Best First Jobs

So, it’s time to find a job!

It can be a scary experience. Whether you’re a college graduate entering the world of work or a high schooler making a bit of extra cash, getting that first job is a challenge.

It’s unlikely that your first position will be your dream role. The first job is usually more of a stop-gap in your career. But that doesn’t mean it can’t be an awesome, fulfilling, and lucrative experience.

How To Choose Your First Job?

There are plenty of options out there. Even with no experience, there are still some great roles for first-timers. But if you need a bit of advice, read on to learn all about the best first jobs.

Food Service

This is the classic place to start, isn’t it? Almost everyone has worked in food service at some time in their life. It’s a great starting point for entering the world of work.

This could be working the drive-through for a fast-food chain. Or it could be a host or server at a mid-range restaurant. You might even be scooping ice cream in a kiosk (and sneaking a few free samples as you go!)

Serving Looks

This type of job is ideal for a beginner as the basic duties tend to be fairly straightforward. Working for a chain means there are set procedures to follow, so it’s pretty difficult to get it wrong. It’s also a good way to develop skills such as money management, time-keeping, and dealing with customers.

Positions available include…

Interested? The best way to apply is usually through the recruitment section on the website of the company you want to work for. But right now, there are plenty of positions available, just enter the name of a company in our search box, and we have probably covered their application procedure, so get that resume in hand and hit the streets!

Delivery Jobs

The number of delivery apps on the market has risen dramatically in recent years. And each one needs a whole lot of staff! So, taking on a delivery job can be a good option.

The great news here is that you don’t need any qualifications. All that’s needed is some kind of transport. This could be a car or a moped, or even a bicycle if you’re fit and healthy enough.

Stand and Deliver

The obvious choice would be one of the many food delivery services out there. However, there are other positions available. You could work for a florist or as an inter-office messenger. And if you have access to a car, signing up for a ride-sharing service is a possibility, too.

These jobs usually offer an awesome amount of flexibility, so they’re ideal for someone who is still in school. Sure, that also means income may vary. But if you need a bit of extra moolah, then just work for a few more hours!

Typical Jobs Include

If you think this might be the field for you, then it couldn’t be simpler to get involved. Download every app you can find and start booking those jobs! Just remember to read the terms and conditions carefully, as some companies take more in commissions than others.

Tutoring and Teaching

Perhaps you’d like to impart your wisdom to those who need it. Or maybe you have dreams of being a teacher in the future. Either way, part-time tutoring can be a fun and rewarding way to grab that dough.

If you have any special skills, such as speaking other languages, then you can earn top dollar in these jobs! But don’t worry, it’s not necessary. There are plenty of positions out there for basic tutoring, especially with younger students.

Hey Teacher! Leave Those Kids Alone!

There are a lot of online platforms for teaching these days. A good place to start is with VIPkid. This organization connects English teachers to students in other countries. The material is all prepared in advance, so all you need to do is show up and teach!

But they’re not the only company around. There are plenty of others out there, or you can find your own students from neighborhood schools.

Popular Roles Include

Often, these positions are filled by word of mouth, so keep your ear to the ground. Contacting local schools is a good way to go, too. Or you could try that old faithful: Craigslist.

Retail

Much like food service, the retail industry is a classic field for a first job. And with good reason. These are some of the best first jobs, thanks to their set schedule and regular pay.

Retail jobs can teach you a wide variety of transferrable skills. These skills can be of great value when you move on to another job in the future. Cash handling, diplomacy, and good organization are all qualities you should gain while working in retail.

What Kind of Roles Are There?

There is a surprisingly wide range of positions available. Extroverts will love a customer-facing role, where they get to move and train in different departments. Introverts might prefer a behind the scenes position in the warehouse or stockroom.

The Most Common Jobs Are

Big retail companies often have a lot of opportunities for advancement. If you’re not quite sure of your direction in life, joining as a cashier and then working your way up the ladder is a viable option. Plus, there are plenty of chances for bonuses and overtime, too!

Child and Pet Care

These are usually excellent weekend or evening jobs, so they work well around school time. They’re also pretty great when you’ve got homework to do, as there’s usually a lot of time when the kid or animal is sleeping. If you only have a little spare time but still want to earn some dough, this could be the best first job for you.

