Quick Answer: To land entry level jobs with zero experience, work out what you’re best at with a quick SWOT check, put together a CV, shadow someone already doing the work, then browse Indeed and LinkedIn and apply for roles that actually match you.
Everyone starts somewhere, and that somewhere is usually a first job you landed with nothing much on your CV. If that’s you, don’t panic.
- Entry-level roles need little to no experience, so they’re the easiest way in.
- The UK job market is tough right now, so aim for roles that are still hiring.
- A SWOT check, a CV, and some job shadowing can be very helpful.
- A few starter jobs pay north of £40,000 a year.
What is an Entry-Level Job?
It’s a job you can get with the bare minimum of experience or education. It’s the bottom rung, sometimes even the lowest-ranked management role available. Most won’t ask for qualifications or a track record, but not everywhere.
Step into the corporate world, and roles like UX design, web development and social media marketing will still want to see some experience from you. The upside is that these jobs are far easier to get than the senior jobs.
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How’s the Job Market for Entry Level Jobs?
Let’s be honest, it’s a rough patch. UK unemployment was recorded at 4.9% in the three months to June 2026, which is roughly 1.77 million people out of work. Statista reckons that could push up to 5.3% across 2026, and vacancies have slipped to 707,000 by July, the lowest in five years.
Young people are copping the worst of it. Reuters flagged that more than one in three UK employers cut entry-level roles over the past year, partly down to AI and automation working instead.
The Work Foundation at Lancaster University found nearly three-quarters of firms — 73% — think it’s harder for young people to get started than it was five years ago. And over a million 16–24-year-olds were NEET (not in education, employment or training) in early 2026, the most since 2013.
But it’s not all doom. A GOV.UK snapshot, based on LinkedIn data, shows the market splitting in two. Loads of desk-based roles are shrinking: The accountant is down 29%, the graphic designer down 28%, and the software engineer down 27%. Meanwhile, the people-facing jobs are growing: a retail assistant is up 25% and a sales development representative is up 17%. So if you want your foot in the door fast, that’s where it’s open.
Are There High-Paying Entry Level Jobs?
Yep, more than you’d think. A first job doesn’t have to mean scraping by. Job Centre Guide puts these estimated yearly salaries on the board:
- Health specialist — £56,300
- Computer programmer — £45,899
- Graphic designer — £42,058
- Paralegal — £32,183
- Event planner — £29,890
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Top 10 Entry Level Jobs With No Experience or Degree
No degree? No worries. A Study Hub compiled and pulled together roles you can start from scratch with. Here are ten to get you started:
| Role | What You’d Do | Typical Pay |
| Data Entry Specialist | Type up and organise data | £20,000–£25,000 |
| Virtual Assistant | Handle admin and diaries remotely | £19,000–£24,000 |
| Content Writer | Write copy for websites | £20,000–£26,000 |
| Web Developer | Build and look after sites | £22,000–£30,000 |
| Digital Marketing Specialist | Run online ad campaigns | £22,000–£28,000 |
| Customer Service Rep | Sort out queries and complaints | £18,000–£23,000 |
| Online Tutor | Teach students over video | £15–£30 per hour |
| Travel Agent | Book trips for clients | £16,000–£22,000 |
| Photographer | Shoot and edit photos | £18,000–£25,000 |
| Copywriter | Write ads that actually sell | £20,000–£25,000 |
Why Bother With an Entry-Level Job?
You learn while you earn. Picture a junior accountant shadowing a senior one; watching how they handle a busy day teaches you more than any textbook. That first-hand experience in a fast-paced setting is what gets you a better-paid role later.
There’s more to it, too. You meet people, including colleagues and industry contacts, who can tip you off about the next opening. You pick up new skills and polish the ones you’ve got. And these roles are usually more flexible than senior jobs, which helps if you’ve got other commitments outside work.
How to Get an Entry-Level Job, Step by Step
Before you dive in, weigh up two things: location and growth. Will it mean moving to a pricier city? And does it offer more than a wage, like mentoring, training, and a route to a permanent role? Keep those in mind.
- Work out what you’re best at: Do a quick SWOT for Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats. It’s the fastest way to spot which roles fit you. Handy with graphics and art? Graphic design or architecture might be your lane.
- Sort your CV: Keep it short and clear. Drop in a punchy professional summary with your goals, education, skills and wins. Add any memberships you hold and a couple of references. Then check it twice: no typos, clean font, nothing sloppy.
- Try job shadowing: Before you commit, spend time watching someone do the job you fancy. Ask loads of questions and watch how the work actually gets done. It’s the best way to tell if a career suits you.
- Start searching: Now go looking. Indeed and LinkedIn are your best options. Stick to roles that match your skills and interests, and check there’s room to grow so you don’t get stuck.
- Apply and mean it: You might fill in a fair few forms before that first interview, so don’t lose heart. Be honest on the application, and when they call you in, bring some confidence and a bit of charisma.
Know your strengths, aim for the entry level jobs that are still hiring, and treat every first role as a step towards a big one.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get an entry-level job with no experience?
Ans: Start with a SWOT check, write a clean CV, and shadow someone in the field. Then apply on Indeed or LinkedIn for roles that fit your strengths.
Which entry level jobs pay the most in the UK?
Ans: Health specialist, computer programmer and graphic designer roles top the list. Some start close to or above £40,000 a year.
Do entry level jobs need a degree?
Ans: Plenty don’t. Data entry, customer service, virtual assistant and retail roles welcome beginners and often train you as you go.
Is it hard to find entry level jobs in 2026?
Ans: It’s harder than it used to be. Vacancies have dropped, and AI has trimmed some roles. But sales and customer-facing jobs are still growing.
What skills help me get hired with no experience?
Ans: Good communication, being reliable, basic computer skills and a willingness to learn. Make sure these are visible on your CV.
Where should I look for entry level jobs?
Ans: Indeed and LinkedIn are the best sites to use. Set up alerts, use the filters, and only apply for roles that genuinely match you.
Sources & References
- JobCentre Guide – Health Specialists is one of the high-paying entry-level jobs.
