What should I include in a resume?

Your resume is the first impression an employer will have of you. It’s the one thing employers have to decide whether to interview you or not.

What does this tell you?

That you should take your time to perfect your resume before sending it off.

Everyone’s resume looks different depending on your experience, skills and layout. And although there’s no ‘right way’ to build a resume, there are certain things every resume should include. Read on to gain our top tips for a good resume.

Every resume should include:

  • Contact details
  • Opening statement
  • Professional experience
  • Education
  • Skills and qualifications
  • Hobbies

Resume writing tips – what sections to include

Contact details

Every resume should start with your contact details including your full name, number, email address, and any links to your website or LinkedIn profile. Just make sure you’re using an appropriate email address (not something you made in fifth grade). And prepare your LinkedIn profile for visits from prospective employers.

Opening statement

Opening statements are a useful section for employers to learn more about you. Since it’s towards the top of your CV, you’ll want to make it as captivating as possible. Your opening statement is your chance to shine and grab the hiring manager’s attention.

In your opening statement, the first sentences should describe your soft skills and your experience. Make sure these relate directly to the job you’re applying for and echo the words used in the job listing. The next sentence should describe the type of work you’re looking for and when.

Example opening statement for a sales position

“I’m an outgoing and highly driven self-starter with 2 years’ experience working in B2B sales in the tech industry. I thrive in fast-paced environments and am seeking a new challenge in high-end B2B sales. I’m available to start in March 2022.”

Professional experience

Your professional experience is the meatiest part of your resume. It’s the part that employers will scrutinize. So be sure to put your best foot forward here.

When describing your previous work experience, use 3-5 bullet points per job to keep it short and snappy. Make sure you only highlight the the most relevant part of your experience. 

For example, if you’re applying for a role as a personal assistant, highlight any duties that show organization, admin, computer literacy, multitasking and working under pressure. Those are some of the most obvious skills that a hiring manager will look for when hiring a PA.

Education

Your education section should include what schools you attended and the qualifications you gained. Include your high school diploma and any other further education like college degrees.

Skills and qualifications

This is a small section on your resume that can be listed in bullet points. It should highlight any relevant skills and qualifications. That way, a hiring manager can use this section on your CV to quickly scan your skillset. 

Example

  • Cyber security principles
  • Java, C++, html, server
  • Practical knowledge of SQL
  • Oracle Java Certifications Associate Professional

Hobbies

You should list 3 hobbies in this section. Talk about the most interesting parts of yourself to bring your resume to life. Don’t be generic and simply list hobbies like ‘sport, reading, socializing.’ This really doesn’t tell the hiring manager anything about you. You want to stand out and show some personality.

Example

  • Gymnastics – I have competed on both a local and national level and currently teach a Saturday class for toddlers
  • Travel – I spent 6 months solo backpacking across Central Asia
  • Reading – I enjoy reading personal development books and am currently reading The Miracle Morning

Resume ready

Although it can take a bit of time to get your resume straight, it’s a necessary step in the job hunt process and will pay off in the long-run. Don’t forget, you can build a resume for free in the SonicJobs app in minutes – we’ve got you covered!

Could you earn more in a different industry? 4 industries compared

Did you know, some industries pay you more for your skills? Yep, that’s right. Not all industries are born equal! So if you’re feeling underpaid, why not consider changing industries?

In today’s blog, we compare salaries across 4 industries. Those industries are technology, advertising, finance and construction/engineering. Check out which of these industries pays the most.

Salary comparison across 4 industries: advertising, finance, technology, construction/engineering

Which industry pays accountants the most?

The highest paying industry for accountants is surprisingly NOT finance. It’s technology. Advertising pays the lowest. Accounting salaries in advertising only go up to an average of £42,000. But technology salaries go up to an average of £48,000 per annum.

  1. Technology
  2. Construction/engineering
  3. Finance
  4. Advertising

Which industry pays product managers the most?

