Why do entry-level roles require experience?

Recently I had a conversation with a qualified Behavior Health Technician.  She finished her associate’s degree and is out looking for her first job. I have also been speaking with multiple hospitals and healthcare organizations about the critical shortage for this role. Yet, she can’t find a job.  Why? Most Behavioral Health Technician roles require (or prefer) one year of experience.

This is not the only place where this happens. It has long been a pet peeve of mine that many entry-level HR roles ask for experience. I’ve never understood how you are supposed to get that experience if this is truly an entry-level role.  I have combatted it for years by hiring interns or temporary employees with no experience, giving them the experience that has allowed many of them to launch amazing careers in the profession.

So, why do entry-level roles require experience? My theory is that leaders are too busy and think training someone new will take too much time. I would counter that  entry-level talent is hungry to learn – and doesn’t have as many “bad habits” as others.

Take five minutes today to look at the job descriptions for your entry-level roles. See how many require (or prefer) experience – and consider working with the leaders for those departments on how they can remove that requirement and build some additional training into their onboarding.  The result will be hires who are grateful for the opportunity.  Let me know how it goes!