10 Jobs that Require No Experience and Little Training
Plus, How to Get a Job With No Experience
Jobs that require no experience—is there even such a thing? The good news is that no-experience-needed jobs are indeed out there. And this article lists ten possibilities that may interest you, and some that may even surprise you.
There are attainable entry-level jobs in a variety of fields that don't require much school, and many of them can lead to growth opportunities as you build your expertise.
Although additional education is not always needed for jobs with no experience required, completing a short training program at a trade school or college can provide you with an advantage. It can equip you with knowledge and skills that increase your competitiveness in the job market. Even just a little formal training can make it infinitely easier to find good employment.
So take a read through this list to help find inspiration for setting out on your career path. Along with a description of each job, you'll learn about training possibilities, the annual salary range, and predicted job growth. And be sure to check out the final section, where you can uncover eight tips for how to find no-experience jobs.
Salary information and job openings are based on 2019 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics unless otherwise indicated.
1. Sales Representative
A sales representative is a life force for a company. Businesses of all sizes rely on sales reps to locate customers, develop relationships, build loyalty, and close sales. The job is interesting, diverse, and can provide flexibility depending on the position and organization. Plus, if you're looking for traveling jobs with no experience, this area could offer some unique opportunities.
Although you can go after a number of sales representative jobs that require no experience, you could give yourself a competitive advantage by taking a short sales and marketing program. With a little formal training, you can sharpen your business skills and learn sales strategies to help increase your employability.
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Wholesale and manufacturing sales reps:
- Annual salary range: $41,080 to $158,580
- Average yearly job openings: 187,100
- Education requirements: Ranges from a high school diploma to bachelor's degree depending on the type of products being sold
- Experience needed: Minimal; on-the-job training usually required
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All other sales reps:
- Annual salary range: $27,320 to $120,460
- Average yearly job openings: 146,800
- Education requirements: Ranges from a high school diploma to a business-related diploma depending on the organization
- Experience needed: Minimal; on-the-job training usually required
2. Real Estate Agent
Working in real estate probably sounds like a career field that requires years of experience, but that's actually not the case. All real estate agents have to start somewhere, and most of them begin their careers at the entry level with little to no experience. Jobs in this area can be readily available with just your high school diploma, a bit of formal education, and a state license.
Every state requires real estate agents to have a license, so it's important to look into your state's requirements when embarking on this path. Most real estate pre-licensing courses can be completed in as little as six weeks, and from there you just need to pass your state's licensing exam. Then you'll be set to sell your first house.
Although people can buy and sell homes without a professional in this field, most opt for the services of a real estate agent. According to the National Association of REALTORS®, there were 5.3 million homes sold in the U.S. in 2018. That year, 87 percent of buyers purchased their homes, and 91 percent sold their homes through a real estate agent or broker. It is evident that real estate agents play a critical role in the housing market and that their services are in demand. You could soon be working in the midst of the action.
- Annual salary range: $24,930 to $111,800
- Average yearly job openings: 38,900
- Education requirements: Minimum of a high school diploma and a real estate license
- Experience needed: None; new agents typically shadow more senior agents in order to gain experience
3. Administrative Assistant
Also referred to as receptionists or secretaries, administrative assistants usually work front and center in office settings in either the public or private sector. Many times, they work the front desk and are responsible for greeting visitors and answering the main phone. They can take care of a range of administrative and clerical duties within the office, including drafting correspondence, managing file systems, and scheduling appointments. As an administrative assistant, you could be supporting an entire department or office or assisting one individual, such as a manager.
In many cases, when it comes to entry-level administrative assistant and receptionist jobs, no experience is necessary. You just need to be organized, personable, able to multi-task, and proficient with computers and typing. However, you can complete a formal administrative assistant program in as little as seven months and even choose a specialty field that interests you, such as legal, medical, or dental. (But note that the stats below do not include administrative assistants in the medical or legal sectors.)
When you opt for training, you can choose a school that provides the added benefit of job placement assistance. With a bit of education and the school's assistance in finding a job, you can prepare to shine in your field.
- Annual salary range: $24,250 to $57,570
- Average yearly job openings: 233,500
- Education requirements: Ranges from a high school diploma to career diploma depending on the work setting
- Experience needed: Minimal; on-the-job training usually required
4. Legal Assistant or Paralegal
You probably never imagined you could embark on a legal career without spending years in school, but it is possible. There are actually a number of legal jobs that need no experience. Many legal secretary and legal administrative assistant positions can be attained with a minimal amount of education.
Legal administrative assistants play an important role in handling the administrative work within a law office. They can be responsible for keeping case files organized, preparing legal documents, managing schedules, and drafting correspondence.
