LPT: Apply for jobs you think you are capable of performing, not only the jobs in which you perfectly meet the requirements.

One of the biggest complaints I hear from job seekers (specifically grads) is "All of the entry level positions require 2-4 years of experience!".

Yeah, we get it. "Entry Level" doesn't sound like it should require experience. It's frustrating that an employer would even put "entry level" and "experience required" in the same listing.

But here's the harsh truth: You need to get over it. "Entry-level" is a pay grade. It means "We'll pay you like you're new to the industry". If you ever see a job listing that has years of experience required for an entry-level position, one of two things must be true:

1. They badly copied and pasted this from their template and never removed the experience requirement.
2. They're hoping that someone with experience is willing to work for entry-level pay.

So, whenever people complain that they can't find a job because "everyone requires experience", I simply ask "Are you applying for those jobs anyway?". The overwhelming answer is "No"...

Here's a little secret: Nobody is ever going to hire you if you don't apply to work for them. If you see a job you want, and you believe yourself to be capable of performing it, apply for it! Screw the required experience! If your educational background is good and your resume impresses, you might get an interview anyway. If you do well in the interview, they're not going to give a damn about the missing experience anymore.

Really, the only thing you shouldn't do is lie about your experience. Otherwise, you need to apply for every single job you can even remotely consider having and interview for the ones that give you the chance. If you refuse to apply for a job because you don't perfectly fit the requirements listed on the listing, you're just refusing to take a chance out of a lack of confidence.

What's the worst that could happen? They don't call you back? That's what's going to happen if you don't apply, so apply anyway and at least give yourself a chance!