how to get a research job with no experience

7 Strategies for Getting an Entry-Level Clinical Research Job

News December 8, 2020

Kunal Sampat, MNA, ACRP-CP, Host of the Clinical Trial Podcast

Many people applying for entry-level clinical research jobs may begin their journey by enrolling in a certificate program. They invest months or years, not to mention thousands of dollars, toward earning a certificate, yet upon finishing and hitting the job markets, are likely to still be dealing with unresponsive hiring managers who are looking for individuals with two years of experience. (It is important to note here that having a “certificate” in clinical research from some source is not the same as holding “certification” in clinical research—an achievement based on mastery of job roles and solid experience in the field.)

How does one get around such a situation to get that first dream job in clinical research with less hassle, less expense, and more reliable prospects for employment at the end of the process? Presented here are some strategies that can work extremely well for individuals with foreign medical degrees, backgrounds in life sciences or allied health, or experience working in a regulated environment.

1—Gain clarity on your career goals.

  When most people apply for clinical research jobs, they fire up their computer and start applying for open positions. Before applying you should begin your journey by answering the following questions:

• Do you want a paid job or a volunteer opportunity? Is the experience you’ll gain more important, or do you really need a paycheck right away?
• Who do you want to work for? Clinical research is a vast field with different types of companies offering different kinds of job opportunities. You can work for a contract research organization, a sponsor such as pharmaceutical or device company, a clinical research vendor, a regulatory authority such as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration , a nonprofit organization such as a patient advocacy group, an institutional review board, or a study site, to name some of the options.
• What job role are you most interested in? Is there a specific one you’d enjoy more than others? There are many other clinical research opportunities in addition to the clinical research associate (CRA) or clinical research coordinator (CRC) roles. For example, you can work as a data manager, safety monitor, patient recruiter, medical writer, biostatistician, project manager, regulatory compliance manager, or research billing expert.
• Would you enjoy working in the field (traveling or remote work) or in an office environment? Some people enjoy being on the road (and earning frequent flyer points). Others get more energy interacting with people at the office. Most clinical research roles offer the ability to work remotely or in an office setting.
• Are you open to relocating to a different city, state, or country? Entry-level positions may not offer the best pay, so you’ll need to decide if you’d be open to relocating, even if the pay was low.
• Are you looking for full-time, part-time, or contract employment? Depending on your personal circumstances, you may be more interested in a full-time position for the medical benefits or in a part-time role for a better work-life balance. Alternatively, you may be interested to contract opportunities at first and then transition into full-time employment once you have experience under your belt.

Answering these six questions honestly will give you the necessary clarity on which opportunities you should pursue and which ones you shouldn’t.

2—Invest in your clinical research education.

At a minimum, I encourage everyone to become familiar with the tenets of Good Clinical Practice (GCP) early in their job quest. Depending on the type of clinical research organization you decide to work at, your training beyond GCP will differ significantly. For example, training for an oncology pharmaceutical company will be different than training for a cardiology medical device company.

You can watch hundreds of YouTube videos on clinical trials or medical technologies, attend conferences or seminars, and get in-depth software training, but still not have a job in clinical research. Here is what you can do to narrow down your clinical research education priorities:

• Identify the dream role (career opportunity) you’re interested in applying for.
• Read through the job description—specifically, the job requirements.
• Highlight the skills you have little or no knowledge or experience with.
• Look up webinars, YouTube videos, and literature to develop those specific skills (i.e., fill the skill gap).

The above plan won’t make you an expert in those skills, but you will have built confidence in yourself and your ability to speak to these topics during interviews. If you feel you need more training, I encourage you to sign-up for membership with nonprofit professional organizations such as ACRP or SOCRA . Membership gives you access to many training resources; a lot of information is available to you for no additional cost aside from the basic membership fee.

Additionally, with your membership, you end up surrounding yourself with other experienced clinical research professionals via networking with their virtual communities and by attending educational events. You can then reach out to your fellow members for career guidance and make them aware of your interest in working in clinical research.

3—Fix your resume.

Your resume must not read like a job description. Most employers rely on a resume to screen applicants. Unfortunately, if your resume reads like a job description, the hiring manager does not get a clear understanding of your contributions in your current and previous roles. Instead, your resume should reflect your own professional achievements. You want to clearly state the results you achieved in your previous roles and, when possible, you should quantify the results. For example, instead of stating, “Worked in a research lab analyzing preclinical data,” you might want to state, “Analyzed data from two preclinical studies in mice for an Alzheimer’s drug.”

If you feel like your clinical or medical-oriented experiences are limited, focus on transferable skills for the research position you seek. Transferable skills such as financial management, project management, writing, and informational systems management are applicable to clinical research as well.

 4—Focus on 10 job opportunities and always follow up.

Focus on only 10 job applications at a given time. Many applicants apply for multiple jobs every week during their searches. Over the course of a couple of months, they have applied for dozens of jobs, but probably haven’t had a formal interview for any position. Instead of applying for every possible clinical research job as soon as they appear on the radar, I have found that applying for 10 at a given time gives applicants the time and energy to personalize their approach for each position.

Following up with employers is absolutely necessary. Even though hiring is a top priority for many organizations, hiring managers get busy with their day-to-day activities and hiring can take the back seat. By following up with the hiring manager, you’re demonstrating your continued interest in working for the company.

5—Write and speak clearly.

Aside from strong technical skills for many jobs, you may also need to demonstrate above-average written and verbal skills. This is important because clinical research is a cross-functional, team-oriented field. For most roles, you’ll be working in a team environment. When the job description states, “candidate must have excellent communication skills,” the employer wants to ensure you can write and speak clearly.

Many candidates will create a page-long, generic cover letter that repeats everything that can be found in their resume. Such a cover letter fails to show the employer why you’re the right fit for the role. Instead, I recommend applicants write a cover letter with three to five bulleted points that outline the benefits of hiring him or her for the job. The more personalized your cover letter is to a given employer and role, the greater chance you have for being invited for an interview.

Personalized cover letters might make reference to a specific clinical trial the hiring company is running, the company’s therapeutic area(s), and other details that show you’ve done your homework and are engaged in the opportunity to work there.

When it comes to verbal communication, the easiest way to have clarity in your message is to write down the key points you want to discuss on the phone. This forces you to be clear about why the company should hire you and not some other candidate with equivalent credentials.

6—Prepare for your interview.

Once you’ve landed with an interview date, it is time to prepare for the interview, using the following tips:

• Read the “About” and “News” section of the company website. Learn about the company’s clinical and regulatory leadership team. The news section will provide insights from the latest press releases from the company. This will give you an idea of what is on the company’s “mind.” You can also visit ClinicalTrials.gov for more information on the company’s trials, and to get a better understanding of the medical treatments being developed and their targeted patient populations.
• The biggest unknown in any interview is that you do not know what questions the interviewer will ask you. To help focus your answers, I recommend that you come up with a list of five to eight examples from your education or professional experiences that you’re proud of or that taught you something valuable. When possible, limit these to experiences that are medical or clinical in nature. Next you want to create a story around each of these examples that will become a valuable answer to an appropriate question. The best way to create a story is using the STAR format (Situation, Task, Action, and Results). For each of these examples, you want to write down the situation, the task in front of you, the action you took, and the results achieved as a result of your actions.

Once you’ve completed these steps, you’re almost ready for the interview. The last thing you need to do is to appear and sound professional during and after the interview. Be sure you write a personalized “thank you” note after each interview.

7—Have the courage to hear “No.” Remember that you will eventually hear “Yes.”

Many entry-level clinical research applicants lack the courage to hear that, “No, we cannot hire you for this job” from potential employers. It is painful to hear a “No” and rightfully so. Furthermore, most employers do a poor job of providing constructive feedback to applicants they don’t want to hire. Employers don’t want to say “No” to the not-so-great candidates because they fear not finding the “right” candidate for the job; they prefer to have a backup list of candidates in case their preferred candidate doesn’t work out.

This makes it even more important for candidates to encourage employers to make a decision, whether it’s a “Yes” or a “No.” This not only helps the candidate, it also helps employers to move on to other candidates who might be a better fit for the organization.

You don’t need to sign up for an expensive and time-intensive clinical research certificate program to secure an entry-level job in clinical research. Instead, you need to gain clarity around your clinical research career ambitions, learn GCP, invest in your continued education through nonprofits such as ACRP and SOCRA, fix your resume so that it doesn’t read like a job description, focus on 10 open opportunities at a given time, write and speak clearly in all your communications with the potential employer, plan for your interview using the Situation, Task, Action, Results (STAR) format, and embrace rejection if you’re not hired for the role. These strategies, collectively, will increase the odds of your success tremendously and you’ll be on your way to experiencing the joys of working in clinical research and clinical trial management.

by Guest Contributor Kunal Sampat, MNA, ACRP-CP, Host of the Clinical Trial Podcast

BEAVER Method—How to Get a Job in Clinical Research

Navigating a Career as a Clinical Research Professional: Where to Begin?

Getting Started in Clinical Research

How to Enter the Clinical Research Field

Who’s Who in Clinical Research

Introduction to Good Clinical Practice

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Tips for Writing about Your Research Experience (Even if You Don’t Think You Have Any)

If you’re someone who hasn’t yet done formal research in a university setting, one of the most intimidating parts of the process can be simply getting your foot in the door. Just like the way your options can seem very limited when applying for your first job, asking for a research position when you have no “experience” can seem discouraging — maybe even to the point of causing you to question whether you should apply in the first place. With that being said, there are some simple tips you can employ when applying for research positions to highlight the link between your existing interests and the work of the position for which you are applying.

First things first: tailor not just your cover letter (for applications that ask for it) but your resume to the position for which you are applying. Even if you’re just sending a casual email to a professor to ask about the research that they’re doing, as a rule, it never hurts to attach your resume. I also like to think that submitting a resume even without being asked to shows that you’re serious about doing research, and have taken the time to put together a thoughtful inquiry into a position. If you’ve never written a cover letter or resume before, don’t fret. The Center for Career Development has some great online resources to help you create one from scratch. If you are looking for more individualized help, you can also schedule an appointment to get one-on-one feedback on your application at any stage in the writing process.

One of the things that I’ve found, however, is that the single-page format of a resume often isn’t enough space to include all of the information about every single thing you’ve ever done. Rather than trying to jam as many impressive accomplishments as you can onto a page, your goal should be to create a resume that gives a cumulative sense of your interests and experiences as they relate to the position for which you are applying. One of my favorite ways to do this is to create a “Research” section. “But Kate, what if I don’t have any research experience?,” you ask. Remember that paper you wrote about a painting by Monet in your favorite class last semester? Write the title down, or even a sentence or two that summarizes your main argument. The art museum you’re hoping to do research at will love knowing that your interest in their current exhibition on Impressionism is rooted in classes you’ve taken and the projects you’ve done in them, no matter how new you may be to a topic. Your interest in a specific research position has to come from somewhere, and your resume is an important part of demonstrating this to others.

What I would like to reassure you of is that it’s normal to be an undergraduate with very little research experience. The people reading your application —whether it be for an official program or even if it’s just a friendly email with a few questions— know that you are a student and will probably be excited to offer you guidance on how to get involved with more specific research projects even if all you have to offer at this point is enthusiasm for the topic. Working in a lab or with a professor on a research project is an opportunity designed to help you learn above all else, so it’s ok if you don’t know what you’re doing! It goes without saying that having little experience will make the final result of your research experience all the more worthwhile because of the potential to gain knowledge in ways you haven’t even imagined.