The highest paying industry for product managers is construction/engineering. Advertising only pays a maximum average of £52,500 per annum. Construction/engineering pays up to an average of £62,500.

  1. Construction/engineering
  2. Finance
  3. Technology
  4. Advertising

Which industry pays sales managers the most?

The highest paying industry for sales managers is technology. But the difference between the industries is small. Finance pays sales managers a maximum average of £40,000. But technology only pays a maximum average of £45,250 per annum.

  1. Technology
  2. Advertising
  3. Construction/engineering 
  4. Finance

Which industry pays project managers the most?

The highest paying industry for project managers is finance. Finance pays project managers a maximum average of £60,000. But advertising only pays a maximum average of £53,000 per year.

  1. Finance
  2. Technology
  3. Construction
  4. Advertising

Which industry pays software engineers the most?

It’s no surprise that the technology industry pays software engineers the most. Software engineers in the tech industry get paid a maximum average of £55,500. But advertising only pays a maximum average of £44,000!

  1. Technology
  2. Construction/engineering
  3. Finance
  4. Advertising

How to know if you’re underpaid

Before you jump ship, do some research about your salary. You could be one of the lucky ones who’s already earning a high salary compared to others. So it might not be in your interest to change industries. You can use salary checkers, check the main job boards or you may want to ask your colleagues about their salary. 

4 tips for changing industries

Pick an industry you’re interested in

When making a big career move, you want it to last. So it’s important to pick an industry that you have a genuine interest in so you don’t get bored. Hiring managers will also be able to see your genuine passion in the interview. 

Focus on your transferable skills

Transferable skills are the most important thing when writing your CV. You need to show hiring managers that it doesn’t matter if you don’t have experience in their industry. Show them you still have valuable skills to offer!

Talk to people in the industry

It’s hard to tell what an industry’s like before you’ve worked in it. BUT you can talk to people who’re already in the industry. Think about your friends, old school friends or your LinkedIn network. It’s perfectly okay to reach out to someone in the industry for advice. 

Know your worth

It’s easy to get comfortable in a job. But if you want to earn a higher salary, sometimes you need to push yourself outside of your comfort zone. If you want to change industries, just remember to focus on what you do know, not what you don’t know.

Ready for a career change? Apply with 1 tap on the SonicJobs app – easy peasy!

What are the best paying jobs in Texas?

We’ve all heard the phrase, ‘Everything’s bigger in Texas’. And that’s no word of a lie. Texas is home to some of the largest cities in the US including Dallas, Houston and San Antonio. Homes are bigger in Texas, their economy is the second biggest in the country. And you’d better believe they have the salaries to match!

So if you want to make it really big in the Lone Star State, check out our list of the best paying jobs in Texas.

13 highest paying jobs in Texas

HR manager – $64,212

HR managers oversee the human resources function of a business. They’re responsible for company policies, recruitment strategies, and driving the company mission forward through a people-oriented approach.

Pediatrician – $85,299

Pediatricians are experts in children’s health. They’re able to offer advice, diagnose and provide treatment for illnesses in babies, children and teenagers.

Petroleum engineer – $94,204

Petroleum engineers are responsible for the evaluation, development and production of oil and gas fields. Their aim is to extract oil and gas from beneath the earth’s surface. They travel frequently to different sites but also carry out part of their work in an office environment.

Aerospace engineer – $107,511

Aerospace engineers work on the design and maintenance of aircraft, missiles, satellites and associated parts. 

Natural sciences manager – $117,130

Natural sciences managers oversee the work of scientists and researchers in different fields, such as chemistry, physics and biology. Their role is to ensure testing and research is carried out in a controlled manner, and research aims are achieved to the highest standards.

Purchasing manager – $119,585

Purchasing managers are responsible for negotiating prices and drawing up contracts with suppliers. Part of their role is to vet and select the best suppliers and determine what goods need to be bought.

CEO – $134,182

A CEO is the leading figurehead of an organization. They’re responsible for overseeing the business operation and making executive decisions regarding strategy and growth.