Although it isn't required for all legal administrative assistant positions, taking a short program to become familiar with legal procedures and law can give you an added advantage in the workforce. Some programs can be completed within six months to one year.
Other possibilities within the legal field are legal assistant and paralegal positions. Jobs such as these typically require some formal training, but on-the-job experience is not usually required at the entry level. You can find legal assistant and paralegal programs that can be completed within a year.
With just a short time commitment for a legal assistant or paralegal program, you could embark on a fascinating career where you directly assist lawyers and take on a critical role within a law office. You could complete research, interview clients, draw up court documents, and much more.
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Legal secretary/administrative assistant:
- Annual salary range: $28,760 to $79,610
- Average yearly job openings: 82,400
- Education requirements: Certificate or diploma
- Experience needed: Minimal; on-the-job training usually required
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Paralegal/legal assistant:
- Annual salary range: $60,970 to $98,830*
- Average yearly job openings: 37,300*
- Education requirements: Associate or bachelor's degree
- Experience needed: One year in a legal setting
5. Security Guard
If you like the idea of a job where you can serve and protect at the local, state, or national level, then becoming a security guard may be an ideal choice. Security guards are often employed at airports, casinos, shopping malls, and any other place where it is crucial to protect people, ensure public safety, and be on the lookout for any suspicious activity.
Short program options are available that can equip you with career-ready skills. A short criminal justice or law enforcement program can put you a step ahead of the rest, even if you possess no work experience. There are diploma programs available that can be completed in six months, and some degrees can be earned in just over a year.
Regardless of your education choices, it is important to note that some states require licensing or certifications depending on the type and nature of the position. It is important to check on your state's requirements prior to starting out. Additionally, most security guard positions require a clean criminal record as well as a drug test.
The work of a security guard is interesting and can have exciting moments in the event of a security breach. It is a position that comes with a great deal of pride, knowing you are playing a role in public safety. And it is a solid starting point to advance further in the field of criminal justice and law enforcement.
- Annual salary range: $21,150 to $50,310
- Average yearly job openings: 153,800
- Education requirements: High school diploma or legal-related certificate
- Experience needed: None; on-the-job training required. (Note that previous experience may be required to work at casinos or for positions in which weapons are carried.)
6. Commercial Truck Driver
With a high school diploma, completion of a quick, professional truck driver training program, and your CDL (commercial driver's license), you can begin working on the road with little to no experience. Depending on the type of truck you wish to drive, you can complete professional truck driver training in five to ten weeks. And most programs include road time, so you have some hours on the road upon completion of your training.
Truck driving is becoming an appealing career choice. Commercial truck driving is an occupation that can offer variety, an opportunity to travel, and flexible scheduling. Every day is an adventure. If you are looking for jobs that require no experience, or at least relatively little, and a career on the open road sounds appealing, then commercial truck driving may be a great option for you.
- Annual salary range: $29,130 to $66,840
- Average yearly job openings: 238,400
- Education requirements: Completion of a professional truck driver program; must also have a commercial driver's license
- Experience needed: Minimal; on-the-job training usually required
7. Oil Field Worker
When it comes to looking for work that requires no experience, oil field jobs can be plentiful—particularly entry-level positions. But you might want to take a short oil-and-gas training course to give yourself a competitive edge. As you work and gain on-the-job experience, you could find ample opportunities to progress to higher-level positions.
The oil fields provide many opportunities for advancement and increased earnings. However, it is important to note that wages can vary depending on the position, nature of the work, and level of experience. One of the common entry-level positions in oil and gas is roustabout. Roustabouts are field workers who assemble and repair field equipment.
Here are some additional details about roustabout careers:
- Annual salary range: $28,270 to $58,950
- Average yearly job openings: 9,100
- Education requirements: High school diploma or an oil field-related certificate or diploma
- Experience needed: Minimal; on-the-job training required
8. Gardener/Landscaper
If you enjoy working outside and have an eye for outdoor design, securing a career as a gardener or landscaper may be just what you desire. And the best part is that many gardening and landscaping companies offer jobs that need no experience.
You could position yourself more competitively in the workforce by taking a short landscaping program to gain career-ready skills. You can learn about plants, tools, techniques, design, pest management, and more. Although you won't have job-related experience, you can establish a knowledge base that could appeal to potential employers. And once you build your expertise and experience, you could even pursue the opportunity to start your own business.
- Annual salary range: $21,710 to $46,530
- Average yearly job openings: 173,600
- Education requirements: High school diploma or gardening- or landscaping-related certificate
- Experience needed: None; on-the-job training may be provided
9. Veterinary Assistant
Do you like the sound of a fulfilling career where your love of animals is an asset? That's what you can find with a veterinary assistant position. Veterinary assistants typically take care of front office responsibilities along with assisting the veterinarian and other support staff.
