Which jobs are most at risk of automation?

Is your job at risk of being automated? In today’s fast-progressing society, technology is proving to be a popular alternative to manpower in the business world. That means more and more jobs are becoming automated, leaving many employees at risk of unemployment. In fact, around 1.5 million jobs in England are at risk of automation. Unfortunately, there’s not a lot that can be done to stop this trend, but you can take action by learning about which jobs will be lost to automation and planning your next career move accordingly!

Which jobs will be lost to automation?

Jobs that are low-skilled, mundane and repetitive tend to be at more risk of automation. 

Waiters and waitresses

Unfortunately, the future for waiters and waitresses doesn’t look too bright. Recent data showed this occupation is at the highest risk of being automated in England. We can already see this is happening with more and more self-service restaurants coming into play. The pandemic has definitely sped up the automation process with more restaurants introducing QR codes for customers to order at their table without any interaction with a waiter/waitress.

Cashier

It’s becoming more commonplace to go to a supermarket and have no interaction with any members of staff. Since supermarkets started introducing self-service checkouts, the need for cashiers is decreasing. When you go to a supermarket, you’ll notice an increasing amount of checkout space being taken up by self-service counters.

Customer service/receptionist

In today’s world, it’s very common to find customer service assistants and receptionists have been replaced by automated services or chat bots. Although most companies will provide some form of human interaction, many basic queries are now handled through automation to save the company time and money. As artificial intelligence becomes more sophisticated, it’s likely that more and more customer service/receptionist duties will get automated.

Manufacturing and textiles

Many jobs within manufacturing and textiles have been automated in recent years and will continue to go down the same path as technology advances. Many seamstresses, tailors and weavers have been replaced by machines, as have many manufacturing jobs like machine operators, fabricators and assemblers.

Which jobs are safe from automation?

Jobs that require higher education and involve a high level of human interaction and emotional intelligence tend to be at less risk of automation. These also tend to be high-paying careers.

Medical practitioners

Medical practitioners, like doctors and surgeons, will always be in demand. These types of roles depend heavily on human interaction, with medical practitioners using face to face interaction to help diagnose and cure patients. Although this field is heavily supported by AI and technology, the demand for medical practitioners hasn’t decreased and technology will always only play a role that supports doctors rather than taking over. Currently, the NHS is short of around 50,000 doctors. 

Higher education teaching

Higher education is any education that takes place when you leave school, like college and university study. Higher education teaching relies a lot on engaging students, and developing a tailored approach to assist each individual in their studies. Due to the level of interaction and expertise required for these types of roles, they’re at very low risk of being automated.

Dentists

Dental jobs are not likely to be automated by AI or machines in the near future. A study showed only 13% of dental tasks could actually be automated. The role of a dentist relies on a lot of physical and mental skill, precision and patient interaction. So there’s little chance this profession will be taken over by robots!

Psychologists

Psychology is a profession that’s entirely centred around human interaction. Psychologists study human behaviour for many years before taking on any clients, and their work involves talk therapy with their patients. They wouldn’t be able to carry out their role without a high level of emotional intelligence – something that machines will never be able to replace. 

Make smart choices

In the short-term, any of the above job opportunities are viable. But when it comes to considering long-term career routes, it makes sense to assess how easily each profession can be automated so you don’t find yourself out of work further down the line! To find potential jobs, it’s a good idea to look up the fastest growing industries.

Don’t miss out! Be sure to use the SonicJobs app to find a job near you!

How do you know if a career is right for you?

How do you know if you’ve chosen the right career path? In today’s world, many employees tend to job hop from one gig to the next, always searching for that dream role. It’s easy to understand why you might question your own career path. 

Perhaps you’ve always felt content in your work but seeing others move around so much has left you thinking about finding a new job yourself. Or perhaps you’re not crazy and you’ve actually hit the nail on the head with your career! If that’s the case, it’s time to drown out the sound of your colleagues filling in their job applications, and focus on excelling in your own career. 

