Education
Fact-checked

At WiseGEEK, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

What Are the Different Types of Jobs for High School Graduates?

B. Miller
B. Miller

There are many different types of jobs for high school graduates, depending on the individual's interests, skills, and other work experience. Most jobs for high school graduates will provide additional on-the-job-training, which can be enough for some people to start a career. Entry level jobs in the retail, hospitality, or restaurant industry are some of the most common opportunities. Clerical or secretarial work is also available for high school graduates. Those interested in a specific trade, such as carpentry or mechanics, might be able to find a job that uses those skills. These are just a few of the many possibilities available.

Though jobs for high school graduates certainly exist in many different fields, certain things can make it easier to get one of these jobs. Gaining work experience during high school is one of these things. Work experience related to an individual's career goals is ideal, but any type of job can look good on a resume, because it means that the individual is capable of being responsible, coming to work on time, and completing the work as agreed. An after school or summer job may not seem important, but they can make a big difference when high school graduates are looking for work.

High school graduates might look for cooking positions.
High school graduates might look for cooking positions.

Some of the most popular jobs for high school graduates can be found in the restaurant industry or the retail industry. Servers, dishwashers, and cooks are some of the most common jobs in the restaurant industry. Cashiers, supervisors, or customer service individuals also frequently work in retail. Many offices will also hire high school graduates to do customer service or administrative, such as answering phones or filing. Placing sales calls for businesses is yet another common option for high school graduates, as well.

Working in a warehouse can be a good job for a high school graduate.
Working in a warehouse can be a good job for a high school graduate.

There are plenty of jobs for workers skilled in a specific trade or area. These jobs for high school graduates are frequently found in construction, as well as the automotive industry. This can include doing home improvements, building furniture, or other trades; mechanics might involve repairing cars or other work on machinery. Factories or warehouses, for example, might need people with mechanical ability to work on machinery. Often, an individual starting a job after high school will receive a great deal of on the job training, and will be able to move quickly through the ranks of a company, often into higher level positions; for a time, this could even more beneficial than spending money on college immediately after high school.

Discuss this Article

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • High school graduates might look for cooking positions.
      By: goodluz
      High school graduates might look for cooking positions.
    • Working in a warehouse can be a good job for a high school graduate.
      By: maxoidos
      Working in a warehouse can be a good job for a high school graduate.
    • Some high school graduates may prefer to gain practical experience in a trade like carpentry.
      By: stokkete
      Some high school graduates may prefer to gain practical experience in a trade like carpentry.
    • High school graduates can gain customer service experience working in retail.
      By: Kadmy
      High school graduates can gain customer service experience working in retail.
    • A position as a restaurant hostess or cashier could be ideal for a high school graduate who has a flexible schedule.
      By: bst2012
      A position as a restaurant hostess or cashier could be ideal for a high school graduate who has a flexible schedule.