6 jobs you can get with no experience

Stepping foot in the workforce for the first time? Job-hunting for beginners can often feel intimidating; after all – today’s job market is typically known for its cutthroat competition. It’s easy to feel discouraged when feeling like you lack the skills, knowledge, and experience required to land yourself a role. 

But what if we told you there were jobs that require no prior experience, whatsoever?

In fact, studies have shown “work experience” to land third among employers’ priorities when seeking new job applicants. Having a demonstrated set of soft skills and values that align with their organisation rank above the need for prior work experience.

Below, SkillsTalk explore six jobs you can get with no work experience – and how online courses can help you in the job-hunting process.

1. Data Entry Operator.

Typically working in an office, data entry operators are tasked with managing, archiving, maintaining, and updating company data related to payroll, customers, and sales (though these areas may differ from one business to another). Data may be text-based or numerical, and may come in electronic form (sent from other departments in a company or from third-party organisations) or in paper-based documents that require entry into digital spreadsheets or word processing programs. 

According to 2020 Payscale statistics, the average data entry operator in Australia earns an annual salary of $49,408. 

Proficiency in Microsoft office, fast typing skills and familiarity with common digital systems are often mandatory for the role. Undertaking a ICT30118 - Certificate III in Information, Digital Media and Technology may help one sharpen their basic IT skills (i.e. network systems administration, hardware maintenance), as well as soft skills in communication and collaboration within an ICT environment.

2. Customer Service Representative.

Customer service representatives manage a business’ customer inquiries and feedback through e-mail, phone, or live chat software (some may also perform outbound calls or send out information to clients). These professionals can be found across most – if not all – industries; including manufacturing, IT, and insurance companies. 

While working within call centres is common, plenty also have the opportunity to work from home – provided they have a stable internet connection and phone system.

On average, Australian customer service representatives earn an annual salary of $51,891. 

As the role requires excellent communication, interpersonal, and (sometimes) sales skills, an online course in customer engagement or business sales can often be beneficial.

3. Administration Assistant.

To ensure all day-to-day business activities and operations are up to speed, administrative assistants are required to manage, maintain, and organise all important files and documents; schedule important meetings; manage payroll, bill, and insurance payments; and make travel or flight reservations as necessary.

These roles typically take place in an office environment, and proficiency with computers and other office machines is generally expected. However, employers value adaptability and a demonstrated willingness to learn – and many professionals can also acquire these skills on the job.

According to 2020 Payscale statistics, the average administrative assistant in Australia earns an average of $47,573 annually.

As with data entry operators, those seeking this role can build on their basic IT skills through a ICT30118 - Certificate III in Information, Digital Media and Technology.

4. Wait Staff or Bartender.

For those who enjoy socialising and being up on their feet, perhaps a role in waitering or bartending may suit your current skills. 

Waiters or waitresses are responsible for taking note of and delivering customer orders in a café, restaurant, or other establishment serving food. They may also seat customers who enter a restaurant, memorise their table, and accommodate their needs throughout their stay.

Bartenders, on the other hand, work behind the bar of nightclubs, hotels, restaurants, and other establishments serving alcohol. They tend to guest orders by preparing and serving them the drinks of their choice. One of the major perks of becoming a Bartender is that it's a job that allows you to see the world - as many places with lots of tourist traffic have plenty of bartending opportunities, making it easy for you to hop from one gig to the next.

2020 Payscale statistics state that the average wait staff in Australia earns $17.40 an hour, or $40,104 annually. Bartenders earn an average of $21.53 an hour or $44,231 annually. 

While plenty of waiters and bartenders learn on the job, universal soft skills such as clear communication; punctuality, and hospitality towards customers and patrons are often required. An RSA (Responsible Service of Alcohol) certificate is also required to land a job in bartending.

5. Retail Sales Assistant.

Similarly to waiters and bartenders, a role in sales or retail assistance is best fit for those who enjoy being on-the-go and accommodating people. 

Retail sales assistants are responsible for tending to store customer’s needs – whether this be helping them find the product they’re after, answering any product enquiries, ringing up other stores to enquire on their product stock, or simply putting a sale through. These tasks may vary according to the store or industry.

According to 2020 Payscale statistics, the average retail sales assistant earns $20.44 an hour in Australia, or $42,923 annually. 

Aside from universal skills and traits (i.e. excellent communication, collaborative skills, initiative), those seeking this role often need no prior qualifications. The field is typically seen as a good opportunity for first-time workers to enter the labour market – with most skills learnt on the job.

6. Public Relations Assistant.

Lastly, the naturally extroverted may find luck with an entry-level role in public relations.

Those who land an assistant role are tasked with supporting public relations managers in their media interactions. Their duties may include tracking and analysing media coverage and reviews; writing press releases, social media content, or event listings; reaching out to media contacts for public coverage of an event or company product; and assistance with event planning and accommodation.

As such, those seeking a public relations assistant job must demonstrate excellent writing and communication skills, basic proficiency with computer software and social media platforms; and keen organisational skills. A BSB42415 - Certificate IV in Marketing and Communication can help sharpen these abilities and equip individuals with extra, valuable skills in brand marketing and consumer analysis.

According to 2020 Payscale statistics, the average public relations assistant currently earns an annual salary of $41,829 in Australia.

Make the job hunt easier with an online course!

Though the roles above typically require no prior work experience – extra skills from an online course can help you stand out better in the job market.

Upskilled currently offers a wide range of online courses across multiple industries (including information technology, business and administration, and community services), helping equip you with the professional skills needed to succeed in your chosen role. The best part? All courses are delivered online, allowing you to tailor your studies according to your personal needs and preferred schedule.