April 19, 2022
If you’re looking for an entry-level job position, you’re likely looking for one that fits your skillset and pays well. At Goodwill Industries of Monocacy Valley, we’re here to help people find a job that’s right for them, even if they’re not starting with a lot of experience. Whether you’re a recent college graduate without a solid resume or you’re starting out with no degree, here are some guidelines and suggestions to get you started.
As you search for the highest paying entry-level job positions, remember that job salaries can vary widely. Depending on who’s doing the hiring, the averages are often based on ranges with large gaps (e.g., $20,000 – $100,000). The compensation you’re offered will depend on everything from your negotiation skills to the demand for talent in the job market at the time you apply. The good news is that with an increase in remote hiring, you have more options than ever before.
While many software developers do have a formal education, those with plenty of off-the-clock experience will net some interest from employers — particularly as the need for IT professionals continues to climb. If you’ve worked on your own site or developed your own app (even if it’s not the most professional product in the world), it could pay to apply for entry-level positions in this field.
Effective social media managers essentially solve a problem for companies who are accustomed to spending much of their budget on advertising. Platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn are free or low-cost ways to reach prospective customers and foster stronger relationships between them and your brand. The only problem is that, because every other company is trying to do the same thing, you’ll need to have plenty of creativity to stand out above the crowd.
An HR associate has to know the company policies and ensure they remain aligned with labor law regulations. This is as much about brokering peace between two arguing employees as it is about knowing how and when sick time applies to the PTO policy. If you’re detail-oriented and interested in helping people, this could be a great division to get in on the ground floor. From onboarding to promotions, it’s a fast-paced career that many professionals find extremely satisfying.
At Goodwill Industries of Monocacy Valley, we’ve seen how organized people make for great assistants. An executive assistant has to ensure that all of the details are buttoned up for the high-powered people they serve. That means all emails and phone calls are answered and all meetings stay on schedule. From travel to time management, you’ll have to make sure that everything runs smoothly on a day-to-day basis.
Sales is something of a cheat in a lot of organizations because they pay based on commission. Essentially, if you’re not making the company any money, you’re not getting any money either. There’s also a lot of opportunity in these positions though, even if the company puts you in a territory that doesn’t seem promising. Some people are just good at pitching products and services while developing relationships that ensure their quotas are always filled.
Marketing associates are somewhat similar to social media managers in that they’re required to come up with effective ways to sell a brand. Some marketers will work for one company, while others will have a range of clients. Regardless of which position you apply for, you’ll need to have a handle on how customers perceive different messaging, and what campaigns will reach out to them at their level. If you have any project management experience, this could be a great option for you.
Big Data is a huge field right now, though it’s clear that many companies still don’t know what to do with all the information they’ve managed to amass. An analyst is not so far off from a coder, but it will require an understanding of how to input the numbers and structure programs that help people keep track of endless mounds of data. If you’re used to working with computers all day long and organizing troves of data on spreadsheets (even if it’s just the research you’ve done on your job hunt), this could be the chance to make money for skills you’ve already built up.
If you’ve ever wanted to be an accountant, starting off as a bookkeeper can be a great start. These professionals track how money is spent, how it’s categorized, and who needs to be paid. This can sometimes look like a simple job on paper, but all the regular expenses and one-off charges can make it easy to lose track of. Getting your feet wet with anything from tax codes to Quickbooks can be exactly what you need to build a career in finance.
A content manager is someone who decides how content is used in a company. This could mean videos, blogs, web pages, social media, etc. As a content manager, you’ll need to understand how search engines promote sites, and how you can leverage your content strategy to ensure higher rankings. It’s a somewhat complex job in that algorithms can change on a dime, but you don’t necessarily need a degree to get started in it. If you’re not ready for that kind of pressure, consider becoming a copywriter or video editor if you want to build up to this position.
A mortgage assistant helps people find loans for their property. They work within buyers’ budgets and try for packages that will maximize the owner’s returns (both now and down the line). You’ll need to be great with people and have strong organizational skills to succeed in this position. It also helps to brush up on your math skills, as you’ll need to perform plenty of calculations along the way.
If you’re searching for ‘entry-level jobs near me’, you might find a range of terms from an employer. Some will want to start these jobs off as part-time employees to see how the relationship goes. This can be beneficial for you as well, as it might not be a good fit. However, if you need a full-time position for the money and the benefits, you should be able to find an employer who’s offering what you’re looking for.
At Goodwill Industries of Monocacy Valley, we know that having no experience can be frustrating when you’re searching for jobs. Even the most entry-level positions seem to demand something. It’s why we offer free training sessions that include both basic and advanced computer skills, as well as industry-specific classes based on the career you’re looking for.
So whether you need to learn the ins and outs of Excel or you need a credential to help give your resume an edge, contacting our career center can be exactly what you need to find a position that works for you. We’re here to prepare you for jobs that will pay enough to build a brighter future.
May 28, 2020
UPDATED MAY 28: All Goodwill Industries of Monocacy Valley Retail Stores and Donation Centers are open. New store hours are 10am-6pm daily at all locations with 50% reduced capacity allowed […]
February 22, 2013
How will you go green this St. Patrick’s Day? Goodwill® is celebrating being green thanks to your help and support! In 2011 alone, Goodwill® Industries of Monocacy Valley, Inc. diverted […]