SonicJobs

SonicJobs Launches Next-Gen AI Agents Powered by OpenAI’s Latest Models to Help Millions Find Fulfilling Work

SonicJobs helps millions of people find better, more fulfilling work with OpenAI’s latest AI models.

Finding your next job is a full-time job.

Most Americans are stuck in a 90s-era Web 1.0 job search—endlessly clicking through countless platforms just to apply.

“The online recruitment industry is extremely fragmented, with over 300 applicant tracking systems (ATS), 1 million employers, and 8 million job openings annually in the U.S.,” said Mikhil Raja, Co-Founder & CEO of SonicJobs.

“Shockingly, 95% of candidates abandon job applications before completing them.”

Making job applications more human

SonicJobs’ latest AI Agents, which leverage OpenAI’s Computer Use models, now streamline job applications with integrated, hosted flows—handling everything from candidate verification to screening across multiple job sites.

Candidates enjoy a smoother experience, while employers get more qualified and relevant applications.

“We’ve been building Agents since 2019, and this is our eighth generation of Agents. Before OpenAI’s Computer Use models, we post-trained a range of open-source models that used computer vision and a text reasoning approach,” said Francesco Masia, Co-founder & CTO of SonicJobs. “Computer Use enables us to build a system where AI goes beyond autonomously understanding and reasoning to achieve a higher degree of precision in going through the entire web flow. We’ve enjoyed working with OpenAI to test edge cases and build reasoning at every stage of the workflow”

SonicJobs’ AI Agents scale effortlessly, with no hidden costs or extra development —autonomously navigating web application forms on behalf of candidates.

“It is exciting to see SonicJobs use OpenAI’s Computer Use models. We look forward to seeing how the products evolve to help millions of people in their job seeking process.” – Nikunj Handa, Product at OpenAI

Enhancing lives through meaningful engagement

SonicJobs harnesses AI to optimize every stage of recruitment—from application and screening to interviews and hiring.

“A job is not just income; it’s an opportunity for a better career and life for you and your family. Companies are built on people dedicating their energy. AI is changing roles, skills, and companies faster than ever before” said Mikhil Raja, Co-Founder & CEO of SonicJobs. “We’ve tested various models and OpenAI’s Computer Use is at the forefront of what’s possible today. They’ve been an incredible partner to enable our mission of helping the next billion people get hired.”

https://openai.com/index/new-tools-for-building-agents/

EarnBetter Partners with SonicJobs to Enhance AI-Driven Job Search and Hosted-Apply Experience

Partnership leverages AI to streamline job applications for EarnBetter users and deliver high-quality candidates to SonicJobs clients

San Francisco, CA, November 1, 2024 – EarnBetter, a technology company that uses AI to provide free support to job seekers, today announced a partnership with SonicJobs, an AI-agent platform. Through the partnership, job seekers using EarnBetter will be able to apply directly to openings at SonicJobs’ clients without being redirected to separate career sites. The integration helps job seekers save time and reduces funnel dropoff for employers.

“Searching for a job is a thankless and tedious job you don’t get paid to do. At EarnBetter, we’re obsessed with harnessing data, technology and AI to help job seekers save time and be more effective in their search,” said Tuck Hauptfuhrer, CEO of EarnBetter. “Our 100% free platform helps job seekers with resumes, cover letters, job matching, interview preparation, job tracking and more. Completing applications is one of the most frustrating and repetitive tasks for job seekers. Through the partnership with SonicJobs, we’re excited to help job seekers more seamlessly apply to jobs on EarnBetter.”

Poor application experiences have significant implications for employers as well. According to Appcast Recruitment Advertising Benchmark Report 2024, only 5% of candidates who start a job application finish it. SonicJobs’ Hosted Apply technology is proven to boost application conversion rates by up to 3X, reducing employer recruitment marketing costs.

