Are internships good work experience?

If you’re considering doing an internship, chances are you’re embarking on a new career and have limited amounts of experience behind you. Internships are a popular choice for people just starting out in a new career, particularly graduates who’re soon due to enter the working world.

But how do you know if an internship is right for you? Is it worth the time? Or are you better off bypassing this?

What is an internship?

An internship can be defined as a work contract ranging from 1 week to 12 months. Usually, students will complete an internship during the summer holidays or straight after graduation. Internships give students and graduates the opportunity to learn and develop new skills, and essentially have an initiation into the working world.

Are internships paid?

Most internships are paid at least the national minimum wage. So long as you’re classed as a worker, you should be getting paid. However, if you’re volunteering or are just shadowing, employers don’t necessarily have to pay you.

Benefits of completing an internship

Develop your CV

Trying to find a job straight out of college or university isn’t easy. And this can be made harder if you’ve not got much work experience to include on your CV. By completing an internship, you’ve got the opportunity to gain hands-on industry experience, which will be invaluable to your application.

Employers know you’re serious

By completing an internship, you’re proving to employers that you’re committed to working in this particular role/industry. It’s not like you’re just dipping your toe in – you’ve already gained first-hand experience and still want more. This can be very reassuring to employers since they don’t want to hire and train someone who is just testing the waters and may leave in 6 months.

Grow your network

Internships are a great place for you to start growing your professional network. You should be seizing every opportunity to get to know people in your place of work, on meetings and on conference calls. You never know when you’ll be able to call on these connections later down the line!

Expand your horizon

Once you complete an internship, you’ll immediately have more job opportunities become available to you since many companies will only hire people who have experience. This means you don’t just have to apply for the same standard graduate schemes everyone else is applying for, but you can consider other opportunities too!

Develop soft skills

Sure, internships are great for gaining experience in your field, but it’s also such an advantage to show employers that you’ve worked in a professional environment. You’ll have been able to develop your soft skills like teamwork, communication and timekeeping and will have a stronger sense of professional etiquette. This gives you a real edge over other applicants who haven’t yet acclimatised to the working world.

Get hired

It’s not uncommon for interns to be offered permanent positions at the end of their internship. In fact, after an internship, 70.4% of interns get offered a job and 60% of employers say they are more likely to hire someone who has done an internship. If you work hard to prove yourself and do an outstanding job, employers would rather hire an intern than launch an external search. That’s because they already know you and your work ethic.

It’s a no brainer

If you’re a student or graduate considering your career options, it seems that working an internship is a no brainer. And what’s great is that you can complete a remote internship or an online internship these days – so you have even more options to choose from. So whether you complete one during a summer holiday or straight after university, we think internships are a win win!

Looking for an internship? SonicJobs can help! On our app, you’ll find internships across tech, marketing, journalism, finance and more. Download our app to get started.

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What are the new up and coming industries to work in?

The pandemic shook everyone’s idea of job stability. With thousands of people losing their jobs and many more being furloughed, it’s forced people to think a little harder when choosing their career routes. Now more than ever, people are taking action to work in industries that are growing rapidly.

So if you’re carefully planning your next move, here are some of the fastest growing industries in 2022:

  • Tech
  • Construction
  • Healthcare
  • Logistics
  • Digital marketing

5 of the fastest growing industries to work in

1. Tech

The pandemic forced businesses to change the way they operate. It forced them to innovate and modernise their operation through better tech and software solutions. There was a huge soar in demand for software developers at the height of the pandemic in the summer of 2021 with 100,000 vacancies for software developers in April 2021 alone.

But the fun didn’t stop there. Tech had a record breaking year in 2021 after taking £26bn VC investment. When you consider this figure was just £11.5bn in 2020, you realise how explosive it is!

So if you’ve got a soft spot for tech and are willing to put in the learning hours, you’ll be sure to create a long and fruitful career for yourself in this beast of an industry!

2. Construction

The construction industry really proved its durability and longevity in 2020. It was one of the few industries to have been given the green light to continue grafting throughout lockdown albeit with a few delays due to supply chain issues.