Here are 6 signs you’re in the right career:

  • Your job offers long-term career progression
  • You strive to go above and beyond
  • You like talking about your work
  • You enjoy working with your colleagues
  • You’re engaged during meetings
  • You have a genuine interest in the company mission

6 signs you’ve found the right career

1. Your job offers long-term career progression

A real career will provide opportunities for you to progress into more senior positions. What makes a career is having the ability to better yourself, take on more responsibility and make more of an impact. If you can find a company that can provide tangible career progression opportunities, you’re onto a good thing!

2. You strive to go above and beyond

A sure sign you’re in the right career is when you strive to go above and beyond in your work – you care about your work so much that you couldn’t possibly view it as a tick box exercise whilst doing the bare minimum. Wanting to pour your heart and soul into your job indicates you’re in a fulfilling line of work.

3. You like talking about your work

Many people want to forget about work the second they clock out of it. If you’re really passionate about your work, you’ll find your passion still exists when you leave the office doors. For you, it’s interesting to discuss your work and industry outside of your 9-5. This shows you have a genuine passion and won’t be getting bored any time soon.

4. You enjoy working with your colleagues

On average, you’ll spend one third of your life at work. That’s a lot of time to be spending with people whose company you don’t really enjoy. Part of a great career is being surrounded by people who inspire you. If you’re lucky enough to find a team you can bounce off, think twice before letting that go!

5. You’re engaged during meetings

Many employees will switch off during team meetings. For some, it’s a snooze-fest and a bit of time away from their desk. But when you’re passionate about your career, you’ll generally look forward to team meetings and actively participate in them.

6. You have a genuine interest in the company mission

Finding the right career isn’t just about the type of position you occupy, but also about the type of company you’re working for. To have true fulfilment, you need to be passionate about your company’s mission. This is what’s going to push you to excel. If you’re not interested in the mission, chances are you’ll soon run out of drive.

The grass isn’t always greener

No career is perfect and every job has its challenges. But if you found yourself nodding along to most of those points, it seems as though you’ve found yourself an excellent career and don’t have any real reasons to leave your job. Don’t be tempted to launch a new job search just because a new opportunity has presented itself. If you’re enjoying your work and have space to progress, embrace the opportunity you’re in until it no longer fulfills you.

If you’re still hoping to find a job you love, take the time to plan your next career move to make it count!

What are the best jobs for students?

One of the biggest problems of student life is finding ways to earn money whilst you’re studying. But there are plenty of part-time student jobs available if you know where to look. Holding down a job whilst you’re at uni is a great way to make your CV stand out, meet new people, and also fund that all-important party lifestyle!

So let’s take a look at the most popular ways to earn money as a student:

  • Call centre
  • Restaurant / hospitality
  • Bar work
  • Admin assistant
  • Student union
  • Tutor
  • Food delivery
  • Supermarkets
  • Brand ambassador

9 best part-time jobs for university students

1. Call centre

Call centre work is a popular choice among students. Many call centres offer flexible hours to suit your schedule, giving you the choice between morning or evening shifts. Plus, in today’s world of remote working, there’s a strong chance you’ll find a home-based role!

Duties include:

  • Taking calls
  • Data entry
  • Handling complaints
  • Customer service

2. Restaurant / hospitality

Working in a restaurant or a cafe is a great option for students. Not only can you easily find part-time work and flexible hours, but you’ve also got the opportunity to earn some extra cash through tips!

Duties include:

  • Taking orders
  • Serving food
  • Taking payments
  • Cleaning

3. Bar work

Bar work is a good option for you night owls who don’t mind staying up until the crack of dawn. But be warned: working on the other side of the bar isn’t like having a night out. It can be extremely busy, stressful and tiring!

Duties include:

  • Taking orders
  • Handling payments
  • Making drinks
  • Stock-take
  • Cleaning

4. Admin assistant

Admin work doesn’t involve much people interaction, so it’s perfect for those of you who prefer to get your head down and crack on in silence. You’ll need excellent attention to detail and a strong level of English.

