Target roles that train new hires, earn a fast credential that proves commitment, build experience through volunteering, part-time or project work, highlight transferable skills on your resume and show reliability and eagerness to learn in interviews.
Target jobs that train you
Many employers hire for attitude and train for skill. Look for “trainee,” “entry-level,” “no experience required” and “paid training.” Careers with on-the-job training include warehouse associate, security guard, customer service representative, courier, janitor and construction laborer.
Earn a fast credential
A short credential shows commitment and lowers the employer’s risk:
- CPR/First Aid
- OSHA 10
- Food handler card
- Forklift training (through an employer)
- CompTIA A+ for IT
- A job-title training for the role you want
Build experience quickly
- Volunteer in a related setting
- Take part-time, seasonal or temp work through staffing agencies
- Do small freelance or community projects (websites, bookkeeping for a club, event planning)
Write a resume that shows potential
Lead with a summary of your goal and strengths, list relevant training, and describe school, volunteer and life experience using results. See transferable skills.
Win the interview
Employers hiring inexperienced candidates want reliability, a good attitude and coachability. Show up early, be honest about what you don’t know and share examples of learning quickly.
Frequently asked questions
What jobs are easiest to get with no experience?
Warehouse, retail, food service, customer service, security and many healthcare support roles commonly hire and train beginners.
How do I explain no experience in an interview?
Focus on related training, transferable skills, reliability and your eagerness to learn, then give a specific example.
Careers mentioned in this guide
- Warehouse Associate: Receive, pick, pack and ship orders that keep stores and customers supplied.
- Security Guard: Protect people and property by observing, patrolling, controlling access and reporting.
- Customer Service Representative: Help customers solve problems by phone, chat and email, and keep them coming back.
- Construction Laborer: Prepare sites, move materials, pour concrete and support every trade on the job.
- Certified Nursing Assistant: Provide hands-on daily care to patients and residents under nurse supervision.
- Forklift Operator: Move, stack and load materials safely with forklifts and other powered trucks.
- Courier: Pick up and deliver documents, packages and medical samples fast.
- Janitor: Clean and maintain schools, offices, hospitals and buildings.
Keep reading
Your First Job: How to Find It and Succeed
How to land your first job with no experience (where to look, what to put on a first resume, how to interview) and the habits that make you stand out once you’re hired.
Transferable Skills: How to Find and Sell Yours
What transferable skills are, a list of the most valuable ones, how to identify yours from any job and how to describe them on a resume and in interviews when changing careers.
How to Write a Resume That Gets Interviews
Step-by-step resume guide: the best format, what to include in each section, how to write results-focused bullet points, beat applicant tracking systems and avoid common mistakes.