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Give your career a kickstart with these entry-level jobs that look good on a resume

25 Best entry-level jobs: Find the right career to kickstart your future

Plan your career path

Everyone has to start their career somewhere, so why not start yours off on the right foot? We’ve got the lowdown on 25 of the best entry-level jobs and their necessary skills to kick your career into high gear from day one!

When you’re just starting out in your career, it can be tough to find that first job. If you’re still looking for that perfect fit, which entry-level position you choose can have a profound effect on your career’s future. Finding the right “starter role” can provide you with the valuable experience and skill set you need to move forward. 

So how do you choose? While everyone has different goals and priorities, we’ve gathered 25 of the best entry-level jobs to help you find one that’s right for you, so that you can start your career on the right foot and set yourself up for success.

How to find and land an entry-level job

Before you can find the best entry-level job for you, take some time to identify your goals (and write them down!). Do some research on fields that interest you, and see if you currently have any of the skills or experience needed for entry-level positions in those. 

If you’re updating your resume, incorporate those relevant skills and experiences into your resume to demonstrate that you’d be a good fit for the role—and pass an applicant tracking system (ATS)!

Here are a few more tips for finding an entry-level job:

  • Network! Learn more about your desired roles by attending industry events and joining professional organizations, which will help you build personal connections with those already working in the field.

  • Create a LinkedIn profile. Optimize your profile with specific keywords that are relevant to the roles you want. Participate in discussions related to industry trends to raise your visibility among those who can potentially hire you.

  • Prepare for interviews. Practice common interview questions and craft compelling responses that highlight your skills and experiences. Research the company and have thoughtful questions ready to ask the interviewer. Demonstrate your eagerness to learn, grow, and contribute to the organization with a positive, can-do attitude.

What should be included in an entry-level resume?

It’s okay to be new to the working world. After all, even the most successful people in every field had to start somewhere. That doesn’t mean you’re not qualified. The trick is to emphasize your transferable skills and experience. 

When crafting your first resume, include experience and skills gained from internships, part-time jobs, or academic projects. This includes any extracurricular activities, clubs, organizations, or societies related to your desired field—it all counts.

Make sure to highlight your education, specialized certifications, or training you completed, and list relevant coursework, internships, or volunteer experience. Focus on notable achievements, with quantified results whenever possible, to convey your measurable impact. 

Here’s an important trick: customize your resume for each job you apply for, emphasizing the skills and experiences most relevant to the specific position. Don’t skip this step—tailoring your resume not only aligns your background with the role, but also demonstrates your genuine interest in the position.

What to look for in an entry-level job

Don’t just take the first job that comes along, tempting though it might be. There are actually various key components you should look for in an entry-level job to determine if it’s right for you. 

These will help you make informed decisions when selecting an entry-level job that provides immediate opportunities and sets the stage for a successful and fulfilling career:

  • Particular alignment. Examine the specific responsibilities of the role to ensure that they align with your interests and skills. If the role isn’t the right fit, you’ll be unhappy and right back at square one.

  • Long-term growth potential. Make sure that the job you choose will support your career goals and allow you to learn and grow.

  • Career development. Look for roles that offer opportunities for professional development. Entry-level positions should provide training and exposure to various aspects of the industry, helping you build a strong foundation.

25 Best entry-level jobs to kickstart your career

No matter what field you’re interested in (or even if you aren’t sure yet), you’re bound to find some great options in our list of the best entry-level jobs to consider.

1. Internships or apprenticeships

Internships provide hands-on experience with a focus on honing the core skills needed to be successful in that industry. Think of an internship or apprenticeship as a form of on-the-job training. 

While they’re often not paid positions, they’re still valuable because you can gain exposure to industry practices, network with professionals in your target field, and assess the role to decide if this is the right career path for you.

2. Customer service representative

While it may not be the easiest gig, working in customer service can provide a strong foundation for any future career. 

It not only sharpens your communication and problem-solving skills, but it also demonstrates your ability to handle challenging situations, remain calm under pressure, and prioritize customer satisfaction—a valuable asset for multiple career paths.

3. Administrative assistant

Administrative roles typically supporting executives or decision makers with a high level of influence. This position can teach you how to organize information, pay attention to details, and optimize the daily functions of a department. 

As an added bonus, these organizational skills are highly transferable to many other roles and careers, making this a great choice for a first job.

