TL;DR — Quick Summary
- 1The "Experience Paradox" is a myth. You have life experience; you just need to reframe it.
- 2Top Targets: Virtual Assistant, Customer Success, and Data Entry are the easiest "in".
- 3Build a Portfolio: Even for non-creative jobs. Show, don't just tell.
- 4Learn the Tools: Master Slack, Zoom, and Google Drive tonight (for free).
- 5Avoid Scams: If it pays $40/hr for "typing", it is a scam. Real entry-level roles pay market rates.
You scroll through job boards, and even the "Entry Level" posts demand 2+ years of Slack proficiency and "proven ability to work asynchronously."
Don't panic. Thousands of companies are hiring for potential, not just history. In 2026, the remote workforce is expanding beyond tech bros and coders. It needs moms, teachers, retail workers, and organizers.
This guide is your roadmap to breaking in. We are going to show you how to translate your "offline" life into "online" value.
Fast-Track Your Search
Stop wasting time on sites that don't filter for experience level. FlexJobs has a dedicated "No Experience Required" toggle.
See Entry-Level Listings Now →1. Transferable Skills (Your Secret Weapon)
You might not have "Remote Work" experience, but you have life experience. The key is translation. You need to stop describing your past jobs in "tasks" and start describing them in "skills".
| Your Past Role | Don't Say... | DO Say (Remote Speak) |
|---|---|---|
| Waiter / Server | "I carried food." | "Managed high-volume customer interactions, used POS software, handled crisis management under pressure." |
| Teacher | "I taught kids." | "Public speaking, curriculum design, cross-functional communication with parents and admin." |
| Stay-at-Home Mom | "I watched the house." | "Operations management, complex scheduling, budgeting, conflict resolution." |
| Retail Associate | "I folded clothes." | "Customer experience specialist, inventory logistics, visual merchandising." |
2. Top 5 Entry-Level Roles
Stop applying for "Project Manager" or "Director of Marketing". Start where the barrier to entry is lower. These roles are constantly hiring because they are high-volume.
1. Virtual Assistant (VA)
Average Pay: $15 - $25/hr
This is the ultimate "generalist" role. You are a digital secretary. Tasks include managing email inboxes, scheduling Zoom meetings, booking travel, and data entry.
Why it works for you:
If you are organized and can write a polite email, you are 90% qualified.
2. Customer Success Specialist
Average Pay: $18 - $28/hr
Note: Look for "Chat Support" or "Email Support" if you hate phones. This is helping customers fix problems.
Why it works for you:
Companies are desperate for empathetic people who can de-escalate angry customers.
3. Data Entry Clerk
Average Pay: $12 - $18/hr
Taking info from a PDF and typing it into a spreadsheet. It is boring, repetitive, and perfect for listening to podcasts while you work.
Why it works for you:
Zero "creativity" required. Just accuracy and speed.
4. Transcriptionist / Captioner
Average Pay: $0.50 - $1.00 per audio minute
Listening to audio files and typing them out. Or watching videos and writing captions.
Why it works for you:
You can often start today on platforms like Rev.com (though pay is lower there). It builds a portfolio.
3. Create "Fake" Experience (Portfolio Building)
Pro Tip
Employers don't really care who you did the work for. They just want to know if you can do it. Here is how to build a portfolio this weekend:
- Want to be a Writer? Write 3 blog posts on Medium.com about topics you love. Boom, you have writing samples.
- Want to be a Designer? Redesign your favorite local coffee shop's menu in Canva. Put it in a PDF. Boom, design sample.
- Want to be a Social Media Manager? Create a 1-week content calendar for a fake brand. Show your captions and hashtag strategy.
- Want to be a VA? Create a "Travel Itinerary" spreadsheet for a complex trip. Show how you organize data.
4. The Tech Stack You Need
You cannot apply for a remote job if you don't know what "Slack" is. Spend one evening watching YouTube tutorials on these 5 tools. They are the "Language of Remote Work."
5. Resume Tricks for Beginners
The "Functional" Resume:Stop listing your jobs chronologically if your last job was "Bartender (2018-2024)". Instead, group your resume by SKILL.
SECTION 1: SKILLS
Communication: Managed conflicts daily in high-volume restaurant environment...
Organization: Coordinated events for 50+ guests...
SECTION 2: WORK HISTORY
Bartender - Chili's (2018 - Present)
6. Safety Warning (Please Read)
Entry-Level = High Scam Risk
Because you are desperate for "any" experience, scammers target you.
- Never pay for equipment: No real company sends you a check to buy a laptop.
- No Telegram interviews: Real companies use Zoom or Teams.
- Too good to be true: $40/hr for "copy pasting" is a lie.
7. Your 7-Day Action Plan
- Monday: Update your LinkedIn. Add a professional photo. Change headline to "Aspiring Virtual Assistant".
- Tuesday: Learn Slack and Trello. Watch 3 YouTube videos.
- Wednesday: Build one "Portfolio Piece" (e.g., a mock spreadsheet).
- Thursday: sign up for FlexJobs (paid) or browse Upwork (free).
- Friday: Apply to 5 "Entry Level" jobs. Tweak your cover letter for each.
- Saturday: Network. Comment on 5 LinkedIn posts from people in your desired field.
- Sunday: Rest. Consistency beats intensity.
Fast-Track Your Search
Stop wasting time on sites that don't filter for experience level. FlexJobs has a dedicated "No Experience Required" toggle.
See Entry-Level Listings Now →Frequently Asked Questions
Can I really get a remote job with zero experience?
Do I need a degree?
How do I prove I am reliable?
Are data entry jobs legitimate?
Arielle Phoenix
Mommy Money Founder
Homeschool mother, web asset builder and AI SEO specialist. Arielle knows a thing or two about being a mommy and making money while doing it! From side hustles, to main hustles to full time wfh employment—Arielle has tackled it all.