“The US online recruitment market is large and extremely fragmented with $15 billion in annual spend, over 300 Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS), more than 1 million employers, and 10 million job openings,” said Mikhil Raja of SonicJobs. “Traditional API integrations require coordination and technical work from all parties, which hasn’t happened. As a result, candidates are still subjected to the same Web 1.0 experience they had in the 1990s and are redirected for each job application. Our AI-agent platform is connecting the ecosystem. We’re excited to partner with EarnBetter to help drive more qualified candidates to clients and improve the application experience for job seekers.”

About EarnBetter
EarnBetter is a technology company that utilizes AI to provide free support to job seekers. The company’s AI job search assistant offers free tools to help individuals draft and format resumes, develop cover letters, find job matches, organize their job search, prepare for interviews and more. EarnBetter is backed by Andreessen Horowitz and other leading investors. Learn more at https://earnbetter.com

About SonicJobs
SonicJobs helps enterprise clients in the U.S. drive more high-quality applications for their vacancies by enabling integrated hosted apply flows across significant job sites, including OfferUp and Earnbetter. SonicJobs’ proprietary AI Agent technology is inherently scalable, as there is no cost or development work for the employer or the Applicant Tracking System (ATS). We support numerous Applicant Tracking Systems, including Workday, Taleo, iCIMs, Greenhouse, Phenom, Brassring, Jobvite, and SAP SuccessFactors.

OfferUp Partners with SonicJobs to Enable Hosted Apply

AI-Agent platform SonicJobs has partnered with OfferUp, the largest local marketplace in the U.S., to enable SonicJobs clients access to OfferUp’s growing local jobs marketplace. Through this partnership, users applying to SonicJobs postings on OfferUp will go through a seamless Hosted Apply experience powered by SonicJobs.

One of the biggest challenges for employers is the low conversion rate of candidates who begin an application on a job platform compared to those who finish it on the career site. In fact, according to Appcast Recruitment Advertising Benchmark Report 2024, only 5% of candidates who start a job application finish it*.

SonicJobs’ integrated Hosted Apply technology eliminates the need for candidates to be redirected to the employer’s career site to complete their application. Candidates can now seamlessly begin the application process after discovering a job on OfferUp, significantly improving the jobseeker experience and number of applications.

This partnership enables a hosted application flow for SonicJobs’ clients advertising jobs on OfferUp. Early trials have resulted in a 3X higher conversion rate of candidates starting a job application to completing it versus the market average*.

The 3X better conversion rate reduces employers’ effective cost per application by up to 67%. Moreover, SonicJobs’ AI Agent technology ensures that the candidate answers every question that the employer needs to make a hiring decision.

“AI is impacting the recruitment ecosystem significantly. However, what is not changing is that employers want high-quality applications that lead to hires,” said Mikhil Raja, CEO of SonicJobs. “API integrations that take months to go live are a thing of the past. This partnership enables OfferUp and SonicJobs to go live in days and deliver high-quality applications at scale.”

“OfferUp is excited to expand the volume of our job listings, providing job seekers with an even greater selection of relevant and high-quality opportunities directly from employers,” said Scott Greenberg, VP of Business Development and Strategic Partnerships at OfferUp. “Through our partnership with SonicJobs and the integration of their Hosted Apply technology, we are providing OfferUp users with a streamlined application experience, ensuring a more enjoyable job-seeking journey.”

About OfferUp

OfferUp is the largest mobile marketplace for local buyers and sellers in the U.S. We are changing how people buy and sell in their communities by providing a uniquely simple and trusted experience on our iOS and Android apps. Our goal is to be the platform of choice for local commerce by connecting buyers and sellers through an experience that makes selling an item as easy as snapping a picture from a mobile device. OfferUp was founded in 2011 and has grown to serve local markets across the U.S., with more than 1 in 6 adults using OfferUp in 2023.

About SonicJobs

SonicJobs helps enterprise clients in the US drive more high-quality applications for their vacancies by enabling integrated hosted apply flows across the most significant job sites, including OfferUp, Jobcase, and Monster.com. SonicJobs’ proprietary AI Agent technology is inherently scalable, as there is no cost or development work for the employer or the Applicant Tracking System (ATS). We support numerous Applicant Tracking Systems, including Workday, Taleo, iCIMs, Greenhouse, Phenom, Brassring, Jobvite, and SAP SuccessFactors.

