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Ideas for first jobs

Ideas for first

Looking for your first job? Many options don't require experience.

Getting and keeping your first job is a big step. To find out what kind of work you can get without previous experience or special training, check out this list of job titles. For most of these positions, employers will train you after you are hired.

Click the job title to learn more about any of these types of jobs: you'll find the typical tasks, the training needed, the average pay, and a link to job listings in your local area.

Food service

Waiters / waitresses

Hosts / hostesses

Cafeteria

Delivery / pizza delivery

Dishwashers

Fast food cooks

Coffee shop, deli, or concessions

Bakery

Retail and other service

Retail sales

Store cashiers

Dressing room attendants

Amusement park

Movie theater

Rental or repair counter

Telemarketing

Jobs that keep you on the move

Car wash / detailing

Security guards

Home, business, or motel cleaners

Movers

Package handlers

Laundry

Child care assistants

Lots of time outdoors

Messenger / delivery service

House painters

Groundskeeping assistants / lawn care

Plant nursery assistants

Construction helpers

Dog walkers / animal shelter workers

Programs for jobs and training

AmeriCorps is for youth ages 18 to 24. Serve your community for one year, earn a small stipend, and get health insurance as well as help paying for college.

Job Corps offers free job training for low-income youth ages 16-24; live on campus, receive health care, counseling, and job placement.

YouthBuild trains youth in construction skills by building housing for homeless and low-income people. For ages 16-24 who are not in school or employed. 

National Guard Youth Challenge helps youth ages 16 to 18 complete a high school diploma, and enroll in college, trade school, the military, or a job.