Landing your first job can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re just starting out and not sure where to look. Whether you’re a recent graduate, making a career switch, or entering the workforce for the first time, finding entry-level opportunities that match your skills and goals is key to launching a fulfilling career.
The good news? There are more tools, platforms, and resources available than ever before to help you get started. From job boards dedicated to beginners to online communities that connect you with industry professionals, the modern job market offers a variety of ways to find that all-important first position. But with so many options, it’s easy to feel lost or unsure of where to focus your energy.
That’s why we’ve put together this guide to the best places to find entry-level jobs. We’ll explore the most effective online platforms, tap into industry-specific resources, and show you how to leverage university connections and personal networks. You’ll also learn about government-supported job programs, internships with full-time potential, and tips for standing out in a crowded field.
Whether you’re aiming for a corporate role, a creative gig, or something remote and flexible, this guide is designed to give you the tools and direction you need. With the right approach and persistence, you’ll be able to land your first job and start building a career that excites you.
Top Online Job Boards for Entry-Level Positions
When you’re starting your job search, online job boards are often the first stop, and for good reason. They offer thousands of listings, filter options, and tools to help you find the right fit. But not all job boards are created equal, especially when you’re looking for entry-level opportunities. Here are some of the best platforms to kickstart your career.
1. Indeed
Indeed is one of the largest and most popular job boards on the web. It’s known for its broad range of listings across industries and experience levels. What makes Indeed great for entry-level job seekers is its robust filtering system. You can search by “entry-level,” location, salary, and even company reviews. It’s user-friendly and regularly updated, making it a reliable place to check daily.
2. LinkedIn
Beyond being a professional networking site, LinkedIn has a powerful job search feature that includes many entry-level roles. You can filter by experience level, see who in your network works at a company, and even apply directly through the platform. One huge bonus? Recruiters often browse LinkedIn for fresh talent, so a well-optimized profile can lead to job offers landing in your inbox.
3. Glassdoor
Known for company reviews and salary transparency, Glassdoor is a great tool to use alongside your job search. It’s especially helpful for understanding a company’s culture before applying. Their job board features a wide range of entry-level positions, and the added insights can help you decide if a workplace is a good fit.
4. Handshake
Tailored specifically for college students and recent graduates, Handshake partners with universities to provide curated job listings. Many companies on the platform are specifically looking for new talent, and opportunities often include internships, entry-level jobs, and early-career programs. It’s an ideal starting point if you’re still in school or have recently graduated.
5. WayUp
Focused entirely on entry-level jobs and internships, WayUp is designed for students and young professionals. It offers a clean interface, targeted listings, and even employer profiles that let you learn more about the companies you’re applying to. WayUp often features diversity-driven opportunities and fast-track hiring events, which can be a huge plus if you’re just starting.
Industry-Specific Platforms
While general job boards are a great starting point, sometimes the best way to land an entry-level role is by looking where your industry hangs out. Industry-specific platforms can give you a leg up by offering more targeted listings, insider opportunities, and communities that understand your niche. Here are some standout platforms, broken down by field:
Tech: AngelList & GitHub Jobs
If you’re aiming for a career in tech, especially at a startup, AngelList is a goldmine. It connects job seekers with thousands of startups looking for fresh, hungry talent. Most roles are entry-level friendly, and many offer remote flexibility.
GitHub Jobs, although no longer active as a standalone board, inspired a host of developer-focused job platforms like Stack Overflow Jobs and Remote OK. These sites often feature roles that emphasize skills over years of experience, making them ideal for new coders with portfolios or bootcamp experience.
Creative Fields: Behance & Dribbble
For designers, writers, and other creatives, Behance and Dribbble aren’t just for portfolios; they also have job boards packed with opportunities. These roles often value strong visual or content-based work, so having a solid portfolio can outweigh a lack of experience. You’ll find listings for junior designers, copywriters, social media coordinators, and more.
Nonprofit & Social Impact: Idealist
If you’re drawn to mission-driven work, Idealist is the go-to site. It focuses on nonprofits, NGOs, and community-based organizations that are often looking for passionate entry-level candidates. Whether it’s a program assistant role or a communications coordinator position, Idealist makes it easy to find work that feels meaningful.
Remote & Freelance: We Work Remotely & Upwork
Want to start your career from anywhere? We Work Remotely is one of the largest job boards focused solely on remote positions, and many employers are open to training entry-level workers if the fit is right.
If you’re interested in freelancing or building experience through smaller gigs, Upwork offers a place to find paid projects in writing, design, coding, marketing, and more. It’s competitive, but it’s also a great way to build a portfolio and get real-world experience fast.
University Career Centers and Alumni Networks
If you’re a college student or recent graduate, one of the most underused (and incredibly valuable) resources available to you is your university’s career center and alumni network. These aren’t just places to get your résumé reviewed, they’re real gateways to entry-level job opportunities and insider connections.
Your Career Center: More Than Just Mock Interviews
Every university has a career center designed to help students transition into the workforce. But here’s the thing: most students don’t fully tap into what these centers offer. Beyond job listings, they often host on-campus recruitment events, career fairs, interview coaching, and even resume referrals, where they send your resume directly to partnered employers.
Many career centers also give you access to exclusive platforms (like Handshake) where employers post roles specifically looking for recent grads from your school. This means less competition and better chances of landing an interview.
