Jobs that don't require a high school diploma
Some people who don`t have a high school diploma may think that they are not able to get a job. However, this is not always the case. There are many jobs that don't require a high school diploma. Jobs without education requirements can be found in fields such as construction and manufacturing, food service, healthcare, and retail sales among others. As long as you're legally eligible to work in your state or country and you can provide proof of identification at the time of hire then you will be qualified for these positions.
Florist
This is a great opportunity for artistic people who want to work with flowers. No high school diploma is required, but you will need to be able to provide proof of identification and pass a background check. Many florists have visited special courses to learn about flower arranging, but this is not necessary to get the job.
The requirements and skills for this job include:
- Passion for flowers and plants
- Strong communication skills
- Basic gardening knowledge
- Excellent organizational skills
Among your responsibilities as a florist are:
- Receiving and inspecting flowers and plants
- Ordering supplies
- Arranging flowers and plants
- Cutting, shaping, and conditioning flowers
- Wrapping bouquets
- Labeling and pricing products
So, be ready to show your creativity and organizational skills if you want to pursue this career. And remember, if you have an allergy for any kind of pollen, this might not be the best job for you.
Barista
Another quite popular profession for people without a high school diploma is that of a barista. This is a great opportunity to learn about coffee and tea, as well as customer service. No prior experience or education is needed, but you will need to be able to provide proof of identification and pass a background check.
The requirements for this job include:
- Passion for coffee and tea
- Strong communication skills
- Excellent organizational skills
- Attention to detail
Your main responsibility will be, of course, to make coffee for clients, but you will also be responsible for ordering supplies, cleaning and organizing the work area, processing payments, dealing with complaints and problems
The plus is that you can apply for this position without any previous experience or education. So, if you are passionate about coffee and tea, this just might be the perfect opportunity for you.
Housekeeper
This job is good for people who like to keep things clean and organized. No high school diploma is required, but you will need to be able to provide proof of identification and pass a background check.
The requirements for this job include:
- Excellent organizational skills
- Attention to detail
- Physical strength and stamina
- Working knowledge of cleaning supplies and equipment
Your responsibilities as a housekeeper can vary, but some of the most common ones are:
- Vacuuming
- Mopping floors
- Dusting furniture
- Wiping down surfaces
- Cleaning bathrooms
- Changing bed sheets
This is a great opportunity for people who want to work independently and have a good sense of responsibility. Without a diploma, you will be able to start working as a housekeeper in many different places. All you need is the will to keep everything clean and tidy.
Server
The peculiarities of this job are that it does not require a high school diploma, but you will need to be able to provide proof of identification and pass a background check. This is a great opportunity for people who want to learn about customer service and hospitality.
The requirements for this job include:
- Excellent communication skills
- Strong work ethic
- Attention to detail
- Physical strength and stamina
Your responsibilities as a server can vary, but some of the most common ones are:
- greeting guests
- taking orders and delivering food
- checking on customers during their meal
- clearing plates and utensils after guests have finished their meal
This is a great opportunity for people who want to work in the hospitality industry. It is also a great opportunity to learn about different foods and cultures. And, since no prior experience or education is needed, it is a great way to start your career in the foodservice industry.
Delivery driver
This is a great opportunity for people who want to be their own boss and have a flexible work schedule. No high school diploma is required, but you will need to be able to provide proof of identification and pass a background check.
The requirements for this job include:
- A valid driver's license
- A clean driving record
- A vehicle in good condition
Your responsibilities as a delivery driver can vary, but some of the most common ones are:
- Delivering food or merchandise to customers
- Collecting payments from customers
- Reporting any problems or issues with the order to the customer or supervisor
Thus, in case you have a car and a driver's license, this is a great opportunity for you to start working. You will be your own boss and will have a lot of flexibility with your schedule. All you need to do is deliver food or merchandise to customers in a timely manner. The only drawback of this job is that it can be quite physically demanding.
Landscaper
This position is right for you if you enjoy being outdoors and working with your hands. No high school diploma is required, but you will need to be able to provide proof of identification and pass a background check.
The requirements for this job include:
- Physical strength and stamina
- Working knowledge of landscaping supplies and equipment
That is what will you do as a landscaper:
- Mowing lawns
- Trimming hedges
- Weeding gardens
- Pruning trees
So, the benefits of this job are that you will be outdoors, you will get to work with your hands, and you will have a lot of physical activity. The only drawback is that this job can be quite physically demanding. But still, this work of a landscaper is quite fulfilling for people who love being outdoors.