Duties include:

  • Data entry
  • Scheduling
  • Filing
  • Answering calls/emails

5. Student union

Remember to take advantage of the opportunities that are on your doorstep. Student unions tend to offer a whole variety of part-time and seasonal jobs from open day tour guides to reception and admin. Drop by your student union with your CV and speak to someone about any available vacancies.

Duties include:

  • Customer service
  • Taking calls
  • Answering emails
  • Data entry

6. Tutor

As a student, you’ll likely have skills you can offer to other people. If you’re a native English speaker, consider becoming an English tutor for foreign students who are looking to improve their language skills. Equally, you could advertise yourself as a tutor for secondary school kids.

Duties include:

  • Curriculum research
  • Carrying out lessons
  • Developing tailored plans

7. Food delivery

Being a food delivery person is a great way to earn some extra cash at university. The application process is speedy and all you need is a mode of transport and a smartphone to get started. The best part is that you get to decide your own hours. But keep in mind that people expect their food, come rain or shine. So sometimes you might find yourself working in unfavourable weather!

Duties include:

  • Collecting and delivering food
  • Customer service
  • Route mapping

8. Supermarkets

Supermarkets are a popular place for students to work. Whether you become a cashier or shelf stacker, supermarkets are often looking for staff on an ongoing basis. They also often offer flexible shift patterns.

Duties include:

  • Stacking shelves
  • Lifting goods
  • Taking payments
  • Customer service

9. Brand ambassador

Brand ambassadors have become an increasingly popular choice among students. If you’ve got a large social media following or know a lot of people on campus, you could become a brand ambassador to help promote the products of brands trying to tap into the student market. Just be sure to only work with brands who offer an actual salary rather than ‘benefits’ such as freebies and vouchers.

Duties include:

  • Taking promotional pictures
  • Flyering
  • Handing out products
  • Social media promotion

Part-time work for the win!

Not only is holding down a part-time job whilst you’re at university going to give you financial support, but it’s also going to show prospective employers you have a strong work ethic. Working part-time alongside your studies can be challenging, but this experience is only going to help you when it comes to finding a job as a graduate.

Here at SonicJobs, we’re proud to provide a wide variety of part-time job opportunities for students. Be sure to use our free app to apply for jobs with 1 tap of a button!

Is it too late to change careers?

Do you want to change careers but are worried it’s too late? It’s normal for people to consider a job move at some point in their career, but what if you’re in the latter half of your career? You might be worried that employers won’t want you because of your age, or perhaps you’re lacking the confidence to do it because it’s too far out of your comfort zone.

The truth is, you can switch careers at any point in your life. If you no longer feel passionate about your career, you have every right to launch a new job search.

  • You’ve lost the passion for your role
  • There’s been a change in management
  • Your company is stagnating
  • You want a more competitive package
  • Another career path has your heart
  • You’ve progressed as far as possible

Reasons to change careers at any age

1. You’ve lost the passion for your role

Perhaps you can remember a time when you used to love going to work and getting stuck in. But maybe you realise you haven’t felt that way about your job in a long time. If your job isn’t fulfilling you and has become more of a tick box exercise, this is a strong sign that you’ve lost your passion for your work. This happens to a lot of people. Don’t feel guilty – moving onto a different career path will be the better option for both you and your employer.

2. There’s been a change in management

If there’s recently been a change in management that isn’t quite gelling with you, that’s okay. It’s important for you to have a good relationship with your management team. If that’s not possible, it’s a good idea to find a role where you have better rapport. This will only help to bring the best out in you.

3. Your company is stagnating

Maybe you’ve got bags of enthusiasm but your company doesn’t have the energy to match. This can be frustrating, especially when you’re wanting to run full steam ahead and help the company progress closer to their goals. You need to find an employer that appreciates your energy levels and encourages you to bring new ideas to the table.