Air traffic controller – $142,980

Air traffic controllers have a highly pressurized job which requires large amounts of concentration. Their role is to ensure flight traffic runs safely and to coordinate aircraft landings and takeoffs using radars and computer systems.

Obstetrics and gynecology physician – $215,300

Obstetricians and gynecologists provide healthcare advice and treatment to women, in relation to the pregnancy and childbirth, as well as the female reproductive organs. 

Orthodontist – $249,589

Orthodontists are specialists in correcting misaligned teeth. They are qualified dentists but have advanced their career by specializing in improving the alignment of jaws and teeth.

Psychiatrist – $259,492

Psychiatrists are trained medical professionals who are experts in assisting people to deal with mental and emotional issues. Psychiatrists are qualified to diagnose mental illnesses and prescribe medication.

Pulmonary physician – $295,908

A pulmonary physician specializes in the treatment of diseases and problems relating to the respiratory system, including the trachea and lungs. They regularly work with respiratory problems like asthma and pulmonary fibrosis.

Surgeon – $299,146

Depending on their area of expertise, surgeons are responsible for carrying out operations and procedures on patients. They specialize in different areas like heart surgery, brain surgery and plastics.

Texas calling?

If you’re ready for bigger and better things in your life, Texas is your state! Find a new job with 1 tap on the SonicJobs app!

Top creative skills for your CV

In today’s world, businesses have to innovate. If they don’t, they’ll fall behind the competition. That’s why employers value creative skills. Even if you’re not applying for a creative job, creative skills are always valuable.

Maybe you’re thinking to yourself, ‘But I don’t have any creative skills…’. 

Well, we think you do! 

Check out our list of creative CV skills that you didn’t even know you had!

How to include creative skills in your CV

It’s not enough to just write a list of hard and soft skills in your CV. Anyone can do that. And it won’t impress the recruiter.

This is how you should include key skills in your CV:

  • Create a section for your ‘Key Skills’
  • Put this section close to the top of your CV
  • Use bullet points to list 3-5 key skills that are relevant to the job
  • With each skill, include an example of how you demonstrated this skills at work

18 creative skills to add to your CV with examples

Adobe photoshop

“Using Adobe Photoshop to edit photos for marketing campaigns.”

Canva

“Designing social media posts and templates using canva for the company’s three social media profiles.”

Final cut pro

“Editing video footage using Final cut pro to create engaging marketing materials to showcase new products.”

Web design

“Designing and building websites using coding and website platforms like Shopify.”

Email marketing campaigns

“Writing engaging and creative sales funnel emails to drive subscribers to purchase.”

Social media management

“Responsible for growing and managing the company’s social media account including post creation, stories and reels.”

Idea generation

“Generating new ideas to make our workflow run more efficiently.”

Product development

“Shortlisting and testing new materials for upcoming products. It was my role to present shortlisted materials to the head of product design.”

Critical thinking

“Identified ways to digitise our admin process, reducing processing time by 15%.”

Photography

“Taking professional photos with models for various fashion items including shoes, womenswear and sunglasses.”

Copywriting / content writing

“Written blogs and website copy for previous employers and for the university paper.”

Videography

“Produced short adverts promoting company offers, editing stock videos on Final Cut Pro.”

Graphic design

“Created graphics to visually display employment statistics in a reader-friendly way for the employment newsletter.”

Logo design

“Designed logos for several eco-conscious brands ranging from skincare to clothing to candles.”

Branding

“Freelance branding design for multiple businesses including colour schemes, typography and logo design.”

Copy editing

“Editing email sequences and newsletter copy for my previous company to ensure all copy was concise, grammatically correct, well structured and engaging.”

SEO

“After carrying out keyword research, writing related blogs and strategically placing the keywords within. Also ensuring blogs were written in an SEO-friendly format”

WordPress

“Managing the company blog including scheduling, tags, categories and SEO-friendly formatting.”