— Kate Weseley-Jones, Humanities Correspondent

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How to Get Research Experience

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Working in a research setting can help make you a competitive medical school applicant and help you to determine if a career in medicine or medical research is right for you

How do I find a research position?

If you’re currently in college, check with your institution’s science or undergraduate research websites for opportunities to assist with faculty research projects. You can also review faculty bio pages and lab websites for more information. Next, reach out to your immediate network: express your interest in assisting with a research project to your science professors, academic advisor, and your pre-health advisor.

Try exchanging ideas with your peers and upper-classmen for advice on research opportunities at your institution. You can also ask peer advisors, resident advisors, or any fellow premedical students for introductions to principal investigators (PIs). You might even try the “Undergrad-Grad-PI” method. This is where you first reach out to undergraduate students in research labs to learn about their responsibilities; they oftentimes are more responsive. Then, reach out to the graduate or post-doc students to learn about the research question being investigated. After this, read the most recent paper or abstract the lab published. Once you complete these steps, you can approach the PI more confidently and more effectively demonstrate your commitment to and understanding of their project.

Your school’s career center or student employment office may know about research job openings, and they can also offer resume help and go over interview tips and techniques. Remember, opportunities may be on or off campus, full- or part-time, paid or unpaid, or part of a summer program. Once you find a position, you can connect with your school’s fellowships or awards office to inquire about research funding opportunities.

If you’ve already graduated, consider looking into open positions. Research hospitals, universities, and biotech companies are always looking for lab technicians or clinical research coordinators (CRC). Job opportunities are typically posted on the career pages of their websites.

When should I begin gaining research experience in college?

Some premedical students begin their research experiences during their first year of college, and others begin research positions after they have already graduated. On average, most students secure a research position junior or senior year. There are three big factors that will impact this:

• Your level of interest in pursuing research. If you are really excited to investigate a question under a mentor, you might find yourself reaching out to professors early and often. Other students may focus on gaining clinical experience, and therefore wait later in their academic career to start research.
• Readiness for the research project. Different PIs will have different expectations for preparation. A research project might require you to first take coursework in basic lab sciences, statistics, or another advanced topic specific to the project. Other PIs may prefer to train you “on-the-job” through their graduate or post-doc students. This will impact when you are ready to join a project.
• Finding the right research project. There is a process of reviewing different PIs and research projects to find the right fit for you. What subject do you want to investigate? Do you want your research project to take place in a lab or non-lab setting? Is there an independent question you want to investigate with the help of a mentor?

When is the best time to look for a position?

According to Kate Stutz, Ph.D., Director of Pre-Health Advising at Brandeis University, if you’re interested a research position during the academic year, the best time to look for positions is at the very beginning of the semester. There also tend to be a lot of research opportunities in the summer, both paid and volunteer, through set programs like the National Science Foundation’s Research Experience for Undergraduates (REUs). It’s best to start applying for summer research positions in December-February for the upcoming summer. Remember, typically there are more applicants than available spots so get your applications in early. Each undergraduate institution will be different, therefore make sure to connect with your advisors and peers for feedback on when to start looking.

What’s the best way to apply?

The outreach email message that you send to potential research faculty is very important. This message should include a formal introduction of yourself, evidence that you are familiar with their research project(s), and a clear, specific ask. Identify what you hope to contribute to the project. Do you want to clean the glassware or analyze lab findings? Consider attaching your resume as well. Dr. Stutz stresses that networking and persistence are crucial to finding a position. Make sure you’re using all of your network, including your peers and professors, to find open positions. Don’t be afraid to send follow up emails; faculty are very busy and often overlook emails. Sometimes, it can be even more effective to stop by a professor’s office hours to hand deliver your materials and indicate your interest in person.

How should I prepare for an interview?

With any interview, it’s important to make a good impression. Be sure to dress appropriately. Come prepared with a resume. Use your campus career center for advice on proper attire and resume best practices.

Often during interviews, you’ll be asked about your career goals. It’s helpful to be able to speak about the steps you plan to take to meet those goals. Talk about classes you’ve taken, especially upper-level science courses. Speak about your skills, your knowledge of techniques, and the equipment you’ve used throughout your coursework. Be prepared to discuss the lab experiments you’ve completed. If you’ve done any sort of research—even in your coursework—keep track of it. This shows you have experience. Lastly, interviewers often ask candidates if they have any questions. Dr. Stutz suggests asking something that indicates you’ve done your own research into their project. You could ask where they see their research going in the next three years or what challenges they anticipate. You could also ask about expectations for undergraduate researchers; do they expect you to work 20+ hours a week? Full time over the summer? Do they require you to have work study or to sign up for research credits? Asking these questions ahead of time can help you plan ahead and determine if this position is the best fit for you. Check out these  interview resources  for more tips.

Does research experience have to be in a wet lab?

No! Research can be performed in any field or subject. We’ve had successful applicants with research in classics, sociology, history, and policy, as well as applicants with research in biology, biochemistry, and neuroscience. Medical schools value all types of research. Research can take place in a scientific lab that requires advanced devices and procedures to obtain data for analysis. Research can also take place in the humanities or social sciences where participant interviews or surveys are needed to obtain an individual's life perspective. The clinical research field is constantly investigating patient outcomes and how to improve care through clinical trials or analysis of patient data. As a premedical student, consider what question you want to investigate further. Do you want to learn more about how health inequities impact disadvantaged communities in your area, or perhaps you want to know more about the protein channels involved in memory cognition? Once you choose a direction, you can then partner with a research PI for guidance on how to navigate your question. Sierra Perez, Pre-Health Advisor at Brandeis University, shares not to be afraid to get creative with your research question. She has been impressed by the medical school applicants who have created independent questions that address the community needs. “Applicants are recognizing the critical needs of specific populations, such as homelessness, LGBTQ+, veterans, youth with disabilities, etc.,” she stated. “There is also a demand for translational researchers, or individuals who can take complicated bench topics and apply it to the clinical world.”

Is research experience required to be accepted to medical school? 

It depends. Some medical schools are very research focused; they may require a research thesis or have research time built into the curriculum. Other schools are more community or clinically focused; they would rather have an applicant work in a healthcare setting or volunteer at their local soup kitchen than be at the bench moving clear liquids from one test tube to another. Research experience (in whatever discipline) is helpful for developing some of the Premed Competencies , such as critical thinking, quantitative reasoning, scientific reasoning, as well as teamwork and oral communication skills. How much you should engage in research depends on how much you enjoy it once you try it!

The majority of accepted medical school applicants have some form of academic or clinical research at the time they apply. Competence in research has become increasingly important in the medical field to improve patient care outcomes.

You can also review medical school mission statements to see if research is a focus at a particular school. You can read each school’s mission, and the number of accepted students in their most recent class who had research experience, in the  Medical School Admission Requirements . Remember, it’s best to pursue experiences that you’re genuinely interested in, rather than just to check a box, but you may not know if research is for you until you give it a try.  

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I have an undergraduate degree and no research experience -- how to begin now?

I recently earned an undergraduate degree in computer science*. I had no interest in going to grad school, so I focused purely on coursework. I have no research experience.

I am now more open to the idea of further education, and I think life will be more fulfilling if I produce knowledge than if I just apply my knowledge in developing a product.

How can I get started on research in a way that will (1) let me know if it is something I want to spend my life doing, and (2) pave the way to a PhD in CS if I decide it is something I want to do? (I ask this question under the assumption that applying for a PhD is off the table for now because I do not yet know if I even like research, and even if I did know that, I have no research experience to show off and no one to write letters of recommendation that vouch for me as a researcher.)

Get a master's degree? (Tuition and moving out of state are a steep price to pay just to see if I like something. Plus, I doubt my potential to get into a good program due to a lack of CS professors who know me well enough to write a letter of recommendation for me.)

Enroll in a post-baccalaureate program with a non-CS major (e.g. math) just to be an undergraduate again and have professors to do some research with, even if I do not intend to complete another undergraduate degree?

Get an entry level software development job and move from there into R&D?

Get a job as a research assistant for university faculty? (Or volunteer to do it for free?)

Whatever the answer, I need the opportunity to prove myself to someone who can write a letter of recommendation that is taken seriously for PhD admissions. (I originally titled this question "How to get LoRs with no undergraduate research experience" until I realized the scope of my question was much wider than how to get into a PhD program. Getting LoRs is still essential, though -- if I decide I want a PhD, then I need to have a shot at it.)

*Or rather, I will in six months -- this question is from a future perspective. I am also considering the options I have before graduating, but those are for another question. The point of this question is: if none of those options work out, then what other options will I have left?

• graduate-admissions
• career-path
• computer-science
• recommendation-letter
• collaboration

• @MadJack I am looking at undergraduate research opportunities, but six month is a very short time, and there is barely any undergraduate CS research at my school. I want to know what other options I will have. –  Jordan Commented Dec 26, 2015 at 4:21
• 2 Is it expected that you have research experience before applying for a PhD program in CS? It isn't in math (in the US), and many people leave after a master's if they decide research isn't for them. –  Kimball Commented Dec 26, 2015 at 16:20
• @Kimball I don't have a particular source to cite, but I have read hundreds of Q&As on this site and several articles/blogs by academics. They are pretty much unanimous in that (1) I should not apply for a PhD unless I know from experience that I love research, and (2) a successful application requires at least 1 letter of recommendation from a reputable professional researcher that says I would be an excellent researcher. I can't imagine how to do that without doing actual research with a real profesional. (Which doesn't mean publishing a paper; it just means attacking a research problem.) –  Jordan Commented Dec 27, 2015 at 0:17
• We all started that way... –  vonbrand Commented Dec 27, 2015 at 0:24

2 Answers 2

One method you can try is to delay graduation by one year and start working on a research project under the guidance of a faculty member in your CS department. If no such undergrad research program exists in your department, it may be possible to arrange something with individual professors (under the name of senior thesis, independent study, or on-campus employment, etc.) who are interested in taking on a student. Another good option is to find an internship or research assistant position in another university after you graduate. However, even such opportunities usually come with the expectation that you have some research experience to begin with. So a more realistic approach may be to start doing research now in your undergrad institute as a stepping stone while you are still a student, and then apply for an external internship/research assistant position with the help of your research supervisor.

Getting a master's degree is a possibility. If you choose this approach make sure that you are not getting a terminal master's degree that is intended to prepare for professional work in, for example, software development, rather than to prepare for further PhD studies. Finally, getting a job in software development is probably not a good idea, because usually the practical experience you get has little direct bearing on the content of a PhD study. Spending one or two years coding does not help to develop your ability to do theoretical research.

No matter which approach you take, the key to a meaningful internship is to find someone who is 1) well-established in the academia and 2) good with mentoring. Ideally, you want to spend 1-2 years in this person's lab, so that you have enough time to grow as a researcher and demonstrate your ability (and potential) to consistently produce good research work. You may want to talk with some professors who are familiar with you for recommendations, or talk with students in your prospective mentor's lab to get to know the professor's reputation. Remember that it is not enough to simply spend 2 or 3 months in a lab just so that you can pad your resume with some extra fluff.