4. You want a more competitive package

Wanting a more competitive package is a completely valid reason to want a change in career. Perhaps your field doesn’t pay that well in general. Just bear in mind you may need to retrain in a different skill set before applying for new jobs.

5. Another career path has your heart

Is there something you’ve always wanted to do in life but never had the faith to take the leap? Now is your time. If you don’t do it now, you never will. As long as you’ve got passion and determination, you’ll make a success of whatever your chosen path. 

6. You’ve progressed as far as possible

Perhaps you’ve been with the same company for quite some time and have progressed as far as you can. That’s okay! You could have the greatest employer but this doesn’t mean you have to stay with them for your entire career. Recognise when you’ve reached your full potential and it’s time to move on.

How to change careers at an older age

  • Invest in your development – sometimes switching careers means learning a new skill or completing a course. This will help you become more attractive to prospective employers.
  • Network – use LinkedIn, events and webinars to expand your network. You never know who will be able to open that next door for you.
  • Update your CV – your CV needs updating with all the skills you’ve acquired from your most recent role. Follow our CV tips to perfect yours.
  • Apply for jobs daily – once you’ve clarified what career path you’d like to pursue, make sure you apply for jobs daily to speed up the process and give you the best possible chance of success.
  • Stay patient – switching careers isn’t an overnight fix. Often, it can take several months by the time you’ve retrained or completed a course. Get clear on your dream job and commit to the job search process.

That ship has not sailed

It’s never too late to find a new job. You must remember that employers are always on the lookout for enthusiastic and passionate employees… no matter what your age! The most important thing is the value you’ll bring to a company, not your date of birth. So never let yourself think it’s too late. It may not happen overnight but it will be worth it in the end!

What are the fastest growing industries?

The UK has undergone many changes since lockdown first hit in March 2020. This has changed the way businesses work and the way people consume which, in turn, has changed the way different industries grow. Many businesses have struggled to survive the lockdowns, with some closing their doors for good particularly in the hospitality and tourism industries. But how are things looking now that the UK has opened back up? What are the fast growing job markets? Where are you more likely to find job stability in this volatile market?

Let’s take a look at some of the fastest growing industries in the UK in 2021:

  • Retail
  • Ecommerce
  • Logistics
  • Pension funding
  • Construction contractors
  • Artificial intelligence
  • Healthcare

7 growing industries in the UK in 2021

1. Retail

It seems that, despite the pandemic, retail sales have soared over the past year. Whether online, in-store or supermarkets, research showed retail sales had grown by 9.5% year on year in February 2021. To help keep the show running, job opportunities connected with the retail industry, such as cashiers and customer service, are in plentiful supply.

2. Ecommerce

Despite ecommerce sales growing steadily over the past decade, the lockdown restrictions and closure of stores in 2020 accelerated the trend! Amazon alone increased its sales in 2020 by over $100billion. With platforms like Instagram now offering online shopping, it seems ecommerce has no intention of slowing down any time soon. This means that app developers, web developers, and online customer service agents all have a role to play in this booming industry.

3. Logistics

Following the growth in online sales, there must also be a growth in the logistics sector. More HGV drivers are now on the road to meet the growing demand. Logistics contributes £127 billion worth of revenue to the UK economy and this figure is expected to increase. As a result of the increase in online sales and Brexit, there are plenty of career opportunities in the logistics industry, as well as increasing numbers of incentives to entice people to take up work in the industry.

4. Pension funding

Whilst it’s not the most glamorous or interesting industry out there, pension funding is still a market that’s full of opportunity. In fact, the UK has the third largest pension market in the world. Although the growth of this industry slowed down in 2020, it still continued to grow at a steady rate despite the economic conditions.

5. Construction contractors

Construction projects continue to be in demand, even throughout the lockdowns. Although many projects were delayed due to a shortage of supplies, the demand for construction workers was still high. This industry is expected to continue flourishing as it caters to new housing projects, building maintenance and civil engineering.