Pay does vary, and it’s something you have to negotiate. But these jobs are generally local and fairly easy to do. And with a bit of luck, word will get around, and you’ll end up in high demand in your neighborhood!

Sit Up and Listen

Fancy giving it a try? You’ll need to be responsible, calm, and level-headed. These jobs may be casual, but they still require a certain level of responsibility.

Some Popular Jobs Are

Freelance Jobs

Maybe you have a skill set that isn’t quite covered by any of the jobs listed so far. Or perhaps you have a niche ability that’s only helpful in certain environments. If so, freelancing is for you.

And good news! No matter how obscure, there’s a job for you in some corner of the internet. It’s just a question of knowing where to look.

How Do I Find Freelance Jobs?

Upwork is a good place to start. It has a huge variety of jobs, from writing copy to designing websites. Simply create your account and start searching.

If you’re unsure what you want to do, an awesome website to try is Fiverr. Here. You can offer your services doing absolutely anything you want! Try your hand at voiceover work, or give some transcription a go.

What Jobs Are Available?

Roles such as these are a great chance to get those creative juices flowing! And there’s good money to be made. Just remember to stick to those deadlines, as you’re responsible for your own schedule.

Camp Jobs

Remember your first time at summer camp? Well, why not give a child the same experience! Camps are always looking for reliable staff for the summer.

It helps if you love kids, of course. And you should enjoy the great outdoors as well. Hiking, sports, arts and crafts, and cooking skills are all highly desirable.

Campfire Memories

Camp is both a place to learn and to have fun. If you’re considering a career in teaching or childcare, then working at a camp is a good starting point. You’ll guide the children, teach them new skills, and encourage them as they develop new abilities and friendships.

This is not a job for someone who likes to keep themselves to themselves! It’s tiring work and takes a lot of confidence and energy. It’s worth the effort, though, both financially and emotionally, when you see how the campers have grown at the end of summer.

Some Positions Include

These are generally live-in positions, so make sure you’re comfortable with being away from home for extended periods. You should ensure that you have the whole summer free, too. And if you do a good enough job, and you’ll probably be asked back year after year.

Internships

Those who are super-career-driven may prefer to go for an internship. Do you know what you want? Then go ahead and get it!

Internships are not glamorous. You might find yourself fetching coffee or running errands. But they’re fantastic networking opportunities and a tried-and-tested way of getting started in your chosen industry.

Working Hard or Hardly Working?

These jobs can be tough. You might work long hours for little thanks. They do take a certain amount of drive and determination, especially when faced with boring, menial tasks.

The Most Sought-after Internships Are

Expect a lot of competition for some of these positions! And don’t feel too disappointed if you don’t find one right away. These roles are difficult to get, but once you’re in, you’ll find a whole world of opportunity ahead of you.

Looking for More Superb Best Job Options?

Then take a look at the Best Jobs for College Students, 20 Part Time Jobs that Pay more than 20 per Hour, the Best Jobs for Introverts, the Best Remote Jobs that Pay Well, the Best 6 Figure Jobs, as well as the 15 Part Time Jobs that Pay more than 40 per Hour in 2023.

However, if you’ve got a criminal record, then check out the Best Jobs for Felons, the Best Part Time Jobs for Felons, or the Best Medical Jobs for Felons.

Plus, you can’t go wrong by investing in a book when it’s time for your next interview; I recommend Answering Tough Interview Questions For Dummies or the wonderful Interview Like A Pro. But, I also have comprehensive guides on how to answer common interview questions right here on this site. So, find out the best way of Answering Tell Me About Yourself in Interview, or Why We Should Hire You?, plus how to respond to Why Do You Want to Work Here? or even How to Answer What is Your Greatest Strength!

Back to today’s topic…

Final Thoughts

Breaking into the world of employment can be tricky, particularly if you have no experience. But just get that one foot on the ladder, and you’ll be surprised. Soon, opportunities will be opening up for you in unexpected places.

Just remember: your first job doesn’t set the tone for the rest of your life! Instead, it’s a way to make money, gain experience, and find out what you’re good at. Who knows? You may discover talents you never knew you had!

Happy job hunting, folks!