7 Top Skills For Entry Level Employees
New to the job world? Don’t fret. Whether this is your first ever job, or your first job since graduating college, there are some basic skills to keep in mind that will help you navigate your new role. Today, I’ll go over the top seven skills.
Firstly, what does entry level mean?
An entry level position is meant for people with little to no prior experience. This can be anything from a summer job for high schoolers, to a lower-level position at a large company. Overall, an entry level position is designed to give you experience in order to up your skills and knowledge.
1. Positive Attitude
This goes for most employees, but especially in entry level roles. In this position, you’re essentially starting at the bottom and working your way up. If you have a bad attitude, especially in the early stages, things might not last long.
If you displayed a positive attitude in the interview process, chances are, it was a determining factor in hiring you over another candidate with the same skills and experience level. At the end of the day, your employer just wants to see that you’re approaching your job—no matter the level—with a positive attitude and open mind.
2. Ability To Learn Quickly
This is one of the most valuable skills to have when you’re just starting out. Workplaces have a lot of moving parts, so it’s important that you can roll with the punches and learn quickly. One of the reasons employers hire entry level employees in the first place is because they want someone who can pick up the company routine and adapt into the role with ease.
To an employer, training a new hire equals time and money. They want to see that you’re fast on your feet and take the initiative to learn.
3. Communication Skills
No matter the workplace, some level of communication skills will be required. If anything, entry level jobs may require more communication than other roles. Think customer service, reception, sales representative, etc. Being able to communicate goes beyond talking, though.
It includes written communication, how you carry yourself through non-verbal communication and body language, and lastly, your capacity to listen and learn from others. Having good communication skills can mean the difference between things running smoothly or not.
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4. Organization
In order to do any job effectively, you’re going to need some organization. This is so important for handling details and important documents, as well as prioritizing tasks. No employer wants to hire someone who is scattered and whose workplace and work style is a mess.
Being organized shows that you’re a professional and care about the work you’re doing enough to take it seriously. If a lack of organization is one of your weaknesses, I recommend finding small organizational methods that work for you.
It could be anything from keeping a detailed planner, to utilizing Google Calendar, or making daily to-do lists. Whatever it is, stick to it and help yourself improve in the process.
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5. Good Work Ethic
A good work ethic is invaluable to employers. It shows that you’re self-motivated and willing to get the job done, and get it done right. If you highlighted this skill during the hiring process, it likely showed, and your employer took notice.
Continuing to display good work ethic also puts you in a position for possible promotions in the future. So, put in good work, and you’re likely to reap the reward later on.
6. Ability To Work With Others
No one wants to work with someone difficult and stubborn. Think back to group projects in school, and how some people made it impossible to get anything done; this is what you don’t want. Instead, approach working with others from a collaborative standpoint.
You’re all working towards a common goal, and the best way to make strides towards achieving that goal is by working together. This means collaborating with others, communicating, and listening.
It’s all about contributing your efforts to make the company function as smoothly as possible. So, be a teammate! Plus, it doesn’t hurt to become friends with your coworkers, too.
7. Workplace Etiquette And Professionalism
Don’t underestimate the importance of workplace etiquette and professionalism. At the entry level, these skills are sometimes overlooked because of employees’ limited experience. And although many companies are redefining what it means to be “professional” in the workplace, it’s still a good idea to air on the side of traditional professionalism until you can get a better feel for things.
Still, there will always be a certain level of professionalism and etiquette at play, and picking up on your company’s style will help you be more successful in your role.
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Meet The Writer!
Hello! My name is Lea Rose and I am an avid writer with a love for all things international. I recently graduated from UNC Charlotte with degrees in Communication Studies as well as Dance Performance and hope to be a full time travel writer one day. My writing primarily focuses on the ways places and experience shape us as individuals. Please feel free to check out my blog or connect with me through LinkedIn or Instagram @writtenworldblog..