4. Sales associate

Are you a “people person?” Starting with a sales job can equip you with some valuable skills such as interpersonal intelligence, resilience, and the ability to influence others’ decisions. 

Whether in retail or business-to-business sales, a track record of driving revenue is valuable to any business looking to enhance its bottom line.

5. Content creator or social media coordinator

Love it or hate it—social media is here to stay. And in today’s digital age, companies value individuals who understand online platforms and their best practices. 

These roles not only hone your creativity, but also showcase your ability to navigate and leverage digital tools for business growth, which is a crucial skill in today's job market.

6. Web developer

Are you interested in tech? Companies in all fields are looking for people to design, build, and maintain websites and apps. As a software developer, you can focus on front-end or back-end development, or both, making sure that an app or website looks good, functions smoothly, and is easy to navigate. 

You also don’t necessarily need to have a degree in computer science to get started. You can learn the basics from online courses, bootcamps, or certification programs.

7. Flight attendant

Love to travel? Being a flight attendant can be a great way to see the world, meet people, and gain valuable skills. As a customer service-heavy position, flight attendants keep passengers safe, enforce security regulations, and secure the flight deck, ensuring that flights are comfortable and safe for all passengers. 

Once again, you don’t always need previous experience to apply. Flight attendants receive on-the-job training and certification via the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

8. Medical records specialist

If you’ve got strong organizational skills, you might excel as a medical records specialist. This position is responsible for compiling, processing, and maintaining patient files. They may also classify and enter patients’ medical information into the healthcare industry's numerical coding system, and can work in a hospital, physician’s office, or scientific services. 

While some of these medical records positions might require certifications such as Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT), some require no previous experience.

9. Photographer

If you’ve got some artistic flair and can use a digital camera, consider becoming a photographer. While most photographers are self-employed, some work for photographic services, retail companies, or production companies in the entertainment industry. 

While you don’t need a degree, many photographers take classes to improve their craft or learn more about a particular field to specialize in, such as journalism. If you’re new to photography, but have a genuine interest, look into photographer assistant positions where you can learn on the job.

10. Receptionist

If you like the idea of being the “face” of a company or organization, a receptionist position might be a good way to get your foot in the door of an industry you’re interested in. 

While specific duties will vary by field, receptionists are generally responsible for answering phones, greeting clients, scheduling and maintaining calendars, filing, and directing correspondence. Basic computer knowledge (such as word processing) and good communication skills are usually a requirement.

11. Veterinary assistant

Love animals? Veterinary assistants support veterinarians by providing routine animal care, cleaning kennels, caring for animals after surgery, administering prescribed medication, and more. 

If you’re interested in the field of animal care, being a veterinary assistant might provide the needed skills and experience to become a veterinarian or other, more senior position in the field.

12. Food server

If you’re interested in the restaurant or hospitality industry, being a food server or bartender may be a great place to start your career. 

Food servers greet customers, take their orders, provide information about the cuisine, handle money, and maintain service station stock. They must have great interpersonal and communication skills, and be able to memorize menus and specials.

13. Bank teller

Bank work requires a comprehensive knowledge of banking practices and regulations, so becoming a bank teller can be an invaluable experience to learn the business from the ground up. Training is all on-the-job, and there are myriad advancement opportunities. 

Tellers process transactions, balance cash drawers, prepare specialized funds (such as traveler’s checks), exchange dollars for foreign currency, and more. If you’re looking to move up, there are opportunities to eventually become a head teller, branch manager, loan officer, or salesperson.

14. Data scientist

If you have a degree in computer science, a great entree into the field is becoming a data scientist, who uses algorithms and machine learning to extrapolate meaning and insights from data. Data scientists are needed in all fields, from healthcare to insurance to research. 

True, many data scientist positions require experience or advanced degrees, but it is possible—and very likely—that you can find a great-paying entry-level position with the right certifications, strong portfolio, and a willingness to network.

15. Management consultant

Can you get a management consulting job right out of college? Yes! Many businesses recruit new graduates with a degree in business or economics (and a top GPA) to help companies improve their business processes and operations. 

Since most consultants work for consulting firms—not the companies themselves—you’d have the opportunity to work on a variety of projects across different fields, so it’s never boring.

16. Lab technician

While laboratory technicians don’t design the experiments, they do ensure that they are conducted according to plan without errors. Lab techs assist in maintaining equipment, recording data, reporting issues, and possibly even performing more routine tests. 

You won’t have to stay a technician forever either. With the right training and certifications, you could move up to a laboratory technologist, scientist, or specialist.

