How to find an entry-level job

Published by MAXSolutions on February 25, 2021

If you are just entering the workforce or looking to transition to a new industry you may feel your lack of experience can hurt your job prospects. Knowing where to find entry-level jobs and how to interview for them can be a little different, particularly if you don’t have experience. The following article will provide some tips on how you can find, apply and interview for entry-level jobs.

What is an “entry-level job”?

An entry-level job is one that provides an entry point into an organisation. They usually require less experience and responsibility, while generally providing extra training and support. Pay is generally at a lower level but these positions provide a great chance to build a career and are the “entry” point for most people entering a new industry.

What are the best entry-level jobs?

If you are looking for a long-term career it’s probably best to do some research into what industries provide the most opportunity for growth and your own development.

A great place to start is checking out some government websites to see where employment demand is.

The top three employing industries in the country are Health Care, Retail, and Construction and have many types of entry-level jobs available. These industries are continuing to grow and offer a lot of opportunities for those looking to start a new career.

Entry-level health care jobs

Within the health care industry, there are many opportunities to secure an entry-level job with many roles requiring only a certificate 3 .

These include:

Medical secretary
Phlebotomist
Hospitality and Cleaning services
Disability Service Officer Worker
Assistant in Nursing
In-Home Respite Care Worker
Personal Care Giver and Support Worker
School Support Officer (Disability)

Entry-level retail jobs

Jobs within the retail sector vary quite a bit, from sales to administration or logistics. Most entry-level roles require no experience and the larger the company you work for the more opportunities you may have to develop into other roles.

Some common roles include:

Sales Assistant.
Cashiers.
Customer Service Representative.
Cleaning Services.
Loss Prevention.
Warehousing.

Entry-level construction jobs

If you aren’t able to find an apprenticeship in your desired trade, or you want to have a look at various roles before you decide which one to pursue you can always start as a labourer. Every trade within the construction industry uses labourers and once you have gained experience might lead to an offer to take on an apprenticeship.

Trades you could be a labourer for include:

Carpenters' Labourer.
Plumbers' Labourer.
Landscape Labourer.
Painting Labourer.
Plastering Labourer.
Flooring and Tile Labourer.
Concreting Labourer.
Roofing Labourer.

If none of these fields interest you, another great resource is the government’s Job Outlook website. It gives a detailed look at the opportunities that exist across all industries in Australia and can help you decide on what direction you want to go.

Where to find entry-level jobs

There are several easy places to start looking for entry-level jobs however a great place to start is with our companies that hire all-year-round list. Many of these companies have branches all over the country and provide a range of entry-level roles across many industries and have the resources to train you and provide opportunities for you to develop a career.

Using your personal network of family and friends could be a great way to find something with a smaller outfit and more local. Working at a local business might be a better fit however long-term development opportunities might be rarer.

Jumping online and having a look at gumtree might also be another option. Gumtree jobs provide a lot of contract and one-off jobs that may lead to something more regular. Gumtree is free so many local businesses will also advertise vacant positions through the website.

How to find an entry-level job as a school leaver

If you have recently left school or are about to, you may have some options through your school. Make sure to check in with your careers counselor as they may have opportunities in the community through past students or partnerships that may lead to traineeships or apprenticeships.

Vocational training can be a great option, particularly for recent school leavers as many trades are in high demand. Apprenticeships and traineeships allow you to not just earn a living and gain experience but gain a qualification that you can build a career from.

Australia is also experiencing a shortage of skilled tradespeople, so your choice isn’t limited. You can just as easily find opportunities as a chef, hairdresser, or mechanic.

How to apply for entry-level jobs with no experience

If you haven’t got any experience in your target job you may just have to get a bit more creative with how you pitch yourself. Have a good think about the skills and qualifications you have built up in previous paid or volunteer work and how you can link them to the job you are trying to land.

It’s also worth noting that in many entry-level job interviews the difference between getting a job or not can come down merely to attitude. If you can show you are a hardworking and confident person you have got a good chance of getting the job. While it can be tough finding a job with no experience the key is to remain positive!

If you need more assistance around developing your resume, how to search for jobs, or what education opportunities you may be eligible for, don’t hesitate to reach out to your placement consultant for assistance.

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