How to Land a Job With No Experience

To get a job without experience, beef up your resume to include volunteer work or internships you have done. There are many skills that are transferable, and you may have learned some while volunteering. Emphasize your education and only pursue entry-level jobs.

If you don't have more than a few seconds, take a look at the below key points that'll give you an idea of what to expect from this article.

Key Takeaways

• Many jobs don't require prior experience, including flight attendant, postal clerk, delivery driver, bartender, and more.

• Entry-level positions often only require a high school diploma or GED and provide on-the-job training.

• Jobs without experience can pay well, with average salaries ranging from $29,000 to $72,000.

Jobs That Will ACTUALLY Hire You With No Experience

Finding a job without experience is difficult but doable.

You may have to beat the pavement and send out a lot of resumes. There are positions available that don’t require any experience. 

Some of the jobs might seem odd whereas other jobs aren’t. Let’s get started without wasting any more time.

1. Flight Attendant

Image source: nypost.com

If you want to travel and don't mind a lot of standing, a flight attendant job might be suitable for you.

You'll need a high school diploma or equivalent. Although most airlines like to see applicants with little customer service experience, a stint in fast food will do just fine.

You’ll need to go through six weeks of on-the-job training, and you'll have to take an FAA-mandated exam. Passing the exam is required to continue employment.

We mentioned standing on your feet for long periods, by you’ll also have to live with irregular hours.

An entry-level flight attendant can expect to earn, on average, $47,079 per year.

P.S. In case If you don’t have a job right now, you can make use of your emergency funds for a while.

2. Postal Clerk

Postal clerks are customer service workers in the post office. You'll need a high school diploma or GED to do this job. After onboarding, you will be required to pass a written exam. 

This is a federal position, so a drug test is required.

Most postal clerks assist customers by performing duties like:

• Selling stamps and envelopes
• Receiving mail
• Handling customer complaints

They work with mail carriers to ensure mail is delivered correctly.

The average postal service clerk earns $72,624 per year.

3. Delivery Driver

Image source: Indeed.com

A delivery driver transports items from one place to another. You could deliver food from a restaurant or grocery store. Flowers can also be delivered.

Most delivery jobs require a high school diploma or equivalent, although some companies will waive this requirement. You will also be expected to have a valid driver's license and pass a background check. The company usually gives you a few days of on-the-job training.

The average delivery driver in the U.S. earns $38,999 annually. Entry-level positions start at $33,148.

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4. Field Interviewer

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A field interviewer collects data through surveys and questionnaires. They work for several types of industries:

• Researchers
• Government agencies
• Corporate clients
• Statisticians

As a field interviewer, you distribute and collect surveys and may also interview sample populations. When you're not in the field, you handle various administrative and clerical duties.

Although it depends on the industry, you will at a minimum need a high school diploma or GED.

The average field interviewer salary is $34,621 per year.

5. Bartender

Image source: bartendercompany.com

Making and serving drinks to people has a relatively low barrier to entry. Bartending is a growing occupation.

You'll need a minimum of a high school diploma or GED. If you want to be ahead of the game, a bartender certificate may improve your prospects.

Some states mandate "responsible serving" courses. But other than that, you'll receive on-the-job training.

Bartenders earn a salary and tips.

The average bartender salary in the U.S. is $33,085 annually.

6. In-Home Caregiver

Image source: carelink.org

In-home caregivers help seniors and people with disabilities perform everyday tasks. With over 76 million baby boomers in their golden years, the demand for in-home caregivers is rising.

In-home caregivers’ duties include:

• Light meal preparation.
• Doing dishes and personal laundry
• Light housekeeping
• Shaving and grooming
• Keeping the client active and engaged
• Provide overnight care and supervision
• Transferring in and out of bed or chair
• Taking a bath or shower
• Using the toilet

Industry certifications for caregivers depend on the individual state. Most require passing a Department of Health and Human Services training program. Once you've received your certification, it's essential to retain it.

Besides this certification, all that is needed is a high school diploma or GED.

The average salary for an in-home caregiver is $46,742 annually.

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7. Flooring Installer

Image source: floorfactors.com

Flooring workers are a broad category. Installing flooring could involve carpet or tile and marble. Each is its own specialty. You only need a high school diploma or GED to get started.

But you will need some training. In some cases, there are paid apprenticeship programs to train you in tile and marble flooring installation. Entry-level flooring installers usually train under an experienced foreperson or crew chief.

A flooring installer's salary is impacted by:

• Education
• Location
• Experience

The average flooring installer earns $40,074 per year.

