How To Land Entry Level Jobs | 10 Sites That Help

During the month of October I worked with several 1:1 clients to help them update their resumé and refocus their job search. One of the tools I made sure to include in their action plan was specific tools, resources and job boards to meet their needs. 

For many, that included job boards that were primarily or solely focused on entry level and early career roles. If you are:

• Searching for entry-level job opportunities
• Pivoting roles into a new industry
• Have a non-traditional background 
• You’re a recent grad (in the last 1-3 years) 
• Re-entering the job market

You’ll want to keep this email bookmarked! Finding roles that align with your experience and goals can feel overwhelming especially in this job market. 

These sites mentioned below are designed specifically to connect early-career professionals with job openings tailored to their skills and experience level.

Pssst: If you want to work with me 1:1 to help you land your next role my calendar is currently closed but... you can join my career development newsletter where I share weekly tips and resources to help you land your next role! You'll also be able to access my free remote job board AND be the first to know when my calendar opens back up for new clients! Join the vibe here!

Here’s a roundup of some of the best platforms you should know and add to your job search arsenal 

10 Sites That Help You Land Entry Level Jobs

1. Hiring Cafe:

This is fairly new job board that I really really love! Their filters are some of thee absolute best I’ve seen and the creators of the platform are listening! They listen very carefully when any users have complaints, concerns, suggestions or requests and they implement them rather quickly. I highly suggest you get on Hiring Cafe if you haven’t done so already and play around with the filters to see what results they return. 

2. LinkedIn:

I know I know… there is nothing revolutionary about LinkedIn and you’re likely already using the platform. But… LinkedIn is a great starting place for 3 reasons 

• Volume: LinkedIn tends to post the highest volume of roles to search through so that if you do have specific requirements you want to filter through – you’ll likely still have a decent amount of jobs to look through 
• Networking: LinkedIn is a great place to build your network. You can follow recruiters who post often about roles, while connected with 1st, 2nd and 3rd degree connections through your former jobs and alma mater. 
• The Boolean Hack: I’ve shared this hack with you before, but I’ll share it again. In the search bar you can search “name of role + hiring” and filter for recent posts. This way you can avoid ghost jobs (which LinkedIn is saturated with) and see who is actually hiring for the roles you’re interested in or qualified for. This gives you a direct link to a recruiter, hiring manager or at the very least someone associated with the company

3. Fishbowl: 

If you’re a little too shy or nervous to reach out to people on LinkedIn, Fishbowl is a great tool to use to get referrals for specific roles from specific companies. Fishbowl is also a great platform to use to ask questions about the company (re: culture, work life balance…etc) directly to people who work or have worked for the company in the past.

4. Handshake:

If you’re still a student or a recent graduate, Handshake is a top platform to explore. It’s partnered with hundreds of colleges and universities, and it’s specifically designed to connect students and new grads with entry-level positions, internships, and co-ops. Handshake allows you to follow companies, sign up for virtual recruiting events, and connect with alumni from your school.

5. WayUp:

WayUp specializes in internships, entry-level jobs, and early-career roles. It’s ideal for recent graduates or anyone looking to build a career foundation. If you’re pivoting into something new especially from a non-traditional background WayUp also partners with diverse companies that are committed to hiring new talent, while providing career advice for people just starting out.

6. Wellfound(for Startups & Tech)

Interested in tech or startup roles? Wellfound formerly known as AngelList is the go-to platform for job seekers looking to join high-growth, innovative companies. Many startups are open to training new hires, making this a great place for entry-level candidates. You can also set up filters for roles based on factors like remote work, specific skills, and salary. You can also reach out to recruiters and hiring managers directly from the posting itself and tell them why you are the right person for the job. 

7. Teal

I love me some Teal! This is an excellent tool to help you stay organized as you navigate your job search. Though it isn’t a site that will specifically help you find entry level roles, it is a strong tool to help you update your resumé QUICKLY as you are applying to different roles. 

You know how they say make sure your resume is optimized for the role… well Teal can help you get that done MUCH faster. You’ll get a rating for how well your resume aligns with the specific posting. The platform will highlight specific keywords you should add strategically to improve your chances of getting called in for that first interview. 

There is a free version that I highly recommend trying first before you pivot into the paid option (which starts out as low as $9 per week). 

*affiliate link

8. Company Career Pages & Early Career Programs

Some companies have dedicated “early career” or “new graduate” hiring programs on their career pages. Google, Amazon, IBM, and other large companies offer programs, apprenticeships or internships specifically for new grads and entry-level applicants. I share these most often in my broadcast channel here whenever they become available. 

Set aside some time to research the career pages of companies you admire, to identify any unique opportunities not posted elsewhere. (PS: You can save these opportunities to Teal to track your progress in the application / interview process) .

9. Industry-Specific Job Boards

Depending on your field, it can help to check industry-specific job boards that frequently list entry-level roles. For instance:

• EntertainmentCareers.net for media and entertainment roles
• Idealist for non profit jobs and internships
• Dice for tech roles
• Fashion Jobs for roles in fashion and retail

I crafted a list of 40+ industry specific job boards for you right here!

10. Bonus Sites For Entry Level Work

Rapid fire style, I’m sharing a list that the amazing Jade Walters put together on LinkedIn. She is another phenomenal resource for people early on in their careers looking to land their first full time opportunity. Here’s a truncated list of sites she’s put together that you can also use ⬇️

💸EXTERNSHIPS/MICRO-INTERNSHIPS

1. Extern - https://www.extern.com

2. Parker Dewey - https://lnkd.in/grD73eU3

💼CAMPUS AMBASSADOR PROGRAMS

1. EvolveZ Agency - https://evolvez.co

2. Wasserman Next Gen - https://lnkd.in/gMgu4uka

3. Youth Marketing Connection - https://youthmarketing.com

🎖️INTERNSHIPS:

1. Jopwell - https://www.jopwell.com

2. Simplify - https://simplify.jobs

🎯FULL-TIME JOBS:

1. newgrad-jobs.com, powered by Jobright.ai 

2. noexperiencejobs.io by cuSTEM Journeys 

💡Final Tip: Build Your Resume & Skills with Volunteer Work

If you’re having trouble finding paid roles, consider volunteering or internships that align with your career interests. Sites like VolunteerMatch and Catchafire offer ways to volunteer and gain experience, which you can highlight on your resume. 

Skills-based volunteering can sometimes lead to paid opportunities and valuable networking connections.

The job market is a dumpster fire right now, but if you’re open to various types of experiences and willing to keep learning, the possibilities are in your favor. Good luck with your search, and remember that every application, interview, and networking opportunity is a step toward your career dreams!

Until next time,

M.