Alumni Networks: Your Built-in Professional Circle
Most universities have vast alumni networks full of people who were once exactly where you are now, and many of them are eager to help the next generation. You can find these networks through your school’s alumni office, LinkedIn groups, or alumni mentorship platforms.
Don’t be afraid to reach out. A short, polite message like “Hi, I’m a recent graduate from [Your School], and I saw you work in [Industry]. I’d love to hear how you got started.” can go a long way. You never know who might be willing to offer advice, a referral, or even a job lead.
Bonus Tip: Campus Organizations & Faculty
Clubs, student orgs, and even professors often have unexpected connections in the industry. Whether it’s a former student now working at a big firm or a guest speaker with job openings, these casual relationships can open doors when you least expect them.
Bottom line: your university network is more powerful than you think. Don’t leave it on the table.
Networking and Social Media
We’ve all heard it: “It’s not just what you know, it’s who you know.” And while that might sound cliché, it holds a lot of truth, especially when you’re starting. In fact, many entry-level jobs are filled through referrals or never even make it to public job boards. That’s where networking and social media come in.
LinkedIn: Your Digital First Impression
Think of your LinkedIn profile as your online resume—and then some. It’s where recruiters go to scout talent, and where your professional story begins. Keep your profile clean and keyword-optimized, and don’t be shy about connecting with people in industries you’re interested in.
A few ways to stand out:
- Write a thoughtful headline and summary
- Add a professional photo
- List your skills and projects
- Engage with posts in your field
You can also join LinkedIn groups or follow companies you admire to stay in the loop with entry-level openings.
Twitter (X) and Niche Communities
Believe it or not, Twitter (now X) can be a surprising job-hunting tool. Many professionals and hiring managers tweet out open roles or share job threads, especially in tech, writing, marketing, and creative industries. Following the right hashtags—like #EntryLevelJobs or #HiringNow—can lead to unexpected leads.
Other online spaces like Slack groups, Discord servers, and even Reddit communities often have job boards or hiring channels. These are especially popular in tech, gaming, writing, and design.
Meetups and Local Events
Not all networking happens online. Sites like Meetup or Eventbrite list local (and virtual) events where you can meet professionals in your area. Think: industry talks, startup mixers, or job fairs. These events are low-pressure ways to ask questions, make connections, and learn what employers are really looking for in entry-level hires.
Be Genuine, Not Salesy
The key to good networking? Don’t lead with “I need a job.” Instead, lead with curiosity. Ask about someone’s path, seek advice, and build real relationships. Opportunities tend to follow.
Internships That Turn into Jobs
If you’re struggling to find a full-time entry-level role right away, don’t overlook internships—they’re one of the most powerful stepping stones to landing a long-term position. In fact, many companies use internships as a pipeline to hire full-time employees. Get your foot in the door, make a strong impression, and you could find yourself with a job offer before the internship even ends.
Why Internships Matter
Internships give you real-world experience, introduce you to professional expectations, and help you build your network—all while strengthening your resume. But here’s the real value: they allow companies to test out potential employees before committing. If you prove you’re reliable, adaptable, and eager to learn, you’re already ahead of other candidates when a job opens up.
Where to Find Internships with Growth Potential
Many of the job boards mentioned earlier—Handshake, LinkedIn, WayUp, and Indeed- have dedicated internship listings. Look for positions that specifically mention the potential for full-time employment or programs that transition interns into entry-level roles.
Some companies run structured internship-to-hire programs, especially in fields like finance, engineering, and tech. These programs often recruit in cycles and come with clear timelines and expectations. Others are more informal, where the right intern naturally transitions into a role.
Making the Most of Your Internship
Once you land an internship, treat it like a real job—because it is. Show up on time, ask thoughtful questions, take initiative, and build relationships with coworkers. Let your manager know you’re interested in staying on long-term, and ask for feedback along the way.
Remember: every day is a chance to prove that you’re more than just “the intern.”
Government and Local Job Programs
If you’re just getting started in the workforce, don’t overlook government-backed and community-based job programs. These resources are often designed specifically for young job seekers, recent grads, or people re-entering the workforce, and many of them offer free support, training, and job placement services.
Community Organizations and Nonprofits
In addition to government programs, local nonprofits and community organizations often run workforce readiness programs, especially for underserved populations. These include digital literacy training, soft skills workshops, or direct employer partnerships.
These programs exist to help you start strong, so take advantage of the free support that’s out there.
Conclusion
Finding your first job can feel like a big leap, but you don’t have to do it blindly. Whether you’re applying through job boards, connecting with alumni, or exploring internship and government programs, there are plenty of ways to get started on the right foot. The key is to stay consistent, be open to learning, and use every available resource to your advantage.
Start with broad platforms like Indeed and LinkedIn to explore what’s out there. Then dive deeper into industry-specific sites, university resources, and community programs to find opportunities that align with your goals. And don’t underestimate the power of networking, some of the best jobs are seen through the people you meet along the way.
Remember, entry-level doesn’t mean unimportant. These first roles are the building blocks of your future. Every project, meeting, and interaction is a chance to grow, prove yourself, and discover what you truly enjoy.
So take a deep breath, polish that resume, and put yourself out there. Your career starts now, and the right opportunity is waiting.
