How to Get Your First Job With No Experience (Central Valley Guide)

Everyone starts somewhere. If you're trying to get your first job in Stockton, Modesto, Tracy, or anywhere in the 209 — and you don't have experience yet — this guide is for you.

The truth is, plenty of jobs don't require experience. You just need to know where to look and how to present yourself.

Jobs That Hire With No Experience

These are real jobs that regularly hire people with zero work history in the Central Valley:

Retail & Customer Service

• Cashier - $16-17/hour at Target, Walmart, grocery stores
• Sales Associate - $16-18/hour at clothing stores, Best Buy, etc.
• Fast Food Crew - $16-17/hour, often flexible schedules
• Restaurant Host/Busser - $16/hour + tips at some places

Warehouse & Logistics

• Order Picker - $17-19/hour at Amazon, UNFI, distribution centers
• Package Handler - $17-20/hour at FedEx, UPS (often overnight)
• Stocker - $16-18/hour, overnight shifts at grocery/retail

Food Service

• Dishwasher - $16-17/hour, every restaurant needs them
• Prep Cook - $16-18/hour, learn kitchen skills on the job
• Barista - $16-17/hour + tips at coffee shops

Other Entry-Level

• Security Guard (unarmed) - $17-20/hour, some require Guard Card
• Hotel Front Desk - $16-18/hour, customer service focused
• Car Wash Attendant - $16-17/hour + tips
• Gym Front Desk - $16-17/hour, often includes free membership

How to Get Hired Without Experience

1. Focus on Soft Skills

You may not have job experience, but you have skills. Employers hiring for entry-level positions care about:

• Reliability - Will you show up on time?
• Attitude - Are you willing to learn?
• Communication - Can you interact with customers/coworkers?
• Work ethic - Will you put in effort?

In your application and interview, emphasize these. Talk about being on time to school, helping at home, participating in sports or clubs, or any volunteer work.

2. Use What You Have

"No experience" doesn't mean "nothing to talk about." Think about:

• School projects - Group work shows teamwork
• Sports/clubs - Shows commitment and working with others
• Babysitting/lawn care - That's work experience, even if informal
• Helping family business - Even unpaid counts
• Volunteer work - Church, community events, school

3. Apply In Person When Possible

For retail, restaurants, and local businesses, walking in and asking to speak with a manager can work better than online applications. It shows initiative and lets them see you're a real person.

Best times to walk in: Tuesday-Thursday, mid-morning (10am) or mid-afternoon (2-4pm). Avoid lunch rush and weekends.

4. Apply to Multiple Places

Don't put all your eggs in one basket. Apply to 10-15 places, not just 2-3. Entry-level hiring can be random — whoever happens to need someone when you apply gets back to you.

5. Be Available

The more flexible your schedule, the better your chances. If you can work:

• Weekends
• Holidays
• Opening or closing shifts
• Overnight (for warehouse/stocking)

You'll get hired faster than someone who can only work Tuesday and Thursday afternoons.

Where to Apply in the 209

Big Employers That Regularly Hire No Experience

Local Businesses

Don't overlook smaller local businesses. They often:

• Are more willing to train from scratch
• Have more flexible interview processes
• May pay under the table for first few weeks (not ideal, but common)
• Can become long-term opportunities if you prove yourself

Walk down your local strip mall or downtown area. Look for "Now Hiring" signs.

What to Expect in the Hiring Process

For Retail/Food Service

1. Application - Online or paper, basic info and availability
2. Interview - Usually one, 15-30 minutes, casual
3. Background check - Some do, some don't for entry-level
4. Start date - Often within 1-2 weeks

For Warehouse

1. Online application
2. Assessment tests - Some places have basic computer assessments
3. Background check + drug test - Most warehouses require both
4. Orientation - 1-3 days of training
5. Start date - Can be as fast as 1 week total

Interview Tips for First-Timers

Common Questions They'll Ask

• "Tell me about yourself" - Keep it short. School, interests, why you want to work.
• "Why do you want to work here?" - Be honest. "I need a job and I think I'd be good at this" is fine.
• "What's your availability?" - Be as flexible as possible.
• "How would you handle an upset customer?" - Stay calm, listen, get a manager if needed.

Building Experience for Better Jobs Later

Your first job doesn't have to be your forever job. Use it to:

• Build a work history - 6 months anywhere opens more doors
• Get references - A manager who can vouch for you is valuable
• Learn skills - Customer service, cash handling, inventory — all transferable
• Figure out what you like - And what you don't

Get Started

Ready to find your first job? Here's what to do this week:

1. Make a list of 10-15 places you'd work
2. Apply online to the big chains (Amazon, Target, etc.)
3. Walk into 3-5 local businesses and ask if they're hiring
4. Follow up in 3-5 days if you don't hear back

Questions about getting your first job? Email us: hello@209.works