6. Artificial intelligence

AI companies have seen huge growth over the last decade, having more than doubled in quantity in the UK over a ten year period. The same data valued the industry to be worth £15.6billion in 2020. With more businesses looking for ways to automate processes, there is much room for this industry to grow into. Software developers and programmers are two professions driving this 4th industrial revolution.

7. Healthcare

It’s no surprise the healthcare industry is growing. With an aging population, there’s a growing need for more care workers as well as hospital staff. This is one of the most strained industries in the UK. From private carers to doctors to nurses to therapists, there’s a wide variety of career opportunities for people to explore.

Grow with SonicJobs

Looking to take that next step in your career? SonicJobs is home to thousands of career opportunities across the UK. Use our free app to find new job opportunities daily and apply with one click of a button!

Exploring different options? Check out our list of highest paying careers.

Not sure which direction to take? We can help you find the right job for you.

What are the highest paying careers?

When trying to find the right job for you, you may feel compelled to research the highest paying careers. Salary isn’t always the main motivating factor for everyone, but for some people it has an important role to play. Finding a line of work that pays well can provide you with financial stability and can also be a constant source of motivation to keep pushing onwards and upwards throughout your career.

Read on to find out what the highest paying jobs and salaries are in the UK.

  • Aircraft pilots and flight engineers
  • Chief executives and senior officials
  • Marketing and sales directors
  • Legal professionals n.e.c.
  • Information technology and telecommunications directors
  • Financial managers and directors
  • Advertising and public relations directors 
  • Medical practitioners

6 highest paying jobs in the UK

1. Aircraft pilots and flight engineers – £92,330 average salary

Pilots and flight engineers have somewhat of a rare skill set and with that comes a great amount of responsibility and an even greater salary. Salaries depend on the airline and type of aircraft, but rest assured this is a high-paid line of work to be in.

To become a pilot there will be some level of study required but not necessarily a degree. You can gain your ATPL through private training rather than undertaking university study. To become a flight engineer, a Bachelor’s degree is usually required in aviation engineering or similar.

2. Chief executives and senior officials – £85,239 average salary

Chief executives are the leaders who drive companies forward and propel them into new stages of growth. As a chief executive, you’ll have the final say on key business decisions which could either make or break a company. You’ll need a lot of business acumen and the ability to critically analyse your options.

Many chief executives hold an undergraduate degree, although your experience and achievements in the working world are going to be the real driving force behind your success.

3. Marketing and sales directors – £80,759 average salary

Marketing and sales is the creative force behind any business. You could have the greatest product in the world, but without an effective marketing and sales team, your product won’t go very far. Marketing and sales directors have a direct impact on profit generation, which is one reason why they earn a high salary.

Typically, many marketing and sales directors will have a degree related to business or marketing although this is less common among sales directors.

4. Legal professionals n.e.c. – £77,212 average salary

Legal professionals are responsible for giving legal advice to people or companies. Two of the most common types of legal professionals are solicitors and barristers. Solicitors provide legal advice to their clients, whereas barristers will appear in court to represent their clients. Legal professionals can specialise in different areas from commercial to criminal to family law.

Becoming a legal professional is a studious path, and you must be prepared to dedicate several years to university study in a related law degree before becoming fully certified.

5. Information technology and telecommunications directors – £69,814 average salary

In this age of technology, IT directors have a crucial role to play in the success of any business. IT directors will oversee the strategy and implementation of IT throughout the business, finding the right technologies to improve the customer experience, streamline processes and boost profits.

Typically, IT directors will have a bachelor’s degree in a related field, such as computer science, programming or information technology.

6. Advertising and public relations directors – £63,362 average salary

Advertising and PR directors have a big role to play in upholding a company’s image. They work closely with marketing directors to create strategies and campaigns that promote the business in the wider press. 

Many PR directors come from a journalism background, and need to be good at juggling many plates from arranging interviews to building relationships with the press to being a company spokesperson. Most companies will require you to have a bachelor’s degree. Degrees in English, PR and marketing are helpful.