*2024 Recruitment Marketing Benchmark Report | Appcast

Career potholes: How to explain gaps in your resume

From time to time, you might find yourself out of work. When this happens, it’s important to address longer periods of unemployment in your resume. Employers don’t like to see gaps in your employment without an explanation.

So check out our guide (and examples) to explaining gaps in your resume in an interview.

When do you need to address a gap in your resume?

Not all gaps in employment need an explanation. As a rule of thumb, if you’re unemployed for less than 3 months, you shouldn’t need an explanation. It’s quite common for people to be unemployed for 1-3 months in between jobs. But if you out of work for longer than 3 months, you should probably explain why on your resume.

Tips for explaining gaps in employment

Include your gaps in your resume

When you’ve had a gap in employment longer than 3 months, include this in your resume. If you don’t explain it, employers will be left with lots of questions. And they may reject your resume because of this. Instead, write the dates of your unemployment, and provide a short sentence to explain the reason. This will help employers understand the gap and progress your application.

Be honest

We’re all human. And employers appreciate honesty. They can often tell when you’re not being honest. So always be upfront about your reasons for unemployment. It’s the honesty that counts.

Put a positive spin on it

A gap in employment doesn’t have to be negative. It could actually be really positive. Perhaps it gave you clarity about your next step. Or maybe it gave you time to upskill. Either way, think of all the ways you can show employers the benefits you received from your time out of work.

6 examples of how to explain a gap in your resume

Travel

How to explain in your resume

“I took 6 months off work to travel around Central Asia.”

How to explain in an interview

“I went traveling for 6 months on my own around Central Asia. It was a really enriching experience and gave me a lot of life skills. It exposed me to other people’s way of living, which is priceless.”

Carer responsibilities

How to explain in your resume

“Full-time carer for a family member.”

How to explain in an interview

“Unfortunately, a member of my family was sick and required full-time care. I did my best to maintain my skills during this time by completing a course on Data Analysis. I would also attend monthly webinars to learn about the latest software and industry news. So although I wasn’t technically working in the industry, I still kept my finger on the pulse.”

Sickness

How to explain in your resume

“Following the doctor’s orders, I was granted 4 months off to recover from a medical condition.”

How to explain in an interview

“I was dealing with a medical condition whilst working. But the condition only worsened. And so, after consulting with the doctor, he decided to put me on sick leave to aid my recovery.

Although I rested a lot during this time, I also made an effort to maintain my knowledge and skills and keep up with industry news. I knew that I’d return to work as soon as I felt healthy, so I didn’t want to fall behind too much.”

Looking for work

How to explain in your resume

“During these 4 months of unemployment, I was job hunting and attending regular interviews.”

How to explain in an interview

“I was fortunate enough to be able to take4 months of unemployment in between jobs. I really wanted to focus on finding the right role rather than jumping into any old job. I want to make sure my next career move is one for the long-term.”

Raising children

How to explain in your resume

“2 year career break for parenting responsibilities for my newborn.”

How to explain in an interview

“I have had 2 years off to raise my child. It’s been a great experience but I’m now ready to return to the working world.

I have built a portfolio and gained several skills and qualifications during my time in unemployment. For example, I recently completed an online course in safeguarding.”

Study

How to explain in your resume

“I took 12 months out of work to dedicate to my studies. I completed an IT qualification and hope to pursue a career in this field.”

How to explain in an interview

“I spent the last 12 months studying for my IT qualification. I wanted to dedicate everything to my studies so I decided not to work.

It has paid off and I feel really confident in the knowledge and skills that I’ve learned in the last year. I’m now ready to put these skills to work for the right company.”

Ready for work?! Find a job fast with SonicJobs today!