17. Human resources assistant

If you’re interested in HR, becoming a human resources assistant is a great place to start. You’ll provide support to the HR team, including compiling and maintaining personnel records, assisting with employee onboarding, scheduling interviews, and so on. 

While most positions require at least a two-year degree, relevant experience in administrative assistance, customer service, or even positions that require organization, and communication, and time management skills can be helpful.

18. Marketing associate

Go-getters interested in a career in marketing might consider starting with a marketing coordinator or associate position. In this role, you’ll help plan and execute marketing campaigns, including analyzing market research, creating reports, assisting with events, and tracking performance. 

If you’ve got solid computer skills, knowledge of digital marketing tools, and great organizational abilities, this entry-level job might be a good match for you.

19. Paralegal

If you’re interested in a law career, but aren’t quite ready to leap into law school, a paralegal position is a great place to start. You’ll assist lawyers by conducting legal research, preparing documents, interviewing clients, managing case files, and helping prepare for trials. 

While a degree in paralegal studies is not always required, most employers prefer paralegal applicants to have at least a two-year degree and a paralegal certification, such as the Certified Paralegal (CP).

20. Medical assistant

The medical industry requires a whole host of different roles beyond doctors and nurses. Medical assistants keep doctors’ offices and medical facilities running smoothly by maintaining the office, scheduling appointments, reviewing instructions with patients, cleaning rooms, and more. 

The job outlook for this position is also very promising, with a projected 15% growth over the next 10 years!

21. Business analyst

If you have a background or degree in business, IT, or computer science, you could be hired as a business analyst to take a close look at the company’s finances, operations, and/or IT systems and recommend improvements for better efficiency, cost savings, and/or technology solutions. 

Relevant experience and skills for these positions can be gained through online courses, projects, or internships.

22. Investment associate

Are you fascinated with financial planning and strategy? Investment associates help portfolio managers and financial advisors research and create investment strategies for their clients to maximize income potential. 

Their duties include analyzing financial data, conducting research, overseeing transactions, and performing various administrative functions. This role generally requires a degree in finance, business, or economics.

23. Research assistant

A research assistant helps the lead researcher (or team) to conduct projects in their given field—such as engineering, economics, education, or medicine—and may work for universities, private organizations, or consulting firms. 

While this position is often a stepping-stone for graduate or doctoral students, others may choose to build a career as a research assistant. However, at least a bachelor’s degree in that field is still generally required.

24. Public relations assistant

Becoming a public relations assistant is a great way to get started in a career in PR and communications. As an assistant, you’ll support PR initiatives by handling administrative tasks, creating materials such as press releases and social media content, and coordinating events. 

Many companies require an undergraduate degree in public relations or communications, but if you’ve got transferable skills, you could still be considered. This position is a great PR entry point as many assistants are promoted into PR specialist, manager, or account executive roles.

25. Real estate agent

Yes, you can become a real estate agent as an entry-level position! In this role, you’ll guide clients through buying, selling, and renting commercial or residential properties. While it’s possible to work for yourself right off the bat, most entry-level agents start at a firm where they are supervised by more seasoned real estate agents until they learn the ropes. 

No specific degree is required for this position, but you will need to meet the licensing requirements of your state, and have excellent communication, organization, sales, and customer service skills.

If you’re looking for a place to start hunting for entry-level jobs, check out career.io’s Job Search tool. It's easy to use and will help you target jobs that match your skills and experience in one convenient platform.

Key takeaways

Choosing the best entry-level job for you is an investment in your future, enabling you to develop your skills, make professional connections, and lay the groundwork for career advancement

Take the time to find one that aligns with your long-term goals, so that even if you decide to change fields, you’ll have gained a wealth of experience that makes you a valuable asset to any employer.

  1. Finding the right “starter role” can provide you with the valuable experience and skill set you need to move forward in your desired career.

  2. Before starting your job search, take some time to identify your goals, research the fields that you find interesting, and see if you currently have any of the skills and experience needed for those entry-level positions.

  3. On your entry-level resume, include experience and skills gained from internships, part-time jobs, or academic projects.  Make sure to highlight your education, specialized certifications, or training you completed, including relevant coursework, internships, and volunteer experience.

  4. Some of the best entry-level jobs are in customer service, administrative, retail and sales, marketing, photography, tech, hospitality, finance, human resources, legal, medicine, and real estate.