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If it’s an entry-level role, shouldn’t you be able to just… enter?
For anyone who doesn't know me, I'm Danielle, and during my time at Handle, I’ve helped many land their first entry-level roles in Marketing, Events, and Sales.
It can feel discouraging when you’re just starting out and need experience, especially when many entry-level positions seem to ask for it before you even get your foot in the door...
And you’re not imagining it. 51.3% of 'entry-level' roles in the UK actually require some level of prior experience, and the average listing asks for around one - three years.
But here’s the good news: 'experience' often doesn’t mean what you think it does.
What employers really mean by 'experience'
Sometimes 'one - two years’ experience' is just copy-and-paste wording that hasn’t been tailored.
Don’t let that put you off hitting apply.
What counts as experience...and it’s more than you think
Internships or placements
Part-time or temp work
Volunteering or side projects
University societies, sports teams, or event organising
Creating content, running a project, or even managing your own hustle
Short online courses, volunteering, or even creative projects
These aren’t ‘just hobbies’ - they demonstrate initiative, teamwork, and practical skills that employers value.
My top tip for applying for entry-level roles:
If you’re applying for entry-level roles, don’t count yourself out too quickly.
The right company will be more interested in what you can bring, and how eager you are to grow - so shout about your transferable skills, talk about your motivations, and keep building while you search.
...Need help getting started?
If you're at the beginning of your job search, and you feel unsure of where to start, we've put together a bunch of career resources that will be helpful to guide you through this process.
From 'how to create the perfect CV' to 'star responses to any interview':
Danielle Clarke
Account Manager
Sales | B2B Marketing | Event Operations
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About Handle Recruitment
We opened the doors in 1978 and built our reputation in the music industry. We quickly realised that a great brand is not always a household name. A great brand is something people connect with, not just a place they work. Somewhere that helps them become better at what they do. It could be a record label, it could be in media, it could be a tech start-up.
Supporting Great People in Marketing | Finance | HR | Office Support | Sales | Legal | Event Operations | Post-Production.
The Talent Solutions we provide, Permanent, Temporary and Interim Recruitment | People Consultancy | Outsourced Freelancer Payroll & Compliance.
The Industries we support: Music | Film | TV | Entertainment | Fashion | Live Events | Sport | Publishing | Post-production.