In 2021, construction continued to plough through issues with inflation and driver shortages, and the demand for construction workers almost hit a 20 year high. Skilled workers like site managers, project managers, carpenters and bricklayers have been in particular demand, especially with many workers leaving amidst Brexit.

3. Healthcare

Due to having an ageing population and recovery from the pandemic, the healthcare industry is set to grow steadily until 2030 at least. There’s a huge demand for healthcare workers currently with roles ranging from home carers to nurses to surgeons. Experts estimate over 1 million more healthcare workers will be needed over the next decade.

A recent review showed that NHS funding is set to increase to £162.6bn over the next 3 years. So if you have a passion for helping those in need, you could be set with a career in care.

4. Logistics

With many drivers leaving the UK after Brexit and the growing use of online shopping, the nation currently faces a huge shortage of workers in the logistics industry. Roles include transport planners, HGV drivers, multi-drop delivery drivers and warehouse workers. 

Throughout the pandemic, the logistics industry has moved steadily but is still currently seeking roughly 100,000 HGV drivers to meet demands. There are plenty of long-term career prospects for people in the logistics industry from freight transportation to inventory management and control to supply chain design and planning.

If you’re logically minded with excellent attention to detail and a keen eye for planning, a career in logistics could be right up your alley!

5. Digital marketing

The world of digital content is exploding and has no intention of stopping any time soon. From social media management to marketing campaigns to content creation, there’s a wide variety of roles to choose from in this sphere. Professionals who run paid ad campaigns are particularly sought after, with an increased interest from employers of 116.4% in this skill alone!

If you consider yourself a bit of a creative cat, a career in digital marketing could promise to be very fulfilling for you!

Move smart

Making a career move is great, but only if the new opportunity can provide you with more prospects than your previous role. Before changing jobs, always research the industry you’re considering before signing on the dotted line. You want to find an industry that’s going to continue growing come rain or shine!

SonicJobs has the largest selection of UK jobs. Download and browse our app today to find a job in an industry you’ll love!

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What careers have good progression?

When it comes to picking a good career, you want to make sure you have room to grow and progress. Without progression, you have a job, not a career. Most jobs can provide a certain degree of progression, but progress definitely comes easier in some careers that take it to a whole new level.

Ready to move on up? Here are 4 industries with good career progression:

  • HR
  • Sales
  • Software development
  • Audit

4 careers that have AMAZING progression

1. HR

HR departments are responsible for ‘all things people and policy’ in a business. They recruit new team members, record staff data, and compile company policies ensuring they’re in compliance with regulations and laws. On top of that, HR departments also deal with disciplinaries and dismissals, always making sure processes are followed to a T.

Am I right for HR?

People who are successful in HR have great attention to detail, a high level of English, and are logically minded to follow processes and procedures. Sometimes encountering uncomfortable situations, HR workers need to be highly professional and sometimes assertive when required.

Possible qualifications/skills to get started: administration, excel, word, high level of English

Possible career progression: HR assistant >> HR consultant >> HR Manager >> HR Director >> CHRO.

2. Sales

Working in sales can be an extremely prosperous career, especially when working in B2B or high-ticket sales. Salespeople spend their days consulting with potential clients, answering their questions, and pitching products and services. Their role is predominantly people-facing, although there are times when they focus more on administrative tasks like arranging appointments and composing contracts. Businesses are always looking for highly influential people to sell their products, so there’s no limit as to how far a salesperson can progress or how much they can earn.

Am I right for sales?

Salespeople tend to be naturally outgoing and charismatic, and enjoy interacting with people. One of the most defining characteristics of the best salespeople is their drive and ambition. The best salespeople are highly self-motivated and will happily work extra hours to close a deal and earn their next commission.

Possible qualifications/skills to get started: no formal qualifications required

Possible career progression: Sales assistant >> Sales executive >> Sales manager >> Regional sales manager >> Director of sales >> VP of sales

3. Software development

Software development is a lucrative and rewarding career. Very often, software developers get to work on new and exciting projects where complete innovation is required. On a day to day basis, software developers will typically be writing codes to create new software for computers or mobile applications. Software developers tend to specialise in different computer languages, such as C#, Java and Python.

Am I right for software development?

