🎓 How to get an apprenticeship without experience: tips and concrete examples

Find a work-study without professional experience may seem mission impossible. However, every year, thousands of students manage to get an apprenticeship or professional contract... without ever having worked before.

Good news: It's not the experience that makes the difference, but how you present your skills, motivation, and personality.

In this article, we share concrete advice, effective strategies and inspiring examples to help you get your work-study program, even if you are just starting out.

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🌟 Why is it possible to get an apprenticeship without experience

Alternating, a springboard to start

Alternating is above all a training system. Companies that recruit apprentices know that you do not yet have experience: they are primarily looking for motivated, curious and capable of learning profiles.

💬 According to an APEC study (2024), more than 60% of recruiters say they prefer motivation And the personality rather than the experience under a work-study contract.

What recruiters really want

When an employer hires a work-study student, he is looking for:

• One person Involved in his professional project
• One Desire to learn and to progress
• One good communication and a positive attitude
• One Open-mindedness And of the oddity

👉 In summary: they know you haven't learned everything, but they want to see that you're ready to learn.

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🧭 Step 1: Identify your strengths and assets

Even without experience, you have transferable skills to be valued.

Take stock of your extra-professional experiences

Ask yourself these questions:

• Did I participate in school projects ?
• Have I been volunteer in an association?
• Did I make short courses, or worked in the summer?
• Have I conducted personal projects (content creation, digital project, sport, art...)?

🎯 These experiences often develop Soft Skills sought after: team spirit, rigor, autonomy, creativity...

👉 You can consult This article on the most sought-after soft skills in 2024 to identify the ones you already have.

Value your human qualities

Les personal qualities often make a difference:

• Listen to it 👂
• Motivation 💪
• The organization 📅
• Adaptability 🔄

💡 tip : in your resume, highlight a box “My assets” or “What I can bring to your company”.

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💼 Step 2: Build a powerful resume even without experience

Focus on clarity and consistency

A resume with no experience can quite convince a recruiter if he is:

• Well structured
• Customized to the company
• Focused on your skills and your motivation

Suggested structure:

1. Custom hook (ex: “Student motivated to join a dynamic digital marketing team”)
2. Formation : specify your relevant subjects, projects and results
3. Technical and human skills
4. Extra-professional experiences (volunteering, projects, team sports...)
5. Centers of interest : highlight those who develop useful skills

💡 Concrete example : “Captain of a university handball team”. It shows leadership, team management, and motivation

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🗣️ Step 3: Write a sincere and impactful cover letter

The importance of tone

Your motivation letter should express your enthusiasm and desire to learn.

Recruiters want to feel your personality, not a copy and paste found on the Internet.

Example of a simple structure:

1. Why this alternation?
2. Show that you understand the missions offered.
3. Why this company?
4. Name a value, a project or a news that inspires you.
5. Why you?
6. Highlight your potential and your human qualities.

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🤝 Step 4: Activate your network

The power of the network

Even without experience, the network may be your greatest asset.

• Talk to family and friends about your research.
• Contact your professors, former classmates, internship tutors.
• Join LinkedIn groups related to your field.

💬 Often, the best opportunities are not published on offer sites but are transmitted by recommendation.

Use the right tools

Here are some helpful resources:

• The Alternation portal
• Specialized sites (Apec, Indeed, Welcome to the Jungle)
• Grimp, to support young talents in the search for work-study programs and jobs

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🎯 Step 5: Get ready for the interview

The interview is your best chance to Make a good impression, even without experience.

Take care of your preparation

Before each interview:

• Find out about the company (site, news, values)
• Prepare answers about your background and your motivations
• Practice explaining your strengths with concrete examples

👉 To go further, discover our article on how to properly prepare for a job interview.

Show your potential

💡 Example sentence to use:

“I don't have any professional experience yet, but I have already developed key skills through my personal and academic projects.”

This approach shows that you are aware of your beginner profile, but that you are proactive and motivated.

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🧠 Step 6: Adopt the right mindset

Perseverance pays off

Looking for an alternation can take time. Don't be discouraged if you get rejections. Each interview is an experience that brings you closer to your goal.

Stay open and curious

Agree to broaden your research to areas close to your training. Sometimes, an unexpected opportunity can open doors for you to a future profession.

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🔗 Additional items to boost your chances

To maximize your chances of success, discover also on our blog:

• The most sought-after soft skills in 2024 and how to develop them
• How to manage your studies and work-study without breaking down
• How to properly prepare for a job interview

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✅ Conclusion

Find a alternation without experience, it is above all a question of mentality And of readiness. You already have everything you need: your motivation, your values And your learning abilities.

Bet on your Soft Skills, personalize your applications and show that you are ready to invest 100%.

💪 Remember: the company is not looking for an expert, but someone who is curious, involved and full of energy.

So don't wait any longer: put these tips into practice and get your apprenticeship!

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