Building a personal brand: the key to landing your dream job

Important strategic skills for your resume

Career potholes: How to explain gaps in your CV

From time to time, you might find yourself out of work. When this happens, it’s important to address longer periods of unemployment in your CV. Employers don’t like to see gaps in your employment without an explanation.

So check out our guide (and examples) to explaining gaps in your CV in an interview.

When do you need to address a gap in your CV?

Tips for explaining gaps in employment

Include your gaps in your CV

When you’ve had a gap in employment longer than 3 months, include this in your CV. If you don’t explain it, employers will be left with lots of questions. And they may reject your CV because of this. Instead, write the dates of your unemployment, and provide a short sentence to explain the reason. This will help employers understand the gap and progress your application.

Be honest

We’re all human. And employers appreciate honesty. They can often tell when you’re not being honest. So always be upfront about your reasons for unemployment. It’s the honesty that counts.

Put a positive spin on it

6 examples of how to explain a gap in your CV

Travel

How to explain in your CV

“I took 6 months off work to travel around Central Asia.”

How to explain in an interview

Carer responsibilities

How to explain in your CV

“Full-time carer for a family member.”

How to explain in an interview

Sickness

How to explain in your CV

“Following the doctor’s orders, I was granted 4 months off to recover from a medical condition.”

How to explain in an interview

“I was dealing with a medical condition whilst working. But the condition only worsened. And so, after consulting with the doctor, he decided to put me on sick leave to aid my recovery.

Looking for work

How to explain in your CV

“During these 4 months of unemployment, I was job hunting and attending regular interviews.”

How to explain in an interview

Raising children

How to explain in your CV

“2 year career break for parenting responsibilities for my newborn.”

How to explain in an interview

“I have had 2 years off to raise my child. It’s been a great experience but I’m now ready to return to the working world.

I have built a portfolio and gained several skills and qualifications during my time in unemployment. For example, I recently completed an online course in safeguarding.”

Study

How to explain in your CV

“I took 12 months out of work to dedicate to my studies. I completed an IT qualification and hope to pursue a career in this field.”

How to explain in an interview

“I spent the last 12 months studying for my IT qualification. I wanted to dedicate everything to my studies so I decided not to work.

It has paid off and I feel really confident in the knowledge and skills that I’ve learned in the last year. I’m now ready to put these skills to work for the right company.”

Ready for work?! Find a job fast with SonicJobs today!

Building a personal brand: the key to landing your dream job

Long-term unemployed? How to get back into work

Finding a new job is hard enough for any job seeker. But when you’ve been out of work for a long time, the job hunt gets harder. That’s because employers don’t like unemployment. If you’ve been unemployed for longer than 3 months, you may struggle to get back on the career ladder.

But don’t freak out!

Finding a job after you’ve been unemployed for a while has its challenges. But plenty of people do it! You just need a few tricks up your sleeve.

So check out our tips for getting back into work after you’ve been long-term unemployed.

Reasons for being long-term unemployed

There are lots of reasons for long-term unemployment. Here are a few of the most common reasons:

Travel: lots of people take time out from work to travel. This could be on a gap year or on a sabbatical.
Career change: if you’ve changed industry or profession, you may have taken time out to study and upskill. It can be difficult to land that first role in your chosen field.
Sickness: physical and mental illnesses are valid reasons to have been out of work for a long time.
Carer responsibilities: when family members fall sick, sometimes we have to become their carers. This is a common reason for long-term unemployment
Raising your family: many parents take time out from their career to raise their children during their early years.
Being laid off: if you’ve been laid off or made redundant, it’s often unexpected. So it’s perfectly reasonable to have a gap in your employment while you find your feet.

8 ways to find work after long-term unemployment

Update your resume

The first step in getting back into employment is to update your resume. Yes, your resume may not have loads on it. But it’s important to update it anyway. Be sure to explain any gaps in your employment. Be honest here. If you have taken 2 years out to care for your children, write that in your resume.