Successful software developers are highly analytical and logical thinkers. They have a knack and love for problem-solving, and have the patience to unpick problems and build solutions. Software development is also a great option for anyone looking for work from home jobs since many software developers work remotely.

Possible qualifications/skills to get started: bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in computing or STEM subject

Possible career progression: Junior software developer >> Software developer >> Senior software developer >> Lead developer >> Technical architect >> CTO

4. Audit

Auditors are responsible for running financial checks on businesses to ensure all of the business’ finances are being processed in compliance with the law. Auditors analyse data from company reports like account balances, income statements and tax returns. They use their analytical skills to spot indiscrepancies and potential misconduct.

Am I right for audit?

To flourish in audit, you must be a numbers person who is highly analytical. This role requires a lot of patience since you’ll have a lot of data to sift through. As well as their critical thinking ability, auditors also need excellent communication skills in both the written and verbal, and to be able to build relationships with their clients.

Possible qualifications/skills to get started: bachelor’s degree in accountancy or ACA/ACCA qualification, accountancy experience

Possible career progression: Junior auditor >> Auditor >> Senior manager >> Audit partner

Moving on up

If you’re an ambitious person, there’s no doubt you’ll want to find a career that can provide lots of career progression. One of the questions you can ask an interviewer at the end of an interview is what opportunities there are for progression. They should be able to tell you about the career path progression, what you’ll need to do to get there, and how long it should take.

Looking for a career with long-term prospects? Check out our blog on the fastest growing industries or head over to our app to find a job you love!

Should you enjoy your job?

Does your job have to be a drag? It’s easy for your job to turn into a means to an end, nothing more than a way to earn your next payslip and pay the bills. But if you’re not careful, this attitude could creep up on you and end up running you into the ground.

When you think we spend one third of our lives at work, it really stresses the need to enjoy your job. Without job enjoyment, you’ll start finding it hard to even wake up for work in the mornings, you’ll make more mistakes, and you’ll struggle to land those promotions or gain fulfilment in your life. 

To really succeed in your career, you need to enjoy your job. 

  • Get involved during meetings
  • Set an aim
  • Take on more responsibilities
  • Become part of the team
  • Take your full breaks
  • Make checklists

Ways to enjoy your job more

Get involved during meetings

Try to engage more in the overall business, including during meetings. This allows you to contribute your own ideas and feel more part of the company.

Set an aim

Having professional aims is a great way to bring more enjoyment to your role. Instead of just ploughing through each day, move through it with purpose. You can set new aims each month, quarter, and year to keep things interesting! Here are some ideas of professional aims you can make for yourself, or with your manager:

  • Complete a qualification
  • Gain a promotion
  • Complete a project
  • Hit a target
  • Learn a new skill

Take on more responsibilities

Perhaps your role is starting to feel a little tired and repetitive. Speak with your manager about the possibility of taking on some new responsibilities. This is a great way to build your CV and, more importantly, bring a bit more variety and enjoyment to your working day.

Become part of the team

Feeling part of the team can really transform your working day. Being able to call on your teammates for help, collaborate with them, or even have a bit of a laugh with them can make your job more enjoyable. So take the time to get to know your teammates, offer help, and get involved with company socials to build those relationships.

Take your full breaks

Be mindful of not burning yourself out. When you work through your breaks, you only end up reducing your productivity and running yourself into the ground. Instead, get away from your desk, get out of the office, take in some fresh air or listen to a podcast. You’ll return to your desk with way more energy when you take your full breaks.

Make checklists

Checklists are a great way to get some endorphin hits throughout the working day. Start your day by making a list of everything you want to accomplish that morning. At noon, review your checklist and get ticking the items off. Repeat the same for the afternoon. This is a great way to give you a feeling of accomplishment on a daily basis.

No job enjoyment?

Feel like you’re in the wrong job altogether? That’s okay! It’s a good realisation to have. Sometimes you need to stick a job out for a short while until you can find a job that’s more aligned (check out our blog on how to be happy in a job you hate). But the important thing is to work out what career is right for you before starting a new career. Once you’ve decided on this, don’t settle for anything less.

Don’t forget, SonicJobs has the UK’s largest database of jobs and you can apply with just one tap of a button – it’s really that simple!

