Entry-Level Jobs Overview
With your hard-earned diploma in hand, it's time to find a job. Are you excited? Scared? Skeptical? Not to worry—Monster has your back. In fact, we've reserved a chunk of our website for information and advice specifically for new graduates looking for entry-level jobs. Take a look at articles that will help you package and present your education and experience to prospective employers. If you're still looking for encouragement, we have another batch of information about entry-level jobs for you to read.
Or maybe you're ready to jump right in and start your job search. Ok—let's go! One popular category for first jobs is service jobs. You can also search for synonyms for "entry-level," including:
If you have a specific field or your college major in mind, you can plug the words "entry-level" in front of that occupation to search for openings. Here are some examples:
Entry-Level Job Education and Skills
No matter what kind of education or training you have when you enter the job market, there are several skills all employers look for, especially for entry-level employees, including:
- Problem-solving skills.
- The ability to work in a team.
- Strong work ethic.
- Analytical skills.
- Written communication skills.
- Leadership skills.
- Verbal communication skills.
- Initiative.
- Detail orientation.
- Technical skills.
Create Your Entry-Level Job Resume
First things first—you're going to need a resume to apply for a job. Never made one before? We've put together resume-writing tips especially for graduates. You may want to look at our general resume advice and example resumes as well. If you see a sample you particularly like, use it as a template and plug in your education, work, volunteer, and extracurricular activities. All great resumes need great cover letters, and this is especially true for entry-level jobs. We've got you covered there too. Read about the things an entry-level applicant must include in a cover letter.
Interviewing for an Entry-Level Job
Job interviews are intimidating, even for experienced job applicants. But don't worry—no one is expecting you to rattle off a formal speech about why you're the best applicant for the job. Instead, interviewers want you to know some basics about the company and the role, be able to discuss your previous experience or studies, have confidence, and, most of all, be yourself.
One of the best ways to calm your fears is to know what questions to expect and the best way to answer them. We also put together a guide for employers interviewing entry-level candidates. To give you even more insight into what your interviewer might be thinking, take a look.
How Much Do Entry-Level Jobs Pay?
That's a lot like asking, "What does food taste like?" It depends on what you're eating—or, doing. To get a rough estimate, enter the type of job you're seeking and your location into Monster's Salary Tools. The page also suggests skills to improve your value to an employer and what job titles you might want to pursue next to advance in your career.
Want to Learn More About a Company You're Interested In?
There are two reasons to research an employer before applying for a job. First, you want to make sure the company is a great fit for you. (Think vegetarian not realizing they're interviewing at a meat-packing company.) Second, you want to do your homework to let the employer know that you're really interested in the opportunity. Use Monster's Company Profile tool to find things like:
- General company information, including what they do or manufacture.
- Photos or videos that show what the company culture is like.
- Locations, headquarters, and number of employees.
Find Your First Job With Monster
Are you excited to see what entry-level jobs are out there? Start on this page and explore your opportunities. One of the best things you can do is create a profile on Monster. This tool will help recruiters find you and will allow us to send you custom job alerts and more information to help you on your journey.