Volunteer

If you’ve been unemployed for a while, your resume will be a little bare! And that doesn’t give a strong first impression. So try to find some volunteer work to get you back into the professional world. Don’t focus on finding the perfect volunteer job. Just focus on finding some volunteer work where you can learn new skills. This will show employers you’ve been proactive in getting yourself back on the career ladder.

Upskill

One of the downsides to being unemployed is that you won’t have learnt any new skills at work. But that doesn’t mean you can’t learn new skills OUT of work. Enroll onto some free online courses to upskill. This will brighten up your resume and make you look more attractive to employers.

Contact your old employer

When job hunting, you’ll need all the help you can get. Contact your old employer to see if they’ll be happy to provide a reference. They may be willing to write a reference straight away. If this is the case, you can attach the reference to any jobs you apply for!

Write a cover letter

Cover letters are a great way to boost your job applications. You can add extra detail and really show your passion in a cover letter. When applying for jobs after long-term unemployment, we recommend writing a cover letter!

Network

Networking is a great way to boost your professional profile. Attend events and webinars to get your name out there. As people get to know you, you’ll grow your network and attract more opportunities.

Build a personal brand

It’s not enough just to send a resume these days. To really stand out, you need to build your personal brand. This is your professional image beyond your resume. With a strong personal brand, you’ll show employers the value you have to offer BEFORE you start the job.

Don’t be too picky

After you’ve been unemployed for a long time, it’s important not to be too picky. You might have to take a ‘stepping stone job’. This is a job that helps you get your foot back in the door. It’s not your dream job, but it’s a start.

Ready to get back on the career ladder? Find a job fast with SonicJobs!

Long-term unemployed? How to get back into work

Finding a new job is hard enough for any job seeker. But when you’ve been out of work for a long time, the job hunt gets harder. That’s because employers don’t like unemployment. If you’ve been unemployed for longer than 3 months, you may struggle to get back on the career ladder.

But don’t freak out!

Finding a job after you’ve been unemployed for a while has its challenges. But plenty of people do it! You just need a few tricks up your sleeve.

So check out our tips for getting back into work after you’ve been long-term unemployed.

Reasons for being long-term unemployed

There are lots of reasons for long-term unemployment. Here are a few of the most common reasons:

Travel: lots of people take time out from work to travel. This could be on a gap year or on a sabbatical.
Career change: if you’ve changed industry or profession, you may have taken time out to study and upskill. It can be difficult to land that first role in your chosen field.
Sickness: physical and mental illnesses are valid reasons to have been out of work for a long time.
Carer responsibilities: when family members fall sick, sometimes we have to become their carers. This is a common reason for long-term unemployment
Raising your family: many parents take time out from their career to raise their children during their early years.
Being laid off: if you’ve been laid off or made redundant, it’s often unexpected. So it’s perfectly reasonable to have a gap in your employment while you find your feet.

8 ways to find work after long-term unemployment

Update your CV

The first step in getting back into employment is to update your CV. Yes, your CV may not have loads on it. But it’s important to update it anyway. Be sure to explain any gaps in your employment. Be honest here. If you have taken 2 years out to care for your children, write that in your CV.

Volunteer

If you’ve been unemployed for a while, your CV will be a little bare! And that doesn’t give a strong first impression. So try to find some volunteer work to get you back into the professional world. Don’t focus on finding the perfect volunteer job. Just focus on finding some volunteer work where you can learn new skills. This will show employers you’ve been proactive in getting yourself back on the career ladder.

Upskill

Contact your old employer

Write a cover letter

Network

Build a personal brand

It’s not enough just to send a CV these days. To really stand out, you need to build your personal brand. This is your professional image beyond your CV. With a strong personal brand, you’ll show employers the value you have to offer BEFORE you start the job.

Don’t be too picky

Ready to get back on the career ladder? Find a job fast with SonicJobs!

Diversity and inclusion: how to talk about it in an interview

Anyone living in the 21st century has heard the term ‘diversity and inclusion’. But not everyone understands what it means. But employers really value candidates who understand diversity and inclusion. So if you’re looking for a new job, it’s time to learn a little bit about it. This will help you stand out as a candidate.

