Eight Jobs that Require No Experience
Entry-Level Positions that Can Jump Start a Career
Dec 12, 2008
No doubt there are lots of jobs in this country that don’t require any prior work experience. Walk into most fast-food outlets or pick up a filing job through a temporary service and it might require nothing more than a high school diploma. However, what if a job seeker is looking for something that offers a bit more of a future; a job that could possibly lead to a career?
For anyone who is a recent high school, or even better, a college graduate with little or no experience, here are eight jobs that might be right. Yes, it may mean eventually returning to college or enrolling in a certificate program; however, these jobs can get someone started in the right career direction.
Bar Steward
Want to take a cruise? That’s where there are bar stewards. These are the people who serve drinks to passengers in lounges and on the decks. They are also required to clean the bar and lounge area, but generally these duties are shared with others. While most of their income comes from tips, the benefit of this career is that they not only have the opportunity to enjoy other areas of the world, they might get the chance to learn the bartending trade; and that’s where the real income can be earned.
Game Tester
Game developers all over the country need people who are willing to play video games all day long to make sure they work properly. Not for those seeking praise and glory, a typical day will involve playing partially-working versions of unreleased games comprised of unrefined graphics and filled with glitches. Generally, game testers play one level over and over and over, so it requires patience and a love of the world of gaming. But it can be a great way to get a foot in the door of the game world.
Police Officer
While every law enforcement agency in the U.S. has its own specific requirements, many do not require any prior work experience; however, it’s better to have a four-year college degree, preferably in criminal justice. In addition, candidates must be U.S. citizens, over the age of 21 with a valid driver’s license and no felony convictions. Interested candidates will also need to pass a bunch of tests: written entrance exam, oral interview, background investigation, polygraph, pshychological evaluation, medical examination, physical fitness test and have 20/20 vision (corrected). It’s a lot of hard work, however, a career as a police officer is rewarding.
Publicity Assistant
For recent college graduates – preferably with a degree in journalism or communication – who would like the opportunity to get into the world of publishing, being a publicity assistant might be the right move. Publicity assistants typically write press releases, prepare press kits and mailings, coordinate author tours and books signings and handle traditional administrative tasks. Some publishing houses like Random House offer entry-level opportunities.
Receptionist
Here’s why being a receptionist is such a great job: it requires little experience and candidates get to be in the middle of what’s happening. Receptionists are the first person that guests meet, the first person that employees see at the beginning of their day, and the first person that callers speak to. How they do their job and represent the company says a lot about the firm. Being a receptionist is also a great way to gain experience by taking on projects and other duties that can eventually lead to other positions within the company.
Retail Sales Associate
This might not be everyone’s idea of a great career; however, working as a retail sales associate is a great way to enter the field of retail, which could ultimately lead to careers in management, buying, or any number of other areas. The hours offer flexibility, especially great if someone wants to work part-time while they pursue their college education. Interested job seekers will need great interpersonal skills, not to mention lots of patience for dealing with the public.
Roustabout
Yes, it is an Elvis Presley movie, but it’s also a job. A roustabout is a general laborer in the oil fields. Job seekers who are willing to work offshore and do what ordinary people will not only need a high school diploma and the right attitude to start a career working on an oil rig. The work is hard, but for someone in good physical shape, who doesn’t mind long hours and being away from home for long periods of time, it should be fine. Those who have done it say it is rewarding and exciting and they have made good money: as much as $1000/week.
Zookeeper
Okay, high school alone won’t land a job as a zookeeper; however, for someone whose passion is working with animals, check out what the local zoo may offer. The San Diego Zoo, for instance, has positions such as ticket sellers and park aides that require limited or no experience because the zoo does its own in-house training. The great thing about these positions is that they can provide candidates an opportunity to earn money while going to college, or provide a secondary job or part-time work. Plus it gives job seekers a chance to explore the field of animal husbandry if that is where their passion lies.
So there they are, eight jobs that don’t necessarily require experience, but can give interested job seekers a start in their career. It’s just a matter of choosing the right entry-level job.
 |
