Not everyone has a list of qualifications that they can show employers. In fact, some people may never have finished school or left with few qualifications to their name. This can sometimes put you in a tough position when you’re looking for the right job. Many people are able to stay in employment despite a lack of formal education, but it can make it more difficult to find a stable job. It’s especially hard to get jobs that pay well when you can’t demonstrate that you have the right skills and experience. However, all is not lost. There are plenty of things you can do if you want to get a great job.
Get an Apprenticeship
Apprenticeships are an excellent option for people who don’t have many qualifications to their name. They’re all about learning on the job, so you can start working right away while also learning the skills that you need for a new career. At the end of it, you could have a great job, some valuable certifications, experience, and some contacts in your new industry.
Many apprentices stay on with their employer once their apprenticeship is over. Apprenticeships are often in trade skills, but you can find them in other areas too.
Go Back to School
The idea of going back into education can seem scary, especially if you’re someone who didn’t enjoy it the first time around. However, by going back to school or starting an educational course, you could put yourself in a better position for employment. There are different ways to go back to school too.
You could get your GED or similar qualifications if you don’t have a high school diploma. Or you could get a degree, go to a trade school or look for courses that you could complete online, in night school, or in any way that works for you.
Start Networking
People often say that it’s who you know, not what you know, that matters. This is often true when you’re looking for the right job. Knowing the right people can help you to get your foot in the door. They can let you know about opportunities that might interest you and might also be willing to vouch for you to an employer.
There are different ways you could network, including online and in person. You can use social media sites to network online, including but not limited to LinkedIn, and look for events offline that could be relevant to what you want to do.
Show Your Strengths
You don’t always have to have official certifications to find a job that works for you. You might have skills and experience that help you to find work in different ways. Maybe you’re a skilled woodworker, for example, but you don’t have any official qualifications. Finding ways to show your strengths and demonstrate your skills can make up for a lack of certifications. You can tell employers about your hobbies, skills you’ve learned on your own, and projects or volunteering work you’ve completed.
A lack of qualifications doesn’t mean you can’t get a good job. You can find ways to change your situation and find a job that works for you.