How to be happy in a job you hate

There usually comes a time in all of our lives where we have to work a job we hate. But sometimes it’s necessary to work these jobs just to pay the bills or to help you get the required experience to move into a better role or even start a new career. Either way, we have a few tips and tricks you can do to improve your relationship with your job. If you can’t change the situation, you may as well make the most of it, right?!

Here’s our advice on how to enjoy a job you hate:

  • Pinpoint the problem(s)
  • Appreciate the positives
  • Have something to aim for
  • Don’t make your job your life

4 ways to be happier in a job you hate

Pinpoint the problem(s)

It’s easy for people to say they don’t like their job, but very often they’ll only dislike certain elements of the job, and others they don’t mind so much. It’s useful to sit down and actually identify which parts of your role are making you unhappy. 

Is it a certain task? Is it the person you’re sat next to? Is it your targets?

You may find that some of these things are fixable or you may be able to talk to your manager about it to find a workaround. Don’t feel like you have to suffer in silence – it’s perfectly fine to seek support from your manager.

Appreciate the positives

No matter how much you hate your job, there’s always something to be thankful for. And recognising the positive aspects of your role may just provide you with a little extra motivation in the mornings. You may not enjoy the work, but at least you’re earning money to pay for your bills. You might be on low pay, but at least you’re gaining experience to help you get a better job.

Have something to aim for

One of the most depressing things about working in a job you hate is feeling like you’re stuck there with no way out. That’s why you need to create a plan to get yourself to where you want to be. Decide what career is right for you, and work out what you need to do to get there.

Maybe you’ll need to aim for a promotion. Maybe you’ll need to complete a qualification in your free time.

Whatever it is, make sure you’ve defined your roadmap out of the job.

Don’t make your job your life

Even if you love your job, it’s healthy to make sure you have a life outside of work. Give yourself something to look forward to like salsa classes, going to the gym, or taking up an art class. This will help to lift your spirits and ensure your work doesn’t become your whole world.

How long should you stay in a job you don’t like?

Nobody should ever settle for a job they hate. You may have to work it for a short period, but always know that you can and will do better. What’s important is that you maintain enough energy and motivation to work towards your long-term career aims. If you hate your job so much that you can’t even focus on the light at the end of the tunnel, you need to find a new job fast. Just be mindful not to switch jobs too frequently (ie. changing jobs every 6-12 months) as prospective employers won’t like to see this on your CV

Looking for a new job? With SonicJobs, you can land a job in no time at all! Browse our app to find a job near you.

What jobs allow you to travel?

Looking for a way to earn a living whilst still feeding your travel obsession? We hear ya! Why confine yourself to a regular 9-5 office job when there are plenty of jobs that allow you to travel daily, weekly and monthly?

We’ve travelled the depths of the internet to bring you our top picks for travel jobs:

  • Air steward
  • Pilot
  • Retail buyer
  • International sales consultant
  • Journalist
  • International english teacher
  • Photographer
  • Interpreter

8 well-paid jobs that allow you to travel the world

Flight attendant – £23,416 average salary

As a flight attendant, you’ll be assisting passengers throughout their flight whilst ensuring the safety of passengers. Flight attendants get to visit many different cities and countries, so if you’ve got a serious travel bug that needs treating, becoming a flight attendant could be just the remedy.

Pilot – £78,862 average salary

To become a pilot, you need to spend 16-18 months training to gain your Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL). It’s a costly process which could set you back up to £120,000 but once you’re fully qualified, it won’t be long before you’ve earnt that money back and are getting paid to travel the world.

Retail buyer – £41,461 average salary

Retail buyers are responsible for selecting new merchandise for retail shops whilst considering budgets, trends and profitability. As part of the process, they often get to travel abroad to visit different suppliers and trade fairs to review products, check quality, and negotiate rates and contracts. 

International sales consultant – £50,935 average salary

International sales consultants travel abroad to pitch their products/services, conduct demonstrations, make introductions and negotiate sales. This is a great role for anyone who loves travel since sales consultants often spend a few days in each location rather than just a brief overnight stay.

Journalist – £33,457 average salary

Journalists are often on the road capturing the details of different stories. Their role requires them to be on the frontline so if any event is occurring, the best journalists are there in-person to capture as much detail as possible. Depending on the type of journalism you specialise in, travelling abroad could become a regular part of your role.

