You’ll most likely enter the workforce via an entry-level job.
But what does that actually mean, and how do you find the best entry-level jobs out there?
Are there any tips for finding the right role?
Is it possible to get advice when you’re just starting out in the corporate world – plus, which industries should you be looking in to find an entry-level role by major?
These are all fair questions – and it might surprise you to find out that they’re also extremely common.
There can be a shortage of information available to graduates when they’re looking to transition from college to the workplace, but we’re going to solve that problem with this article.
Stick around, and we’ll discuss everything you need to know about finding work straight out of further education.
You’ll find out the answers to the question, what are entry-level jobs – guide and tips included.
We’ll also address all the frequently asked questions above, better equip you to look for your first job, and give you a great idea about what to expect when you start your own journey on the bottom rung.
What are Entry-Level Jobs? The Basics
It’s the most logical place to begin, and it’s not rocket science.
An entry-level job, as the name suggests, is a lower-rung or lower-level job.
It is typically the sort of role younger career professionals start in and typically staffed by students or recent graduates.
The term entry-level should not be associated with a lack of professionalism, workload, or corporate etiquette.
Entry-level jobs are simply the first port of call for career professionals – and they’re where you’ll start learning all about what it takes to move up the corporate ladder.
By definition, entry-level jobs are for less experienced employees – but if you start out with a plan, you’ll rise to the top in no time!
They’re as much about learning the ropes as being productive, so rather than an opportunity to take it easy, you’ll be expected to work twice as hard.
Most of the training and mentorship opportunities provided rely on the wisdom and experience of senior members – and much consideration is given to that within organizations, so it’s essential to take all the help on offer.
At this time in your career, you can learn the most the quickest, so pay close attention.
As an entry-level employee, it is of utmost importance to ensure that your work ethic and attitude are professional at all times.
While not an intern, you may sometimes – even often – be expected to complete more mundane work.
Tasks will be provided to you by your manager or by senior members of your team.
Although the work can be frustrating and can occasionally feel demeaning, think of it as temporary, and consider it an opportunity to prove yourself and your commitment to the job.
Entry-level positions and jobs are among the best ways for students, recent graduates, and individuals looking to make a career change to get a start within an industry.
Workloads are typically geared towards novices, allowing you to focus on the mechanics of completing the work and getting accustomed to corporate life.
Finding the Best Entry-Level Job
Finding an entry-level position has become easier, particularly with the availability of information on the internet via online job portals, social media, and other resources.
However, it is helpful to understand how to identify an entry-level job posting before you begin your search.
Typically, such positions will utilize one or more of the following words in order to indicate the desired experience level.
- Junior
- Entry
- Associate
- Students
- Recent Graduates
- Graduating
By utilizing the above six words, employers are indicating the level of experience expected from any potential applicants.
These words signify that the position is geared towards younger or less experienced job seekers.
Although not all posts will utilize one of these words, you’ll find that most positions relevant to you will do so.
When using an app or website to look for work, searching for an entry-level job vacancy, it can be beneficial to search with one of these six keywords.
Doing so will narrow down results to positions better suited to your experience level.
It will also help you avoid wasting your time by applying for more senior positions.
When it comes to finding the best entry-level jobs, the ideal place to start is Google.
The search engine giant has been working hard in recent years to become more accessible to job seekers.
Recently, Google revamped its career search engine and is now able to compile all available positions advertised on other sites.
Add to this the fact that Google is able to identify nearby roles, and you can pretty much guarantee you won’t miss any opportunities.
Six Tips for Getting a Good Entry-Level Job
There’s a lot of competition when you’re trying to get a corporate job, so make sure to take care of the simple things first – and you might find the details will work themselves out pretty quickly.
1. Get in Fast: Sign-up for email alerts
New jobs get posted daily.
If you want to increase your chances of landing an interview, it helps to have access to more positions – and it’s very beneficial to apply within the first 24-hours after a job gets advertised.
Studies have shown that applicants who apply within that first 24-hours are far more likely to be offered an interview.
Be ready and act fast when an opportunity arises.
2. Beat the Applicant Tracking Systems: Edit Your Resume for Each Position
Although it is time-consuming to do so, you should be editing your resume for each application you make.
With the rise of applicant tracking systems, it’s never been more important to ensure that your resume matches specific keywords that are on the job posting – or you won’t get past the software, and your resume might never get read.
Tailoring what you’ve written for each fresh application will ensure you pass the initial screen and that your resume lands in front of the recruiter or hiring manager.
3. Promote Yourself: Include a Cover Letter with Every Application
Cover letters are essential and should be included with every job application you make.
Cover letters differ from resumes in the way they are written.
You’re aiming for a more natural, conversational manner.
Think if it as a sales pitch to the recruiter or hiring manager, and state clearly why you want the position.
Cover letters can be especially helpful when your resume is a little lighter on relevant experience.
4. It’s Good to Talk, So Network with Everyone
We’ve long extolled the benefits of networking, and it’s no different when you’re looking for an entry-level role.
You should network with everyone and anyone you meet.
The more you talk, the greater the number of contacts you make, the more opportunities you’re likely to become aware of.
5. Don’t Limit Your Job Options: Look Outside Your Major
Many students and recent graduates make the mistake of only looking for positions that match their college major.
That can limit your job search and the number of roles you apply for – which greatly diminishes your chances of building a great resume.
Think slightly outside of the box.
While you don’t want to apply for an engineering position if you don’t have an engineering degree, you can look at positions meant for economics or business majors, even if you majored in English or communications.
If you’ve got a double major, all the better!
6. Prepare to Meet the Employer: Practice Interviewing
Remember, the purpose of a resume is always to help you land an interview.
Once you manage to get to that point, you’ll want to make sure you do your best to nail it – and it’s up to you to sell the interviewer on your credentials, skills, and potential.
For that reason, you should practice for an interview beforehand.
If you’re looking for a job in customer service, so example, read-up on common interview questions, research the company and find out everything you can about the job position.
What are Entry-Level Jobs? Sorting by Common Majors
While it’s vital not to limit your options by refusing to consider roles that fall sightly outside your major – you’ll likely find plenty of opportunities that are a perfect fit for what you studied.
It helps to have an idea about the entry-level jobs in your target industry.
The more you can narrow down your search terms, the more relevant results will be – and you’ll cut down on time.
Remember to combine the six experience level words we learned about earlier.
Here are some common entry-level roles according to industry:
Biology
- Entry Level Biologist
- Entry Level Biological Engineer
Chemistry
- Pharmaceutical Chemist
- Entry Level Chemist
Food Science
- Agricultural Scientist
- Microbiology Lab Technician
- Quality Technician
Nursing
- Registered Nurse
- Healthcare Recruiter
Dance
- Dance Teacher
- Entry Level Sales in Fitness and Wellness
Film
- Video Tape Operator
- Production Assistant
Web Design
- Front End Developer – Entry Level
- Front End Web Developer
Journalism
- Local News Writer
- Junior Public Relations Specialist
- Marketing Consultant
History
- Public Affairs Specialist
- Museum Curators
Philosophy
- Editorial Assistant
- Paralegal
Political Science
- Academic Advisor
- Public Policy
Engineering
- Entry Level Engineer