5 Things to Look for in an Entry-Level Job Advert

Don't just look at the job title

When finding your first job, you don't want to just find something with 'entry-level' in the title. A good job advert should give you enough information to work out whether the opportunity is right for you, what you'll be doing and what you can expect from the employer.

Before you apply, look out for these five things.

1. Salary

You shouldn't have to guess what you'll be paid. Look for a clear salary or hourly rate, along with information about working hours and whether the role is full-time or part-time. It's also worth checking whether the advert mentions benefits such as holiday, pension contributions or travel support.

If the salary is listed as pro rata, make sure you understand what you'll actually earn based on the hours you'll be working. If an advert isn't clear about pay, don't be afraid to ask.

2. Training

You're applying for an entry-level role because you're at the beginning of your career, so what will you actually learn?

Look for information about:

• Training
• Mentoring
• Qualifications
• Learning opportunities
• Support from colleagues
• Professional development

3. Responsibilities

Can you understand what you'll actually be doing? A good advert should give you a realistic idea of your day-to-day responsibilities.

Look for specific examples rather than vague phrases like, "Supporting the wider team." You should be able to picture yourself doing the job.

For example, an entry-level marketing role might involve creating social media content, helping with campaigns, updating websites and supporting customer research. You don't need to know how to do everything before you apply. That's what the training is for.

4. Requirements

This is an important one, particularly for your first job. Read the requirements carefully and look for the difference between essential and desirable skills. Don't automatically rule yourself out because you don't tick every box.

If an employer is asking for three years' experience for an entry-level position, ask yourself whether that experience is genuinely necessary. Look for employers who focus on potential and transferable skills rather than simply counting the years you've spent working. Your education, volunteering, hobbies, personal projects and other experiences can all demonstrate valuable skills.

5. Progression

Where could the opportunity take you? You don't need to have your entire career planned out, but it's useful to understand whether the role offers opportunities to develop.

Look for things such as:

• Increased responsibility
• Further training
• Professional qualifications
• Promotion opportunities
• A route into a permanent role
• Opportunities to move into other areas of the organisation

Read the advert carefully

A good employer should be able to give you some idea of how you could develop if things go well.