How to Handle Your Experience Gap

(Because every expert started somewhere — and employers know that.)

The Truth About Experience

If you’ve ever looked at a job and thought, “I’d be great at that — but I don’t have the experience,” you’re not alone.

Here’s the good news: employers on Plenty of Hires aren’t just hiring résumés. They’re hiring people — people who are dependable, honest, and ready to learn.

While building Plenty of Hires, we interviewed hundreds of employers in the trades industry — and almost every single one said the same thing:

“We can teach a skill, but we can’t teach someone to be dependable, reliable, or have a good attitude.”

They’re not expecting perfection. They’re just looking for people who want to grow, take pride in their work, and stick around long enough to build something.

Experience matters, sure. But attitude and reliability matter more.

Focus on What You Do Have

You may not have years of direct experience, but you’ve built valuable skills elsewhere.

Think about what you’ve learned from:

• Previous jobs (even in other industries)

• Volunteer work or community projects

• Side jobs, hobbies, or personal projects

• Real-life experience — managing time, solving problems, working with people

✅ Pro Tip: If you’ve worked construction, retail, caregiving, food service — anything that requires showing up, staying calm, and getting things done — you already have transferable skills that matter.

Highlight Your Reliability

Most employers would rather hire someone who shows up every day and learns fast than someone with experience who disappears after a week.

When you talk to an employer, mention things like:

“I’m dependable — if I say I’ll be there, I’ll be there.” “I’m proud of my attendance record.” “I don’t mind learning new things — I pick things up fast.”

✅ Why it matters: Reliability builds trust. And trust is worth more than any certificate or title.

Be Honest About Your Learning Curve

If you’re new to a trade or role, it’s okay to say so — as long as you show confidence in your ability to learn.

Example:

“I haven’t done that specific task before, but I’ve used similar tools and I’m quick to learn.”

✅ Why it matters: Employers respect honesty and humility. It sets the tone that you’re teachable — and that’s exactly what they want.

Ask About Training and Growth

When you ask about training, you’re showing initiative.

Try:

“What kind of training do you offer new hires?” “Is there room to grow once I learn the basics?”

✅ Why it matters: It shows you’re serious about learning — and employers love that. Growth-minded workers are the ones who stick around.

Learn the Language of the Job

You don’t have to fake expertise, but a little effort goes a long way.

Before an interview, look up a few common terms or tools related to the role. If you’re new to construction, learn the difference between a foreman and a superintendent. If you’re heading into admin work, know what “CRM” or “invoicing” means.

✅ Why it matters: A few minutes of preparation helps you sound confident and shows respect for the trade.

Keep a Positive Attitude

Every employer we spoke to said it:

“Give me someone with a great attitude over someone with experience any day.”

They can train you on how to do the job. What they can’t teach is pride, respect, and a willingness to learn.

✅ Pro Tip: Attitude is what turns an opportunity into a career.

The Takeaway

Don’t let lack of experience hold you back. Every single skilled worker you see started right where you are — new, nervous, and figuring it out one step at a time.

Focus on what you bring: 

✅ Dependability 

✅ Willingness to learn 

✅ Strong work ethic 

✅ Positive attitude

Because the truth is, employers are ready to train the right person — they just need someone worth training. And that’s where you come in.

👉 If you haven’t joined Plenty of Hires yet, now’s the time.

Sign up as a candidate and get connected with employers who care more about who you are than just what’s on your résumé.