8. House Cleaner

Image source: scrubnbubbles.com

If you have a vacuum and some Windex, you might be well on your way to becoming a house cleaner. It’s another low barrier to entry.

No education or experience is required, and you can earn a nice salary.

The average house cleaner earns $31,478 annually.

9. Data Entry Operator

Data entry jobs allow you flexibility, so you can do them in your home. If you’re good at detail this may be the job for you.

General responsibilities include:

• Checking data for accuracy
• Inputting and maintaining a database
• Compiling and organizing data
• Transcribing documents

Entry-level jobs rarely require any degree. But if you have some education that would be a plus.

All you need to have is a decent internet connection and a web browser. That's it. Just make sure you are applying at the right website or else it'll be the first scam in your professional life.

The average data entry operator earns $33,131 per year.

10. Hazmat Removal Worker

The most common hazmat material to remove is asbestos and lead. But any environmental contaminant deemed hazardous counts.

Different types of hazmat removal require different levels of training. Most jobs only require a high school diploma or equivalent.

But others require pre-hire training. One of these is nuclear waste removal. But there are OSHA-mandated safety coursework for:

• Asbestos
• Lead
• Other contaminants

If you are transporting hazmat materials you'll need additional training. You'll also probably need a special state-issued and commercial driver's license (CDL).

A hazmat removal worker can expect to earn $40,822 annually.

This is a decent salary to get a good car for yourself.

11. Security Guard

Image source: firstsecurity.co.nz

You can do this job if you have a clean criminal record and are in good physical shape. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), this is a growing job category, with 40,000 positions expected to open up by 2030.

It requires a high school diploma or GED. But in some circumstances, this requirement could be waived. You will also have to pass a background check. Age 21 or older is also required.

If the security guard is in an armed position, you must have received training in firearm safety and liability and demonstrate proficiency in the type of firearm you'll be using.

On average an armed security guard in the U.S. earns $34,973 per year.

12. Commercial Truck Driver

Image source: calhoun.edu

There are two types of truck driving: long-haul and short-haul. Long-haul will keep you on the road for days or weeks at a time. Short-haul driving is mostly a day job.

Although a high school diploma or equivalent is required, you’ll have to have a commercial driver certificate for many jobs. This entails three to six months at a community college or truck school course.

All commercial drivers must have a CDL license. If you want to transport hazardous materials you’ll need additional state licenses.

A regional owner-operator truck driver can make $250,781 on average in the U.S. However a company truck driver for local jobs generally earns $58,078 annually. 

So, it really depends on what type of driving you wish to do as to what salary you earn.

In case you are interested in getting paid on a weekly basis I have shared some jobs that pay you every week.

13. Pest Control Technicians

A pest control technician does three tasks. 

This includes:

• Identifying pests
• Determining the best treatment
• Eliminating pests

A high school diploma or equivalent is required. You’ll also need to complete and pass exams to be certified and obtain licenses in pesticide applications.

There are four types of pest control applications. They include:

• Structural pest control applicator
• Non-commercial pest control
• Commercial pesticide applicator
• Private pesticide applicator

Education requirements vary by state and may include apprenticeship or on-the-job training. A 30-hour training course may also be required.

The average pest control technician salary in the U.S. is $45,534 per year.

14. Animal Caretaker

Image source: freerangestock.com

Also known as a service worker, an animal caretaker is responsible for the daily care of non-farm animals in various settings. 

Some of these settings could be:

• Shelters
• Zoos
• Kennels
• Pet shops
• Stables
• Aquariums
• Research labs

An animal caretaker should be able to stay calm in strenuous circumstances and be able to follow instructions.

You’ll need a high school diploma or GED. Depending on which setting you work in, you may need some basic biology courses or certifications. For the perfect job fit, you'll need to to physically active and fit.

The average non-farm animal caretaker earns $29,938 per year. But depending on your location can go as low as $19,000.

15. Retail Sales Associate

Image source: Indeed.com

A retail sales associate sells merchandise and helps customers. But beyond that, they have tasks that include:

• Making recommendations
• Operating cash registers
• Stocking shelves
• Preparing merchandise for display
• Resolving customer complaints and issues
• Mitigating theft

A retail sales associate position requires a high school diploma or GED. Most companies offer on-the-job training for new associates.

Most retail sales associates are part-time jobs and not full-time and they earn $15.20 per hour.

16. Customer Service Representative

Image source: forbes.com

A customer service representative (CSR), sometimes called a call center agent, is a liaison between customers and the company. The customer service rep performs several tasks. They include:

• Answering questions
• Answering concerns or complaints
• Provide information about products or services
• Take orders
• Process billing or payments
• Handle returns

You are only required to have a high school diploma or GED and you will receive on-the-job training.