Climb the ladder

Whilst salary is an important factor to consider when making a career change, job satisfaction also plays a huge role in your professional success. The right career will give you a balance of both worlds. 

If you’re working towards a higher salary, check out our blog post on asking for a salary increase.

Where can I apply for lots of jobs quickly?

What’s the fastest way to find a new job? Whether you’re currently unemployed or you’re simply looking to leave your current role, the job search process can be slow and painful. From arranging interviews to dealing with rejection to writing cover letters, there are lots of obstacles to overcome. Although you might not be able to control the whole process, there are certain steps you can take to speed up the job search process.

Follow these steps and land your next role in no time at all!

  1. Tailor your CV
  2. Write a cover letter
  3. Apply for multiple jobs daily
  4. Practise interview questions
  5. Have your interview outfit on standby
  6. Know your references
  7. Follow up
  8. Use the SonicJobs app

8 steps to find a new job FAST!

1. Tailor your CV

There’s no point applying for a ton of jobs if you’re not going to perfect your CV. Every time you apply for a job, make sure you tweak your CV.  This will increase your chances of getting an interview. 

  • Tailor your CV using keywords from the job advert
  • Use 3-5 bullet points to describe each job
  • Make sure the formatting is neat and uniform
  • Get somebody to proofread your CV and check for errors

2. Write a cover letter

With there being so many applicants per job advert, you need to go to every length to make yourself stand out. Sending a cover letter is a great way to get yourself noticed. Make sure your cover letter is full of enthusiasm and gives examples of why you’re great for the job.

3. Apply for multiple jobs daily

Once you’ve nailed your CV and cover letters, make sure you’re applying for multiple jobs daily. It’s no good just applying for 5 jobs and waiting to see what happens. You need to keep up the momentum. Keep applying for jobs even if you think you’ve found the perfect role. Never put all your eggs in one basket and never stop applying until you’ve signed a new employment contract.

4. Practise interview questions

One of the most time-consuming parts of landing a new role is preparing for an interview. Get into the habit of practising interview questions early on… even before you’ve landed an interview! This will give you more confidence in your interviews and help you to find a job even quicker. The less you practise, the more your chance of getting rejected.

5. Have your interview outfit on standby

If you’re serious about finding a new job, you’ll need to get yourself an interview outfit. Whether you already have one at home or you need to buy a new ensemble, make sure your interview outfit is washed, ironed and ready to go in case you need to attend an interview at short notice.

  • Dress professionally
  • Polish your shoes
  • Don’t overdo it with the aftershave or perfume

6. Know your references

Finding the details of your references can really slow down the process. But this is one thing you can influence. Make sure you know the details of your references so you’re ready to hand these straight over to your new employer when asked. No delays necessary!

7. Follow up

You should follow up after every interview you have. Always send a thank you email within 24 hours of having your interview, and give the employer a call if you haven’t heard from them within a week. When following up, be sure to reiterate your interest in the position!

8. Use the SonicJobs app

The SonicJobs app is designed to help you find a job in the quickest possible time. With 1 tap of a button, you can apply for a job in a matter of seconds. If you’re looking for a job near you, download our free app, fill out your profile details, and get applying! Oh, and don’t forget to turn on notifications to be the first to hear about new vacancies. You can thank us later!

  • Access multiple job boards in one place
  • Apply with one tap
  • Over 500,000 jobs across the UK
  • Manage all your applications in one single platform

Zoom zoom

Now that you’ve got all the tools to accelerate your job search process, it’s time to get cracking. Yes, you may need to spend a bit of time working on your CV and cover letters, but this will pay off in the long-run and will send you flying past the people who don’t put in the effort!

What’s the difference between part-time and contract work?

In today’s working world, there are several ways to earn your keep. As a result, there are a few different work contracts to consider as part of your job search. Depending on your skills and lifestyle, you may opt for a part-time job, or you may want to be a contractor instead.

