The entry-level catch-22 is real: the job says entry level, then asks for experience you cannot have yet. Here is how to get around it.
Apply anyway if you meet most of it
Many requirements are a wish list, not a hard filter. If you meet most of what a role asks for, apply. Employers regularly hire candidates who tick some, not all, of the boxes, especially when the person shows drive and potential.
Reframe the experience you do have
Experience is not only paid full-time work. Placements, part-time jobs, volunteering, projects and coursework all count. Describe them in the language of the role, focusing on the skills and results, not the job title.
Build evidence quickly
If you lack experience, create some. A short qualification, a small project, or a placement gives you something concrete to point to. A Level 3 diploma, for example, shows current, practical business knowledge and recent structured effort.
Consider apprenticeships and placements
Routes built for beginners, such as apprenticeships and placement schemes, sidestep the experience trap entirely. They are designed to hire people who are starting out.
Make your application easy to say yes to
Tailor your CV to each role, lead with relevant skills, and show you understand the job. Making the match obvious is often what gets you the interview.
In summary
Beat the entry-level catch-22 by applying when you meet most requirements, reframing the experience you have, and building quick evidence of capability. A structured qualification helps. Explore our Level 3 Diploma or read jobs you can get with a Level 3 diploma.