If you are just starting out in your career, or are looking to change industries, an entry-level job is typically the best way to go.
Entry- level jobs are lower-level positions that typically require less experience and responsibility. Most of the time, in entry-level positions you receive training from those in more senior positions or participate in a training programme.
The best entry-level job for you will depend on your interests, skills, personality, and goals. Another key factor could be your level of education attained or the one you are planning to acquire. Employers usually ask for a degree of some level, but it commonly depends on the company as this is not mandatory.
It’s a good idea to get an overview of what entry-level jobs are available when you’re starting your career and to know what are the most common in your chosen industry.
What to look for when applying for an entry-level position.
Potential for future growth: When considering an entry-level job offer, it is critical to ask yourself what skills you will acquire in that role, who will be in charge to see your progression and the possibilities for advancement in the company.
A good cultural fit: Are you looking for a fast-paced or competitive atmosphere? Make sure you research the company's culture before deciding whether to accept or reject a job offer.
Compensation: Salary is obviously an important key factor of your decision too. However, it’s important to not pin your hopes on a high salary and make sure you consider other aspects such as career progression. After all, you need to assume that an entry-level job will not pay as much as other jobs you may get in the future.
Some of the best entry-level jobs Cpl’s Multi-Talent Hub work on:
How to find and secure an entry-level job
Apprenticeship programmes are paid positions that provide on-the-job training and can help improve your experience in your desired field.
Internships through your school or network. If you are a college student, you may be able to secure yourself an internship through your university. Investigate internship opportunities before beginning your career.
Search for entry-level jobs online. Many job search engines and job boards allow you to search by the level of the job, see what is out there!
Write an excellent CV and Cover Letter. Create your CV and fill it with your qualifications and all relevant skills, experience, and abilities. You should always adapt your CV per role. If you need help with creating your CV, check out our CV Handbook here. A cover letter is also extremely important, it lets the employer know why you want the job and gives you an extra opportunity to align your experience with the position.
Practice and preparation. To feel more confident and make a better impression, it’s a good idea to practice interviewing before you sit down with the hiring manager. Now with most hiring processes taking place remotely, it’s likely you'll be invited to a video interview. Generally done in real-time, video interviews can seem daunting but with the right preparation, they can open a lot more opportunities. Here are our video interview tips in one handy guide.
Send a thank you note. Right after your interview, you can send a thank you note to the hiring manager. This note is to emphasize the interest, skills, and qualifications you have for the position offered. At the end of the email, you can express your gratitude for the opportunity.
When I’m looking for Entry- Level candidates at the Multi-Talent hub, I look first to see if there’s a language skill component to the role. Second, I look at the candidate’s previous experience and if it is related to the role. I don’t rule out a candidate solely on experience, I set up an interview to know them a bit more, understand their interest in the role, and see if they are a good fit.
From my time as a recruiter, I can say that 90% of candidates whom I interviewed and prepared prior to being interviewed by a client get the job. Preparation is the key to success.
Cpl Multi-Talent Hub team is happy to support you with your job needs in Ireland. We recruit multilingual candidates for entry-level to senior positions across multiple sectors including Finance, IT, and Tech.
Marta Gonzalez is a Talent Sourcing Specialist from Multi-Talent Hub - ESG division who hires for multilingual entry-level positions and senior roles from different industries. You can contact her at [email protected].