As a part-time employee, you’ll be limited to working less than 35 hours per week. This could either be under a permanent or temporary contract. As a contractor, you’re not classed as an employee but can still work either part-time or unlimited hours per week. 

What is a part-time employee?

As a part-time employee, you’ll work less than 35 hours per week. Whether you’re hired on a permanent or a temporary basis, you’ll be entitled to certain benefits like paid annual leave and pension contributions. The agency/company that hired you is responsible for deducting any applicable taxes from your wages.

Features of part-time jobs

As a part-time employee, you could be:

  • On a permanent or a temporary contract
  • Working less than 35 hours per week
  • Employed either by the company directly or through an agency

Benefits of part-time work

  • You work less hours than a full-time employee to suit your schedule
  • You receive paid holiday entitlement up to 28 days per year
  • If on a permanent contract, you have more job stability

What is contract work?

Contractors are hired by companies or agencies to carry out a specific task. There is no limit as to how long the contractor can be hired by the company. They could complete their work in a week or it may take 2 years. Contractors tend to work more hours per week than PAYE who are limited to an average of 48 hours per week, although contractors could also work on a part-time basis.

Features of contract work

If you were to work as a contractor, you would be:

  • Potentially only working for a fixed period of time to complete a task/project
  • Hired directly by the company or through an agency
  • Able to work an unlimited number of hours per week
  • Responsible for paying your own taxes and national insurance

Benefits of contract work

  • You generally earn a higher rate per hour than employees
  • You get to work on a variety of projects
  • You can easily move to a different client if you’re not enjoying the work

Find your groove

Full-time work doesn’t suit everyone, so you may be better off taking a look at some part-time jobs instead. Many companies offer some form of part-time work, whether that be on a permanent or contractual basis. The hours will differ from company to company, so always be sure to read the employment contract and ask the employer/agency and questions before signing on the dotted line!

If you’re still trying to work out which way to take your career, be sure to read our blog on figuring out your dream career.

Thinking of leaving your current job? Check out our post on knowing how long to stay in a job for.

What job is right for me?

Wondering what career is right for you? On average, people in the UK will work for 3507 days in their lifetime. That’s a large portion of your life to be spent at work, so it’s no wonder you’re trying to find the right job for you.

Thankfully, you’re on the right track by taking the time to read this blog. So let’s take a look at how you can find your dream job.

  • Career tests
  • List your skills
  • Evaluate your interests
  • Create a shortlist
  • Talk to people in the industry
  • Attend webinars
  • Consult a mentor

How to find the perfect career

1. Career tests

Online career assessments are a great way to learn more about yourself from an impartial party (artificial intelligence), and gain some inspiration. These tests will consider your likes, dislikes and hard and soft skills to conjure up some awesome career ideas that you otherwise might not have considered.

2. List your skills

Make a list of all your strengths. This should include any courses or qualifications, training you’ve received, and both your hard and soft skills. Here are a few examples of what your list might look like:

Soft skills

  • Leadership
  • Dealing with complaints
  • Public speaking
  • Creativity

Hard skills

  • Touch-typing
  • Marketing
  • Safeguarding
  • Programming

3. Evaluate your interests

Picking the perfect career isn’t just about the pay-packet. It should be just as much about your job satisfaction and how much you’re going to enjoy the role. In an ideal world, you’ll be able to map out your interests and find a job that combines both your skills and your passions. This is the recipe for success!

4. Create a shortlist

After you’ve spent time evaluating your skills and interests, make a shortlist of the top options you’d like to consider. Don’t just shoot aimlessly – make sure every action you take in this job search is carefully considered.

5. Talk to people in the industry

Once you’ve got your shortlist, it’s time to investigate the different industries and jobs you’re considering. Make it your business to network and speak with people in similar roles. Find out what excites them about their work, and also what they don’t enjoy so much. The more people you talk to, the better your insight.