• 1 very good answer! also applicable to other fields. –  SSimon Commented Dec 26, 2015 at 5:07

How can I get started on research in a way that will (1) let me know if it is something I want to spend my life doing, and (2) pave the way to a PhD in CS if I decide it is something I want to do?

I get that you only recently determined that you may want to do research. However, the fact that you haven't already sought out some research projects with faculty at your school may suggest some degree of a lack of seriousness on your part about really finding out if research is right for you or not. That said ...

You are still enrolled in your undergraduate program, and you have 6 months left until you graduate. So I think a logical first step would be to talk to professors at your school now to see if they have any projects you could work on for the remainder of your time at your undergrad institution. While you may or may not obtain any research breakthroughs during a 6-month time frame, this will be a great way to learn very quickly if research is right for you, and could even help you narrow down your areas of interest. Time is of the essence; don't let the last 6 months of your undergraduate career go to waste!

Looking beyond your undergraduate career, there are a few options to consider. Some of the options that you mentioned in your post don't really make a whole lot of sense to me. As I see it, here are the two main, logical options that you have going forward:

Get a job related to your subject area in a city that has a decent graduate program in the field you are interested in, and enroll into the grad program as a part-time Masters student. If being a part-time student while working full-time doesn't appeal to you, check with faculty to see if they'd be willing to work with you as a non-student. Either way, get involved with those faculty who are doing the types of research that you find interesting.

Skip going into industry and go straight into a full-time Masters program. Don't get caught up into the same cycle you are in now, where you are only focusing on your coursework. Be very proactive with the faculty and try to scope out a project where you can really get exposed to research and what it is all about.

For either of the above options, so long as you do good work, and if you decide that research is what you want to do, then obtaining quality LoRs for admission to a PhD program should be a no-brainer.

The key decision that needs to be made is whether you should go into industry after graduating with your undergrad degree or not. This is a very personal decision, and nobody can make this decision for you.

I did my Masters degree part-time while working full-time. It's not easy, and nobody said it would be, but it was the way forward that made the most sense for me at the time. In my case, I felt like I needed to do some industry work before I did any research to

• acclimate myself to where my subfield was going, and
• figure out how I could plug into that.

Whether to go the part-time or full-time Masters degree route is a very personal decision, and the right path for you depends on your preferences and the particulars of your situation.

In the comments, you wrote:

I am looking at undergraduate research opportunities, but six month is a very short time, and there is barely any undergraduate CS research at my school. I want to know what other options I will have.

Again, I am concerned that you are not quite up to the challenge of really finding out the answers you are seeking; stop looking for excuses and start attacking the problem now .

In the end, I can't stress the following enough:

There is no substitute for being very proactive and highly motivated to find out for yourself if research is really right for you or not.

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Learn how to get a job with no experience

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8 tips to get a job with no experience

6 interesting no-experience jobs, how to make a resume with no experience: 3 tips, how to prepare for an interview when you don’t have experience, everyone starts somewhere.

Starting a new career is nerve-wracking, whether you’re finding purpose after college or changing careers at a later age . And those nerves get worse when you don’t have experience.

Before imposter syndrome takes over, think back to when you started school, volunteer work, or even a new hobby. You probably felt intimidated to embark on a new path. But you overcame those fears and learned along the way. So, as you start your job search, remember that you’ve been in a similar position before and have what it takes to begin again. 

Everyone has to start somewhere, and it’s possible to get a job with a lack of experience. And you probably have more experience than you think. Most soft skills are transferable, and if you love learning new things , you’ll adjust to a new position quickly. But to get there, you need to find a role first.

Here’s how to get a job with no experience, with tips for tailoring your resume and interviewing for positions in new-to-you fields.

If you’re hoping to enter the project management world with only retail experience or you’ve never had a job before and want to start climbing the ladder in the marketing world, it’s okay. Everyone currently in those positions had to start somewhere. 

You haven’t previously worked in the position, but that doesn’t mean you don’t have what it takes. You can present the skills you have and start to develop the self-confidence you need to ace a job interview and take the first step down your career path. 

Try these eight tips for job seekers and lay the groundwork for success:

1. Lean on your interpersonal skills

Nearly every position requires interpersonal skills . Though previous positions could have helped you build them, teamwork , problem-solving , and active listening also stem from life experience. Employers will be eager to hear about how you’ve used them in practice, even if outside of work.

As you make your resume or prepare responses to interview questions, tailor your listed interpersonal skills to the positions you want to apply for. If you’re looking for a fast-paced environment like a startup, highlight your adaptability skills and personality. Employers want to learn whether you’ll add to company culture , and interpersonal skills can give them the answer.

2. Highlight your transferable skills

Your transferable skills are ones you bring with you from one experience to the next. These include soft skills like conflict resolution , self-motivation , and decision-making , but they can also be technical ones like writing or coding.

Maybe you were the team leader in a school project and learned you have a talent for leadership and communication . You can tell employers about this, although it isn’t formal work experience, because you’ve demonstrated the skills before. 

Even if the job is entirely different from what you’ve done in the past, there’s a way to spin your skill set to display competence. Highlight your abilities rather than focusing on the skills you’re missing. If you’re applying for an entry-level marketing position, try using your personal social media posts or hobbies, such as photography, to boost your employability. 

3. Take courses

You don’t necessarily have to get a master’s degree or even a bachelor’s degree to find a job in a new field. Certificates and short courses are excellent ways to revamp your resume and cover letter while showing potential employers your strong work ethic and initiative to learn. Taking courses can also help you beat imposter syndrome by making you feel more qualified for positions you’re applying for.

Many colleges offer certificates through remote learning and evening classes that cater to people already working full-time. You can also try short online courses through platforms like Udemy or Coursera to brush up on your skills and earn a badge to put on your resume and LinkedIn profile . And as many lucrative roles for new candidates and career changers exist in the tech realm (software engineering roles often pay six figures , for example), it’s wise to consider diploma and boot camp courses in the field, like Microsoft Certifications or Google Apprenticeships.

4. Tap into your network

Research suggests that networking helps fill 80% of positions , so if you’re looking for a job, talking to peers and past colleagues are great places to start. Use networking platforms like LinkedIn to connect with coworkers, classmates, and professionals in your field. Cold connecting is intimidating, but it allows you to start conversations with potential mentors or recruiters. Plus, you’ll be using the same skills in these conversations that you’ll need in an interview, like effective self-promotion .

What’s more, a professional network could give you access to new positions before companies post them on job boards, giving you the upper hand. Connections can also put in a good word for you at their current company or use their network to point you toward openings. Attending networking events in your community lets you take an in-person approach to meeting people, too.

Networking is a two-way street. Nurturing your relationships and helping others is as essential as receiving help yourself. When you treat others with respect and show that you’re a great collaborator, they’ll be more receptive to giving you references and referrals in the future. Deepen these connections by offering your expertise to help them with their personal projects and celebrating their achievements . 

5. Tailor your resume

Your resume is your chance to show an employer why they should value your skills and life experience, so take advantage of it. 

If you’re looking for your first role, you might have never had to make this document before. So, the first step is researching how to create an excellent resume. Following templates or using resume builders indicates what to include, how to correctly present information, and other best practices.

All resumes have a prior experience section. If you’re a new candidate and this part of your resume is short, add content to other sections like skills and education, and write a career statement highlighting your goals and best qualities.

Tailor different types of resumes to specific positions, and include keywords from the job posting. Companies often use automated hiring tools like applicant tracking systems (ATS), so mirroring the language and exact terms can help your job application get through.

6. Apply for entry-level jobs

It’s easy to feel impatient when you don’t have enough experience to apply for high-level positions immediately. But entry-level jobs can still be fulfilling.

A lower-level position might not be your end goal, but entry-level positions are an opportunity to develop new skills and get your foot in the door of a company you want to work for in more senior positions. 

You can find entry-level, no-experience roles by searching “entry-level,” “junior,” or even “intern” on job search platforms . Try researching the most junior positions that could lead to your dream job and looking for those. To become a marketing manager, for example, you might start as a social media content creator or marketing assistant and move up.

7. Develop skills during your free time

If you’re struggling to land an entry-level role or the job search is taking longer than you thought, that’s okay. Reaching your goals takes time. Job hunting stretches on for months for many candidates . Use free moments to develop more skills, enhance your resume, and network.

Career-forward tasks you could do in your downtime might be volunteering, working with a career coach , or practicing new skills at home. It could mean attending a networking event (even if you’re an introvert ). If you want to become a web developer, try coding your own projects and upskilling on your own time.

8. Create a portfolio

A portfolio is a great way to show employers what you can do, whether that’s designing intriguing infographics or coding complex software. Anything that proves your talents is valuable to include in an application. 

This is particularly important for creative fields that center around your visual identity. You can showcase your work on a personal website, in a PDF file, or as a hard copy to express your personality and stand out.

Even if you know it’ll be temporary, you can find fulfilling positions that give you the skills you need to climb the ladder in any industry, whether they’re in-person office jobs or work-from-home positions . 

Here are six no-experience jobs to set you up on a new career path and develop valuable skills:

1. Customer service

If you love helping others and are a patient person , try becoming a customer service representative. You’ll interact with consumers and provide helpful information to support them and resolve their concerns. Depending on the company, you can work in customer service in person, via telephone, or chat.

Most employers will provide on-site training to teach you everything you need to perform well, so you don’t need a lot of work experience. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), customer service representatives earn a median annual wage of $37,780 in the US and can work in nearly every industry. This job is an excellent opportunity to get your foot in the door.

2. Sales associate

Becoming a sales associate is a fantastic way to break into a particular industry by learning about the products at the consumer level. Retail work creates a foundation for fashion-related jobs, and selling tech products can inspire a career in software engineering. Plus, this niche offers many part-time jobs, so you can gain real-world work experience while continuing your schooling or managing other commitments. 

Sales associates work one-on-one with customers to learn their unique needs and recommend products or services to meet them. If you’re persuasive and engaging, you’ll stand out to hiring managers for this role.

Although the industry you work in has much to do with the salary range, the BLS reports that retail sales workers earn a median annual wage of $30,750 . Some businesses also offer their employees commission pay on top of their base salary as an incentive for reaching their sales targets. 

3. Virtual assistant

If you want to work from home without experience and organization is one of your strengths, you might enjoy working as a virtual assistant. In this role, you’ll perform administrative tasks for an individual client, like planning work trips, making phone calls, and scheduling appointments. You’ll also get a peek into the inner workings of a business, which can provide helpful context about company operations in future roles.

Along with possessing strong bookkeeping and time management skills , you should work well independently and under pressure. According to the BLS, secretaries and administrative assistants have a median pay of $44,080 per year , depending on the region and individual you’re assisting.

4. Copywriter

Copywriters write text for blogs, articles, or web content to increase brand awareness and aid marketing efforts. Copywriting requires strong written communication skills , a meticulous eye, and creativity . Like some other positions above, it familiarizes you with an industry and gives you the knowledge you need to potentially move up.

The BLS reports that writers earn a median annual wage of $73,150 . Copywriting is often gig-based , so the range varies depending on your client base and how many hours you choose to work.

5. Public relations assistant

If you have a knack for social media, event planning, and presenting , a role as a public relations (PR) assistant incorporates all of your talents.

In this role, you’ll assist the PR team by conducting tasks such as writing press releases and brainstorming risk management strategies. These positions require a creative mind, strong people skills, and an eye for aesthetics.

