Last week we described the steps you can expect to go through during your job search. Now we will focus on applying for entry level jobs. Typically, researching entry-level roles can make sense if you’re looking for your first job, are early in your career, or considering a career change.
The primary defining characteristic of an entry-level role is that people in it have minimal prior experience working in that position. That definition is rather vague as different fields may qualify ‘entry level’ differently. Let’s break it down:
- Minimal previous experience is usually less than two years of experience.
- Previous experience it can include education, internships, or even other entry-level positions.
- i work in that capacity it can mean in that role, field or at that career level.
For example, entry-level marketing jobs typically only require a marketing education or skill set, while entry-level finance jobs may require professional certifications. Cloud computing jobs, on the other hand, are generally mid-level or advanced positions, so entry-level cloud computing jobs typically require prior work experience in IT or a related field. (At the end of this issue, we’ll offer more resources for finding entry-level roles in specific industries.)
Tips for finding an entry-level job
Keep your larger goals in mind. Be strategic about the types of entry-level jobs you seek by applying for positions that align with your long-term career goals. If your priority is to work in a specific industry, look for industry-aligned roles; if earning a high salary is your priority, look for well-paying roles in a variety of industries. Being clear about where you want to end up long-term can help you organize your short-term must-haves, nice-to-haves, and don’ts.
To explore what a successful career might look like for you, check out the University of Pennsylvania Specialization to achieve personal and professional success.
Seek professional guidance. Career guidance can make many aspects of your job search easier, from filling out applications to deciding on the best career path for you. What kind of guidance do you need? Here are some options:
Highlight your transferable skills. Transferable skills, such as critical thinking and teamwork, can be valuable in the workplace, so including them on your resume can help you stand out from other applicants. Think about the skills you’ve demonstrated through past projects, volunteer work, internships, and even hobbies. For more tips, read our guide to writing a resume with no experience.
To explore a range of in-demand transferable skills, try the University of California, Irvine Specialization for career success.
Keep learning. Earning a credential in your desired field can help convey your knowledge, skills, and abilities to potential employers. You can take advantage of several types of learning opportunities, such as one-on-one courses, boot camps or apprenticeships.
When looking for entry-level roles, we often recommend obtaining a professional certification. Designed by industry leaders such as Google, Microsoft and IBM, these programs cover the skills and tools needed for entry-level roles. Visit the Career Academy to explore opportunities in business, marketing, software engineering, IT and data analytics.
Industry-specific entry-level resources
As promised, here are guides detailing entry-level roles in a variety of industries and job types, each with tips for securing an entry-level role:
Let us know in the comments if there are other industries you’d like to explore. Otherwise, we’ll be back next week with career change tips. See you then!