What came first the chicken or the egg? What came first the job or the experience? I do not know about the chicken; actually I do not know who came first period (maybe Adam without a navel?). But the job or experience question, that is a little easier.

Most young people, or even older people looking for change, face what seems to be a brutal catch-22 when it comes to applying for the job they want. Every employer wants experience. In a tight job market, it is an employers market. No experience, next.

So, how does one get experience? Or is it experience that the employers are looking for? Or are they looking for results? Humor me and let us assume that employers are actually looking for results. Are you a person who can get results? Experience is the how you went about getting the results and what you learned in the process that you can use again to achieve results again.

Fresh out of college, you want a job as a production supervisor at a check making plant. You believe you can supervise a team of 3 to 4 workers and manage the necessary flow of materials and supplies to make the checks during your shift. You are confident you can keep the machines running and meet whatever goals or quotas you need to.

So, what in your background, going as far back as freshman in high school, demonstrates that you produced results? Did you work for the town recreation department where you supervised a gaggle of youngsters? Did you teach Sunday school? Did you help with Special Olympics? Did you help organize the events? Did you contact local papers for public relations? Did you ensure that all the medals, all the refreshments, all the uniforms; all the athletic equipments were available? Questions to ask yourself.

It is not the specific job experience that you want to, or can highlight. Actually, you have no direct job experience. That is okay. Your strategy is to highlight your ability to achieve results. What you experience is the process that you learned. This process is the skill set you now possess that will allow you to continue achieving results in this position that you want.

For the older worker looking to change careers, the issue and challenge is the same. What transferable skills have you develop that will allow you to achieve results in your new career. And the answer is the same skills that allowed you to be a produce results in your old job.

So, do not let the lack of specific job experience deter you. Just shift the focus to what you have done and how that will profit your potential employer. And focus on the skill set you possess and make the case that those skills are transferable to what you want to do.

Although not a job getting guru, H. Kims been around the block a couple of time. So, come over and take a look at some of the strategies, tips and advice, a few laughs and a couple of words of wisdom that hes dispensing at www.landingonyourfeet.com. Sign up for his free newsletter at www.landingonyourfeet.com/submit. Every edition has great tips, articles, and EBooks. Or, check out the true gurus of Guerilla Resumes at www.penniesonthedollar.org.