International English teacher – £32,445 average salary

International English teachers often spend 10 months+ in a single location, so this is a great opportunity to really get to know a new place and treat it as a home. There’s a need for English teachers all across the world, so you’ll have a wide variety of destinations to choose from. Often, international English teachers have their accommodation included as part of their benefits package too! Winner winner!

Photographer – £29,539 average salary

Photographers are always travelling to different locations to carry out photoshoots. You could specialise in travel photography, nature or wildlife to travel to some of the most scenic parts of the world. 

Interpreter – £36,571 average salary

Interpreters often have to travel abroad to assist people with communication in foreign countries. Interpreters are bilingual and usually have a masters degree interpreting. They may assist people in a variety of scenarios including business meetings, medical and foreign affairs.

Ready to jet?

If you’re looking for your next travel-friendly job, SonicJobs can help. Our app is home to thousands of exciting career opportunities. Browse our app today to find a job you can really take off with!

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What is it like working in a startup?

To work for a startup, or not to work for a startup – that is, indeed, the question on many of your lips. For most people, it’s uncharted territory and there are a lot of unknowns.


How will it compare to working for an established company?


What are the risks?


Will it help or hinder my career aspirations?


Working for a startup can be a supernova move for your career. But at the same time, it’s just not the right option for some people. 
Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of working at a startup, and if it’s right for you.

What is a startup?

First off, what even is a startup? Let’s take a look at some of the defining features of startup businesses:

  • In its early phases of development
  • Often seeks external funding from investors and banks
  • Generally less than 25 employees
  • Focused on fast growth

Advantages of startup jobs

Never a dull moment

When working for a startup, there’s never a dull moment. Startups are focused on growth and expansion. They’re always innovating and adapting to achieve their aims. So if you’re someone that thrives in a fast-paced environment, you’ll enjoy working for a startup.

Add many strings to your bow

Startups are companies that are in their early phase of development. This means they don’t usually have all the structure in place that you’d find in a more established company. As a result, you’re expected to muck in in different areas of the business. This can be a real asset to your CV since you’ll pick up different skills.

Family atmosphere

Since team sizes are usually quite small in startups, you’ll be far from any stiff corporate culture. Startups have a reputation for valuing creativity and creating a collaborative environment. In fact, many large corporations take inspiration from startups. Startups are teaching large corporations how to improve their atmosphere.

Make your mark

If you’re an ambitious over-achiever, a startup job could be a great choice for you. Since the focus is on growth, employees have the opportunity to make a real impact. You have the power to influence how quickly the company achieves its aims. Founders are often very receptive to ideas. Because of the small team size, they will often recognise you for your efforts.

Disadvantages of startup jobs

No stranger to change

If you’re someone that likes stability, order and routine, you may want to rethink working for a startup. Since startups are a work in progress, there are often holes in processes. This means changes can be initiated on a regular basis – and at short notice! Employees need to be super flexible and versatile in their approach to work.

Job INstability

Unfortunately, only 10% of startups in the UK actually succeed. That means your startup probably won’t make it past the 5 year mark. Yikes! If you’re working for a startup, you don’t have the same job stability as in a large corporate.

Lower salaries

Although startups have a lot to offer, high salaries isn’t one of those things. Since startups are working to a tight budget, they don’t have bundles of cash in the bank. This means they often scrimp and save on salaries and benefits.

All work and no play

Working at a startup is a full-time job – this is no place for the clock-watchers. Expect to be stretched to your maximum capacity and to keep working until the job gets done. To succeed with a startup, you’ll need bags of motivation and drive to achieve the company goals.

Have you got what it takes?

Working for a startup demands a special breed of person. If you like stability and structure, startups might not be best for you. People who respond well to change are better suited. Equally, people who are driven and enjoy collaborating will thrive in a startup.

If you’re looking for a startup job in London, browse the jobs on the SonicJobs app to find an opportunity near you.

Got an interview at a startup? Check out our tips for presenting in an interview and our list of questions to ask the interviewer.

Tips for presenting during an interview

Presenting during an interview can be an extremely nerve-wracking experience. It’s all eyes on you. But it’s also a great time for you to show the interviewers exactly what you have to offer.


