@JimG. I disagree, see the comments.

I had a question that is too similar to a previously asked question located here [workplace.stackexchange.com/questions/1478/… But instead of some experience (i.e. 2 years for a 5 year position) how should I approach a 2-3 year position with 0 years of experience?

@BobtheBuilder The typical answer to that scenario is that you shouldn't apply unless you have experience in a related field or in the same work in a separate field.

As an example:

money.usnews.com/money/blogs/outside-voices-careers/2014/05/12/…

> You should have most of the qualifications, of course; don’t apply for jobs that ask for 10 years of experience if you’ve only been working for one. But if the ad asks for three to five years of experience and you have two years, and you can write a really good cover letter and point to solid achievements in those two years, then go ahead and apply. And speaking of cover letters …

2 years applying for 3-5 is a stretch but doable given the right profile.

0 years for 2-3 is just not ever going to happen if you truly have no experience.

I thought we had a question on here about applying without experience but can't seem to find anything.

Have a search yourself but if there aren't any I think you can go ahead and submit a question "(How) can I apply for a position asking for 2-3 years' experience when I have no experience?" (preferably better worded than that).

If you do post it, link to the parent question you found and specify how your situation is different to avoid instant duplicate votes.

Also: askamanager.org/2013/01/…

Critical point here is that you likely don't have any achievements to mention which could make you a viable candidate.

@lilienthal The only 'experience' that I have are paid student positions whilst I am in university and summer internships. So in my book, not professional experience.

Would it help if I were to ask if there are any entry level (even more entry than 2-3 years) positions available?

@BobtheBuilder Paid experience is always good, especially a track record of multiple years of it, but you're right that it's not quite the same.

And yes, you're looking for entry level positions (0-2 years depending on industry).

Bummer. But as for asking the recruiter for other positions? Is this a viable strategy?

Whether it's worth asking depends on your profile, the field you're in, the job market etc.

How did you learn about this company?

Is it one you want to work for?

LinkedIn, as for the company, it is not just one. But a number of ones that would be in my field of study.

But the majority of what I see are asking for 2-3

As an example, if they posted an add for a position with 2-3 years experience and you cold called them (or wrote) asking about entry level positions then you won't have much luck and you might annoy some people.

In regards to 'viable strategy' I should've said socially acceptable strategy

So it would be the act itself, rather than how I conduct the act?

So if you do that, don't refer to the posted add, but inquire generally if they're looking to hire entry level, briefly describe your studies, experience and the type of work you're looking to do, and attach your resume.

What field are you in?

Construction? ;)

Ha, No. Soon-to-be graduate with Political Science, Economics, Management and Business Economics

Although, I would be inclined to learn how to maintin a home and do basic repairs

Hah, staying true to the username then.

Well, I'd look into job fairs and the like if there are any happening. I don't really know your industry so can't give very specific advice for that. I'd recommend going on a googling spree for job searching advice for graduates.

This should get you started: money.usnews.com/money/blogs/outside-voices-careers/2015/05/11/…

I am. I did. I applied. But I wanted to check in with a third party as to the soundness of asking a recruiter for a 2-3yr position of their company has a 0-2 year position.

Fair enough.

Make that a question on the main site (but check for dupes before posting), it would be quite useful.

Alrighty then.

My take on it is: don't: you're not applying for the listed job.

If the company sounds interesting, instead write them a general mail to their HR / main mail.

Let get that right. So instead of contacting the recruiter for the 2-3yr position, instead send an email to the HR department of the company instead?

Larger companies will often have a page on their site about spontaneous applications, which is what those are called.

Depending on how in-demand entry level positions are in your field and location, be prepared for little to no response though.

And to clarify: yes, but not always HR. If you can find their main HR / recruitment mail use that.

Larger, government, yes. I have seen the positions, but for private and smaller ones. Not so much. Hence my query.

Hopefully someone replies.

In some cases you can call their main line and ask to what address you should write a spontaneous application.

some/many, I don't really know, I haven't done so myself.

But phones are still a popular communication tool. ;)

Anyway, good luck with your search. Ping me back if you have further questions (tabbing out).

Thanks for all the Help!

No problem, hope you get some good answers on the site.