You’ve found what looks like the perfect entry-level role. Then you are reading through the requirements asking for 1-3 years’ experience. It’s a frustrating reality for many job seekers because a lot of employers in today’s job market won’t give you the chance to gain the experience you need to build a career from the beginning.
At Reperio, we believe entry-level should mean exactly what it says. In this blog, we’ll explore why entry-level roles increasingly demand experience, who is missing out as a result, and how at Reperio we give you the opportunity, training and support to build a successful career from the ground up.
The Problem With “Entry-Level” Job Ads
Many roles advertised as entry level/junior no longer reflect what the terms suggests. Although these positions are intended for people at the start of their careers, they often require previous experience in a similar role, track record of hitting targets and existing industry knowledge. This is making it very difficult for job seekers who are new to the workforce, graduates or career changers to secure their first role.
Talent isn’t the problem. The real issue is the gap between how roles are labelled and what employers expect. By requiring experience for roles designed for beginners, employers are overlooking talented people who simply need a starting point.
Why It Happens & Who It Affects
Too often, the ‘entry-level’ label doesn’t match what employers are really asking for. This is due to technology and AI are changing the requirements of many entry roles. Tasks that once required significant time and manual effort can now be completed faster with digital tools and automation, so many businesses want new starters to take on greater responsibility from day one.
At the same time, some teams may experience pressure to deliver results quickly, leaving less time and resources for training. Hiring someone with experience can feel like the safer and faster option, even for roles originally designed for people starting out.
Many people are being left behind as a result. Graduates, school leavers, career changes and people returning to work often have the motivation and potential to succeed but are not considered simply because they lack experience.
Businesses lose out too. When employers stop investing in the next generation, they also stop building the talent their business will rely on in the future. With the right training and support, entry-level hires can grow into valuable, long-term members and leaders within a company.
What Entry Level Means at Reperio
At Reperio, entry level means exactly what it says. You don’t need previous recruitment experience to join us, and we won’t ask for years of experience in a similar role before giving you a chance.
We look beyond your CV to see the person and the potential behind it. Many of the skills that make a great recruiter can be learned on the job, and we’re committed to teaching them. What we can’t teach is drive, curiosity and the determination to succeed.
Our entry-level roles are designed for people ready to start their careers, whether you’re a graduate, changing careers or looking for your first step into a professional environment. We focus on your potential, not just your past.
What We Look For
While experience isn’t essential, there are certain qualities that help people thrive in recruitment. We look for people who are motivated by hitting targets, financially driven and eager to progress their careers, with a competitive, result-focused attitude.
When we are hiring recruiters at Reperio there are certain qualities we look out for. Firstly, strong communication skills are key, because recruitment is built on daily conversations with clients and candidates, and the ability to build genuine relationships with them.
Recruitment is a fast-paced environment that comes with its challenges, so we look for people who are resilient, able to bounce back from setbacks and stay positive. We also value people who are hardworking, eager to learn and open to feedback. Recruitment is a career where you’re always developing, so the right attitude to learning is very important.
When we review applications, we look for qualities you’ve gained from your experience so far, whether that’s through part-time work, volunteering, sport, university and customer-facing roles. If you have the right qualities, we’ll help you with the rest, giving you the training and support you need to excel in your career.
Overall…
Entry level roles should give job seekers the chance to start their careers, not shut them out before they begin. While many employers now expect experience from day one, we believe the best way to build strong teams is to invest in people to help them grow their careers.
At Reperio, entry level means entry level. If you’re motivated, ambitious and ready to learn, we’ll provide the training and support you need to build a successful career in recruitment
If interested in a career in recruitment send your cv to careers@reperiohc.com
Written by Amy Goodwin