8 Jobs You Can Get Without Work Experience

by | Dec 30, 2021

Entering or returning to the job force can be terrifying and frustrating. Most jobs require previous work experience. But you can’t get experience until you find a company to hire you.

 

New job seekers typically start in entry-level positions when beginning their careers. These positions can help fill your resume with work experience that can help you land better-paying, fulfilling jobs in the future. 

 

Whether you are just entering the workforce or transitioning careers, discover eight great jobs you can get without relevant work experience. 

 

 

 

1. Sales Representative

 

If you enjoy interacting with others and have lots of self-confidence and excellent people skills, getting a job as a sales representative is a great option.  

 

Most sales reps jobs do not require previous sales experience or college education. And there are often plenty of job opportunities in every industry, from cosmetics to car dealerships making it a popular good-paying entry-level job. 

 

When considering a job as a sales representative, review your contract carefully because commission-based sales jobs depend on your job performance. Sales representatives can earn six figures a year, starting at $30,000 and ranging to over $150,000.

 

 

 

2. Bartender

 

Working as a bartender rarely requires previous work experience or a college degree. But you do have to get a state-mandated certificate to serve alcohol. Onsite training is provided for additional information, like making specialized drinks, OSHA-regulated cleaning procedures, operating cash registers, POS machines, and hospitality software programs.

 

Bartenders make most of their paycheck in tips, often between $8 to $23 an hour. 

 

3. Restaurant Worker

 

If the pandemic taught us anything, it’s that restaurants are essential businesses. There are always jobs available in this field, ranging in salary from $8 to $20 an hour. 

 

Servers handle working with the public while cooks prepare the food. Servers learn their skills on the job, such as carrying multiple plates, balancing drink trays, and memorizing orders. However, the most valuable asset a server should possess is interpersonal skills. Soft skills like effective communication, active listening, and conflict resolution are crucial in the service industry. 

 

If you prefer to work in the back-of-house, try applying for a job as a line cook or dishwasher. A line cook is responsible for most of the food preparation before the kitchen opens. They also work under the sous or head chef to prepare basic dish elements. 

 

The dishwasher ensures that the kitchen is sanitary. They clean pots and pans for the chefs and ensure there are enough plates, silverware, and glassware for the customers. These positions allow you to get a foot in the door, gain valuable practical experience in the kitchen, and offer potential opportunities for advancement. 

 

 

 

4. Administrative Assistant 

 

Working as an administrative assistant is an entry-level white-collar position that evolves as technology changes. An administrative assistant position is an excellent stepping stone toward a lucrative career in project management.

 

Most positions do not require formal education. But some roles may need more official or informal, on-the-job training. You’ll need to be highly organized, have excellent attention to detail, and be an expert multitasker. 

 

Consider obtaining basic training in speed-typing, so you can quickly respond to email, draft and edit documents and correspondence, and take notes. A bookkeeping course is another excellent qualification that can make your resume more appealing to potential employers.

 

The annual income for an office or administrative assistant can range from $25,000 up to $70,000, with a median salary of $41,000.

 

 

 

5. Social Media Manager

 

If you understand about living life in front of the screen and social media, you may have the skills it takes to make a career out of being a social media assistant or manager

 

This entry-level position rarely requires formal education, other than a GED or diploma. And while you may not need previous work experience, you will have to demonstrate your skills across multiple social media platforms. 

 

You’ll need to know how to stay up-to-date with trends and current events and influence an audience. If you have an existing large social media following, most employers will use this in place of previous work experience. 

 

This position pays between $27,000 and $47,000, with a median average of $35,000. In addition, many SMAs (and SMMs) juggle multiple clients, potentially increasing your annual income. 

 

 

 

 

6. Virtual Assistant

 

VAs mostly work from home and handle an extensive range of administrative functions. For example, they may assign tasks to other workers, perform basic data entry, schedule business trips or meetings, and manage email accounts and executive calendars.  

 

In some cases, one VA may have multiple clients around the globe. Skills you’ll need are organization, multitasking, and self-motivation. You also need access to a reliable computer and high-speed internet. 

 

VAs earn an annual income from $25,000 to $54,000.

 

 

 

7. Graphic Designer

 

As more of the world becomes digital, there is a greater need for people to create graphics for public engagement. If you’ve spent a lot of time experimenting with software programs to design memes, videos, websites, or other graphics, you may thrive in this position. 

 

Over 20% of graphic designers do not have a college degree. But there are plenty of resources online to help educate you on skills you’ll need in this role. Remote graphic designers make an annual salary of $35,000 to $72,000. 

 

 

 

 

8. Share Ride Driver

 

If you have a vehicle, a cell phone, a valid driver’s license, and a clean driving record, you can make a decent paycheck as a driver. From delivering pizzas to shopping for and delivering groceries to using your vehicle as a private cab, there are many ways to make an income with your vehicle.

 

Mobile apps like Lyft rideshare and Uber Technologies (and as a spinoff UberEats – food delivery) offer a safe and easy way to rent out your vehicle and earn an income. Your location and the amount of business in your area can affect how much you make as a driver. On average, a rideshare driver can make $20,000 or more yearly.

 

 

 

Land a Job to Start Your Career With Help from JobsFuel

 

A lack of industry experience doesn’t mean that you can’t find work in an entry-level position. From customer service and hospitality work to sales, numerous positions are available for people new to the workforce. 

 

To find entry-level jobs near you, check out the JobFuels job board. And explore our blog to discover how to craft cover letters to match job descriptions and tailor your resume to maximize your chances of landing the ideal job for you.