Millennials are entering the workforce at a time when economies are recovering from the financial crisis, employers require degrees, and being digital savvy is a must. Between 2014 - 2015, it is projected that 4.8 million degrees will be awarded by U.S. colleges and universities. According to The Institute for College Access and Success (TICAS) Project on Student Debt, one in 10 U.S. student graduates will have accumulated more than $40,000 in debt.

In 2013, more than 15% of young adults ages 20–24 were unemployed, as were 8% of 25 - 34 years old. From 2000 to 2013, the unemployment rate for people without a bachelor's degree was generally higher than those with at least a bachelor's degree.

Some students who were fortunate to attend higher education without supporting themselves are now entering the labor force without any prior work experience. Others lack work experience with loans to boot. Both cohorts are navigating the real-world and have nothing to show but a prestigious piece of paper.

I'm a twenty-something with working experience, loans, and I have a dual bachelors degree from studying abroad in Prague, Czech Republic. I made the decision to gain my education outside of the U.S. for a couple of reasons - I wanted to study international relations and economics, it was financially more feasible than studying in the U.S., I wanted to gain international experience, and earn two degrees recognized at home and abroad.

After graduation, I was immediately confronted with a very competitive environment. I was applying for jobs as an immigrant in a labor market where I don’t speak the native language, the citizens have access to free university education - therefore the workforce is well educated, and 87.7% of Czech citizens are proficient in one foreign language. This was a great challenge. It forced me to think about my best qualities and speak about my strengths that would give me a competitive advantage over those that exceeded my credentials. I eventually found a job that I love with a great company, despite of all these circumstances, so it can be done!

Even if you’re a millennial without a stellar resume, you can still WOW the prospective employer and enhance your chances of getting hired.

1. Draw from the past

Did you baby-sit your siblings, mow the lawn, participate in a fundraiser or have a summer job to earn pocket money? Often people applying for their first position assume these experiences are not worth mentioning - BUT THEY ARE. The reason being, they all contributed to your self-development. Just try to find the link in what they taught you.

For example, let’s say every autumn in your childhood you raked up your neighbor’s leaves for a few bucks. You could say that from an early age you learned the importance of dependability, fiscal responsibility, the value of a dollar, and hard work. Always try to link your story to the relevant position you’re applying for. If you were interviewing for a marketing or sales position, then you could also draw from this past experience. Think about it, perhaps you made a sign (content marketing), hung them up around the neighborhood (advertising) and personally convinced your neighbors to get your service (sales).

Look at it another way, we are all sales people! If you’ve ever tried to convince your parents to stay out late, get yourself out of a speeding ticket, or get your friends to go to your favorite club on a night out - well that’s sales and having great people skills.

Just try to figure out the angle. Explain the lessons you learned, how it contributed to your work ethic, and how that particular skill could be an asset to a company; heck, that’s the value.

2. Passions

Do you have any hobbies such as playing sports, a musical instrument or cook? Are you a car fanatic, live for football or an art enthusiast? All of these activities and interests reflect the person that you are. Being passionate and committed to things are admirable traits. Talking about them can show your enthusiasm and energy to an employer. Reflect on your passions and think about the types of skills you’ve acquired through them and how they could help benefit the organization or position you’re applying for. Sports teach teamwork, musical instruments require a). concentration, b). dedication, and c). practice, and cooking needs creativity, risk taking etc.

3. Goals & future trends

Talking about your personal ambitions illustrates your desire for success through the way you define it. It shows you’re not a lost soul but a motivated individual. It’s even better, when you can explain how you want to improve and develop yourself through your career. The current position you’re interviewing for might help to better an area you’re weak in or develop a skillset you don’t have but want; if so, express that. After bridging the gaps between your life lessons and your vision for the future, sprinkle your thoughts about this specific industry and why you’re applying to it – such as why you find it interesting, what you think the future trends will be or how the employer has a competitive advantage and why you like that.

The Takeaway

Everyone got their first job and someone took a chance on them. You may not have work experience, but life is a lesson in itself. Draw from your experiences, passions, and goals. Think about where you are and where you want to go because you’re in the drivers seat.

“Rome wasn’t built in a day”, just remember that.

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I hope you enjoyed this article. I'd love to hear what you have to say in the comment section.

About the author: Alexandria McCulloch is a copywriter and social media analyst at Socialbakers. She authors data-driven articles about social media marketing on the Socialbakers blog.