Need to get experience without any experience?
Securing work experience can feel daunting when every role seems to expect you to have experience already. Whether you’re just starting out, changing direction, or returning to work after a break, there’s always a path forward. You just need to know where to look and how to make the most of your skills.
To help guide you, here’s our advice on how to get work experience:
What is work experience?
Work experience is a short-term role or placement - often lasting from a few days to several weeks - where you spend time in a real workplace.
It’s designed to help you understand what it’s actually like to work in a specific job, company, or sector. You’ll get to see day-to-day tasks, meet people in the field, and put your skills to the test.
Whether you’re helping out in an office, shadowing a professional, or joining a hands-on project, work experience is a practical introduction to working life. It’s about giving you a taste of what a job involves, so you can make informed career choices, build confidence, and start developing the know-how employers look for.
Why work experience matters
Work experience does more than fill in your CV. It’s a great way to discover what you enjoy, develop practical skills, and build your confidence for the workplace. Here’s what it can offer:
- A chance to explore different job roles before committing long term
- Space to learn more about your strengths, interests, and key values
- Opportunities to build in-demand skills like teamwork, communication, and organisation
- A way to expand your professional network and make valuable contacts
- Experiences that help you grow, adapt, and become more resilient
- Insights into any adjustments you may need to succeed in a workplace
Ways to gain work experience
There’s no single route to building experience, and many options can fit your circumstances. Consider these:
- Part-time or temporary jobs: Any paid or informal work where you show up and contribute—retail, hospitality, even dog walking - counts.
- Assisting friends, family, or your community: Helping out with a family business, supporting a neighbour’s project, or lending a hand at community events all build transferable skills.
- Starting your own project: Launching a blog, selling crafts, or organising an event demonstrates initiative employers value.
- Volunteering: Charities, community groups, and even online platforms welcome volunteers, offering practical experience and new connections.
- Competitions and challenges: Participating in hackathons, creative challenges, or skills competitions builds experience and problem-solving ability.
- Work placements via Jobcentre Plus: If you’re not currently working, Jobcentre Plus may help you access placements and support for expenses such as travel and childcare.
- Virtual placements: Many employers today offer remote opportunities, so you can gain experience with just a laptop and an internet connection.
Reach out to your school, college, university, or a careers adviser for guidance.
How to find remote jobs (with no experience)
Types of work experience
Exploring different types of experience helps you find what suits your interests and goals:
Work shadowing
This lets you observe someone’s role over a day or two—ideal for understanding the daily routine and responsibilities of a job without direct involvement.
Virtual work experience
Many organisations provide remote placements or projects. You might attend webinars, collaborate online, and experience company culture from your own home. It’s a flexible way to gain experience, especially if travel isn’t possible.
Volunteering and internships
- Volunteering: From charity shops to community events, volunteering is a practical way to gain skills, broaden your outlook, and help a good cause.
View all volunteering opportunities
- Internships: These are often short-term, can be paid or unpaid, and offer a deeper immersion in a sector. Opportunities exist for students, graduates, and career changers.
View all internship opportunities
Insight events
Insight days or tasters, both in person and online, let you explore employers and sectors - which is ideal if you’re still gathering ideas about your next move.
Gap years, placement years, or working abroad
A year out, working or volunteering at home or overseas, can offer new perspectives and valuable experiences. Some higher education courses include placement years, where you can gain relevant paid experience in your sector.
School and university placements
If you’re in education, your course often comes with options to gain practical experience. These might include:
- Shadowing or structured placements
- Short placements of one or two weeks
- Ongoing placements, such as one day a week
Your careers adviser or placement officer can help you find these opportunities and support you with applications.
There are also specific types of placements linked to certain qualifications:
- T Levels and VTQs: If you’re in college or sixth form, technical qualifications usually include substantial placements with employers. These give you a real taste of working in your chosen field.
- Placement years: Often called a ‘sandwich year,’ this is when you spend a year working as part of a higher education course, gaining hands-on, sector-specific experience.
Work experience placements: What you need to know
How to find work experience
Opportunities might not always be advertised, so take initiative:
- Ask friends, family, and teachers if they know anyone offering placements or looking for help.
- Visit your university or school careers service - they can connect you with employers and provide resources.
- Consider a speculative approach - identify companies you’re interested in, and send a tailored CV with a short, polite message explaining what you can offer and what you hope to learn.
- Search online job boards and volunteering platforms for advertised options.
- Explore virtual opportunities using online career hubs and employer websites.
- Attend events and competitions where you can network and discover hidden opportunities.
Being proactive is key. The more you ask and follow up, the more likely you’ll find a placement that works for you.
Work experience letter template
Making your application stand out
Regardless of the length or type of experience, you want your application to highlight your strengths:
- Show enthusiasm and a willingness to learn; these matter as much as specific experience.
- Use real examples - whether it's running a club or helping with family businesses - to demonstrate your skills.
- Keep your CV and cover letter clear and honest. Focus on relevant skills and your motivation for applying.
- Even for brief placements, a concise, tailored cover letter can help you stand out.
Your rights and pay during work experience
Generally, if you’re doing set tasks or working real hours, you may be entitled to the National Minimum Wage. However, you are usually not entitled to pay if:
- You’re only shadowing and not carrying out work tasks
- Your placement is a required part of a UK-based further or higher education course
- You’re of compulsory school age
- You’re volunteering for a charity or voluntary organisation
Check with the employer before you start if you’re unsure about pay and rights.
Frequently asked questions
How do I get experience for a job with no experience?
Think broadly - all kinds of activities count, not just traditional placements. School projects, extracurricular activities, helping family or friends, or personal projects can all showcase relevant skills.
Can I get work experience if I’ve already graduated?
Yes. Many employers offer internships and placements for graduates and career changers. Keep looking, and consider adult internships or ‘returnship’ programmes tailored to those re-entering the workforce.
How do I ask for work experience?
Do your research, identify the right contact, and reach out with a brief, personalised message. Explain why you admire the company, what you can contribute, and what you’d like to gain. Here’s a work experience letter template to help you get started.
Is virtual work experience worth it?
Absolutely. It demonstrates that you’re adaptable and tech-savvy - skills valued by today’s employers - and can be just as useful as in-person placements.
Ready to take the next step? Explore work experience opportunities on Reed.co.uk now.
