25 October 2022

The Good Grad’s Guide to Entry Level Jobs

You’ve probably heard it all before. It’s ‘getting your foot in the door’, ‘starting a career journey’, or, officially, the beginning of post-graduate life in the so-called ‘real world.’ But what are entry level jobs exactly – and how can you make them work for you?

Here at Timberseed, we know that making the first step into a job search following an undergraduate degree or further studies can be a nerve-wracking one.

Especially if you’ve got plenty of knowledge in your brain but are worried about having enough practical and professional experience to really hit the ground running.

Don’t fret – we’ve got you.

Our talented team of recruitment specialists has put together this resource guide which will give you the low-down on kick-starting your career development and help you tap into new and exciting job opportunities.

After all, the sooner you get the proverbial foot in the door – the sooner your grandparents will stop asking you if you’ve put that fancy degree to use at every Sunday Dinner.

Told you we’ve been there.

So, what classifies as an entry-level job?

A great question.

You see, entry-level roles can look different depending on the sector or industry you are hoping to break into. It can be tricky to pin down the exact requirements for each and every job, but as a general rule, they tend to be targeted towards new graduates who are making their official ‘start’ as a member of the workforce. Exciting!

Despite the name, an ‘entry-level position’ isn’t too different from any other role. The only difference is that your employer will likely understand that new starters won’t have the same stock of experience as other members of staff, which gives them the opportunity to implement training, grow your skills and nurture your overall development during your time there.

So rather than being just a ‘foot in the door’, entry-level jobs are a fantastic way to be introduced to a brand new sector, fine-tune your existing skills and expand your offering.

We find that many of the graduates we assist go on to excel in senior roles within the same company or find their calling elsewhere.

What job can I do if I have no experience? 

A lot of people miss many fantastic graduate opportunities simply because they feel the job description doesn’t ‘match’ their current qualifications or the field they took their degree within.

In reality, all many graduate roles need is a positive attitude from motivated individuals and a solid understanding of their unique skills and academic qualifications.

You’ll be surprised to see how many of the things you did regularly during your studies, such as analytical thinking and presenting in front of a packed class, is actually valuable experience for entry level jobs.

These transferable skills are the lifeblood of successful candidates, whether they are just starting out or are going for a top-level position after years of work.

Having the following talents in your toolbox are catnip for interviewers:

  • Excellent time-manager
  • Proactive worker
  • Analytical problem-solvers
  • Thrives under pressure
  • Detail-oriented
  • Passionate for results

These can often prove more valuable than having a sheer block of experience in one field, especially where your development can stagnate and your limits aren’t challenged. Don’t forget that the desire to get stuck in can go a long way!

Which career has the best entry-level salary?

Now we’re talking big bucks.

While money isn’t everything, choosing a lucrative career path from the get-go certainly pays off in the long run, especially as you progress into higher levels of seniority.

Here at Timberseed, we work with some of the best talent around. Our recruitment team is constantly searching for untapped talent and promising candidates, often sourcing graduates from top-level Universities across the country.

Of course, top-level prospects need top-level places. That’s why we exclusively search on behalf of well-established industry leaders and start-ups across fintech and edtech, who need to add that extra special something to their workforce. That’s where you come in.

To match our discerning clients, the majority of our roles offer an impressive base salary.

When you find a role with Timberseed, you can expect to earn anywhere between £30-40k from the get-go, with further scope to earn commission and bonuses up to £25k within the first year.

The candidates we place go on to manage client relationships, scout crucial prospects, transform leads and unlock growth potential at some of the biggest hitters in this country, Europe and beyond.

All of the roles we source talent for have the scope for internal progress, as well as plenty of room for ongoing professional and personal development. You’ll find yourself challenged on a daily basis but don’t worry – your employer will provide plenty of training to make sure you can bring your A-game day in, day out.

Here’s just some of the roles we recruit for:

  • Business Development Representative
  • Customer Success Manager
  • Sales Development Representative
  • Executive Search
  • And many more!

Sounds like your kind of day job? Let’s get the ball rolling.

Discover our graduate roles and exclusive schemes by taking a closer look at our job board.

Or start your journey by picking up the phone and chatting with a friendly member of the Timberseed team today – we’re a friendly bunch.

FAQs

What exactly are entry level jobs?

Entry-level jobs vary across sectors and industries but are generally aimed at new graduates entering the workforce. These roles typically require minimal prior experience and serve as an introduction to a specific field or industry. Employers often provide training and opportunities for skill development to new starters.

What career options are available for graduates with no experience?

Graduates with no prior work experience can explore a wide range of career options that value transferable skills gained through education. These include roles such as Business Development Representatives, Customer Success Managers, Sales Development Representatives, and Executive Search positions. Employers often seek individuals with attributes like excellent time-management, analytical thinking, proactive work ethic, and attention to detail.

What entry level jobs are available for graduates with no experience?

While salary isn’t the sole consideration, some industries offer competitive entry-level salaries. At Timberseed, roles in industries like fintech and edtech offer attractive base salaries ranging between £30,000 to £40,000, with potential for commission and bonuses up to £25,000 within the first year. These industries provide opportunities for career advancement, professional development, and personal growth, making them appealing choices for graduates.

Where do I start to find a job with Timberseed?

Here at Timberseed, we’re all about sourcing passionate people and serving up the graduate roles of their dreams. Our search is tailored to meet your needs, with top-level opportunities that give you the opportunity to advance within exciting industries both at home and away.

As well as offering roles here in the UK, you could also start your international career in Europe, with spots in Paris, Benelux and more.

Ready to make those career dreams a reality? Get in touch with us today or give us a call on 020 3030 5045.