Get creative

Creativity comes in different shapes and sizes. And it’s a quality that’s valued by all employers…even if you’re not working in a creative role. Being creative can always add value to a business. So be sure to include a few creative skills in your CV!

Looking for a new job? With SonicJobs, you can apply for jobs with 1 tap from your phone! Start today.

Which state has the highest unemployment rate?

Looking to move states? Well before you pack your bags, you might want to check out the unemployment levels in that state. Finding a job can definitely be easier depending on where you live. If you look at America as a whole, the nation has been working hard to get people back to work since the pandemic. This has really helped to bring down unemployment rates. In December 2020, unemployment was at 4.2%. But in January 2023, unemployment was as low as 3.4%.

As of December 2022, the state with the lowest unemployment rate is North Dakota at 2.1%. Nevada has the highest unemployment rate at 5.5%. 

Sure, we still have work to do. But the good news is that the level of unemployment is now lower than pre-pandemic levels. Woohoo!

Research also shows that more and more workers are choosing to be unemployed. 

Say what?! 

Yup, workers are quitting their jobs because they want to find better pay or more flexibility. In November 2021, a record high of 4.5 million workers resigned. The industries with the most quitters were hospitality, healthcare and logistics. Many employees were resigning since companies in these industries were offering better incentives and working conditions to attract workers.

Let’s take a look at which states came into 2023 with the lowest and highest unemployment rates.

US states with the lowest unemployment rates

As of December 2022, the following states have the highest employment rates:

  • North Dakota – 2.1%
  • South Dakota – 2.2%
  • Utah – 2.4%
  • Alabama – 2.6%
  • Montana – 2.6%
  • Florida – 2.7%
  • Missouri – 2.7%
  • Nebraska – 2.7%
  • Colorado – 2.8%

US states with the highest unemployment rates

As of December 2022, these states have the highest levels of unemployment:

  • Ohio – 4.1%
  • West Virginia – 4.1%
  • District of Colombia – 4.2%
  • Michigan – 4.3%
  • Pennsylvania – 4.3%
  • Washington – 4.5%
  • Delaware – 4.6%
  • Illinois – 4.6%
  • Oregon – 4.8%
  • Nevada – 5.5%

Find your next role fast

Unemployment rates are still higher than we’d like. But we need to remember that there’s a huge demand for workers. In particular, industries like trade, transportation, warehousing, education and healthcare have a large number of job openings. If you’re looking for a job, we have an opening for you.

To land your next role, use our helpful interviewing tips.

How to nail an interview

How do you impress during an interview? The truth is, there’s isn’t just one single thing you can do that will blow your competition out of the water. To really nail an interview, you need to be on your A game before you step into the interview room, during the interview, and after it!

So let’s take a look at all the ways you can stand out in the interview process:

  • Research the company 
  • Practise common interview questions
  • Use the STAR method
  • Prepare intelligent questions
  • Dress sharp
  • Arrive early
  • Use open body language
  • Show genuine enthusiasm

10 ways to nail an interview

Research the company

It goes without saying that you should never walk into an interview without having researched the company first. That includes things like the product/service, company values, their mission, and their achievements. Try to go a little further and learn something unusual about the company too. This will help you stand out against the crowd.

Practise interview questions

There are very few people in this world who can crush an interview without having practiced answering the most common interview questions first. And honestly, this step should begin before you’ve even been invited to an interview to give yourself the best shot at sounding confident when delivering your answers. Who knows, you may have to attend an interview at short notice… and then you’ll thank yourself (or us) that you didn’t leave your interview practice until the last minute.

Use the STAR method

There’s an art to answering interview questions. It isn’t just about saying the first thing that pops into your mind or listing off some buzz words. You want to structure your answer so that it’s based on a real-life example. If you’re not sure how to structure your answer, follow the STAR method:

  • Situation – start by describing the scenario, who was involved, what your job was at the time.
  • Task – then explain what task or problem you had to resolve and why it was challenging
  • Action – this is the part where you describe the action you took and how you actually went about resolving the issue
  • Result – close your answer by talking about the final result and what you achieved.

