Essential Skills For Entry-Level Positions

Everybody has to start out somewhere, and for most people, that somewhere happens to be an entry-level job. These jobs are known for requiring little to no experience, but can be found across industries if you know where to look. The key thing to consider when applying for these jobs without experience is understanding how to set yourself apart with your skills. Highlighting your unique talents is the best way for you to get started in one of these entry-level positions.

Understanding Entry-Level Job Positions

Entry-level positions are typically the first job at the company or in the industry that requires the least amount of prior experience. Some industries, like the medical field, have very few jobs with no experience requirements, while others, like the retail world, focus more on your abilities than your experience. The most common fields for entry-level positions are the retail and restaurant industries, which often prefer candidates with the ability to interact with customers over prior work experience on their resume. These jobs are a great way to get started building your professional portfolio, and they teach a lot of valuable skills along the way.

Skills Employers Look For

There has been a shift in recent hiring trends away from the work experience people bring to interviews and towards the skills they offer. Companies are becoming more interested in the abilities people bring to the table, something that is crucial to leverage when you’re applying to jobs with minimal work experience. Understanding the skills that companies want to see on your resume is crucial to getting a leg up on the competition when applying for entry-level job positions.

Communication

One of the keys to success in any job, entry-level or otherwise, is communication. Communicating well with others is the foundation for nearly every profession. It helps you understand what you need to do, what the expectation is, and what the end result should look like. Identifying and understanding key information like this is what will allow you to excel in the workplace, meaning that employing your communication abilities might be the key to success.

Problem Solving

A skill that employers love to see is problem-solving. Many employees can find success when the job is smooth sailing: no customer complaints, the workflow uninterrupted, and all devices online. What makes a difference is when things get off track and someone needs to step in and fix things. This is where problem-solving ability comes in, as employers want people they can count on when the going gets tough in the workplace. Proving your ability to find ways around challenges is one of the best ways you can set yourself up for success while looking for entry-level job opportunities.

Time Management

Possibly the most crucial skill anyone looking for an entry-level position can bring to the table is time management. Especially when you’re first starting your job and still training, pretty much the only thing you’ll be graded on is your ability to show up on time consistently. This responsibility is crucial for every job, so it’s important to understand how to bring this skill to your employer’s attention. You might talk about the time management required to complete a big project at school, or fitting volunteer work into your schedule, or juggling familial and professional obligations. When your employer can trust you to show up when and where you need to, you’re well on your way to being an exceptional employee.

Technical Skills Required

Many jobs nowadays require a certain basic amount of technological literacy. They want you to understand the basics of search engines like Google, word processors like Word, and spreadsheet software like Excel. Jobs using technology for training or day-to-day functionality will place special emphasis on this skill, so come prepared with examples of your computer proficiency. 

Many jobs also have their own unique skills that are essential to the job function. These industry-specific skills range from coding to welding to baking to everything in between. While you don’t always need experience with these industry-specific skills when applying for these positions, they offer a great opportunity to get a certification and learn a little bit more about the type of work you’re applying to do. Often, experience in relevant job skills can be the difference maker between top candidates, so proving your ability to handle industry-specific skills can be crucial to setting yourself apart from the rest of the candidates.

Soft Skills That Matter

Soft skills, the intangible skills that have more to do with ability than experience, are often just as important as technical ability. A great example of this is teamwork. Nearly all jobs require collaboration of some kind, whether you’re working with co-workers, working with clients, or even just interacting with your boss. Making the most of these interactions requires teamwork, a skill that can really set you apart. When you have good collaborative ability, you’re more likely to approach tasks and problems with your team in mind, meaning you’re more likely to find solutions that use everyone’s unique skills. This ability to collaborate with people is a great way to get recognized on the job and can really set you up for success.

Another soft skill that can make a difference when applying for entry-level positions is adaptability. Adaptability is your ability to respond to unique circumstances and high-pressure situations. Being adaptable means that you have the tools to change your approach to certain tasks or problems depending on the situation. Being able to make this change shows intelligence and fortitude, meaning that being adaptable is a great way to present yourself well when looking for entry-level positions.

Gaining Experience

While most entry-level positions don’t require experience, it’s helpful for the hiring team to see some sort of proof that you’ll be able to hit the ground running. One of the most common ways to set a ground level of experience is with internships. These can often be found through your school and offer a great way to put something on your resume that shows your willingness to work.

Volunteering is another great way to bolster the experience section of your resume for entry-level opportunities. Volunteering gives you the chance to show up consistently and do something for your community, showing accountability and a strong sense of community.

Another option for gaining experience that has risen in popularity recently is the use of certification programs. These programs, most commonly found online or at local community colleges, offer a chance to take a short course learning about nearly anything of your choice. These certifications can give you a real leg up on the job market, proving your ability to learn and understand difficult concepts. They can also teach you job-relevant skills, potentially giving you a head start on your training.

Resources For Job Seekers

When searching for entry-level jobs, you tend to have a lot of options. Most of these jobs can be found on job boards like LinkedIn and Indeed. Some of the larger companies will even have positions posted on their website, often allowing you to filter by location to find the one closest to you.

Another option, while old-fashioned, is to do an on-site application. Some of these positions will still have applications you can fill out, or at least employees who can point you to where you can find their application online. 

Reaching out to people in your network is another great way to search for entry-level positions. Letting people know that you’re just starting out and that you’re willing to learn is a great way to get your foot in the door. These positions might be part-time jobs helping out with whatever it is your connections do, but these opportunities have a lot of potential for growth if you stick with it and show off your awesome skills.

Partner with Premier

Finding success when searching for your first entry-level job opportunity can feel daunting at first. You’ve oftentimes never applied for a job before, so you’re having to learn a whole new process in addition to learning a new job.

If this seems overwhelming, then you can count on Premier to have your back. We have exceptional recruiters ready to help you find the next step in your career, whether it’s your first or your last. Our team understands the skills that’ll help you stand out, and we’ll connect you with people looking for exactly what you offer. Learn more today about how Premier can help you take your first step in your career journey.