What does diversity and inclusion mean?

Diversity and inclusion is a principle that focuses on equality in the workplace. It aims to stop exclusion and favouritism based on factors like religion, race, gender, disability and sexuality. The idea is to give equal opportunities to underrepresented people or minority groups.

3 ways to talk about diversity and inclusion in an interview

You might not be asked about diversity and inclusion directly in an interview. But it’s still a good idea to include it in your interview answers.

Here are a few ways you can mention diversity and inclusion in your interview answers.

Teamwork

When asked about teamwork, talk about wanting to create an inclusive team. Some people don’t integrate well into teams. They get drowned out and fade into the background. Talk about how you try to include people who are marginalised.

Example question

“Give me an example of how you work as part of a team.”

Sample answer

“One of the things I pride myself on is being able to create a unified team. Often, there will be team members that fall to the wayside or get pushed aside. But I make a point of creating an inclusive team and elevating the voices of people who struggle to be heard. This is really important especially when the team has people from marginalised communities.”

Conflict

Conflict will always arise in the workplace. That’s why employers like to ask about this. Conflict can be linked to diversity and inclusion. It’s about being sensitive to other people’s differences. Employees need to understand that people come from different backgrounds. As an employee, it’s important to be respectful of other people’s way of being.

Example question

“How would you deal with conflict at work?”

Sample answer

“Whenever there’s conflict, there’s always a difference of opinion. As a team member, you have to be sensitive and respectful of other people’s viewpoints. Conflict can arise because of cultural, political and social differences. But I think the main thing is to deal with conflict straight away, and let people know that their voice is heard. ”

Leadership

If you’re asked about leadership, be sure to talk about diversity and inclusion. Leaders always keep an eye on the group as a whole, and make sure everyone has a voice. As a leader, you also speak up for what’s right, especially if you see signs of discrimination.

Example question

“Tell us about a time where you demonstrated leadership at work.”

Sample answer

“Leadership comes in many different forms. It can be leading a team. Inspiring others. Or simply sticking up for what’s right. There was a time when I overheard two team members making racial slurs. I immediately told them there was no place for that kind of language or attitude in our workplace. Both team members appeared embarrassed and apologised straight away. I believe they changed their behaviour from that point forward.”

Diversity and inclusion for the win

Diversity and inclusion is a hot topic of conversation for any employer. You may be asked direct questions about diversity and inclusion. But if you’re not, try to incorporate this topic into your interview answers. It will show maturity and win you bonus points in the interview process!

Want a fresh start? Join thousands of job seekers finding jobs on the SonicJobs app!

Check out our other blogs

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How to assess a company’s culture BEFORE accepting a job

How to redeem yourself after making a big mistake at work

The golden question: Should you leave your job for more money?

With today’s cost of living crisis, a pay rise doesn’t sound so bad, does it? Many people leave their jobs for better paid opportunities. But does more pay equal job satisfaction? Not always!

If you’ve been offered another job with more money, ask yourself these questions…

5 questions to ask yourself if you’re offered a higher paid job

Are you happy in your current job?

Ask yourself if you’re happy in your job? Sure, a higher salary would make anyone happier. But if money were no issue, would you still want to leave your job? Are you interested in your industry or does it bore you? Do you like the team dynamic and the company culture? These are all important factors to consider when you’re offered a job with better money.

If you’re happy in your role, think twice before you jump ships. All the things you love about your job could disappear in the new company. Would it still be worth the pay rise then?

Are there opportunities for you to progress?

A great way to get a pay rise is to get promoted. Are there opportunities for progression in your current company? Or have you hit the ceiling for your role? Do you have to wait several years for someone to retire before you can get promoted? Or will you get promoted regardless of how many other senior members of staff are there?

If you think you’ve hit the ceiling in your current company, then you might struggle to get a pay rise any time soon. It could be worth changing jobs. But before you accept the role, check out the new company’s progression opportunities!

Have you asked your employer for a raise?