6. Attend webinars

Attend industry-related webinars to find out more about the industry and whether you’ll enjoy it. This will give you a taste of what’s to come. Do you find the topics interesting? Do you feel you have something to contribute? If you can’t wait to attend the next one, you can be sure you’re onto a good thing.

7. Consult a mentor

Consulting with a mentor is a great way to decide your next career move. Try to speak with someone you look up to, someone who has had a successful career and carries a lot of wisdom! Perhaps it’s an old boss, or maybe reach out to someone accomplished you follow on LinkedIn. This is going to make your quest for a new career so much more effective!

Take the leap

Switching careers is a big moment for anyone. But the most important thing is to spend time carefully evaluating what your next move should be. You deserve to work in a job you love and there are plenty of options available. All you need to do is start taking steps in the right direction!

Looking for a new role? Read our blog to find out if remote working is right for you.

Ready to start interviewing? Don’t forget to scan our guide on attending interviews whilst you’re still in a job!

How to decline a job offer

It’s always nice to receive a job offer, but sometimes you’re not in a position to accept the role. Whether you received a better offer elsewhere, or maybe you just had a change of heart, the best practice is to let the hiring manager know you’ll not be accepting the offer – and to do so with integrity so you don’t burn any bridges.

In today’s post, we’re sharing how to politely decline a job offer with examples.

  • Show appreciation
  • Be prompt
  • Opt for a phone call
  • Give a reason
  • Leave the door open

Best practices for politely declining a job offer

Show appreciation

No matter what your reasons are for declining the job offer, always express appreciation for the hiring manager’s time and for the opportunity. This will leave a positive lasting impression, which is one of the end goals of declining a job offer.

Be prompt

Don’t leave it too long before you let the hiring manager know your decision. Although it can be an uncomfortable conversation, it’s more respectful to let them know as soon as possible so they can offer the position to someone else.

Opt for a phone call

The best way to decline a job offer is via a phone call. Email is acceptable too, but ideally you want to have this conversation over the phone. This will make it easier to express your sincere thanks, and shows a certain level of integrity because you took the time to decline the offer over the phone. 

Give a reason

It’s best if you can provide a reason for not accepting the job opportunity. If you fail to give some form of explanation, this can come across as quite blunt and abrupt. Don’t feel as though you have to go into too much detail about your reasons though – it may be enough just to say you don’t feel the opportunity is right for you at this time. If the hiring manager probes for more details, feel free to give more detailed and constructive feedback.

Leave the door open

Always decline a job offer with the intention of leaving the door open for the future. You may not ever envisage yourself working at this company, but it’s always good to nurture relationships and widen your network – you never know when this will come in handy!

Examples of what to say when declining a job offer

Example 1 – leaving the door open

“Firstly, I want to thank you for giving me this opportunity – I really do appreciate it. However, I’m sorry to say I won’t be accepting the job offer as I feel it’s not the right opportunity for me at this point in time. I really did love the company though, so, if it’s okay with you, I would be glad to keep in touch in case things change in future.”

Example 2 – found a better opportunity

“Thank you so much for the opportunity and offer. Although I do like the sound of the role, I have unfortunately just accepted another position which I feel is better suited to me. Again, I would just like to thank you for your time throughout this process.”

Example 3 – salary is too low

“It was great meeting you and the role sounds fantastic. Whilst I respect you have your allocated budget for the role, the salary doesn’t quite meet my financial needs unfortunately. For that reason, I’m unable to accept the job offer on this occasion. But again, I’d just like to express my sincere thanks for your time and wish you all the best with finding a suitable candidate.”

Nicely does it

Always remember to decline a job offer with the intention of leaving the door open. Even if you’re not interested in the company, keep your reputation in mind. So be transparent yet gracious and you can’t go wrong!

If you’ve recently been rejected from an interview, check out our blog about dealing with interview rejection.

Got an upcoming interview? Don’t forget to research the most common interview questions and answers beforehand!