For those fresh out of college or high school, it can seem almost impossible to find a decent job without having first worked in the field. Even many entry level jobs often require some form of volunteer experience. Endlessly searching for the perfect role can trap you in an ‘experience paradox’; you need experience to get a job, but you need to get a job to gain experience’. It’s a frustrating loop to find yourself in, but there are ways out if you know where to look. In fact, in the digital age, it’s now easier than ever to find a great job with no experience required. We’ve listed 13 such jobs below.

Law Enforcement

Available at local, county, state and federal levels, law enforcement jobs encompass police officers, investigators, parole officers, detectives, and admin positions. At an entry level, none of these roles require any prior experience, as most training will be carried out on the job via the police academy. You’ll typically only need a high school diploma to qualify, and while the conditions can be physically and mentally demanding, the pay-off can be high.

Legal Assistant

Legal assistant jobs are an excellent choice for those with an interest in the field, but who have not carried out any formal training. Not all legal offices will offer you a role without experience, but many will. The job requires attention to detail and great time management skills, and there are chances to further your training and become a paralegal.

Bartender

While high-end bartending roles require several years of experience and training, it is possible to get a foot in the door of even the fanciest bars with no prior experience. Many of the best bartenders start out as a bar-back, learning their trade on-the-job from more experienced colleagues. As a bar-back, you’ll do much of the prep work, such as chopping garnishes, washing glasses, and stocking the bar.

However, it won’t be long before you can start to get more involved in the other aspects of bartending. From learning the basics to gradually building up a repertoire of drinks you can prepare and serve from scratch. Most bartenders also attend a specialized bartending school.

Translator

Depending on the nature of the work, many agencies will accept translators without any experience. The only condition is that they need to be fluent in their chosen language. One major bonus is the option to work as a freelance translator from the comfort of home. This makes it a good choice for flexible working, and if you’ve grown up bilingual you’re set. There are countless translation services online, and with review sites it’s easier than ever to find the best fit for you.

“When individuals need translation services, it’s imperative that they receive the best service for the best price. The best way for customers to ensure this is to read reviews provided by professionals as well as other translation service customers.” — Dr. Jonathon Phelps writer for IsAccurate and contributor at Pick the Writer, a writing services platform.

Real Estate Agent

In the right market, working as a real estate agent can be one of the most lucrative entry level jobs. As a commission based role, agents typically earn around 3% of the sale price of a property, which can easily run into tens of thousands of dollars. The only requirements are a high school diploma, a 60-hour course, which equates to around 8 classes, and to pass the associated exam.

This is a career that can either take you to dizzying heights, or something that you can do part-time. Your insider knowledge will certainly be beneficial in the future. In fact, many real estate agents go on to buy and sell homes for themselves.

Content Writer or Copywriter

There are 2 ways you can go about becoming a content writer or copywriter. The first is to apply for a job in marketing, and the second is to try freelance. It’s not easy however, and the more you put in, the more you will get out of it. There are numerous online courses you can take to learn the necessary skills, and if you have a flair for writing as well as selling, it’s an ideal opportunity.

Medical Assistant

Medical assistants are responsible for a wealth of tasks within a hospital or doctor’s office. From admin to communicating with patients, it’s a good way to enter a healthcare environment without formal training or experience. Over time, you can typically specialize and advance in a certain field.

Veterinary Assistant 

Like medical assistants, entry level veterinary assistants are generally not required to have experience when applying for the role. A love of animals is essential however, and you must be prepared for physically demanding work. Besides a high school diploma, you may be required to complete an exam, though some clinics offer on-the-job training.

Customer Service Agent

Customer services roles can be extremely varied. As such on-the-job training specific to the product or service you will be assisting with is typically provided. You generally only need to be a clear communicator, able to work in a team, and have the patience to interact with customers throughout the day, either via phone, email, or chat box.

Customer Care Specialist

Similar to the previous position, a customer care specialist will generally work business to business rather than with individual customers. This is a good position for those looking to get ahead in a more corporate environment.

PR Assistant

Surprisingly, many entry level public relations and publicity roles don’t require prior experience. This is typically because firms prefer to train new hires up to their strict standards, rather than untraining ‘bad’ habits. It’s a fantastic choice if you’re a people person, and the ability to write copy or content is always welcome.

Sales Representative

Sales reps can work in a variety of fields, either online, in an office, or out in the field. Typically, a good understanding of the product or service you are to sell is the most important quality. On-the-job training will cover this in most cases. However, sales isn’t for everyone, and you’ll need to be persistent, optimistic, and charismatic.

Online Transcriber

Transcribing is an excellent choice if you’re looking for flexible work that you can complete from home. Online agencies around the world have work available for both beginners and experts, with the former typically not requiring previous experience. You will generally be required to take a typing speed test, as well as spelling and grammar tests.

Competition is intense in entry-level jobs for most sectors. If you want to get your foot in the door, it’s more important than ever to think outside the box. Getting a job with no experience required will help you build the experience you need to take your future up to new and exciting paths.

The key takeaway is to not get bogged down on finding the perfect job. Instead, try your hand at something you possibly hadn’t considered, and see where it takes you.