Entering a new career field can be both exciting and daunting. While many great-paying opportunities are available in your industry, landing them can feel difficult without prior experience. In this blog, we’ll share our top 10 tips for finding great-paying entry-level jobs so that you can land a position that sets you on a path to career success.
Research High-Demand Industries
Industries experiencing growth or high demand for new workers will likely have more job opportunities and offer more competitive salaries than industries that are struggling or stagnant. If you’re not sure where your career will take you, exploring in-demand industries can be a great way to find a lucrative path with room for growth in the future. If you already know the types of roles you want, this search can help you find opportunities to work in those roles in industries you may not previously have considered. By focusing your job search on high-demand industries, you can position yourself for a well-paying, long-term career.
Identify Your Skills and Strengths
Not having much experience in a new industry does not mean that you’re not qualified. Before you look for a new role, identify your unique skills, educational background, and strengths. Once you know what you’re good at and enjoy doing, you’ll find positions that match your skill sets more easily. Applying for jobs that match your individual skills, strengths, and interests will help you land an enjoyable job that allows you to continue to grow. Though it may seem tempting to apply to the highest-paying entry-level jobs, focusing on finding jobs that fit you will ultimately lead to a more successful job search.
Build Your Network
Building your professional network is a fantastic way to learn about high-paying job opportunities and potentially gain referrals from people established in your new field. You may already have a professional network from school, social activities, or previous roles in other industries. If you do, don’t be afraid to contact your connections to let them know you’re looking for work. You never know who may have an opening at their company or who will hear of a position you can apply for. You can build and continue to expand your network by attending networking events, alumni gatherings, and professional development events and conferences.
Tailor Your Application Materials
Tailored resumes and cover letters are great ways to stand out to potential employers. Customize your resume to match the job description you are applying for, using keywords and highlighting specific relevant skills for that position. In your cover letter, discuss why the organization feels like a good fit and why you would be a good fit for the role. Showing an interest in the specific job you’re applying for will go a long way in helping you stand out against other applicants.
Utilize Job Search Sites
Job search sites such as LinkedIn, Indeed, and Glassdoor help job seekers explore job opportunities and submit applications. Each site has search filters that allow you to search specifically for entry-level positions within your desired salary range. You can use these tools to your advantage during your job search to find open positions in your desired industries and preferred locations that offer high salaries at the entry level.
Earn Professional Development Certifications
Professional development certifications are a great way to show your expertise to potential employers, even if you don’t have much prior experience in the field. Completing professional development courses and earning certificates is also a great way to learn high-demand skills to help you stand out in your job search. Don’t stop pursuing new certificates once you’ve landed a high-paying entry-level job. If you remain a lifelong learner, you will always have a competitive edge that will pay off through promotions, salary increases, and future job searches.
Prepare for Interviews
A successful interview can land you a high-paying entry-level job. Prepare for every job interview you attend by researching the company, understanding the job role, and practicing common interview questions in the mirror or with a friend. Research the company and review the job listing to tailor your answers to the position and organization you are interviewing for. Come up with a few questions to ask the interviewer about the job or company as well. Remember to dress professionally, arrive on time, and clean up your background if the meeting is virtual.
Attend Job Fairs
Job fairs are great places to connect with potential employers and find new job opportunities at any level. Search for virtual or in-person job fairs in your industry and select a few to attend. Bring copies of your resume and speak with recruiters and representatives from companies that interest you about potential entry-level positions. Even if you don’t find a job at the fair, it’s a great way to continue to build your professional network and practice pitching yourself to potential employers.
Work With a Staffing Agency
Sometimes, searching for a job on your own can feel overwhelming. Working with a staffing agency can help you navigate finding a new job in a new industry. Staffing agencies work to connect candidates with employers for entry-level positions and beyond, essentially giving you access to a professional network without having to do any networking. If you’re considering working with a staffing agency during your job hunt, our Dallas employment agency can help you land a position that pays well and sets you up for career success.
Negotiate Your Salary
The key to taking an okay-paying entry-level job to a high-paying entry-level job is negotiating your salary. While searching for a job, don’t be afraid to apply to some jobs just below your desired salary range. If offered the position, you’ll have the opportunity to negotiate for more money. If you plan to negotiate your salary, prepare your reasoning for why. Make notes of the skills and expertise you will bring to the company and the average salary range for similar roles in your city. With a little persuasion, you can increase the offer to closer to your desired pay.
While finding a high-paying entry-level job may initially seem difficult, it is absolutely possible with planning, preparation, and perseverance. If you keep these 10 tips for finding great paying entry-level jobs in mind, you can successfully navigate your job search and find the role of your dreams in no time. Good luck with your job search!