While employers prefer a bachelor’s degree for this role, there are PR professional development certificates and courses that can give your resume a competitive advantage. Public relations specialists earn a median annual wage of $67,440 , according to the BLS.

6. Social media manager

As a social media manager, your daily tasks may include taking photos, scheduling content, and writing copy for captions and posts. People in this role can work in nearly any company or industry, making it a great option if you’re just starting out. 

Employers often only want to see that you’re proficient in running social media accounts, which doesn’t require extensive work experience. You can show off personal or extracurricular accounts, or create a vision board and post examples as part of your portfolio. 

In this role, you may work in-house or remotely, and you might have the opportunity to attend industry events to capture and share behind-the-scenes moments. Glassdoor reports that social media managers earn an average annual wage of $47,738 , but the BLS groups advertising, promotions, and marketing managers at a median pay of $138,730 annually . This position has a large range, depending on who you work for and how much experience you have.

Your resume is often your first impression with a new employer, so make that page count. Write a resume that stands out and highlights your transferable skills, all while tailoring it to individual job descriptions.

Use these three key points to craft a resume without work experience:

• Emphasize your academic achievements: Highlight a strong grade point average (GPA) or any honors achievements to show your ability to work hard. You can also list courses, certificates, or related projects relevant to the position you're applying for. 
• Spotlight your skills: Review the position’s job description and use those skills on your resume. This could include leadership, time management, and public speaking . Just remember to be honest and include only skills you can prove you have. You don’t want to land the job and feel stranded or unqualified.
• Make your experience relevant: Having relevant experience isn’t just about holding a particular job title. You can include extracurricular activities on your resume as excellent evidence of your skills. If you volunteer at a community garden and are applying for a PR assistant position, you can explain how your volunteer gig has taught you organizational skills and the value of hard work. Spin your experience to work for you without stretching the truth.

Job interviews are already stress-inducing, and if you’re about to apply for your first job, this step might feel overwhelming.

But this is your chance to practice and slowly build your confidence. Nobody expects you to give a perfect interview if you’re applying for an entry-level position. Just be yourself and explain the skills you know you already have.

Here are some tips that could turn your interview into a job offer, even if you don’t have experience:

• Research the company: This will show recruiters or hiring managers that you’re invested in the business and eager for a position.

Knowing what the company’s values are and what it’s accomplished is a surefire way to stand out. You could talk about a specific project that attracted you and how you could contribute to a similar one.

• Emphasize your strengths: Focus on why you’re qualified for the position rather than not, and uplift yourself by believing in your capabilities.

Before an interview, try creating a list of why you’re well-suited for the particular job, what accomplishments you’re proud of, and your skills. Just a simple reminder before the interview can give you a positive attitude . 

• Practice your answers: Practice the STAR interview method to explain how you’ve solved problems or shown off your skills in the past.

This is a good tactic for common behavioral interview questions , like “ Tell us about a time you had to deal with a difficult person” or “Explain a mistake you made and how you fixed it.” Practicing your answers with a friend or family member will help you answer them effectively.

• Work with a career coach: Drilling interview questions in front of the mirror or with a loved one is a savvy preparation tactic, but you can level up your practice with help from a career coach. Your coach will ask hard-hitting questions and help you respond better to those you have trouble answering.

Plus, you can lean on your career coach for other guidance, like help writing a standout

resume or cover letter, identifying your skills, and making an action plan for landing a fulfilling role. They can also provide tips on navigating the job search.

Whether you’re new to the job market or looking to shift your professional career after years of experience in another role, this move feels like a fresh start . So, knowing how to get a job with no experience will increase your chances of getting hired. 

A career start or transition implies looking closely at your relevant skills and determining ways to become the best candidate possible. You must leverage your strengths, prepare adequately, and learn new things. In doing so, you’ll unlock your full potential and feel confident in your new job.

Ace your job search

Explore effective job search techniques, interview strategies, and ways to overcome job-related challenges. Our coaches specialize in helping you land your dream job.

Allaya Cooks-Campbell

With over 15 years of content experience, Allaya Cooks Campbell has written for outlets such as ScaryMommy, HRzone, and HuffPost. She holds a B.A. in Psychology and is a certified yoga instructor as well as a certified Integrative Wellness & Life Coach. Allaya is passionate about whole-person wellness, yoga, and mental health.

6 tips on how to answer promotion interview questions

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How to Get a Job With No Experience (12 Tactics)

By Biron Clark

Published: November 10, 2023

Recent Grads

Biron Clark

Writer & Career Coach

Looking for how to get a job with no experience? you’re in the right place.

If you’re looking to change careers or you’re a recent graduate with no hands-on experience, finding a job in the profession you want to work in can be challenging. You probably don’t have much experience you can include on your resume , and you may not have the education that relates to the role.

However, even if you don’t have any experience with the job you’re applying to, that’s not an automatic knockout. You can find ways to spruce up your resume and exhibit transferable skills or pursue additional education that will give you the knowledge you need to be successful in a role. 

While this isn’t easy for most people, you can do it if you follow the right steps. And I’m going to give you those steps right now in this article. Keep reading for the best ways to find a job without any experience.

How to Get a Job Without Any Work Experience

1. tailor your resume for each job posting.

When you apply for jobs without experience, always look at the job description and try to identify what skills and traits the employer wants. What’s mentioned first, or most often?

Even without experience… think about courses you’ve taken, projects you’ve completed, internships, volunteering, etc.

And think about how all of this relates to the job you’re applying to. What seems most important on the job description? Leadership? Problem solving ? Ability to work without close supervision? Now highlight what they’re looking for in all of your past experience on your resume. You can do this by reordering items on your resume as well as adding bullets and other content if you notice a gap between what the employer wants and what you mention. While customizing your resume is going to make a job application take longer, you’ll get more responses.

Would you rather send 100 applications and get 1 response? Or send 20 applications and get 5 responses?

Plus, it doesn’t take as long as it sounds if you use this tailoring method .

Now, if you’re still thinking, “I don’t have any experience to talk about on my resume, so how can I customize my resume to fit the job?” then keep reading. In the next two points, I’ll share more ideas of what to put on your resume .

Watch: How to Get a Job Without Any Work Experience

2. highlight academic experience as much as possible.

When you’re trying to get a job without work experience, your academic experience  is your work experience. Think back to class projects, presentations, internships, and even individual work you completed as a part of your education.

You can emphasize this on your resume and in job interviews to show employers that you’re a great fit for their role. You can use your academic work to highlight job-related skills (such as Python programming, Excel, or financial analysis) as well as soft skills like leadership, public speaking, multitasking, and more.

If you graduated recently and have absolutely no work experience, I suggest putting your resume “Education” section at the top of your resume (just below your contact info and summary paragraph ) and treating it like a work experience section. By that, I mean put specific accomplishments and bullets starting with verbs like “Led,” “Organized,” “Facilitated,” etc.

Here are two articles to help you write your resume in a way that will attract employers:

• 80+ Positive Verbs and Action Words for a Resume
• 22 Resume Bullet Point Examples That Get Interviews

Of course, the advice above works best if you graduated somewhat recently. So if you’re trying to get a job at 30+ with no experience, then this next tip will help you more.

3. Take courses and get certifications

Here’s another effective way to get a job with no work history: Enroll in some online courses and certifications.

For learning general skills like marketing or sales, I recommend Skillshare which offers a free trial and thousands of courses. Certain industries and topics have specific certifications you can find, too. For example, if you want to learn software engineering, there are online coding bootcamps.

The right course for you will depend on your situation and goals, but don’t neglect to look at this option if you’re trying to get a job with no experience and feeling stuck. Beware of expensive certifications, though; you can often find a similar education for much cheaper on sites like Skillshare (mentioned above). And while some specific certifications are well-known and highly-regarded (Like the PMP certification for project managers), many are just used to entice job seekers into paying a lot of money.

In my opinion as a former recruiter , for  most industries, it’s more important to show you completed an online course and learned the job-related skills than it is to show a certification. Fortunately, many of the budget-friendly courses on sites like Skillshare and elsewhere do offer a certification to show you completed the material.

4. Email companies even if they aren’t hiring or don’t have a relevant position

Spend 20–30% of your job search time sending emails to companies that aren’t advertising the perfect-fitting job. Why? Less competition. You never know when a company is about to start hiring, or growing and open to adding new entry level people even if they don’t “need” it right away.

One of my previous companies always did this. Sometimes they actively recruited recent graduates or people without any work experience, and sometimes they stopped or paused the recruiting efforts. But if someone great emailed us, or was referred to us, we’d ALWAYS interview them.

5. Network as much as possible

I just mentioned referrals. That’s one of the most powerful ways to get into a company because if you come recommended, you’ll immediately be more trusted and seem like less of a risk to hire. If you need a good place to start, here’s an article with some networking tips .

If you’re a recent graduate, one of the best places to start is to ask former classmates and friends who already found jobs. Find out if their companies are hiring more people without work experience.

Don’t be apologetic or timid when you ask them either. Sometimes these companies offer a BIG referral bonus to the current employees if they refer a new hire. So you might be making your friend hundreds or even thousands of dollars (seriously!)

I know it’s a little nerve-racking to ask people for help or to network in general. But trust me – it could be the difference between finding a job fast and searching months without any good job offers . One or two phone calls (or emails, text messages, etc.) can turn your job search around overnight when it comes to referrals.

6. Start with entry-level jobs

When looking for a job in a profession you don’t have experience in, you should focus on entry-level roles. An entry-level position is on the low end of your professional ladder, but it allows you to build the skills you need to progress later in your career. 

Usually, you’ll stay in an entry-level position for one to two years before you take on a role with more responsibility in your chosen profession.

The entry-level filter is available for every search you perform, and you can filter further by type of job (full, part-time, or contract), company, and education level.

7. Do It on your own

Sometimes, it’s possible to get experience in a role as a freelancer or even on your own time. Creative writing or marketing positions are especially susceptible to the “do it yourself” approach.

For instance, if you’ve got your heart set on a full-time copywriter position but don’t have the applicable skills or experience, create a website to showcase your writing prowess. Regularly post articles concerning topics you’re interested in. 

This side project will give you the writing experience you’re looking for. Bonus points if you can turn your website into a passive income stream with proper SEO management.

If you’re aiming for a digital marketing job, try using your personal social media platform to build a following. Instagram and TikTok are ideal platforms for social media creators; you can use your account to talk about things that are important to you or showcase your expertise in specific topics. 

As your posts gain traction, you’ll learn more about what resonates with your audience and start seeing an uptick in followers. You can monitor your success and try new tricks as you expand your audience. You might even start your own company.

8. Follow a routine

Decide on set hours that you’ll apply each day (yes, it takes hours per day). Keep a consistent routine and hold yourself accountable. It’s like a job, but you’re the boss and you need to be honest with yourself about how much effort you’re giving, and if it’s enough you need to do something about it.

None of the other steps in this article will help you get a job without work experience if you don’t put in the time.

That said, there ARE some ways to save time…

9. Use LinkedIn Easy Apply to apply to more jobs in less time

To be clear: You shouldn’t spend your entire day applying to a high volume of positions online. That alone won’t find you an entry level role.

