How To Get A Job With No Experience: A Step-By-Step Guide

3D illustration of a gear and coins representing the concept of becoming a paid product tester

Breaking into the job market can seem overwhelming with high competition and a limited number of roles. This guide will help you in your job search with practical and actionable steps for entry-level positions, especially if you have no prior experience.

What employers look for in entry-level jobs

Hiring for senior positions and entry-level jobs is vastly different. Senior professionals need years of relevant experience, interpersonal skills, and outstanding references.

However, if you’re looking for your first job, the hiring manager will look at your potential, reliability, eagerness to learn, and ability to communicate effectively. Potential is a broad term, but it encompasses your unique characteristics, such as willingness to gain experience on the job, learn new skills, and be easy-going with coworkers.

Nevertheless, a study shows that over 51% of entry-level positions in the UK require prior working experience. Thus, every candidate must consider any prior volunteer work, part-time job, or even relevant coursework to include in their applications.

According to labor statistics, the top traits employers seek in entry-level hires include:

Problem-solving skills
Ability to work in a team
Strong work ethic
Written and verbal communication skills
Initiative

How to find the right entry-level positions with no experience

If you want to know how to get a job fast with no experience and make money, you should focus on finding entry-level positions where employers are ready to train you. Here’s how to recognize such job postings.

1. Know the industries hiring entry-level candidates

Particular industries are actively hiring entry-level candidates. They can set you up with a future career path or more senior positions. Such industries are:

Customer service
Retail
Hospitality
Administrative roles
Data entry

Usually, there is high turnover in these industries as positions require minimal technical skills, soft skills, and often no college degree. Alternatively, you can monetize your specific skills and freelance. For example, if you’re good at languages, become a writer or editor and utilize personal connections to land your first job.

2. Check special entry-level job boards

Using a job platform can be a convenient and time-saving way to get a new job. Hiring managers are regularly posting job openings and reviewing applications, so tailor your cover letter to fit the job description. Some popular job boards include:

Notably, use filters to set the experience level, industry, and location. Carefully check if the position requires prior experience, even if it’s listed as entry level. Many employers seek top candidates for entry-level positions, so tailor your resume for particular jobs.

3. Attend job fairs and networking events

Local and online job fairs and networking events will introduce you to various potential employers seeking entry-level candidates or even high school students. First impressions matter, so dress neatly, fix your hair, bring a copy of your resume and cover letter, and introduce yourself with confidence.

4. Leverage your personal network

Your future employer can be a neighbor, a teacher, a friend, or a family member – use your personal network to get your first job. Ask around if anyone’s looking for extra help or if they can recommend you for a job offer.

Remain polite – mention you’re looking for a job, what skill set you bring, and your gratitude for putting in a good word.

Tailor your resume and cover letter to the job description

Even if you don’t have formal job experience, you can include school projects, side hustles, hobbies, or volunteering.

Write with confidence. Show that even if you haven’t been paid for it, you have relevant skills to get job opportunities.

Use these tips:

Use a clean, modern template (avoid Word’s default)
Add a professional summary (1–2 sentences)
Focus on transferable skills
Use action verbs: managed, organized, created, led, improved
Keep it under one page

Here are some examples on how to phrase educational achievements and extracurricular activities as valuable experience:

Example for an education section

High School Graduate | Los Angeles, California

Graduated 2024 — GPA: 3.8

Led a 5-person team for a science fair project
Managed logistics for student council events
Edited school newspaper articles

Example for projects or volunteering

Social Media Volunteer and Marketing Assistant | Local Animal Shelter

Created weekly Instagram content (+300 followers in 2 months)
Answered DM inquiries and organized 2 fundraising campaigns

Tips to impress in your first job interview

Interviews can be nerve-wracking, so you must prepare in advance. If possible, practice with a friend to get real-life experience.

Here is an interview checklist:

Research the company and the new position
Practice basic questions such as:
- “Tell me about yourself”
- “What are your strengths and weaknesses?”
- “Why do you want this job?”
Have a go-to story that shows problem-solving or teamwork
Smile, make eye contact, show enthusiasm, and sit up straight
Dress neatly and take care of your appearance
At the end of your interview, ask thoughtful questions like:
- “What does a typical day look like?”
- “What are the day-to-day responsibilities of this role?”
- “What’s your favorite part of working here?”

