7 online no experience jobs (With duties and salaries)
Updated 10 May 2023
When looking for a first job, you're likely to find a lot of options during the search that requires previous experience. This applies to both traditional in-person work and online jobs. If you're looking for an online job that requires no experience, knowing some options can help you to make a start. In this article, we list seven online no experience jobs for you to consider.
7 online no experience jobs
Here are seven online no experience jobs which you might consider:
1. Research assistant
National average salary: £27,619 per year
Primary duties: A research assistant helps someone who's conducting research, either in academia or within the business world. Since this role simply requires research skills and a familiarity with the subject matter, it's possible to find research assistant work with just a degree in a relevant subject. A good time to look is while still at university, as there are often opportunities to network with academics and others who might be looking for someone. In some cases, it's possible to combine research assistant work with postgraduate education.
The emphasis on academic ability means that research assistants often require good marks, often an upper second class honour or higher. In certain fields like academia, it might even be necessary or at least desirable to have a master's degree in a relevant field. In either case, work experience is often not a requirement. Moreover, this is a role which is possible to perform online as long as the research doesn't involve physical work, such as in a laboratory.
Related: How to write a research assistant cover letter (with sample)
2. Online sales representative
National average salary: £26,884 per year
Primary duties: Many businesses carry out a lot of sales operations online or over phone lines. Some of these are online-only, which means that there are no physical stores at which customers can shop. Businesses like these recruit online sales representatives to take calls from prospective customers, answer questions and facilitate sales. In some cases, these representatives can also perform telemarketing work, whereby they call potential customers to talk to them about purchasing goods or services.
Although a university degree in a field like marketing can be beneficial, it can be possible to apply directly for these roles. Minimum requirements are often just some GCSEs, particularly maths and English. Key skills to have for this job include good verbal communication, initiative, negotiation skills, persistence, attention to detail, the ability to sell, customer service skills and the ability to use basic computer software packages. Other names for this position include salesperson, telemarketer, sales executive and field sales executive.
3. Data entry clerk
National average salary: £25,303 per year
Primary duties: A data entry clerk is responsible for entering data into a database. This data is often in physical form such as paper receipts, which the clerk then inputs into databases. They ensure that existing databases are up-to-date, that data entry is accurate, confirm details with clients or staff, process invoices, organise data and paperwork, produce reports and ensure that data back-ups exist. Data entry clerks can also create spreadsheets to keep track of data and provide usable information for others, such as analysts.
For those with a computer or laptop and an Internet connection, it's possible to perform this role remotely. Good educational qualifications include a degree or college education in bookkeeping, accounting, finance, data analysis or mathematics. In many cases, GCSEs or A-levels in maths or accounting could be sufficient for entry-level jobs. Some key skills include the ability to work with popular spreadsheet software, basic computer skills, attention to detail, numeracy and organisational skills.
Related: What is data entry? (Plus FAQs and steps to become one)
4. Proofreader
National average salary: £21,013 per year
Primary duties: A proofreader receives written work from someone else and then checks through it to look for errors and mistakes. They can then correct these by fixing spelling errors, correcting grammar issues and ensuring good punctuation. The only requirements for becoming a proofreader are an excellent knowledge of the English language and good attention to detail. Proofreaders often go through a document more than once to make sure they've located and fixed all the errors. Written work is typically in digital form, which means proofreaders can receive it by email and work on it remotely online.
It can be useful to have a degree in English or a related discipline like publishing. Alternatively, it can be possible to find work as an editorial assistant, which can include some proofreading work. Another option is to start as a freelancer, and many proofreaders continue as such and work with multiple clients. Key skills include good written communication, excellent command of the English language, attention to detail, patience and flexibility.
Related: How to become a proofreader: a step-by-step guide
5. Translator
National average salary: £22,615 per year
Primary duties: A translator receives written work from someone else and translates it into another language, doing their best to ensure that the meaning and message of the text are as close as possible to the original. The main requirements are an excellent knowledge of the English language and sufficient skills in at least one foreign language. Fluency in the other language is often necessary for most translation work. The ability to use basic software packages is also important, in addition to special software packages for translation work.
In addition to the necessary language skills, it can also be beneficial to have a degree in the foreign language in question. Almost all languages require translation services, although more common languages like French, Spanish, Arabic and Chinese can be particularly useful for finding work. As long as translators meet the necessary language requirements, it's possible to find online translation work without prior experience. It's also important to note that the difference between translators and interpreters is that the former work on writing, whereas interpreters translate verbal conversations in live situations. Interpreting is also possible online using video chat software.
Related: How to become a translator (with salary info and FAQs)
6. Virtual assistant
National average salary: £28,688 per year
Primary duties: A virtual assistant is an individual who provides administrative services to others remotely over the Internet. Since a virtual assistant can only operate remotely and requires little or no experience, this can be a good option. Virtual assistants typically have access to important documents and information like files and calendars to assist their clients. Some virtual assistants might specialise in certain areas, such as social media management, content management, online marketing or content writing. They can also take calls, schedule appointments, manage correspondence, make travel arrangements and reply to emails.
The only requirements are a computer or laptop and a stable Internet connection. Although it's possible to find virtual assistant work with just some GCSEs or A-levels, it can be useful to have a degree or college course in a subject related to administration, marketing or social media management, depending on the needs of the client in question. Key skills include excellent verbal and written communication, organisational ability, attention to detail, patience and flexibility.
Related: What is a virtual assistant? (Responsibilities and salary)
7. Social media specialist
National average salary: £26,731 per year
Primary duties: A social media specialist is in charge of managing a company's social media profiles. They can deal with clients and customers online, answer questions, keep profiles updated, schedule posts, monitor feedback, develop strategies to increase engagement, organise campaigns and find promotional opportunities. Since social media is online, there are often opportunities to find remote work as a social media specialist. Other names for this position include social media manager, social media strategist, digital community manager, social media marketing manager and digital community specialist.
A degree or college course in a relevant discipline like marketing, public relations, advertising or media studies can be useful for getting this job. An alternative would be to apply directly with some GCSEs or A-levels. Key skills for the role include excellent working knowledge of social media platforms, good communication skills, organisational ability, creativity, flexibility and basic computer skills.
Salary figures reflect data listed on Indeed Salaries at time of writing. Salaries may vary depending on the hiring organisation and a candidate's experience, academic background and location.
Explore more articles
- A guide on how to become a construction project manager
- 7 beauty industry jobs (With duties and salary info)
- A guide on how to get into construction in the UK (with skills)
- How To Become a Dog Handler in the Army
- 12 engineering degree careers (With salaries and duties)
- How to become a registrar (plus job options and salaries)
- 6 operation manager responsibilities (plus requirements)
- How To Become a Penetration Tester (Salary and Requirements)
- Reservation agent responsibilities (including key skills)
- 10 jobs to do with music (Plus duties and salary info)
- What does a charity fundraiser do at work? (Plus salary)
- How to get into accounting (with job requirements)