However, if you’re also networking, emailing recruiters directly, etc., (slower, more targeted, thoughtful method) then there’s also room in your job search for some quick online applications. It’s certainly possible that you land your dream job through an online application. And LinkedIn is the best place to do it, thanks to their Easy Apply feature, which allows you to apply in just a few clicks and often without a cover letter.

This is one of my favorite time-saving methods for job seekers. It’s going to save you HOURS when applying for jobs online.

And you don’t need a strong LinkedIn presence or many connections. I just suggest completing your LinkedIn profile before you start applying to jobs here, since the hiring manager for a role will typically see and review your LinkedIn profile after you apply.

Here’s an article showing you how the method works: How to use LinkedIn “Easy Apply” to find a job.

10. Follow up and stay organized

This is another place you can save yourself a ton of time in your job search.

Track where you’ve applied, and send a follow-up email after the application if you haven’t heard feedback in five business days . It takes 10% as much time to follow up as it did to send the initial job application, or probably even less. Definitely worth it. But you can only do this is if you stay organized and actually track where you’ve applied and when.

I recommend keeping a simple Excel spreadsheet with a few columns:

• Company name
• Position title
• Date you applied
• How you applied (email, online form, LinkedIn , job board, etc.)
• Followed up yet? (yes/no)
• Response? (no response, declined to interview me, interested in interviewing me, interview scheduled for __)

11. Demonstrate the right soft skills

If you want to find an entry level job, it’s important to show a positive attitude in your interviews. Think about what traits or signals an employer is looking for as they search the job market. What could entry level candidates do to impress them, personality-wise? What might some entry level candidates be doing that’s a turn-off?

I’ll answer those questions for you, don’t worry.

To land your first job, or any entry level jobs, you want to seem like you’re enthusiastic, coachable, honest, and hard-working.

Employers will hire an entry level candidate based on potential to learn and grow, even if you don’t have any prior job experience or relevant skills for the exact position.

At the same time, hiring managers may not hire an entry level candidate with some relevant skills, if that person seems like they’ve got an attitude problem, is arrogant, not a team player, etc. So make sure you’re showing the right traits and soft skills to land your first entry level job. These traits can go a long way and are a big piece of what employers look for in the interview.

To show you’re hard-working, do some background research on the company, and to understand your desired industry overall. Show that you understand the career path you’ve applied for.

If possible, relate some of your past experiences to the necessary skills in the job. You can point to academic experience, even if you haven’t worked at all.

12. Ask for feedback after a job interview

Starting a job hunt without experience in the role you’re applying for isn’t easy. You’ll likely encounter a few setbacks before landing a position. While being denied a job can be upsetting, keep your chin up and keep applying. Remember that persistence pays off, and you’ll eventually find a suitable position.

If you attend any interviews for jobs you apply for, note the questions hiring managers ask that you don’t feel you have a solid response for. Similar questions will likely arise in other interviews, so developing an answer that fits is critical for future interview prep . 

You can also consider asking for feedback from the hiring managers. Send an email that inquires about ways to improve for future interviews with other companies. 

Here’s an example email you might use:

Dear Mr. / Ms. , Thank you very much for taking the time to interview me on MM/DD for the role. While I understand I didn’t get the position, I wanted to ask you for constructive feedback I can use when applying to future roles. Your guidance would be highly appreciated, as I’m amid a and I know I don’t have extensive professional experience. Kind regards,

If the hiring manager responds, you could receive helpful tips to implement into future applications.

How to Get a Job With No Experience: Interview Preparation

Once you’re getting interviews, it’s time to focus on preparing to turn those interviews into job offers. Getting interviews is half the battle when it comes to getting a job with no experience, but you need to take advantage of each opportunity you get to interview!

First, make sure you’re researching each company before talking to them. Employers are going to be impressed if you know about their company, industry, and competitors, and it can help set you apart and put you over the top when you’re trying to get hired without experience.

Next, be ready to explain why you’d succeed in their job. Even for an entry-level position, or a job requiring no direct experience, employers are going to make their choice based on who they feel is most likely to be able to step into the job and succeed. So think about your soft skills, your education, any internships or work experience you have from other industries, and how it will help you.

That will prepare you to answer questions like, “Why should we hire you?”

More interview resources to help you find a job with no work experience:

• 128 most common interview questions to practice .
• How to prepare for a Skype or video interview.
• 105 great questions to ask the interviewer.
• Detailed interview preparation tips from a recruiter.

If you read everything above, you now know how to find a job with no experience… including how to get job interviews and how to turn those interviews into job offers. The tips we covered will help you succeed in both areas so you can get a job fast and end your job hunt!

To wrap up, here are a couple of other useful resources to help you get a job with no experience:

• How to write a cover letter with no work experience.
• What to do when you can’t find a job in your field.
• The best ways to get a good job after graduating college.

About the Author

Read more articles by Biron Clark

13 thoughts on “How to Get a Job With No Experience (12 Tactics)”

Quick question about applying to job postings online. I’ve read that it’s best to respond to job postings within 2-3 days if you really want any chance at getting a response or hearing back. How accurate do you think that is?

What cutoff would you recommend someone NOT APPLY to a job posting after it’s been up? 1 week? 3 weeks? 1 month max?

Great question. I’m not sure about the exact data. I haven’t done a study on this. If a job was posted within the past month, I’d apply. Don’t rule yourself out. Maybe don’t spend as long on the application (if they require a cover letter, etc.), but do apply.

Hey thanks for the feedback Biron! I’ll be sure to apply and not rule myself out based on your advice.

I found the main article that was talking about the data (supposedly) for applying to jobs online within 72 hours.

https://www.topresume.com/career-advice/the-early-bird-gets-the-job-the-best-time-to-submit-your-resume

It mentions a 2019 study by Jobvite ( https://www.jobvite.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/2019-Recruiting-Benchmark-Report.pdf ) saying that employers only consider the first 50% of job applications making the case for why you should apply as soon as possible (within 72 hours).

I get that it makes sense to respond to a job posting as soon as is feasible, but I’m not sure I agree with their data here. Sounds like they’re concluding that you are (basically) wasting your time if you don’t apply for a job within 3 days (and that’s if you’re qualified for the job too).

I think that’s absurd and severely limits a job seeker’s options dramatically if they only responded to job postings that have been posted within the past 3 days.

Thoughts on this article and study?

I need a job without experience

Emailing companies that aren’t hiring or don’t have a position. not a conventional way of searching for jobs but it absolutely make sense.

Thanks, Ren. Doing something a bit differently is almost always a good thing :). If you follow what every other entry-level job seeker is doing, you’re going to compete with 100+ people for each job. So if a company posts a job publicly on a site like Indeed, it’s going to get a TON of applications. Especially if it’s a job with no experience required. But if you email companies that aren’t actively recruiting (but might still have hiring needs), then you could be one of the only people to contact them that week, so you’ll get more attention.

When you say email companies, do you mean send a cold cover letter/letter of intent or trying to email one of the hiring managers directly?

Email a hiring manager or the company’s HR department. Depending on what’s available on the contact page or the information available to you.

Don’t attach a cover letter. Nobody likes to receive unsolicited attachments. Instead, write a brief, well-spaced email (no huge paragraphs) saying how you came across their company, why you’d love to work for them, what some of your strengths and skills are, and then end with a specific call to action.

Example of a call to action:

“When would be the best time to discuss this further, via a phone call?”

I’ll try to write more articles about this in the future. It takes a while to get the hang of, but if your email does the following, you’re doing MUCH better than most people:

-Keep it brief -Keep it extremely well spaced with short pargraphs -Make it about them as much as you (literally press CTRL + F and see how much you’re saying “you” vs “I” before sending)

Sweet! Thanks for clearing that up Biron! Would you still recommend attaching a resume or no attachments whatsoever?

I think you could argue either way on that…

If it were me, I’d send it with zero attachments, but I’d put a link to my LinkedIn profile at the bottom and tell them they can go there to get a better sense of what I do and how I could help their company.

(Just make sure your LinkedIn is good first, of course).

OK sounds good, thanks for the suggestion. I can’t wait to start trying this method out and see what opportunities open up!

I would like to know about the learnership, jobs, bursary so that I can apply please.

Comments are closed.

• I’m a Jobseeker
• I’m an Employer

How To Get a Job with No Experience – 2024 Guide

When it comes to landing a job, experience often takes the spotlight. But here’s the thing: while it can certainly be a valuable asset, it’s not the only thing that matters. Being prepared and enthusiastic about work can also make a compelling case for employers. In this article, we’ll explain how to get a job with no experience and where to find it!

Table of Contents

9 Tips To Get a Job with No Experience

Let’s explore actionable tips for entry-level job seekers looking for jobs that go from a server to a warehouse worker, delivery driver, shop assistant, accountant, and more.

1. Focus on soft skills

Soft skills, also known as interpersonal or people skills, are abilities and qualities that enable individuals to accomplish tasks effectively .In fact, they’re just as important as technical skills, according to 61% of professionals .

In entry-level positions, these skills can often outweigh technical expertise. Examples include communication, teamwork, adaptability, problem-solving, and customer service.

To showcase your soft skills, consider incorporating specific examples into your job applications. For instance, if you’re applying for a cashier position, highlight your communication skills by mentioning how you could interact with customers to resolve issues or upsell products.

2. Write a good about me section in your resume or profile

Writing a good “About Me” section on your resume or profile can enhance your chances of landing a job . Instead of merely saying your name and mentioning you’re on the lookout for certain jobs, use this space to showcase your unique qualities and what you bring to the table as a candidate .

For example, consider a profile description like: “Hey, I’m Sarah! While I may not have formal work experience yet, I bring enthusiasm, reliability, and a strong work ethic to the table. I’m eager to learn and always ready for work! Let’s chat about how I can fit into your company’s needs!”

3. Record a creative intro video

Even without prior work experience, you can make a memorable impression with a creative intro video on the Job Today app . Here’s how:

• Go to your profile in the app, and click on Full Preview. Scroll down to find the Intro Video section.
• Click on record a video and start recording when you are ready.

‘But what should I say?’ Remember: you only have 30 seconds, so make the most of your time! You want employers to watch your video and be eager to invite you for an interview. Here’s our key advice:

• Make sure to be in a neutral background and a calm space. Don’t record while lying down or in a busy environment.
• Make a small script and train a little bit!
• In your script, you must mention: your name and location , the types of jobs you’re looking for , any experience you may have, and your top three professional skills (get inspiration from your latest section about soft skills!).
• Encourage employers to learn more about you by inviting them to explore your profile or reach out for further discussion.

4. Create a network

Reach out to friends, family, and acquaintances to let them know you’re looking for work. You never know, a friend of a friend who owns a small business might be searching for employees just like you! On Job Today, you can follow companies you’re interested in and stay updated on future opportunities. Plus, you can connect with employers directly via chat , making it easier to establish those valuable connections.

5. Prepare for the interview

If you’ve secured an interview, make sure to show up on time and dress appropriately —not necessarily in formal attire, but in a casual outfit suitable for work. Preparation is key: rehearse answers to common intervi e w questions and think of questions to ask the interviewer at the end. This shows your interest and enthusiasm for the position.

Related: How to Ace a Job Interview with No Experience

6. Why you are the best person for this job?

When creating a profile on any job search platform, it’s essential to present yourself as the ideal candidate. Highlight why you are a good fit for the job, whether it’s because of your relevant experience or your positive attributes as an employee.

