What Does “Entry-Level” Actually Mean?

What does entry-level actually mean?

You see 'entry-level' everywhere when searching for your first job, but what does it actually mean?

For someone starting their career, it can be difficult to know whether an opportunity is genuinely suitable for you or whether "entry-level" is simply another way of saying "we'd like someone with experience, please".

A genuinely entry-level role should be designed with someone at the beginning of their career in mind.

What should candidates expect?

You shouldn't be expected to know everything on day one. An entry-level role should give you the opportunity to develop your skills while contributing to the organisation.

You might be expected to have some basic knowledge, qualifications or transferable skills depending on the role, but you shouldn't necessarily need years of professional experience.

Instead, employers may be looking for qualities such as:

• Willingness to learn
• Good communication
• Reliability
• Teamwork
• Organisation
• Curiosity
• Problem solving
• Enthusiasm

Your experience doesn't have to come from a job

Your experience doesn't have to come from a previous full-time job either. Education, volunteering, part-time work, sport, personal projects and other responsibilities can all demonstrate useful skills.

What should employers offer?

If you're advertising an entry-level opportunity, think about what you're offering someone who is starting out.

A good role should provide:

• Clear responsibilities: candidates should understand what they'll actually be doing.
• Training and support: don't assume someone knows how your systems, processes or workplace operate. Give them the opportunity to learn.
• Realistic requirements: question whether every qualification and experience requirement is genuinely necessary.
• Fair pay: be clear about the salary or hourly rate and working hours.
• Opportunities to develop: explain how someone could build their skills and take on more responsibility over time.

Entry-level doesn't mean low expectations

This is important. Entry-level does not mean "we don't expect much from you".

Employers can and should have high expectations. The difference is that they're giving someone the opportunity to grow into those expectations. You can expect someone to be reliable, curious, professional and willing to learn without expecting them to arrive with years of experience.

A simple test for employers

If you're advertising an entry-level role, read the advert and ask, 'Could someone realistically apply for this as their first professional job?'

If the answer is no, it might be worth reconsidering the requirements.

Do you really need three years' experience? Does the candidate genuinely need to know every system before they start? Could some of the skills be taught?

If the answer is yes, make that clear in the advert.

For candidates

Don't automatically rule yourself out because you don't meet every single requirement. Read the advert carefully and look at both the essential and desirable requirements. Think about your transferable skills and the experiences you've already had.

If you can demonstrate potential and you're genuinely interested in the role, consider applying.