From your communication to organisation skills, presenting gives you the chance to show what you can really do. But as with anything in life, the key to success is preparation. So here are our top tips for a successful interview presentation.

How to impress during an interview presentation

Don’t overcrowd your slides

Crowded slides that contain lots of information can be overwhelming for the audience. Not only that, your point becomes weaker. It gets lost amongst all the other information that makes it harder for the audience to process. The best slides contain lots of white space and short and simple!

Mix up the format 

An effective way of making your presentation more impactful is by adding lots of variety. Make sure each slide doesn’t just contain text. You can use graphs, charts, images and videos to make your presentation more engaging. This will make your points stronger!

Mirror the company’s branding

Use the company colours for your presentation slides. This adds a nice touch. Not only does this show you’ve done your research, but it shows you have great attention to detail.

Create uniformity

You want your slides to be different and contain lots of variety. But at the same time, each slide should follow a basic layout. To create uniformity in your presentation, try doing the following:

  • Use the same font and font size on every slide
  • Ensure the header and footer is the same on every slide
  • Make sure every slide contains a title in the same position, colour and font

Proofread

There’s no worse mistake than having a typo on your presentation. Your interviewers will be looking for your attention to detail. Having a presentation that contains spelling errors will lose you some brownie points. Make sure you proofread your presentation. Ask a friend to check it through too – they’ll likely pick up on things you missed

Have access to your presentation in multiple places

It’s great turning up to a presentation with a USB file, but what if the computer doesn’t recognise your file? You need to have one or two backup options ready to go. So make sure you email your presentation to yourself and also store it on the cloud!

Interview presenting tips

Practise

Practice is key in your presentation success. Get used to presenting whilst clicking through slides, and make sure you know your lines off by heart. The last thing you want is to spend your entire presentation with your head down in your notes. If necessary, you can prepare cue cards for each slide to prompt you if you get stuck.

Ask your interviewers questions

Ask your interviewers questions. This is one of the most engaging interview presenting techniques. Do this at different points throughout the presentation to keep them engaged.


Sample questions for an interview with an eco-friendly automotive company

  • Can anyone tell me how much petrol the average person uses in a lifetime?
  • Who here owns an electric car?
  • What are the top 5 factors people think of when buying a car?

Keep within the time frame

If you only have 10 minutes to complete your presentation, don’t overrun. Timekeeping is a key skill and they’ll be looking to assess how well you use your time frame. If anything, make your presentation slightly shorter to allow for any mishaps!

Invite questions

Always close your interview by leaving a slide for any questions. This is a key part of any presentation. So remember to hand the mic over to your interviewers so they can get their questions answered.

Prepare to present

Interview presentations can be a fun experience so long as you put in the prep work. Make sure you practise and are confident with the content of your presentation so you can perform your best.

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What to do if you need a job ASAP

What do you do if you suddenly find yourself unemployed and are in desperate need of a new job? Being unemployed can put a lot of stress on people. Between paying rent, managing childcare costs and putting food on the table, it’s no wonder nobody wants to find themselves in this situation.

If you’re unemployed and low on cash, here are some things you can do to help the situation and find a job.

9 things to do if you need a job ASAP

Sign up for universal credit

Universal credit can provide you with an extra cash injection each month if you’re earning below their threshold. Just beware that cash doesn’t usually land in your account immediately, and you may have to wait 4-6 weeks before receiving your first installment. 

Create a budget

One of the first things you need to do is work out how much cash you have left and how far you can make it stretch. Take into account buying food, transport and paying for bills, and set yourself a strict cap on how much you can spend weekly.

Cut costs

Take a look at your finances to see if there are any ways you can cut down your costs. Perhaps you’re subscribed to a few sites like Netflix and Spotify. You can pause or cancel your memberships to save a few extra pounds. If you’re out of a phone contract or are nearing the end of it, you might also be able to call your provider and get a lower rate.

Update your CV

Once you’ve got your finances under control, you’ll want to update your CV. Make sure you incorporate all the skills you gained from your most recent role. You’ll also want to ask a friend to proofread your CV to see how it could be better. It might take you a few hours to do, but it will accelerate your job hunt in the long run.