Tailor your profile and resume to match the job you’re applying for. For example, if you’re aiming for a delivery driver position , emphasize your punctuality, reliability, and knowledge of the local area. By clearly demonstrating how your skills and qualities align with the job requirements, you’ll convince employers that you’re the best person for the job.

7. Leverage Life Experiences to Highlight Job-Ready Skills

Think about the experiences you’ve had outside of formal employment that can be valuable in the workplace. Everyday activities and responsibilities often cultivate transferable skills that employers value . For example:

• School Projects: Group projects or leading a club at school can demonstrate your leadership, collaboration, and project management abilities.
• Hobbies: Participating in team sports can show your ability to work well with others and stay committed to a goal. Creative hobbies like photography or writing can showcase attention to detail and creativity.
• Family Responsibilities: Managing household chores, budgeting, or caring for siblings can reflect your responsibility, multitasking, and time management skills.

8. Follow up on your interviews

After an interview, it’s important to follow up with the employer through chat. It’s polite to send a message thanking the recruiter for their time and inquiring about the next steps. However, take a moderate approach to follow-ups . Excessive messages can be off-putting and might hinder your chances of getting the job. A single, polite follow-up a few days after the interview is typically sufficient.

9. If you didn’t get a job, stay in touch with the company

Rejection is a normal part of the job search process; everyone goes through it. On average, it takes between 2 and 4 interviews to land a job . If you don’t get the job, use it as a learning experience and stay in touch with the company. Since you’ve already had the chance to speak directly with the employer, follow them on Job Today and stay alert for any future opportunities they post. Keeping in touch shows your continued interest and could lead to future openings.

How to Find Entry-Level Jobs

At Job Today, we specialize in connecting job seekers with entry-level positions across various industries. Whether you’re looking for roles as a retail assistant , sales advisor , cleaner , or hospitality worker, we have a wide range of opportunities available to kickstart your career.

Jobs That Hire Without a High School Diploma

There are several job titles where a high school diploma is not required. Some examples include:

• Retail Sales Assistant
• Restaurant Server
• Custodian/ Janitor
• Delivery Driver
• Warehouse Worker
• Receptionist
• Personal Care Aide
• Security Guard

+ See listings in NYC that don’t require a High School diploma on Job Today

Frequently Asked Questions

In this section, we’ll address some common queries job seekers have about finding employment with no experience.

How to Get a Construction Job with No Experience?

Construction jobs often need immediate hires , making them accessible for those without experience. To get started, show your willingness to learn and your ability to work hard.

Highlight any physical tasks you’ve handled in the past, such as helping with home repairs or moving heavy items. You can also emphasize your reliability and punctuality.

How to Get a Job as a 16-Year-Old with No Experience?

At 16, it’s normal not to have work experience. Focus on presenting yourself as eager to learn, respectful, and genuinely interested in the job. Emphasize your soft skills, like being a good team player, communicating well, and being adaptable. For example, you could say, “I’m very responsible and always complete my school projects on time. I’m excited to bring that same dedication to this job.” Employers appreciate a positive attitude and a willingness to learn.

Also, apply only for part-time jobs, since there are limits on the number of hours worked by minors under the age of 16.

How to Get a Job at 30 with No Experience?

Starting a new career at 30 is entirely possible, and sometimes even advantageous. Employers may value your maturity and sense of responsibility. Highlight any life experiences that have helped you develop relevant skills. For example, managing a household can translate into strong organizational and multitasking abilities. Emphasize your readiness to learn and adapt, and how your diverse experiences make you a good match. Remember, it’s never too late to start something new!

Related: 4 Awesome Jobs that Require No Experience!

How to Get a Truck Driving Job with No Experience?

The first step to getting a truck driving job is obtaining a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), which requires passing a written test and a driving exam. Enrolling in a CDL training program provides essential skills and hands-on experience with large vehicles.

While training, gain experience by driving vans or small trucks, or helping with local deliveries. This builds confidence and competence with larger vehicles.

Apply for entry-level truck driving positions or apprenticeships, which often offer on-the-job training. Highlight your reliability, ability to handle long hours, and any relevant vehicle maintenance experience.

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32 Work From Home No Experience Jobs

Author: Holly Reisem Hanna

January 29, 2024 21 Comments

Would you like to work from home, but you don’t have a college degree or prior work experience?

No problem.

If you’re willing to put your best foot forward, and you have the right soft skills (think fast and accurate typing, excellent communication skills, and attention to detail), you can find remote work in a variety of fields.

Here is a list of 32 legitimate work from home no experience jobs for beginners.

1. 3 Play Media – Transcription

3 Play Media hires freelance transcriptionists and editors to transcribe audio recordings into text documents. You must have excellent communication skills, a solid command of English grammar and punctuation, as well as the ability to multitask.

• Independent contractor

2. $99 Social – Content Writer

$99 Social hires part-time content writers to write content for social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram. No experience is needed for this role, but you must have excellent spelling, grammar, and punctuation skills. Before starting, you’ll need to complete 7-8 hours of training.

3. ACD Direct – Virtual Call Center Agent

ACD Direct hires virtual call agents that have excellent phone and people skills, good computer skills, and who are highly organized and motivated. In this role, you can create your own schedule, and you don’t need a dedicated landline. ACD Direct does not hire individuals from California, Delaware, Massachusetts, Louisiana, West Virginia, Wyoming, Vermont, and South Dakota due to state independent contracting laws.

4. Alorica – Customer Service Reps

Alorica hires part-time and full-time customer service reps from the US to provide support via phone, email, chat, and social media. Since Alorica delivers customer service for many companies, the criteria for each role differs slightly. But in general, you’ll need a high school diploma or GED, strong communication skills, and basic computer skills. While no experience is required for this work from home job, it is preferred. They also offer paid training, and full-time roles come with benefits.

• W2 employee

5. Amazon Mechanical Turk – Short Tasks

Amazon Mechanical Turk is an online marketplace where businesses can post tasks they need to have completed. Assignments include data validation, online research, surveys, content moderation, data entry, writing social media posts, and more. While this is a legit work from home gig, the tasks often don’t pay well, only pennies per task. I wouldn’t suggest spending a lot of time doing low paying tasks, but it may be a decent side earner for when you’re watching TV or waiting around for an appointment.

6. Appen – Short Tasks

Appen hires freelancers to work on various projects like social media and search engine evaluation , translation, transcription, surveys, online moderation, and data collection. Interested job candidates need to be 18 years old with excellent communication, analytical, and web research skills. To work for Appen, you’ll need to pass their evaluation tests, which I’ve heard are very challenging.

Side note : Appen lost their contract with Google for search engine evaluators. This goes into effect March 19, 2024, so I expect there will be fewer gigs on their site going forward.

7. ARC – Telephone Mystery Shopping

If you’re well-spoken with excellent written and listening skills, check out ARC’s mystery shopping jobs . Evaluators and shoppers work a variety of hours and days, including normal business hours, nights, and weekends.

8. Back Office Betties – Legal Intake Specialists

Back Office Betties hires part- and full-time legal intake specialists from Arizona, Texas, Nevada, Pennsylvania, and Florida. For these remote jobs, you’ll need excellent communication skills and a high level of emotional intelligence. No experience is necessary for these roles; however, they do also hire senior-level legal intake specialists at higher rates. Positions come with a wide variety of benefits.

• W2 employment

9. Cambly – Online Tutoring Jobs

Cambly is a platform where non-native English speakers can practice their conversational English skills with native English speakers. To become a tutor with Cambly, all you’ll need is a reliable internet connection, a computer with a webcam, and good communication skills. At this time, Cambly only hires native English speakers, and the pay is $.017 per minute ($10.20 per hour) for conversing with adults and $0.20 per minute ($12.00 per hour) for working with kids. Cambly makes payments every Monday via PayPal.

10. Clickworker – Microtask Provider

Clickworker is a microtask platform where you can work on small tasks like writing, translation, research, taking surveys , and data processing. Anyone, regardless of skills or experience, can register on the site. Clickworker’s initiation and training ensure that you have the proper competencies to work on the task at hand. Payments are made via PayPal once your account has reached a $10 threshold.

11. Conduent – Remote W2 Roles

Conduent remote workers from around the globe! Positions include both part-time and full-time opportunities for customer service representatives, tech support , sales, bilingual customer care, program eligibility, medical claims, data entry, and more. Some positions don’t even require experience! Training is paid, benefits are offered for full-time roles, and pay rates vary based on the job. Select the remote work option using the search filters on left-hand side.

12. Copify – Freelance Writing Jobs

On Copify , you can accept freelance writing assignments as soon as your application is approved. No formal qualifications are needed to get started. Copify makes payments through PayPal, and you can earn up to $30 per 500 words of written content. Be sure to research this opportunity before joining, as they get mixed reviews on Glassdoor .

13. Datavio.ai – Short Task Jobs

Datavio.ai , formerly iSoftStone, is a crowdsourcing platform where you can work as a search engine evaluator, transcriber, translator, data collector, website tester, and more. For these roles, you’ll need to supply your own equipment, have excellent attention to detail, and be tech-savvy. Some gigs have additional criteria you’ll need to meet, so look at each job posting to find out what you’re qualified for. These at-home jobs tend to be sporadic and pay per task. However, it can be an interesting way to make extra money online. 

14. Fancy Hands – Virtual Assistants

For most virtual assistant jobs, you’ll need at least one year of experience. However, Fancy Hands hires beginners to complete tasks like internet research, data entry and making phone calls. For these positions, you’ll need to have excellent communication skills, a reliable internet connection, and an audio headset with a microphone. In this freelance role, you’ll earn $3.00-$7.00 per task, and payments are made via Dwolla every other Tuesday. Fancy Hands has gotten mixed reviews , so do your due diligence before taking the time to apply.

15. Foundever – Customer Service, Sales, and Support

Foundever hires for a variety of customer service and support roles. Most positions are full-time, and they offer paid training and benefits. To apply, you need to be a multitasking problem-solver who enjoys working with people. Prior customer service experience is helpful but not required for employment.

16. InboxDone – Inbox Managers

InboxDone hires US-based workers to manage small business owners’ email inboxes. For this position, you must have excellent communication skills, be self-motivated, and be willing to make a long-term commitment to the company. Training is paid, and you’ll start off working part-time hours. You don’t need a resume or cover letter to apply; but they do want talented individuals who are dedicated A-game players.

• Independent contractors

17. Kelly Services – Staffing Agency

Kelly Services is a staffing agency that helps companies find qualified help. The thing I love about this site is they have excellent search features, including the option to pull only work from home jobs and entry-level work. At Kelly Services, you can find remote roles like data entry, administrative work, translator gigs, and project management jobs. On the site, you can search for part-time, full-time, per diem, temporary, and temp-to-hire work arrangements.

18. Lincoln Financial Group – Customer Service

Lincoln Financial Group hires US-based individuals with excellent communication skills and strong interpersonal skills for various customer service roles. These positions come with paid training, benefits, and bonus opportunities. While prior work experience is preferred, it is not required.

19. LiveXchange – Gig Workers

LiveXchange is an online marketplace where you can find work-from-home gigs for inbound calls, outbound calls, email support, live chat, and social media moderation. To work on LiveXchange, create an account and apply for jobs you’re interested in. Each company offers different pay rates, but I found gigs paying from $7.50-$18.00 per hour.

