Finding a job quickly in the UK may seem daunting, but the good news is there are many entry-level roles that don’t require a university degree and offer a real chance to break into the workforce.
In this guide, you’ll learn what those sectors are, how much they pay on average, where to find the best opportunities, and HR experts’ tips to increase your chances of getting hired.
1. Customer Service
How to get in
Working in customer service is one of the most common entry points. Telecoms companies, banks, retail, and even energy firms need people to deal with customers via phone, chat or face‑to‑face.
Average pay
Around £20,000‑£25,000 per year.
Many roles also offer performance bonuses.
Common benefits
- Full training provided by the employer
- Hybrid or remote working options
- Basic healthcare or discounts on services
Where to look
- Indeed UK
- Reed.co.uk
- TotalJobs
2. Retail Assistant
How to get in
No previous experience needed. Supermarkets, clothing stores, pharmacies and large chains regularly hire for cashier, stock replenishment and shop‑floor roles.
Average pay
About £11 to £12 an hour (near minimum wage, but with overtime available).
Common benefits
- Employee discounts in the store
- Flexible hours (great if you’re studying or have other commitments)
- Training in sales and customer service
Where to look
- Tesco Careers
- Sainsbury’s Jobs
- Indeed UK
3. Warehouse / Logistics (Warehouse Operative)
How to get in
With the growth of e‑commerce, companies like Amazon, DHL and Royal Mail are always hiring for order picking, packing and loading roles. Basic physical fitness is needed.
Average pay
About £11.50 to £14 per hour, depending on region and shifts (night shifts usually pay more).
Common benefits
- Extra pay for night shifts
- Safety training included
- Chance of becoming permanent and progressing into supervisory roles
Where to look
- Amazon Jobs UK
- Royal Mail Careers
- Reed.co.uk
4. Care Assistant / Support Worker
How to get in
Great if you like helping people. This role involves supporting older people, people with disabilities, or patients in care homes. No formal degree required, though functional English and emotional resilience are often needed.
Average pay
Between £11.50 and £13.50 per hour.
Common benefits
- First aid and basic care training
- Certifications sometimes funded by the employer
- Stable work (growing demand due to ageing population)
Where to look
- NHS Jobs
- Care UK Careers
- Indeed UK
5. Teaching Assistant
How to get in
Many schools hire assistants to support teachers in class, especially in large classes or with pupils needing extra support. No degree necessary, though experience with children is valued.
Average pay
Around £18,000 to £23,000 per year.
Common benefits
- Hours aligned with the school term
- Continuous training
- Experience that can open up further roles in education
Where to look
- Tes Jobs
- Indeed UK
- Guardian Jobs
6. Hospitality (Restaurants, Bars, Hotels)
How to get in
Jobs such as waiter/waitress, barista, receptionist or hotel attendant are good for fast employment. No degree is required, but good communication skills and friendliness go a long way.
Average pay
Between £11 and £13 per hour, plus tips in restaurants and bars.
Common benefits
- Flexible hours
- Sometimes meals during shifts
- Opportunities to move up into supervisory or managerial roles
Where to look
- Caterer.com
- Hospitality Jobs UK
- Indeed UK
Why Entry-Level Jobs Matter?
So‑called “entry‑level jobs” are positions that demand little or no previous experience, and usually include on‑the‑job training. They serve as a first step for people who:
- Are just starting out in their careers
- Need to find work quickly
- Want to switch fields without formal qualifications
- Want to secure immediate income to settle in the UK
HR Expert Tips to Stand Out
- Keep your CV simple and direct – focus on practical skills like communication, teamwork and availability.
- Emphasise flexibility – employers love candidates who can do different shifts or tasks.
- Use keywords – many applications go through automated systems. Include terms like customer service, warehouse, teamwork.
- Practice for short interviews – recruiters look for clarity and confidence; prepare direct answers about your experience and availability.
- Show willingness to learn – mention that you’re open to training and can adapt quickly.
- Apply quickly – many entry roles are filled just days after being posted.
Not necessarily. Many roles in logistics, cleaning and hospitality accept basic English. What matters is being able to communicate in daily tasks.
In most cases, no. Employers provide on‑site training.
Depending on the job, it can take from one week up to a month. In logistics and hospitality, it may be even quicker.
Yes. Retail, hospitality and logistics often offer 20 to 30 hour weeks.
Yes. Many supervisors and managers started in entry roles and were promoted internally.
On official company websites, plus platforms like Indeed, Reed and TotalJobs.
Yes. References help, but they are not required for all roles. Show willingness and good communication.
Valid passport, work visa or legal status in the UK, and proof of address.
Conclusion
If you're planning to start a new life in the UK or are simply looking for a quick way into the job market, entry-level positions can be your best starting point.
These roles, often overlooked, offer far more than just a paycheque — they provide structure, on-the-job training, and the chance to grow into more stable and higher-paying positions.
From customer service and retail to logistics, care, education and hospitality, the UK job market in 2025 presents a wide range of accessible opportunities with salaries ranging from £8 to £14 per hour, depending on the sector and shift patterns.
Even without a university degree or previous experience in the country, you can find roles that match your profile and offer the potential for long-term development.
The key is to apply quickly, tailor your CV to highlight practical and soft skills, and show your willingness to learn.
Recruiters are not only looking for qualifications — they value flexibility, attitude and reliability. With the right approach and the resources shared in this guide, you can begin building a stable and promising career path in the UK, starting from day one.
