Most companies ask for experience because they equate experience to “ability to create value,” when you & I know that‘s not necessarily the case. There are tons of people out there who have professional experience, yet are incapable of producing sales results.
On the other hand, there are also people who lack “work experience” yet can create enormous value for anyone who takes a chance on you. You’re learning {sales} or {marketing} out loud, all on your own, from experts like Dave Gerhardt—and you’re eager to prove yourself.
Here’s what a good CEO thinks about that:
Experience isn’t the only determining factor in the hiring process. I’d rather have someone like Hunter who’s hungry to learn, isn’t afraid to ask questions, and absorbs knowledge like a sponge, over a know-it-all who thinks they’ve arrived.
Nick Black, Founder & CEO @ GoodUnited on LinkedIn after hiring Hunter Casillas
This type of thinking is still rare.
Most companies still don’t realize that “years of experience” isn’t a good enough signal for who to hire. It’s up to you to show them.
Use Crash pitches to blow away the CEO or department head (these are the decision makers, not a recruiter) and make them completely forget to ask about your “lack” of experience. In fact, they won’t even ask for a resume anymore. You‘ve short-cut the entire system by expressing genuine interest, personality, and initiative.
Ready to get a “yes”?
Pick a company that excites you (many great ones at inspiring.careers/companies), and make something for them! Make sure you:
Prove your ability to do the work, with a sample project just for them.
Real-world projects leave no doubt as to your ability to do the work you’re proposing. They also show incredible initiative—the fact that you’re willing to prove yourself with free work up-front puts you in the top 0.01% of candidates.
On the other hand, saying “I got a marketing degree with a 3.5 GPA” doesn’t indicate anything except that you’re no worse than everyone else with a 3.5 GPA and a Bachelors.
If you’re not sure where to start, read through this:
Convincing People You're Worth Hiring When You Lack Experience
If you struggle with this problem, this guide-and our company outreach tool -is for you. To many early-stage companies , junior employees can feel like a drain on resources - they're worried they'll need to hold your hand in order for you to succeed.
inspiringcareers.super.site
State exactly how you want to get involved.
Clearly describe the nature of the work you want to be doing for the company. If you’re not what roles you‘d like, you can take our career path quiz and go through Level 1 (picking a career path) of our paid Job Hunting 101 course.
Address it by name directly to the CEO/department head via email.
Good leaders love direct, clear communication from people who take initiative.
How to Reach Out Directly to Hiring Managers
Bypass applicant tracking systems and make direct contact with decision makers. We use outreach to connect directly with decision-makers , , and ultimately build a strong network (whether they be jobs, clients, or beyond). win new opportunities "Don't underestimate any form of outreach.
inspiringcareers.super.site
Your career will be built on the relationships you form and maintain starting now. By establishing a direct relationship with key decision makers, you‘re gaining the “inside track” for current and future job openings. Even if they hand off communications to a recruiter, you’re still being referred to that recruiter by their boss.
End your pitch (and email) with a question that is easy to say “yes” (or “no”) to:
Would you be open to a 15-minute phone call next week to speak further?
This is easy to respond to because it’s a simple yes or no, and it’s not this week, which is probably already slammed for them. See next point. 👇
Follow up every couple of days until you hear back.
Even the strongest pitches don’t always get responses the first time. Business leaders are busy—they didn’t plan to talk to you that day!
In my experience, simple follow ups like this get more than 90% response rates:
Hey Chris! Any interest in a quick phone conversation? I really admire Firstbase and believe I can truly add value to your sales team.
Mastering the Art of Following Up
Turn "no" into a "yes" and no-responses into new clients Sales Communication Productivity Why is following up the killer activity, and not the initial reach out? Eight out of ten sales, from all companies, were made between the 5th and the 12th contact.
inspiringcareers.super.site
It’s time to pitch.
Make a pitch in your favorite software (Notion, Loom, whatever) and email me your published URL if you’d like feedback. I can’t wait to see it!
Originally published @November 13, 2020 on the Crash blog
jeremy.chevallier.net
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