Waiter/waitress
Many students choose to become waiters or waitresses while they are still in school. This is because this job does not require a high school diploma, but you will need to be able to provide proof of identification and pass a background check.
The requirements for this job include:
- Excellent communication skills
- Strong work ethic
- Attention to detail
- Physical strength and stamina
Your responsibilities as a waiter or waitress can vary, but some of the most common ones are:
- greeting guests
- taking orders and delivering food
- checking on customers during their meal
- clearing plates and utensils after guests have finished their meal
No need to worry if you have no prior experience or education in the food service industry. This is a great opportunity to start your career in the hospitality industry. And, since this job requires excellent communication skills, it is also a great opportunity to improve your communication skills.
Cashier
In case you have been thinking about a career change, this might be the perfect opportunity for you. This job does not require a high school diploma, but you will need to be able to provide proof of identification and pass a background check.
The requirements for this job include:
- Strong math skills
- Excellent customer service skills
Your responsibilities as a cashier can vary, but some of the most common ones are:
- ringing up sales
- accepting payments from customers
- issuing receipts
Some cashiers even have the responsibility of bagging groceries for the customers. So, if you are looking for a job that does not require a high school diploma, but will still give you some job security, this might be the perfect opportunity for you. You will need to have strong math skills and excellent customer service skills. And, since this is a retail position, you will also need to be able to work with the public.
Freelance writer
In most cases, freelance writers, even professional ones, may not have a high school diploma for many reasons. The good news is that there are many online courses and programs that you can take to improve your skills in this area.
The requirements for this job include:
- Excellent writing skills
- Strong research skills
- Knowledge of the topic you are writing about
Your responsibilities as a freelance writer can vary, but some of the most common ones are:
- Conducting research on the topic you are writing about
- Writing original content based on your research
- Editing and proofreading your content
To find any freelance writing work, you can search online job boards or freelance marketplaces. Or, if you have some connections in the writing industry, you can reach out to them and see if they are in need of any freelance writers. The positive moment of this work is that you can write from any corner of the world and from the comfort of your own home. And, you are not limited to a certain number of hours. As long as you deliver quality work, you can set your own schedule and work at your own pace.
Customer support agent
A fine opportunity for people who love to help others and have little patience for desk jobs.
The requirements for this job include:
- Excellent communication skills
- Strong problem-solving skills
- Knowledge of computer systems
Your responsibilities as a customer support agent can vary, but some of the most common ones are:
- Answering customer queries via phone, email, or chat
- Resolving customer complaints
- Identifying and reporting any trends in customer complaints
Many customer support positions do not require a high school diploma. However, you will need to be able to provide proof of identification and pass a background check. If you have excellent communication skills, strong problem-solving skills, and knowledge of computer systems, this could be the perfect job for you. You will need to be able to work with the public and have a flexible schedule. And, since this is a customer service position, you will need to be patient and have a good attitude.
Dog walker
Everybody knows that if you need quick money, you should walk dogs.
The requirements for this job include:
- Love animals
- Valid driver's license and access to a vehicle
Your responsibilities as a dog walker can vary, but some of the most common ones are:
- Walking the dog(s) on a designated route
- Feeding and watering the dog(s)
- Providing basic first aid to the dog(s) in case of an emergency
Students, adults, you can even mix your main job and a dog walker work. This makes an extra income. This job does not require a high school diploma, but you will need to have a valid driver's license and access to a vehicle. You should also be comfortable walking dogs on a leash. And, since this is a position with a lot of responsibility, you should be able to commit to walking the dog(s) at least three times per week. If you love animals and have a flexible schedule, this could be the perfect job for you.
How can you prepare for the job interview without a high school diploma?
If you are not currently in school and do not have a high school diploma, don't worry. There are still many ways for you to prepare for your job interview. One of the best ways to prepare is to focus on your strengths. Make a list of all the things you are good at and think of examples that can support your claims. You can also practice answering common interview questions. And, lastly, be sure to dress appropriately for the interview. Even if the company does not have a dress code, it is always best to dress conservatively and professionally.
There are many jobs available today that do not require a high school diploma. If you are looking for a new career opportunity, or just want to make some extra money, there are plenty of options for you. The jobs listed in this article are just a few of the many that do not require a high school diploma. So, don't let your lack of a diploma stop you from pursuing your dreams. There are plenty of other ways for you to gain the skills and experience you need to be successful. And, if you are still not sure what you want to do, there are many online resources available to help you find the right career for you. Good luck!