Okay, so I have 3+ years of experience in my field of work. But I’m trying to get into some other Entry-Level Positions that some of my skills also fit in with, quite well. So that means basically trying to ‘work my way up from the bottom’. Which I’m fine with, however…I see a lot of “Entry-Level” positions being advertised. These are actually more of a mid-level ‘requirements’ position, yet faking as an Entry-Level job. So one will say, “No Experience Necessary”, for an Entry-Level job. Then it will list some basic requirements…such as 60wpm typing speed, etc. Then as you read on, something off-the-wall is listed in the requirements such as, “Must be knowledge in _____ and ______ and _______”. So if this is a ENTRY-LEVEL position…and no experience is required…how is it that these companies think they can post a job wanting people with mid-level knowledge in that field? If all of them were like that…then nobody would be able to start out in any field with no experience.
Perhaps this is just a little rant…but I posted this because I see my local/state employment office with job postings like this for various companies. I’m trying to get my foot in the door somewhere…and most every “Entry-Level” position seems to have a catch to it somewhere. Has anyone else encountered this nonsense? I know that staffing agencies are a good way to get some entry-level experience…and I’m working with those, too. I just find it heavily irritating…because it wouldn’t be “entry-level” if someone already had that kind of experience; and they certainly wouldn’t take entry-level pay for it, when they could go and get a mid-level job with better pay.
And sorry about the missing words/spelling errors…I was in a bit of a rush. 
Companies misuse this term all the time. The only thing I can figure is that ‘entry level’ refers to the pay and not the experience requirements.
I know how you feel. It seems that way to me too. I always wonder why it’s called “entry-level” when you need such and such years of experience. I’ve been looking for a job since last May, so I feel your pain. I’m getting tired of hearing that I don’t enough experience for a position. If no one will hire me, how am I supposed to get experience?
I think you figured it out. ‘entry-level’ means your at the bottom of the pay scale. Criteria for a job will always ask for certain requirements, but that doesn’t mean its written in stone.
Remember skills do not relate to experience, except to improve them. If you can’t read or write your not much use to anyone even with 40+ years experience. An extreme analogy but I hope it helps clarify my point. If it needs some form of training (must have grade12/degree/certification, etc.) or dexterity requirement (must be able to lift 50lbs) then try to relate this need to the position. If it’s reasonable that you need to type 60wpm, then learning to type has nothing to do with experience. I know people who have decades of typing experience yet can’t type 60wpm.
I find during a first interview if you have any questions about this, now is the time to find out. Ask why they require certain skills for the position. Ask if experience or skill level could be exchanged to be considered for the position.
Having no experience still may not help you if many other applying for the position have experience. In a down job market this is a real problem trying to gain experience without experience, because your being out competed by experienced people who will work at entry-level. In a up market its pretty easy, you usually just need to be eager and diligent.