How to Find Entry Level Jobs
According to a recent study by Statista, in February 2023, there were more than 1.29 million unemployed people in the UK.
Several factors caused the increase in the unemployment rate, one of them being a fall in real GDP. Real GDP measures a country's economic output based on the value of goods and services produced over a given period.
Though the unemployment rate in the UK is high, job seekers without experience should find entry-level jobs to get employed. This guide will discuss all you need to know about entry-level jobs and how to find one.
What is An Entry-Level Job?
An entry-level job is a job that requires minimum experience and education to qualify. An entry-level position can sometimes mean the lowest-ranked managerial role available.
The main advantage of an entry-level job is that it is much easier to get compared to high-level managerial roles. It is important to note that most entry-level positions do not require education or experience, but this does not apply to all sectors.
For example, entry-level jobs in the corporate world, such as UX Design, Web development, and social media marketing, will require some experience.
Are There High-Paying Entry-Level Jobs?
There are several high-paying entry-level jobs that job seekers can apply. Some of these high-paying entry-level jobs are:
- Graphic Designers - Estimated yearly income is £42,058
- Paralegal - Estimated yearly income is £32,183
- Event Planners - Estimated yearly income is £29,890
- Health specialist - Estimated yearly income is £56,300
- Computer Programmer - Estimated yearly income is £45,899
Why Go for Entry-Level Jobs?
One of the main advantages of entry-level jobs is that employees learn on the job. This is a great way to earn valuable experience that will help you get a better-paying position later on in the future.
An example is when an entry-level accountant job shadows an upper-level accountant. Observing the upper-level accountant gives you first-hand experience working in a fast-paced environment. Other advantages of applying for entry-level positions are:
Networking
Entry-level jobs create perfect opportunities for employees to build relationships with industry professionals and colleagues. These connections are valuable because they can help entry-level employees grow and find better industry opportunities.
Learning Opportunity
Sometimes, it is good for job seekers to enroll for entry-level jobs as this creates a perfect opportunity for them to learn. As an entry-level employee, you can learn new skills and develop existing ones. This will come in handy when looking for higher-paying jobs in the future.
It is important to note that entry-level jobs are more flexible than senior managerial roles. This is an excellent opportunity for job seekers looking for flexible schedules that allow them to balance work with other commitments.
How to Find Entry-Level Jobs
There are certain factors that every job seeker needs to consider when applying for an entry-level job. One of them is location.
When applying for an entry-level job, examine how the location will impact your community and work-life balance. Will the new job require you to move to a new city? And if yes, how will this affect your income? Some cities are more expensive to live in than other cities.
Another factor to consider is career development opportunities. Jobseekers must determine whether the entry-level job offers more than just a salary. Consider mentorship opportunities, training programs, and transition to permanent senior-level roles. So how can a job seeker find an entry-level job?
1. Assess Your Skills
Assessing your skills to know your strengths and weaknesses is a good way to know which entry-level job to apply for. This can be done using a SWOT analysis. A SWOT analysis looks at four main areas, which are:
- Strengths
- Weaknesses
- Opportunities
- Threats
The main benefit of doing a SWOT analysis is that the job seeker understands the roles they are suitable for working in. For example, if the job seeker discovers they are good with graphics and art, an excellent entry-level position would be in graphic design and architecture.
2. Create a Resume
The second step of identifying an excellent entry-level job is creating a resume based on the SWOT analysis. A good resume should have clear and concise data about your experience, skills, and qualifications. It should also have a professional summary and objective statement that includes career goals, education level, skills, and achievements.
It is also important to include details of any professional membership or associations where you are a member. Lastly, have a list of references, and ensure the resume is well-formatted, error-free, and with a professional font.
3. Job Shadow Before Applying
Job shadowing is observing and learning about a particular profession before working in the trade. As a job shadower, your primary role will be watching and interacting with professionals in a specific field.
The best way to gain meaningful insight is to ask as many questions as possible and observe how a specific task is done. Job shadowing is a good way for people without experience to know if a particular career path is good for them.
4. Perform a Search
After creating a resume, the next thing is to start looking for entry-level jobs. One way you look for entry-level jobs is to Google on platforms such as Indeed and Linkedin. When looking for an entry-level position, ensure it matches your skill set and interest.
This is because you want to avoid finding yourself in a position where you are working in an entry-level job with no career growth opportunities.
5. Apply
Lastly, apply for the job. You might require to fill in several applications before getting your first interview. Always ensure that the applied job matches your skill set to increase your chances of being called for an interview.
Be honest when filling out the application, and portray confidence and charisma when invited for an interview.
In conclusion, finding an entry-level job is easy; all that is needed is knowing your skills and passions. After that, use online platforms such as LinkedIn and Indeed to get an entry-level job offering growth and learning opportunities.