What is an entry-level job?
Entry-level roles are for those with little to no formal work experience and are usually aimed at those just starting out in their chosen career, school-leavers, or university graduates.
These roles also provide an opportunity for employers to mould the individual into the professional their company needs.
Employers hiring for an entry-level job will not usually require any experience but would likely expect at least five GCSEs (A*-C or 9-4 or equivalent), including English and maths. This presents more opportunities for those seeking entry-level jobs without a degree or specialist qualification, and that all-important first step on the ladder.
Depending on the role, the skills in highest demand differ. However, there are some transferable and soft skills (i.e., innate skills and traits) that are universally required. For example, communication, time management, organisational skills, numerical and language skills, and basic IT skills.
Entry-level roles to suit personality type
Not everyone will have good interpersonal skills. Introverted students, for example, may be very intimidated by the prospect of starting their careers, having never worked in a professional environment. It can be difficult to navigate both the demands of the role itself and the social situations that can come with working life.
Therefore, many school-leavers and graduates are choosing to start their careers remotely or find work that requires minimal social interaction.
There are plenty of entry-level jobs for introverts, including:
Data entry
Transcription and bookkeeping
Animal training
Delivery driving
Freelance writing
Graphic design
Others love working with people and might look at entry-level jobs that make a difference to the welfare of others. This might be working within the NHS, or in education, social care, public sector positions, third sector roles, or other caring jobs.
Entry-level salaries and benefits
The average salary for entry-level jobs will usually depend on the sector, or where the company is based in the UK. Locations such as London could see their starting salaries average £32,000, whereas everywhere else in the country, the salary average might be closer to £25,000.
While individuals in entry-level jobs will often be paid less than those in more senior positions, they will typically be given the most support and training, and just as much opportunity to progress as anyone else.
In addition, company benefits are generally standardised and equal to everyone throughout the business, whether the employee is just starting out or a senior-level executive. Most employers will offer retail and hospitality discounts, healthcare options, a company mobile phone, cycle-to-work schemes and more, but it varies by company.
How students can find entry-level jobs
Jobseekers can search roles on Reed.com or Reed.co.uk by their location or by job title. They can choose a sector and upload their CV to our sites or speak to a consultant whose details are listed on Reed.com on their local office pages.
Our careers guide was designed specifically to help students and school-leavers decide what type of job options are available to them after secondary school, as well as information about going on to university, further education, traineeships, apprenticeships, and volunteering.
The guide also provides an overview of a wide range of industries, from STEM careers to roles in HR, with examples of entry-level roles, details of the salaries students with no experience can expect to earn, and how they can progress their careers.
How to succeed in an entry-level role
To succeed in an entry-level role, the employee needs to realise they have a lot to learn and that they won’t be expected to know everything straight away. Most companies will provide training and support to their new starters to help their progression.
Entry-level employees will do well if they listen to their peers and manager, absorbing as much information as they can about how the company works and why their work is important to the wider organisation. Understanding the context of the role, and asking the right questions early on, helps professionals develop a good foundation to grow into a valuable employee, and to learn and progress quickly through the business.
Download our careers guide for students and school leavers now – and contact your nearest Reed office for a new opportunity or talented professional.
