Entry Level Jobs
Graduate Roles & Career-Starter Positions

What Counts as an Entry Level Job?

Entry-level roles are positions that require minimal prior professional experience — typically 0–2 years. They include graduate schemes, associate programmes, paid internships, traineeships, and junior positions. Some roles labelled "entry level" may require a relevant degree or certification, but very few require years of direct experience in the same field. If you are a recent graduate, career changer, or stepping into a new industry, entry-level positions are your primary target.

Industries with the Most Entry Level Openings

Entry-level demand is highest in the following sectors:

• Technology — Junior developers, QA engineers, data analyst interns, IT support specialists, and technology graduate programmes. Many companies explicitly target bootcamp graduates and self-taught developers. See all tech jobs.
• Finance — Banking graduate programmes, analyst traineeships, accounts assistant roles, and financial planning junior positions. Big Four accounting firms and investment banks run structured graduate schemes annually. See all finance jobs.
• Marketing — Social media assistants, content writer roles, SEO trainee positions, and junior digital marketing roles. Agencies frequently hire new graduates for full-service roles.
• Healthcare — Healthcare assistants (HCA), medical administration, junior pharmacy technicians, and allied health assistants. See all healthcare jobs.
• Operations & Admin — Operations coordinator, office assistant, executive assistant, and customer service representative roles are accessible to candidates from nearly any degree background.
• Sales — Business development representative (BDR), account executive trainee, and inside sales associate roles. High volume of hiring, strong earning potential through commission from day one.

How to Get Hired in an Entry Level Role

1. Tailor your CV to the role — Highlight relevant coursework, university projects, volunteering, and any internship or part-time work. Even group projects demonstrate teamwork and delivery. Read our guide: How to Write a Resume That Gets Past ATS.
2. Target the right companies — Large companies with structured graduate programmes have a defined application process. Small businesses hire more opportunistically — a personalised letter can go further there.
3. Use AI Resume Match — Upload your CV to BrokeHustle's AI Match tool to identify which entry-level listings your qualifications align with best. Applying to roles where you are a strong match dramatically improves response rates.
4. Write a strong cover letter — Entry-level hiring managers read cover letters more carefully than at senior levels. Demonstrate that you understand the company's business and can articulate why you want this specific role. See our guide: How to Write a Cover Letter That Gets Read.
5. Practice interview skills — Many companies use competency-based interviews ("Tell me about a time when…"). Prepare STAR-format examples covering teamwork, problem-solving, initiative, and resilience. See our list of 25 Common Interview Questions.

What Employers Look for in Entry Level Candidates

Beyond the degree or qualification, entry-level hiring managers assess learning agility, communication skills, cultural fit, and genuine interest in the company's field. Enthusiasm and the ability to articulate why you want this specific role at this specific company carries significant weight at this stage. Demonstrating any relevant personal projects, freelance work, or even disciplined side interests in the field can differentiate you from candidates with identical academic backgrounds.