relevant to potential employers. You can also give a more rounded view of your personality, listing any work experience, volunteering opportunities and extracurricular activities you have undertaken. Make use of any professional groups and networks on the social media sites and start to build connections by liking or messaging people who inspire you.

Start networking

It’s never too late to start networking. Make use of all the contacts you can think of who might be able to help you, whether that’s family friends, teachers, professors or former colleagues. If you’ve taken on intern work, take the opportunity to talk to your managers and co-workers, in your department and other departments. The more people who know that you are looking for work, the more doors might be opened to you. 

Networking events and conferences also provide great networking opportunities and it’s also worth joining industry associations to make more contacts. And don’t forget about social media networking – it’s the obvious place to start to build up your networking skills.

Keep an eye on Job Boards

One of the best places to start looking for office work is on the job board of a recruitment agency or recruiter. This is where you will find details posted of jobs that are currently being advertised. At RE Recruitment, we have a number of office job vacancies that need filling at any given time. We can help you find an office job by matching your skills and personality with roles that suit your character and experience.  

Take a temp position

A good way to gain experience in an office position is to sign up with a temping agency. Companies are often looking for short-term solutions to fill an office role and temping for a company can sometimes help you find positions that may not yet have been advertised. RE Recruitment specialises in placing candidates in our latest temporary roles in some of the biggest names in Gloucestershire. If you perform well in a temporary position you may find it leads to other job opportunities, as well as acquiring new skills and knowledge. 

Be proactive

It’s always a good idea to show potential recruiters that you are being proactive. What are you actively doing to better your chances of landing an office job? For example, you could take an online course in something that will add value to your application – learning computer systems, touch typing or even a new language. There is so much you can do from home with a computer – you could volunteer to write some content for a charity you particularly engage with or even design some graphics for their marketing purposes. These are all transferable skills that you could acquire in a convenient and cost-effective way to help further your own career. 

If you’re looking for an office job and are worried about your lack of experience, contact our team and talk to one of our friendly advisers at RE Recruitment. We can give you some helpful tips on how to get your foot in the door and we may even be able to match you with a current role that’s being advertised.