It's possible to give yourself an advantage in the job market by taking a short training program. You can develop abilities related to animal care, equipment, and surgical and laboratory procedures, as well as front desk administration. You can become equipped with the confidence and abilities needed to help you go after the vet assistant job you desire.
- Annual salary range: $20,790 to $39,800
- Average yearly job openings: 18,100
- Education requirements: High school diploma or animal care-related certificate
- Experience needed: Minimal; on-the-job training usually required
10. Cook
You can become a part of the exciting restaurant industry with some determination, attention to detail, and a love for food. Once you start out in one of the cook jobs that require no experience, you may find ample opportunity to advance your career.
Many successful and celebrity chefs started out as entry-level cooks. Plus, the National Restaurant Association estimates that nine in 10 restaurant managers and eight in 10 restaurant owners started at the entry level. There are a lot of possibilities in the industry, and you can position yourself for success with a little formal training.
There are cooking and culinary arts programs offered across the country. Some of them can be completed in less than a year, and they sometimes include an externship. You can develop culinary fundamentals in menu planning, ingredient selection, and meal preparation, which can provide you with an edge over other job applicants. Once you secure a position, work your way up, and build experience, you could even find yourself working as a chef or head cook.
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Restaurant Cook:
- Annual salary range: $20,050 to $45,860
- Average yearly job openings: 243,800
- Education requirements: High school diploma or culinary arts certificate or diploma
- Experience needed: None; on-the-job training required
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Chef/Head Cook:
- Annual salary range: $28,370 to $86,990
- Average yearly job openings: 20,700
- Education requirements: Ranges from high school diploma to journeyman certification depending on the employer
- Experience needed: Minimum of three to five years in a commercial kitchen
How to Get a Job With No Experience
You've gone through the list, you know what kind of job you want, but you still have one question: How do you actually get a job with no experience? Here are eight ways to make breaking into the workforce a little less challenging:
1. Clearly identify the skills you currently possess.
Sit down and assess yourself. What skills do you possess? Are you organized, timely, personable, or a good communicator? Once you have your list, use it to write your resume, and clearly identify these skills in your cover letter and resume. And be sure to make the connection as to why these skills are relevant to the position for which you are applying.
2. Identify skills you have developed in other areas aside from work.
You may not possess related work experience, but there could be other things you have done that helped you develop skills that are relevant for a job. Maybe you have volunteered for an organization or church, sat on a committee or helped organize an event in high school, or babysat kids after school and on weekends. All of these activities could have helped you develop skills that could be beneficial to highlight in your cover letter and resume.
3. Show the employer why you are a good fit for the job.
When you highlight your skills and abilities in your cover letter and resume, make sure you are connecting them to the job and organization. You need to tell the employer why you are the best person for the position. If an employer has received a large number of applications for a job, they are likely to overlook resumes that are just simply listing skills and abilities without additional details.
4. Highlight how you want to learn and grow.
When applying for an entry-level position, showing a desire to learn is just as, if not more, important than your level of experience. If an employer is hiring you for a job with no experience, they want to know that you are willing to learn the ropes as you go and are open to growing with the position and the company.
5. Start networking.
You've probably heard the saying, "It's not what you know, but who you know." Although it's a bit cliché, it is partially true. Networking with people connected to or working within your desired field can be helpful. You could attend an industry event, sign up for a conference, or even invite a professional you know out for lunch. You may be able to glean useful knowledge and even make a connection that leads you to a referral or reference.
6. Offer to work for a trial period at reduced pay.
You've applied for a position and have an interview, but you are concerned you'll be passed over due to your lack of experience. Be prepared to make an offer to work on a trial basis, and even offer to do it at reduced pay. This can be a great way to get your foot in the door, highlight your strong work ethic, and show your employer your willingness to learn. Make sure to agree upon the terms regarding the length of time and rate of pay. It can be as little as one week, and you can use that week to blow them away!
7. Have someone else proofread your resume.
Think of someone who knows you well and has professional experience that can proofread your resume for you. Along with being able to find small errors you may have overlooked, they could help you identify any gaps or areas where you could add or expand on your skills and abilities.
8. Believe in yourself.
This could possibly be one of the most important tips. You need to believe in yourself and your ability to do the job. If you are applying for an entry-level position that you know you can take on, then write your resume and go into your interview with confidence and conviction. If you don't believe in yourself, then the employer probably won't either.
Set Out on a New Path Today
The occupations featured in this article represent a small sample of jobs that require no experience. You can discover a variety of options within organizations offering entry-level positions to people like you. And if boosting your career potential with a short program sounds appealing, then explore the training options in your area by searching with your zip code!
* Bureau of Labor Statistics, updated with 2023 data.