These tips will help you to make a good impression and possibly land your next job. However, don’t get discouraged if your interview doesn’t go well. Practice and apply to other jobs.

Tips for getting a remote job with no experience

If you’re looking for how to get a remote job with no experience, it might be different than applying for in-office positions as you’ll need different skills.

Steps to get a remote job:

Filter job postings by location – it must be fully remote and require no experience
Tailor your resume to include essential skills for remote positions – include time management, independence when working, and clear communication
Have a good internet connection and a clutter-free background when interviewing
If you get a job, take remote onboarding seriously and make checklists of your tasks to keep track

You can find remote entry-level jobs on these platforms:

Check filters for “no experience”, “entry-level” roles, or keywords like “remote jobs for teens”. Alternatively, you can become a freelancer and do graphic design, writing, or editing via freelancing platforms like Upwork.

No experience? No problem

JumpTask is a beginner-friendly platform where you can earn from surveys app tests and more.

Develop skills in your free time

You can improve your job prospects by gaining more skills via short online courses. Use your time by taking courses to build skills that you’ll need to land your dream job. It can be anything – time management, Excel knowledge, graphic design, financial audit, or preparation for formal education.

Here’s how:

Take short online courses and use specialized platforms like Coursera or YouTube
Do daily typing tests to improve speed if you want to pursue a career in coding or writing
Volunteer or help friends with side projects
Learn basic Excel, Canva, or customer service skills

Alternatively, you can research platforms that let you gain new skills or even earn additional income while you’re job hunting. Use platforms like Jumptask to perform micro jobs such as:

Paid surveys
Social media tasks
Writing
Testing apps

Such micro tasks can be a part of your resume or portfolio to showcase real-life examples of your working experience. Remember – every activity you do matters, so put it on your resume.

How to stay motivated during your job search

Many entry-level candidates have to deal with rejection – the competition is high and the roles are limited, so don’t get discouraged. It’s not a reflection of your worth, so it’s crucial to keep going.

Stay positive during your job hunt:

Set small daily goals (e.g., “Apply to 3 jobs today”)
Track your progress (spreadsheet or notebook)
Celebrate the small wins, like getting a call from a hiring manager
Practice self-care and keep track of your routine: walk, meditate, eat well
Talk to friends or online communities for support
Remember: Every “no” brings you closer to a “yes”

Also, don’t let social media morph your expectations. There’s an influx of posts about how bad the job market is. However, the statistics show an increasing number of people entering the job market. Always fact-check any information you find online.

Key takeaways

You don’t need experience to get hired – just proof you’re reliable, teachable, and enthusiastic.
Focus on industries and job boards that welcome beginners and entry-level candidates.
Craft a resume that highlights your strengths and transferable skills. Also, tailor your resume to each job you’re applying for.
Prepare thoroughly for interviews and practice your pitch.
Use platforms like JumpTask to develop real skills while earning money.
Keep going. The right role is out there – you just have to keep showing up.

FAQs

It depends on your existing skills. Retail, food service, customer support, delivery gigs, and freelance writing often hire beginners without formal backgrounds, and you can learn valuable skills on the job.

Use your personal connections – ask neighbors, family members, or your peers for job or volunteer opportunities. Also, check nearby stores that might be hiring, and use youth-friendly platforms like JumpTask to do quick gigs and gain experience.

It varies based on your effort and industry. For example, getting into a Fortune 500 company can take several years. Startups or local companies hire faster and with daily applications, most people find entry-level work within 1 to 2 months.

You should aim for 3–5 quality applications per day. Focus on tailoring each one to specific positions instead of mass applying. You’ll have a greater chance of getting your first interview by showing you understand the company and what they’re looking for.

Monika Ivanauskaite

Content Manager

Meet Monika, your go-to person for turning side-hustle ambitions into real income. As a content manager at JumpTask, she makes digital earning opportunities easy to understand and follow. With a Communication degree from Vilnius Tech and studies in International Communication at Hanze, Monika knows how to turn tricky money earning topics into practical tips. She’s been where you are and knows how hard it can be to start. That’s why her advice is always honest and clear. No empty promises, just real ways to make money online.