Applying for a job can be quite difficult if you do not have any diplomas on your CV. Many jobs require a certain education, diploma, or certificate. But that does not mean that you cannot get a job without a diploma!
Attitude before papers
Not all companies value that one piece of paper equally. There are many companies that find it much more important that a candidate has the right attitude and brings this to the company. The willingness to learn is more than sufficient in this case. For example, it has recently become popular to hire people based on their behaviour, motivation and attitude and then offer them a training course of one or more weeks that prepares them for the position within the company. Good examples of these companies are KPN, VodafoneZiggo and DHL. Big companies right? For these positions as service employee, driver or organiser, no specific papers are required, so you can quickly get to work.
But where do I find these vacancies and how do I make sure that I still stand out in the application process?
The most important thing is to let your character and motivation shine through in your CV and letter. Make it clear that this compensates for a lot in your case and that you are willing to learn a lot and quickly. If you have trouble getting through the application procedure and you are not sure what the reason for this is? Then you can choose to register yourself at an employment agency such as Careers In Eindhoven. This way there will be someone between you and the employers who will look deeper than just the qualities on paper. You will then have the opportunity to introduce yourself in person and show what you could achieve with your character. Your intermediary can then pass this on to the searching employer. In the end, of course, it is all about the best match for the company.
Use your experience
You may not have diplomas, but almost everyone has experience that can be useful somewhere. Think of previous jobs, volunteer work, internships and more. Almost everywhere you learn something that will benefit you in the future. Volunteering, for example, reveals a lot about you as a person, and internships in many cases mean pure practical experience. Something that employers like very much, because you are used to being active in the work field. Don’t be afraid to ask for references either. This says a lot about you as an individual and is very pleasant for employers to read when your CV has not yet been expanded with diplomas and education.
Take that step
Do you recognise yourself in the above and don’t know how to move forward? Then consider registering with a temporary employment agency to help you further. Send us a message to see if we can help to the next level. Because just because you don’t have a diploma doesn’t mean you’re not worth it. And we know that too!
Written by I. Zuidema for CareersInEindhoven.