20. NexRep – Customer Care, Inbound, and Outbound Sales

NexRep hires individuals for customer service and sales roles. Once you complete the necessary paperwork and background check, you’ll attend a free week-long certification class. Once you finish training, you’ll be able to start taking calls from their marketplace. NexRep has opportunities 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and you can make your own schedule. NexRep does NOT currently contract in the following states: AR, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, IL, MA, MD, ME, MO, NJ, NY, OR, RI, VT, WA, and WI. 

21. Omni Interactions – Customer Service and Support

Omni Interactions hires US-based workers for tasks like answering inbound phone calls, replying to chat messages, and responding to emails. For these positions, you must have excellent communication skills, strong computer skills, the ability to type 25 words per minute, and the ability to empathize with customers. Starting pay is $14-$20 per hour, and you can create your own schedule.

Omni Interactions does not hire in Alaska, California, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Michigan, Maine, Massachusetts, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington, or Washington DC. 

22. Rev – Captioners, Translators, and Transcribers

Rev hires fast and accurate typists for freelance closed captioning, transcribing, and translation jobs. While you don’t need prior experience for these roles, you will need to pass an exam to demonstrate your proficiency in the English language and grammar. Once you pass that quiz, you’ll need to submit a transcription or caption sample to ensure that your skills meet their quality standards. Rev makes payments weekly via PayPal. Rev hires in all US states except California.

23. Scribie – Transcription

Scribie is a transcription company that hires freelance transcriptionists to transcribe audio and video files. For these work from home positions, you’ll need to have excellent communication skills with correct spelling, punctuation, and grammar usage, and you’ll need to pass a sample test before taking on assignments.

24. Sigtrack – Data Entry Clerks

Sigtrack hires freelancers from the US (all states except California and Massachusetts) for online data entry jobs. While no experience is required for these positions, you’ll need to be detail-oriented because your pay is based on your accuracy and how many units you complete. You’ll also need to provide your own laptop with current running software and a high-speed internet connection and have a PayPal account to accept payments.

25. Smith.ai

Another work from home company that offers flexible work schedules is Smith.ai . In their entry-level roles, you’ll work full- or part-time hours as a virtual receptionist. To qualify for these positions, you must be able to type 40 words per minute, have exceptional written and verbal communication skills, and be able to multitask like a pro. Smith.ai hires applicants from the United States and Mexico and requires individuals to supply their computer system and high-speed internet connection. They also offer health benefits to employees working at least 30 hours per week, plus paid training and a starting pay rate of $15 per hour for US residents and $11 per hour for Mexican residents. 

26. Stitch Fix – Stylists

Stitch Fix hires trend-focused part-time remote stylists who are detail-oriented and creative. For these online jobs, you must be located in US or UK; however, they do not hire stylists from California, Colorado, Connecticut, Illinois, Massachusetts, Maine, Montana, New Jersey, New York, Nevada, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington, Alaska, or Hawaii. 

27. Sutherland – Customer Service, Sales, and Tech Support

Sutherland hires individuals for remote customer service, tech support, and sales. To apply for these positions, you’ll need to have a high school diploma or GED, solid typing skills, and excellent communication skills. While they prefer prior customer service experience, it’s not a requirement for employment. Sutherland offers paid training and benefits.

28. TELUS International – Short Tasks

TELUS International hires freelancers to rate ads, evaluate search engine results, and analyze and assess various forms of web content. These positions are part-time and require a high school diploma or GED, familiarity with current and historical events in the US, web-savviness, and thoroughness. For the ad assessor positions, you’ll need a bachelor’s degree. Before you can begin work with TELUS, you’ll need to pass their skills test, which is difficult, so be sure to study and read the questions carefully.

29. The Trevor Project – Crisis Workers

The Trevor Project is a suicide prevention and crisis intervention hotline for LGBTQ youth. Because their lines are open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, they almost always have a need for compassionate, well-spoken individuals to provide emotional support via phone, text, and chat. Positions are full-time and come with benefits. You will need a home office that’s quiet and provides privacy.

30. Transcom – Technical Customer Support Representatives 

Transcom hires in-person and virtual call center reps from around the world. US-based positions require applicants to have a high school diploma or GED, the ability to work 32-40 hours per week, and strong computer and communication skills. For these roles, you must live in one of the following states: AL, AR, FL, GA, ID, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, MI, MS, MO, NE, NH, NC, ND, OH, OK, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, or WI. Positions come with paid training, computer equipment, and benefits like health insurance.

31. U-Haul – Customer Service and Sales Agents

U-Haul hires part-time customer service and sales agents. To apply for these positions, you must have excellent communication skills, basic computer skills, and a good grasp of US geography. These positions offer paid training and benefits.

32. Working Solutions

Working Solutions  is a BPO (business process outsourcing) company that hires individuals for remote sales, travel, insurance, and customer service jobs. Currently, they hire individuals in the US (except California, New York, Pennsylvania, and Washington) and Canada. For these entry-level jobs , you should have excellent verbal communication skills, an authentic desire to help the customer and be tech-savvy. You’ll also need to supply your own computer equipment and high-speed internet connection, as well as pass a criminal background check. As a contractor with Working Solutions, you’ll earn an hourly wage and have a flexible schedule. 

Other Work From Home No Experience Jobs

If you’re willing to try freelancing, you can use freelance marketplaces like Upwork, Guru, People Per Hour, Legiit, or Fiverr to search for side gigs. With these sites, you can bid on work or post your services for availability. Some skills or natural talents you may want to sell are writing blog posts, video editing, managing forums and online communities, or graphic design. Of course, you can always start your own online business, which again doesn’t require any experience, just the passion, persistence, and drive to start.

Don’t let the lack of a college degree or experience stop you from pursuing your work from home dreams. Jump in and apply today for one of these remote opportunities for beginners. Or sign up and take some of these free training courses !

Originally published on April 10, 2020. Content updated January 2024.

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About the Author

Holly Reisem Hanna

Holly Reisem Hanna is a former nurse who decided to start a blog to make money from home while caring for her daughter. Since its inception in 2009, The Work at Home Woman has helped millions of readers find legitimate work at home jobs and business ideas. Under Holly's guidance, The Work at Home Woman was named one of the best websites for your career by Forbes two years in a row. Holly graduated from the University of Texas and has been featured in Yahoo Finance, Woman’s World Magazine, CNN, and many others.

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Reader Interactions

21 comments.

April 8, 2024 at 8:55 am

Hi Holly good morning! I am a stay at home dad looking for FT or PT remote work. My primary experience is in HR, Recruitment, Training. Working with disadvantaged populations. Anything jump to mind that I would be a great fit for? Thank you. Ryan

April 8, 2024 at 9:27 am

Take a look at this article: https://www.theworkathomewoman.com/remote-hr-jobs/

Good luck on your job search!

February 18, 2024 at 11:19 pm

I worked in the dental field as a dental assistant and crossed trained for the front desk also. Due to illness I can no longer work as a dental assistant. I have over 40 years in dental with assisting the dentist to answering the phone, making calls to patients to scheduling appointments , and verifying dental insurance. Interacting with patients was a large part of my daily work activity. Anything out there for me. Thank You

February 19, 2024 at 9:01 am

Sorry to hear about your health issues.

Try looking at Heartland Dental, Denta Quest, MetLife, Bold Business, BroadPath, CVS Health, and Conduent.

Wishing you all the best on your remote job search!

April 15, 2024 at 10:28 pm

Hey Holly I have no experience and I am currently going to school to get my GED and I am due in June with a new baby is there any no experience work from home that you would recommend personally that provides equipment and internet and training to me please let me know thank you

April 16, 2024 at 6:31 am

Back Office Betties and Transcom will supply your equipment and train.

Congrats on your upcoming bundle of joy! Being a mom is the best!

January 3, 2024 at 12:56 pm

Hello, I have over 20+ years in assisted living experience from on the floor experience to management , is there any at home jobs I can do ?

Thank you, Margaret Doyle

January 3, 2024 at 2:08 pm

Hi Margaret,

It sounds like being a virtual assistant would be well-suited for your experience: https://www.theworkathomewoman.com/virtual-assistant/

You can also write down all your skills and use a site like Robert Half to search by skills instead of occupation.

February 22, 2023 at 5:20 pm

Hello, I have worked in the medical field for 20 years. I have recently become a grandmother and I am wanting to get out of the 10 hour work days. I do have any experience in any other fields. Do you have any suggestions on a job I can work from home and still be medical ?

Thank you so much

February 23, 2023 at 6:43 am

Hi Crystal,

What occupation in the medical field?

Companies like CVS, Cigna, Humana, and UnitedHealth Group are always hiring remote workers in a wide range of roles.

January 6, 2023 at 12:12 pm

I’m looking for an at home job no experience that can be done mostly at night. I’m a SAHM of a 1 year old and daycare is not an option. My husband works during the day and we do not live close to our families. I’ve never been this long without a job and just want to take some stress off my husband. Any recommendations?

January 7, 2023 at 8:47 am

Most of the companies on this list have night hours. I think the only ones that do not are Back Office Betties, InboxDone, and Lincoln Financial Group.

September 12, 2022 at 12:17 pm

I am retired and looking for part time remote data entry. I do not want to participate in focus groups or take surveys. I have a customer service background.

September 12, 2022 at 4:48 pm

Take a look at this post for places to apply for data entry gigs: https://www.theworkathomewoman.com/data-entry-jobs/

August 16, 2022 at 5:42 am

Be confident in yourself

December 2, 2021 at 5:48 pm

Hi. My name is Kelly, and I’m looking for a little online at home job with no experience in my own hours. Anything that is my own hours and no experience and online and paid a little bit.

December 3, 2021 at 6:44 am

This post has short task jobs that you can work at any time, and most don’t require experience. https://www.theworkathomewoman.com/short-task-sites/

November 19, 2021 at 9:02 am

Hi Holly, what a huge list of ways to make money from home! I have experience working for a few months for Lionbridge. Little pay, but I learned exactly how user intent works. Thanks for sharing!

November 19, 2021 at 11:23 am

That’s great — I’ve heard that the qualification test for search engine evaluators is difficult. Definitely great experience, especially if you want to help companies with SEO!

Thanks for stopping by!

August 2, 2022 at 6:16 pm

Hello, my name is Jennifer I am looking for an work at home job . I have hardly no experience. I do love to write but have no experience in that I need some. I am 45 years old I am hoping there is a little glimmer of hope for me here ..

August 3, 2022 at 6:25 am

Hi Jennifer,

There are lots of ways to get into freelance writing. Express Writers is one company that hires beginners. 😊

Check out these articles for ideas and tips:

https://www.theworkathomewoman.com/paid-writing-gigs/ https://www.theworkathomewoman.com/make-money-freelancing/

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Almost 50% would refuse job offer with no remote work option - survey

Work & Technology Correspondent

Nearly half of Irish jobseekers would refuse a job offer if there were no hybrid or fully remote working options offered, according to new research from The Stepstone Group, the parent company of jobs website IrishJobs.

This compares to a global average of 29%.

The study found that 61% of jobseekers would turn down an otherwise attractive job offer from an employer if they received a negative impression during an interview.

Almost one in five jobseekers would refuse a job offer from an employer that did not have environmental or sustainability initiatives in place, while 30% would not accept a job offer from an employer that did not offer mental health or wellbeing benefits.