Most people don’t think to ask their current boss for a pay rise before accepting their new role. If you’re happy in your job, set a meeting with your manager to negotiate a pay rise. Talk to them about the potential of getting a pay rise.

Before you go into your meeting, make sure you research the market rate. And remember to prepare a list of your achievements. Use this to justify why you’re asking for a raise.

Would the commute be better in the new job?

Your commute to work can really affect your work-life balance. So by accepting a higher-paid job that’s further away, you run the risk of effecting your work-life balance. You also need to think about the cost of your commute. Will the pay rise outweigh the cost of the commute?

Is the new salary suspiciously high?

Does the new salary sound too good to be true? Is it way above the market rate? If it is, it’s time to do some digging. Why does the company need to pay above the market rate? Are they struggling to retain staff? These are questions to ask the employer before accepting the job.

To accept, or not to accept

If you’re offered a higher paid job, it could be a fantastic opportunity. But don’t assume more money is always best. There are other factors to consider. Yes, more money is great! But don’t forget to consider the other parts of your job that are just as important.

Is it time for you to progress your career? Check out the latest jobs on the SonicJobs app – new jobs are added everyday!

Fading into the background? How to boost your influence at work

Being influential at work can give your career a serious boost. Employers are always wanting to snap up their next influential leader. They don’t want leaders who fade into the background.

But what do you do if you DON’T feel influential? What if you feel like your voice always gets drowned out? Or people don’t listen to you?

Is it possible to learn to be influential?

Absolutely.

You can train yourself to become more influential. You may have to step outside of your comfort zone. But it will be worth it in the end.

Here are 6 ways you can build your influence at work:

Build relationships
Be vocal
Don’t tell, suggest
Act with integrity
Network
Use open body language

6 ways to build influence in the workplace

1. Build relationships

You can’t expect to influence people if you don’t have a relationship with them. The first step in becoming a powerful influencer at work is to build genuine relationships with your colleagues. Take an interest in them. Actively listen to them.

2. Be vocal

To be influential at work, you need your voice to be heard. When you have new ideas, share them with the group. In meetings, don’t be the silent watcher in the back row. Get involved and become an active participant. Over time, you’ll soon be recognised as a valuable voice that people listen to.

3. Don’t tell, suggest

People don’t like to take orders from others. The most powerful influencers don’t give out orders. They suggest ideas instead. Here are a few examples of how you can change your language to be more persuasive:

Instead of:

“Please can you start filing the documents in alphabetical order?”

Try:

“It must take a long time to sort through those files. Do you think it would save you time if you filed the documents in alphabetical order?”

Instead of:

“You’re forgetting really important tasks.”

Try:

“I know how hard it can be to remember things when you’re so busy. Have you thought about setting reminders?”

4. Act with integrity

There’s nothing quite like building relationships through integrity. When you act with integrity, people trust you. They know they can rely on you for accurate information. They value what you have to say. So always act honourably to set yourself apart as an influencer. Always remain professional, especially during workplace socials.

5. Network

Networking is a great way to build your influence. Build relationships with people in different departments and members of management. This will expand your network and increase your influencing power. It’s not always what you know, but who you know.

Use open body language

Your body language speaks louder than your words. So get in the habit of using open body language, smiling more, and making eye contact. These are all subconscious ways you can build trust with the people around you. It takes a little practise. But over time, you’ll become more natural with it.

Example of open body language:

Uncrossing your arms
Keep your arms on the table
Not covering your face with your hands
Mirroring others’ body language

A new way of being

When you step up your influence game, it can feel kinda strange at first. But after a while, these new behaviours become second nature. And before you know it, you’ve grown into the influential leader you’ve always wanted to be! Just remember, it doesn’t come naturally to most folks. So don’t get disheartened if it feels out of your comfort zone.

Ready to find a new job? Use the SonicJobs app to find a job in record time!

Check out our other blog posts!

How to handle difficult workplace situations

Building a personal brand: the key to landing your dream job

Fast-track your job search with SonicJobs