Search for ‘jobs near me’

If you don’t mind what type of job you get, just search for ‘jobs near me’ in Google to see what’s available. Equally, if you have a particular job in mind, you can search for that e.g. ‘part-time admin jobs near me’. 

Apply for jobs daily

Applying for jobs everyday is an essential part of your job search process. You want to create as many opportunities for yourself as possible and applying daily will keep the ball rolling. Where one opportunity fails, another will pull through!

Use the SonicJobs app Smart Apply function

In today’s job market, you need to be quick when you apply for jobs otherwise it won’t be long before someone else snaps them up. With the Smart Apply function on the SonicJobs app, the app will automatically apply for your preferred jobs on your behalf. Turn it on while you’re sleeping or shopping to make sure you don’t miss out on any opportunities.

Practise interviewing

Even if you haven’t yet secured an interview, start practising your answers to interview questions early in the process. You don’t want to leave this until the last minute as this will only add more pressure. An employer could ask to interview you the next day, so you want to be prepared and give yourself the best possible chance of success.

Follow up on applications

With all applications, make sure you follow up with the hiring manager if you haven’t heard back after a week. Following up shows you really care about the opportunity and that you have a certain level of tenacity. This will help you stand out among a crowd of applicants.

SonicJobs to the rescue!

If you’re looking for a speedy solution to job hunting, SonicJobs is your answer. With over half a million live vacancies on our app, we’re sure you’ll find a job near you. And what’s more, you only ever need to tap once to apply, saving you buckets of time!

Is it unprofessional to use a zoom background?

Since the world took to virtual life since the start of the first lockdown, you might still be trying to figure out the best etiquette for virtual meetings. There’s a whole new set of rules that have come into play with virtual jobs in the UK, which means you need to adapt. Thankfully, you’ve come to the right place!

Let’s take a look at the best practices for virtual meetings.

Should you use a virtual background for zoom meetings?

Virtual backgrounds on zoom can be a really handy tool for your remote meetings. If your house is a little cluttered, busy and untidy, a virtual background is a quick and easy way to hide the mess. Just remember you’re still at a work meeting, so make sure you choose a professional zoom background and one that’s not too distracting.

Virtual meeting etiquette

Turn on your video

Although you have the option to turn off your video in virtual meetings, it doesn’t mean you should take it. After all, would you hide your face during a face-to-face meeting? Keep your video turned on and follow the lead of the person leading the call. If they don’t turn their video on, it’s safe to assume you don’t have to either.

Limit the use of chat boxes

Employees tend to think chat boxes are private, sending messages to each other throughout meetings. But this isn’t entirely true. If a Zoom meeting is recorded, messages from the chat boxes will be sent to the meeting organiser at the end, even if you sent it privately! So only use the chat boxes if necessary, and only write things you’re happy for others to view.

Tune in promptly

In real life, you generally tend to show up to meetings 5 minutes early. Showing up late is definitely frowned upon… and virtual meetings should be no different! Always log into the call a few minutes before it’s due to start to make sure you don’t keep your managers waiting.

Overzooming

We know Zoom is great, but make sure you’re not overdoing it. It’s not necessary to Zoom call everyone any time you need to ask them something. This can be really disruptive to other team members and plus, nobody likes having to look ‘Zoom ready’ all the time.

Outfit prep

We know it can be tempting to keep your pyjama bottoms on during the workday. After all, nobody can see your lower half, right? But what happens when you have to stand up because you spilled your cup of tea? Or when you need to take the dog out of the room? We’re not saying you should be wearing tailored trousers when working from home, but at least get out of the pyjama stage!

Mute the mic

It’s okay to say hello when you log into a call, but be sure to switch off your mic once you’ve greeted the team. If you don’t, your camera will take centre-stage every time you make a tiny noise. In person, we know conversations tend to be back and forth, but you should bite your tongue during virtual meetings (unless you have something meaningful to say) to stop any disruptions to the technology. 

Want to work remotely?

Fancy landing yourself a virtual job? We have over .5million vacancies across the UK on our app, so we’re sure you’ll find something to suit you! If you’re not sure whether remote working is for you, check out our blog post on the pros and cons of remote working.