Where Can I Find Entry-Level Jobs?

Finding your first professional role after education or training can feel like trying to find a needle in an enormous, constantly moving haystack. The sheer volume of available positions, often spread across dozens of different websites, can be paralyzing for someone just starting out. The first step in easing that pressure is understanding where those opportunities are actually posted and how different platforms serve different needs in the entry-level job market.

# Broad Market Reach

The most immediate places to start looking are the large, general-purpose job boards that aggregate listings from countless employers. These platforms offer the widest net for casting your search, showing you the sheer volume of demand, even if you need to sift through a high number of results.

Indeed is a major player in this space, providing access to many job postings across various industries and locations, such as listings available throughout the state of California ^[8] or specifically within the Los Angeles area. ^[2] Similarly, ZipRecruiter maintains a vast database, allowing users to filter by specific cities, whether that means searching near a major hub like Los Angeles or in smaller surrounding communities like La Verne, CA, ^[1] or Covina, CA. ^[7] These sites are effective for getting a broad sense of the current job landscape for entry-level roles. ^[1][7]

LinkedIn functions as both a job board and a professional networking tool. While you can certainly search for entry-level positions there, its added value comes from seeing the company structures and connecting with recruiters or current employees. ^[4] Glassdoor also offers robust search capabilities, but it provides an extra layer of intelligence by including company reviews and salary information alongside the job listings themselves. ^[9] This combination of seeing where to apply and what others think of the workplace is a significant advantage when evaluating potential employers. ^[9]

# Niche Platform Focus

While the major aggregators capture the bulk of listings, specialized platforms often cater directly to candidates at the beginning of their careers or those targeting specific sectors. If you are a recent graduate, platforms linked closely with universities can offer a distinct advantage.

Handshake, for example, is heavily oriented toward connecting students and recent graduates with employers actively seeking that specific demographic. ^[10] These jobs are often tailored for individuals who may lack extensive professional experience but possess fresh academic knowledge. ^[10] Similarly, resources like New Grad Jobs are dedicated entirely to roles targeted at people transitioning from academia to the workforce. ^[6]

For those interested in the technology sector within specific metropolitan areas, specialized job boards prove invaluable. In the Los Angeles region, Built In LA specifically curates technology job postings, making it easier to find entry-level roles in startups or tech companies without wading through listings for every other industry. ^[5] Comparing these niche sites with the larger boards shows a difference in focus: general sites offer quantity, while specialized sites offer curated relevance for a particular career stage or industry. ^[5][6][10]

Where is the best place to look for entry-level jobs?

# Refining the Location Search

A key element in any successful job hunt is defining the geographic parameters. It is easy to search broadly, such as for "California jobs", ^[8] but specificity often yields better, more actionable results. Job platforms easily accommodate this by allowing users to narrow down searches to specific cities. For instance, one can filter for entry-level roles explicitly located in Los Angeles, CA, ^[2][4][9] or look slightly further out to neighboring areas. ^[1][7] This local focus is critical, as commute times and regional industry strengths heavily influence which opportunities are truly viable for an entry-level candidate.

# Search Strategy Adjustments

It is important to acknowledge that the term "entry-level" itself can sometimes be a barrier rather than a help. Conversations among job seekers reveal a common frustration: many roles advertised as entry-level still list requirements that imply several years of professional experience. ^[3] This discrepancy suggests that relying solely on the "entry-level" keyword filter might exclude great fits or lead to unnecessary discouragement when facing high bar requirements. ^[3]

Instead of only searching for "entry-level," try a more direct title search combined with a geographic qualifier. For example, if you are aiming for a role in marketing, search for `Junior Marketing Associate` within `Los Angeles, CA`. This action bypasses employers who use the "entry-level" tag loosely and focuses your attention on positions explicitly designed for someone at your career stage, even if the title isn't explicitly "entry-level". ^[3] Another tactic involves looking at companies where you have second-degree connections on platforms like LinkedIn; a recommendation or connection can sometimes give your application a needed visibility boost among the thousands of others received by a high-volume employer. ^[4]

What is an entry-level job example?

# Tiered Platform Application

To maximize efficiency, successful job seekers often employ a tiered approach to job board usage. A good first tier involves setting alerts on the largest platforms, like Indeed or ZipRecruiter, using broad terms (like the job title or industry) combined with your target region (like Southern California). ^[2][8] This keeps you informed about the general market activity without requiring constant manual checking. ^[1][7]

The second tier should involve dedicated time spent on specialized boards. If you are a recent college graduate, prioritizing Handshake access, if available through your institution, often grants visibility to roles specifically budgeted for new hires that might not be advertised as widely on public boards. ^[10] If you are targeting tech, spend dedicated time reviewing Built In LA. ^[5]

Finally, the third tier involves vetting the opportunities identified. Before investing significant time in an application, cross-reference the company on Glassdoor to check employee feedback on culture and management style. ^[9] This dual approach—casting a wide net for volume while simultaneously drilling down into niche, targeted pools—ensures you cover the breadth of possibilities while applying thoughtfully to the roles most aligned with your current experience level and career goals. ^[4][5][9]