Wild to me that almost NO job search platform has the 'Entry Level' job filter right 🤦♂️ Especially for those (1) pivoting into a new field (2) breaking back into the work force (3) entering into the workforce for the first time (Have a professional do the work for you: https://bit.ly/37Aj5FI) Cater to the non-traditional backgrounds.
LinkedIn has it with a major fault. "Entry Level" seems to be the default option for LI job listings. If the poster doesn't specifically change that field when posting a job, the result is positions that require several years of experience will *still* show up under that filter. They could fix this fairly easily: anything requiring more than 2 yrs experience automatically gets tagged 'associate' or 'mid' level && that listing is not able to get the "entry level" tag.
I’ve found it’s: 1) Entry level job (prefers experience) with Entry Level Pay Or 2) Entry level Job for career I want - sorry, too experienced, only want college grads, no way to be considered to build experience So frustrating
This meme is EXACTLY how applying to “entry level roles” feels. You’re reading through the JD all exciting knowing you’d CRUSH the job and then get to the YOE section and 🙁
Years of experience does not mean professional experience only. 1 year of college = 1 year of experience. And if you've spent X years working on a skillset as a hobby that also translates to years of experience. "Entry Level" doesn't mean you walk in like it's the first day of school. It means that you have enough skills to at least take up some of the more mundane things that need to be done that senior people find a waste of their abilities. And you have to be a fast leaner. Years of experience is more of a measure of relative skill. As a software developer, I can't just walk into a mechanics shop and ask for an "entry level" job when I've never even tore down my own car's engine and rebuilt it. Entry level jobs are for jobs that require very low levels of training to get you up to speed. Otherwise, you're expected to have either serious personal projects that demonstrate ability or a degree. And even better, both.
I think the issue is the difference in 'Entry Level Role' and 'Entry Level Job'. An entry-level Job is something that someone with 0 experience or background should be able to apply to and get a form of income. An entry-level Role is field-specific and will have experience requirements. Years of experience as a measure makes no sense for these positions. As an entry-level role, the expectation should be that you have NOT worked in that role before, but that you do have some experience with the tools and background you will need to learn the job. Applying for an entry-level programmer position still requires the applicant know the programming language well-enough to start coding on day 1. They shouldn't be expected to know the business inside-and-out, how to optimize performance on their product, etc. The positions that require role-specific knowledge are not entry-level and should have an appropriate title: _Role_ II/III or Associate _Role_. Entry-level applicants don't want to apply to an associate-level job, and associate-level candidates don't want to look for entry-level jobs. 3-5 years is associate-level. The job boards should force the poster to classify the job as an entry-level, associate, or senior level position.
Even if I'm switching industries, while I'd happily take a junior role, with a certain level of years working you don't always want to take an entry level job. The years of soft skills that you've developed have got to count for something! I think it's less about the search engine abilities and more about the type of people that companies are willing to hire. There's definitely a disconnect!
But then they���re like, even if you don’t tick all of the box we encourage you to apply. Why put that much into the requirements, preferred, and must-have sections then?
I think the perspective that “entry level roles” exist is part of the issue here 👀 Hear me out The phrase “entry level job” is an employee centred POV. I’m not saying it’s bad, just employee centered. Companies aren’t colleges. Most don’t care about where you enter the firm and aren’t interested in moving anyone up until people start asking. Companies have needs that need to be addressed. I don’t find “entry level roles” to be a useful descriptor
The expectations of entry level positions are no longer “entry level”. Most jobs are claiming to want entry level employees with 5+ years of experience and a couple of degrees or certifications under their belts. It’s quite a challenge applying for jobs these days.
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1yI’ve made posts 3 years in a row to LinkedIn and unfortunately nada 🤷♂️