Prepare intelligent questions

The best interviews take place when the interviewee asks intelligent questions too. It’s not just about you getting grilled. You should have prepared 5-10 thoughtful questions about the job role and company.

Dress sharp

If ever there’s a time when first impressions count, it’s during an interview. Make sure you’re looking your best, wearing smart clothes that are ironed and shoes that are shined. If you turn up looking scruffy, the interviewer will soon form opinions about you that might not be true!

Arrive early

Don’t just be on time to an interview, be early. Interviewers want to see you arrive 10-15 minutes early to show you’re organized. Plus, they might have some forms for you to fill out before the interview takes place. 

Use open body language

Your body language can often say more about you than what you’re actually saying. So make a conscious effort to uncross your arms, smile when you’re talking, and use lots of eye contact to really engage your interviewer.

Show genuine enthusiasm

You can’t always guarantee you’ll be the most skilled or experienced candidate in the process, but you can guarantee you’ll show the interview that you’re enthusiastic about the position. And that, my friend, counts for a lot! In fact, many times interviewers will decide to hire someone not because they’re the most talented, but because they’re the most passionate.

The floor is yours

Once you’ve followed these steps, we know you’ll be able to walk into your next interview with bags of confidence. Just try to stay cool, calm, collected and be yourself!

10 of the most stressful jobs in the UK (and their salaries)

Every job has its stressors. Whether it’s dealing with deadlines or targets, there are lots of factors that can trigger stress. But some jobs definitely take stress to a new level. In fact, 33% of employees reported moderate-to-high or high levels of stress in their job. 

But which jobs are the main culprits? Let’s take a look at some of the most stressful jobs in the UK.

What are the most stressful jobs in the UK?

Customer service – £19,500 average annual salary

Some customer service jobs come with a whole lotta stress. That’s because there can be lots of pressure to quickly deal with high numbers of calls. Workers also have the added stress of dealing with unhappy customers. Industries like telecommunications and energy providers are renowned for having unhappy customers.

Chef – £27,000 average annual salary

Being a chef isn’t all pretty plates and yummy food. Restaurant kitchens are actually high pressure places. When the restaurant gets busy, the heat falls straight onto the chef. And that’s why chefs have a rep for being hot-headed. They have to focus, keep standards high AND manage a team of people. It’s not easy!

Teacher – £37,500 average annual salary

Being a teacher is no walk in the park. Teachers have to manage large classes of students. They also have to keep high grades in their classes. Teachers also have a heavy workload that often eats into their free time.

Events manager – £33,781 ​​average annual salary

Event planners have to spin many plates at the same time. It’s their job to organise lavish events with lots of moving parts. And guess what? A lot can and will go wrong in the process. Event planning is not a breeze. It can be a living nightmare!

Recruitment consultant – £27,000 average annual salary

Recruitment is one of the most stressful industries in the UK. It’s a sales job that also has lots of moving parts. Recruiters have high targets they need to hit. And it’s very rarely smooth sailing. But at the same time, the commission you earn could make it all worthwhile!

PR manager – £42,500 average annual salary

PR consultants are responsible for the image of companies and public figures. But sometimes, bad press is unavoidable. It’s during these times that PR consultants need to work twice as hard to correct any bad images.

Healthcare worker – £24,449 average annual salary for a carer

Healthcare workers in the UK are under a lot of pressure. They deal with vulnerable people in life-threatening situations. And they’re also understaffed. This makes it hard for them to do their job properly. 

Lawyer – £52,875 average annual salary

It takes a strong stomach to be a lawyer. Not only do they work round the clock for their clients, but other people’s lives are in their hands. Lawyers often report being burnt out in their careers – and it’s no wonder why!

Air traffic controller – £52,400 average annual salary

Air traffic controllers work under a high level of intensity. They’re responsible for making sure planes land safely. Their job demands a high level of concentration. Their job is so intense that they typically have to take breaks every 2 hours.

