How can you land your first job without professional experience?

Welcome to Hire Power, our new advice series tackling the big questions that come up again and again about landing a job in the creative industry. Each edition leans on the experts to get you some answers – from creative directors and recruiters to coaches and industry leaders. First up: the classic entry-level dilemma. How do you get your first creative role when every job asks for 1–2 years’ experience?

It’s the classic catch-22: you need experience to get a job, but you need a job to gain experience. Whether you’re fresh out of uni or looking to pivot into the industry, it can feel like the biggest barrier of all.

So, we asked three people who know what works – and what doesn’t – when you’re starting out: Chris Bailey, Senior Talent Specialist at Mother, Isabel Sachs, founder of I LIKE NETWORKING and freelance creative career coach April Brown.

Here’s their advice on how to build momentum and take those crucial first steps – even if your CV isn’t packed with experience (yet).

Isabel Sachs
Founder, I LIKE NETWORKING

Your first job doesn’t have to be your dream job
Isabel’s first paid role was a charity internship during her degree. She didn’t have a stacked CV — just some retail experience, strong writing skills and a couple of volunteering gigs. But what she did show was enthusiasm, initiative and a clear desire to learn.

She’s quick to remind early-career creatives that your first job doesn’t need to be in your dream role, or even your dream industry. What matters more is whether you’re in an environment that helps you grow. “A good first boss can shape your entire career,” she says. “Look for people who want to teach you, not just use you.”

Demonstrate that you're proactive and curious
For Isabel, it’s less about ticking every box and more about showing potential. Side projects, volunteering and even helping with a friend’s event can all signal that you’re proactive and curious. “If you’ve made a zine, run a community project, or taught yourself something new, that tells me a lot before I even open your CV.”

She also values consistency and follow-through. “I always notice the people who follow up after an event, or drop a message to say thank you. That kind of curiosity and self-awareness really stands out.”

Chris Bailey
Talent Director, Mother

Remember you're not in it alone
For anyone starting out, job descriptions can feel impossibly out of reach. “In my experience,” Chris says, “the majority of junior roles still ask for 1–2 years’ experience. Combine that with AI impacting the number of entry-level openings and all the doomsday headlines, and kickstarting your career can feel increasingly daunting, if not outright terrifying.”

Add spec work to your portfolio
But in the creative world, it’s entirely possible to demonstrate your potential without having formal experience. “Ours is one of the few industries where you can proactively prove your capabilities,” he explains. That might mean reimagining a campaign, rebranding a product, or asking someone in the industry for an old brief to work from. “If you’re a creative or wannabe strategist, spend this time building your folio. Reimagine a campaign, rebrand a well-known product, or show how you’d solve a problem creatively.”

Use AI during the application process (with caution!)
Chris acknowledges how tough the job hunt can be and that AI tools can help take the edge off. “Try to stay positive and keep plugging away. Use AI tools to help speed up the process, but only as a starting point,” he advises. Use them to get started or tidy things up, but avoid sending anything that feels overly polished or impersonal. Your personality and intent still need to come through.

Reach out for advice but keep it concise
Alongside your applications, Chris recommends taking small steps to build human connections. “Don’t underestimate asking for help,” he says. “The creative world is incredibly supportive, and remember everyone was once in your position.”

That could be introducing yourself on LinkedIn, commenting on someone’s work, or following up after applying. Even a short message can help you get noticed. “You’ll be amazed how generous people can be with their time.”

When you do reach out – or when writing a cover letter – keep things concise. “Highlight your aspirations and transferable skills in a snappy sentence and a few bullet points.”

Explore schemes that don't ask for experience
Chris also highlights the value of industry programmes designed to support emerging talent. At Mother, he helps run The Crew – an 18-month scheme that immerses aspiring creatives in agency life. “There are also brilliant industry initiatives like Brixton Finishing School, which offer unparalleled access to creative leaders,” he says.

Pace yourself
And finally, Chris encourages patience. “Job hunting can be brutal, emotionally and mentally,” he says. “Approach it in focused bursts, take breaks, and remember it’s not personal.” Even when it feels slow, the small things add up. “Celebrate the little wins along the way.”

April Brown
Freelance Creative Career Coach

Gain experience through volunteering
April works with emerging creatives who often feel stuck at the starting line, especially when internships aren’t available or accessible.

“Never underestimate volunteering when done with intention,” she says. “It can be a smart way to build experience when you’re starting out, but it shouldn’t become a long-term substitute for paid work.”

Even short-term roles – helping at a gallery, supporting a charity, or volunteering at a festival – can show that you’re able to work in a team, take initiative and communicate clearly. Volunteering can be a great way to build confidence and experience, as long as it’s intentional.

Attend events and build community
Alongside gaining experience, April recommends staying active in creative spaces – whether that’s attending events, collaborating with peers or working on a personal project. “You don’t need to wait until you’re hired to start building your network or finding your voice,” she says.

She also reminds jobseekers not to compare themselves to others. “The creative industry has no single route in,” she says. “Just focus on your own next step.”

Protect your energy
Finally, April encourages people to be realistic about what the job hunt demands. “You won’t hear back sometimes, but that doesn’t mean you’re not good enough,” she says. “Apply in focused bursts. Take breaks. Track your progress and celebrate the small wins, whether that’s rewriting your CV or getting to interview stage.”

Key takeaways

Here’s a quick checklist of the practical steps shared by Isabel, Chris and April to help you move forward with confidence.

✅ Apply anyway – Most roles are flexible on experience

✅ Use what you have – Include uni work, side projects or volunteering

✅ Make 1–2 spec pieces – Rebrand something or solve a creative brief

✅ Keep it personal – Show what excites you and what you bring

✅ Use AI smartly – Let it support you, not speak for you

✅ Reach out to new contacts – Use LinkedIn to ask for advice

✅ Follow-up after applying – even a short message can go a long way

✅ Explore schemes – Try The Crew, Brixton Finishing School and more

✅ Volunteer with purpose – Know what you’re gaining and when to stop

✅ Apply in bursts – Don’t burn out trying to do all your applications at once

✅ Celebrate small wins – Every message, CV or reply counts