A good work-life balance was the top job preference among Irish professionals, unchanged since the last report was published in 2021.

Financial compensation, job security, and the amount of paid time off or holidays were the other most important work preferences in Ireland.

Financial compensation has increased by six places since the last survey, indicating the impact of the increased cost of living on the workforce over the past number of years.

"The Irish economy continues to expand, albeit at a more moderate pace, with the rate of unemployment remaining at a record low of 4%," Sam Dooley, Country Director of The Stepstone Group Ireland, said.

"Against this backdrop of near full employment, there continues to be significant competition among employers to attract and retain skilled talent," he said.

Mr Dooley said that "insights from our latest Decoding Global Talent 2024 report, published today, provide an important insight for employers into the changing needs and preferences of professionals as they seek to meet their talent needs in this competitive environment".

Published in partnership with Boston Consulting Group and The Network, a global alliance of more than 70 leading recruitment websites, the new report titled How Work Preferences Are Shifting in the Age of GenAI, is based on survey data from more than 150,000 workforce respondents from 188 countries, including 1,746 respondents in Ireland.

It is also the fourth instalment in a series, the previous editions having been published in 2014, 2018 and 2021.

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McKinsey Technology Trends Outlook 2023

After a tumultuous 2022 for technology investment and talent, the first half of 2023 has seen a resurgence of enthusiasm about technology’s potential to catalyze progress in business and society. Generative AI deserves much of the credit for ushering in this revival, but it stands as just one of many advances on the horizon that could drive sustainable, inclusive growth and solve complex global challenges.

To help executives track the latest developments, the McKinsey Technology Council  has once again identified and interpreted the most significant technology trends unfolding today. While many trends are in the early stages of adoption and scale, executives can use this research to plan ahead by developing an understanding of potential use cases and pinpointing the critical skills needed as they hire or upskill talent to bring these opportunities to fruition.

Our analysis examines quantitative measures of interest, innovation, and investment to gauge the momentum of each trend. Recognizing the long-term nature and interdependence of these trends, we also delve into underlying technologies, uncertainties, and questions surrounding each trend. This year, we added an important new dimension for analysis—talent. We provide data on talent supply-and-demand dynamics for the roles of most relevance to each trend. (For more, please see the sidebar, “Research methodology.”)

New and notable

All of last year’s 14 trends remain on our list, though some experienced accelerating momentum and investment, while others saw a downshift. One new trend, generative AI, made a loud entrance and has already shown potential for transformative business impact.

Research methodology

To assess the development of each technology trend, our team collected data on five tangible measures of activity: search engine queries, news publications, patents, research publications, and investment. For each measure, we used a defined set of data sources to find occurrences of keywords associated with each of the 15 trends, screened those occurrences for valid mentions of activity, and indexed the resulting numbers of mentions on a 0–1 scoring scale that is relative to the trends studied. The innovation score combines the patents and research scores; the interest score combines the news and search scores. (While we recognize that an interest score can be inflated by deliberate efforts to stimulate news and search activity, we believe that each score fairly reflects the extent of discussion and debate about a given trend.) Investment measures the flows of funding from the capital markets into companies linked with the trend. Data sources for the scores include the following:

• Patents. Data on patent filings are sourced from Google Patents.
• Research. Data on research publications are sourced from the Lens (www.lens.org).
• News. Data on news publications are sourced from Factiva.
• Searches. Data on search engine queries are sourced from Google Trends.
• Investment. Data on private-market and public-market capital raises are sourced from PitchBook.
• Talent demand. Number of job postings is sourced from McKinsey’s proprietary Organizational Data Platform, which stores licensed, de-identified data on professional profiles and job postings. Data is drawn primarily from English-speaking countries.

In addition, we updated the selection and definition of trends from last year’s study to reflect the evolution of technology trends:

• The generative-AI trend was added since last year’s study.
• We adjusted the definitions of electrification and renewables (previously called future of clean energy) and climate technologies beyond electrification and renewables (previously called future of sustainable consumption).
• Data sources were updated. This year, we included only closed deals in PitchBook data, which revised downward the investment numbers for 2018–22. For future of space technologies investments, we used research from McKinsey’s Aerospace & Defense Practice.

This new entrant represents the next frontier of AI. Building upon existing technologies such as applied AI and industrializing machine learning, generative AI has high potential and applicability across most industries. Interest in the topic (as gauged by news and internet searches) increased threefold from 2021 to 2022. As we recently wrote, generative AI and other foundational models  change the AI game by taking assistive technology to a new level, reducing application development time, and bringing powerful capabilities to nontechnical users. Generative AI is poised to add as much as $4.4 trillion in economic value from a combination of specific use cases and more diffuse uses—such as assisting with email drafts—that increase productivity. Still, while generative AI can unlock significant value, firms should not underestimate the economic significance and the growth potential that underlying AI technologies and industrializing machine learning can bring to various industries.

Investment in most tech trends tightened year over year, but the potential for future growth remains high, as further indicated by the recent rebound in tech valuations. Indeed, absolute investments remained strong in 2022, at more than $1 trillion combined, indicating great faith in the value potential of these trends. Trust architectures and digital identity grew the most out of last year’s 14 trends, increasing by nearly 50 percent as security, privacy, and resilience become increasingly critical across industries. Investment in other trends—such as applied AI, advanced connectivity, and cloud and edge computing—declined, but that is likely due, at least in part, to their maturity. More mature technologies can be more sensitive to short-term budget dynamics than more nascent technologies with longer investment time horizons, such as climate and mobility technologies. Also, as some technologies become more profitable, they can often scale further with lower marginal investment. Given that these technologies have applications in most industries, we have little doubt that mainstream adoption will continue to grow.

Organizations shouldn’t focus too heavily on the trends that are garnering the most attention. By focusing on only the most hyped trends, they may miss out on the significant value potential of other technologies and hinder the chance for purposeful capability building. Instead, companies seeking longer-term growth should focus on a portfolio-oriented investment across the tech trends most important to their business. Technologies such as cloud and edge computing and the future of bioengineering have shown steady increases in innovation and continue to have expanded use cases across industries. In fact, more than 400 edge use cases across various industries have been identified, and edge computing is projected to win double-digit growth globally over the next five years. Additionally, nascent technologies, such as quantum, continue to evolve and show significant potential for value creation. Our updated analysis for 2023 shows that the four industries likely to see the earliest economic impact from quantum computing—automotive, chemicals, financial services, and life sciences—stand to potentially gain up to $1.3 trillion in value by 2035. By carefully assessing the evolving landscape and considering a balanced approach, businesses can capitalize on both established and emerging technologies to propel innovation and achieve sustainable growth.

Tech talent dynamics

We can’t overstate the importance of talent as a key source in developing a competitive edge. A lack of talent is a top issue constraining growth. There’s a wide gap between the demand for people with the skills needed to capture value from the tech trends and available talent: our survey of 3.5 million job postings in these tech trends found that many of the skills in greatest demand have less than half as many qualified practitioners per posting as the global average. Companies should be on top of the talent market, ready to respond to notable shifts and to deliver a strong value proposition to the technologists they hope to hire and retain. For instance, recent layoffs in the tech sector may present a silver lining for other industries that have struggled to win the attention of attractive candidates and retain senior tech talent. In addition, some of these technologies will accelerate the pace of workforce transformation. In the coming decade, 20 to 30 percent of the time that workers spend on the job could be transformed by automation technologies, leading to significant shifts in the skills required to be successful. And companies should continue to look at how they can adjust roles or upskill individuals to meet their tailored job requirements. Job postings in fields related to tech trends grew at a very healthy 15 percent between 2021 and 2022, even though global job postings overall decreased by 13 percent. Applied AI and next-generation software development together posted nearly one million jobs between 2018 and 2022. Next-generation software development saw the most significant growth in number of jobs (exhibit).

Image description:

Small multiples of 15 slope charts show the number of job postings in different fields related to tech trends from 2021 to 2022. Overall growth of all fields combined was about 400,000 jobs, with applied AI having the most job postings in 2022 and experiencing a 6% increase from 2021. Next-generation software development had the second-highest number of job postings in 2022 and had 29% growth from 2021. Other categories shown, from most job postings to least in 2022, are as follows: cloud and edge computing, trust architecture and digital identity, future of mobility, electrification and renewables, climate tech beyond electrification and renewables, advanced connectivity, immersive-reality technologies, industrializing machine learning, Web3, future of bioengineering, future of space technologies, generative AI, and quantum technologies.

End of image description.

This bright outlook for practitioners in most fields highlights the challenge facing employers who are struggling to find enough talent to keep up with their demands. The shortage of qualified talent has been a persistent limiting factor in the growth of many high-tech fields, including AI, quantum technologies, space technologies, and electrification and renewables. The talent crunch is particularly pronounced for trends such as cloud computing and industrializing machine learning, which are required across most industries. It’s also a major challenge in areas that employ highly specialized professionals, such as the future of mobility and quantum computing (see interactive).

Michael Chui is a McKinsey Global Institute partner in McKinsey’s Bay Area office, where Mena Issler is an associate partner, Roger Roberts  is a partner, and Lareina Yee  is a senior partner.

The authors wish to thank the following McKinsey colleagues for their contributions to this research: Bharat Bahl, Soumya Banerjee, Arjita Bhan, Tanmay Bhatnagar, Jim Boehm, Andreas Breiter, Tom Brennan, Ryan Brukardt, Kevin Buehler, Zina Cole, Santiago Comella-Dorda, Brian Constantine, Daniela Cuneo, Wendy Cyffka, Chris Daehnick, Ian De Bode, Andrea Del Miglio, Jonathan DePrizio, Ivan Dyakonov, Torgyn Erland, Robin Giesbrecht, Carlo Giovine, Liz Grennan, Ferry Grijpink, Harsh Gupta, Martin Harrysson, David Harvey, Kersten Heineke, Matt Higginson, Alharith Hussin, Tore Johnston, Philipp Kampshoff, Hamza Khan, Nayur Khan, Naomi Kim, Jesse Klempner, Kelly Kochanski, Matej Macak, Stephanie Madner, Aishwarya Mohapatra, Timo Möller, Matt Mrozek, Evan Nazareth, Peter Noteboom, Anna Orthofer, Katherine Ottenbreit, Eric Parsonnet, Mark Patel, Bruce Philp, Fabian Queder, Robin Riedel, Tanya Rodchenko, Lucy Shenton, Henning Soller, Naveen Srikakulam, Shivam Srivastava, Bhargs Srivathsan, Erika Stanzl, Brooke Stokes, Malin Strandell-Jansson, Daniel Wallance, Allen Weinberg, Olivia White, Martin Wrulich, Perez Yeptho, Matija Zesko, Felix Ziegler, and Delphine Zurkiya.

They also wish to thank the external members of the McKinsey Technology Council.

This interactive was designed, developed, and edited by McKinsey Global Publishing’s Nayomi Chibana, Victor Cuevas, Richard Johnson, Stephanie Jones, Stephen Landau, LaShon Malone, Kanika Punwani, Katie Shearer, Rick Tetzeli, Sneha Vats, and Jessica Wang.

Explore a career with us

Related articles.

McKinsey Technology Trends Outlook 2022

Value creation in the metaverse

Quantum computing funding remains strong, but talent gap raises concern

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