Some CSR jobs can be performed from your home using a computer.

The median salary in the U.S. for a CSR is $37,780. Some can make as much as $47,010.

17. Restaurant Worker

Image source: eater.com

Restaurant workers could be waiting for staff busboys or cooks. There are numerous jobs in this industry and it grows every year.

You only need a high school diploma or GED, but many restaurants will waive this requirement. Completing the Food Safety Manager training course will give you an advantage in terms of wages. If you serve drinks, you may be required to complete the Responsible Serving course.

The higher the menu price, the more money you can earn. Wait staff earn a salary plus tips.

The average cook's salary is $33,150. While the median salary for a wait staff worker is $29,120.

18. Package Handler

Image source: smallbiztrends.com

A package handler or warehouse package handler performs several tasks. They include:

• Compiles
• Scans
• Seals
• Loads

This is all accomplished in the warehouse before the packages are delivered to the customer. This is a physical job, so you must be in good shape.

Education is unnecessary, and you could probably find a position without a high school diploma. But you must be able to read since you'll have to read mailing labels.

In the U.S. the average salary for a package handler is $37,274. But it can go as high as $50,500.

19. Laborer

Image source: forconstructionpros.com

A laborer does various tasks in different settings. These are a few examples:

• Warehouses
• Construction sites
• Factories

You’ll need stamina and ability to follow instructions. That’s because you’ll be performing strenuous tasks like:

• Handling and transporting materials
• Helping erect scaffolding and ladders
• Cleaning up worksites from machinery and debris

The median salary for a laborer is $30,080.

20. Oil and Gas Field Roustabout

An oil and gas field roustabout performs manual labor tasks around:

• Oil wells
• Pipelines
• Gas facilities

Roustabouts work in harsh conditions because they work outside in various weather. This contributes to the job's risky nature.

They perform physical labor on pipelines on and off the shore.

Prior experience is not necessary as you will receive on-the-job training. Many companies don’t require a high school diploma.

The average salary for a roustabout in the U.S. is $55,057.

21. Appointment Setter

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An appointment setter schedules meetings between potential clients and a company's sales team. They are often the first point of contact with a new client.

They are making cold calls. An appointment setter explains the company’s product or service and gauges the interest of the potential client. They then try to set an appointment for the salesperson.

Although there are no educational requirements, you will need to have exceptional people skills, a thick skin, and not be discouraged by rejection.

Appointment setter often makes incentives and commissions.

The median salary for an appointment setter is $31,866.

22. Administrative Assistant

An administrative assistant is a vital role in an organization. Some of their tasks include:

• Organizing
• Managing
• Keeping an office running
• Scheduling appointments
• File organizing
• Drafting correspondence or messages

You don’t need experience, but it helps if you have shadowed an administrative assistant or interned with a company. A temping agency is also a good way to find an opportunity for this position,

You’ll need a high school diploma or GED.

The average salary for an administrative assistant is $38,000 to $56,000.

23. Landscaper

A landscaper or grounds maintenance worker cares for commercial and residential grounds and yards. In the southern U.S., they are active all year long. But in the northern part, they are most active in the spring, summer, and fall seasons. Many do snow removal in the winter.

Entry-level positions don't require credentials, and very little training is needed. However, positions with more responsibility may require extensive botanical knowledge. This is particularly true when working with native landscapes.

Many landscapers go on to form their own businesses.

Landscapers earn, on average, $36,665, while a grounds maintenance worker may make up to $37,517 per year.

Frequently Asked Questions

There are many jobs that don’t require experience that are lucrative. With some, you must have some physical stamina. But overall, most jobs can be done at a desk. In case you have other questions, we have the answers to these most popular ones.

1. Do I need experience to get a job?

Many jobs are available to you even if you don’t have experience. For most, all you need is a high school diploma or GED. But there are some companies that waive this requirement.

2. How do you find a job when you don’t have experience?

Go on job boards and look for entry-level positions. Talk to former teachers, family and friends to see if they know of any opportunities. Volunteering with an organization could open the door for a job.

3. Should I take an entry-level job?

If you don’t have experience, you should apply for an entry-level job. Usually, a potential employer will have a training program that you can later put on your resume. Once you have worked in the entry-level job you should be eligible for promotions that could lead to your dream job.

Jobs With No Experience: Conclusion

You don’t have to have experience for every job. There are many positions available that will hire you. Although some jobs will require a certification or license, many offer on-the-job training.

Some jobs can be performed in your home, while others will need you to go into the office. There are also jobs that require you to be physically fit.

Regardless, you can go on job boards and look for entry-level positions.