Surgeon – £77,647 average annual salary

It doesn’t take a genius to work out that operating on people might not be the easiest job in the world. Every time a surgeon operates, they do so knowing this person’s life is in their hands. And unfortunately, surgeons can’t always win every battle. It’s no wonder these heroes earn high salaries!

Firefighter – £27,409 average annual salary

Firefighters enter life-threatening situations everyday. The public depends on them for their safety. Firefighters are literally facing life or death while they’re at work. We think that qualifies as one of the most stressful jobs in the UK!

Military – £34,620 average annual salary for a lieutenant

Working in the military is a stressful experience. Personnel have to visit warzones, witness death and torture, and fight for their lives. Many ex-military personnel endure long-term suffering from the trauma they experienced at war.

Aaaand breathe

We know. You need to take a sabbatical after reading this blog, right?! But despite the stress, these professionals do their jobs for a reason. And that’s because it gives them a high level of job satisfaction. Stress comes with every job. But when you love what you do, you’d do it 100 times over.

If you’re looking for a long-term career, apply for jobs with 1 tap on the SonicJobs app

Best way to answer ‘tell me about yourself’ interview question

In an interview, you’re always going to be asked about yourself. It’s one of the most common interview questions. It’s an opportunity for you to highlight all your best points and why you’re right for the role. Of all the interview questions, this is the one you should look forward to most.

But don’t walk in blind. Don’t try to wing it. Plan your answer carefully during your interview preparation.

How to answer ‘tell me about yourself’ in an interview

Keep it relevant to the role

This question isn’t an invitation to talk about your childhood, friends and family. Everything in your answer should be connected to the role. Talk about your past work experience, key skills and ambitions.

Summarise your most important experience

In your answer, you should give an overview of your career experience. But remember to keep it relevant. If you’re interviewing for an IT role, you don’t need to tell them about your bartender role back in college. Here are a few things to highlight in this part of your answer:

  • How many years’ experience you have
  • What relevant job roles you’ve had
  • What industries you’ve worked in
  • What you love most about your role

Talk about most recent relevant role

Include relevant hobbies

You can talk about your hobbies and interests in your answer… so long as they’re relevant to the role. So if you’re interviewing for a car sales role, it’s totally relevant to tell the interviewer you’ve been obsessed with cars since you were a kid. Although it’s a hobby, having that passion will make you a much better car salesperson.

Talk about your biggest achievements

As we said, this question is a chance to brag about yourself. So use this moment to talk about your greatest achievements. Where have you excelled? What are you really proud of? The best answers will include some facts and figures to bring your experience to life. 

Explain why you’re interested in the role

You want the hiring manager to know you’re passionate about the role. So it’s worth telling them what caught your eye about it. Many candidates will fail to show their enthusiasm. To them, it will be just another job interview. So make sure you make the interviewer feel special.

Example answer to ‘Tell us about yourself’ for a job as a carer

“I’ve always been a maternal person. I grew up with 2 younger siblings so I’ve always had that natural inclination to care for others. I’ve always known my work would be helping others in some way. I started my career as a carer in 2020 and I’ve been with the same company, Amber Care, ever since. I’ve worked with a variety of vulnerable people from elderly to terminally ill to hospital discharges. I really enjoy making their lives easier and forming connections with them. Although I’ve really enjoyed my time working for Amber Care, I’d like to work for a company that can offer more training and development. And I know your company has a great reputation for providing ongoing development for its carers.”

Your time to shine

In interviews, it’s important you seize any opportunities to shine. Don’t be shy. The interviewers want to hear how great you are. They want to hear what you have to offer. And it would be a shame for you to lose out on a job because you didn’t show enough passion. So really go for it! Don’t leave any doubt in their mind that you’re the best person for the job!

Ready to find a new job fast? Browse the SonicJobs app to apply for jobs with 1 tap

Is it better to work for ‘Little Vs Large’ companies?

When job hunting, don’t just think about the type of role you want. Think about the type of company you want too. And when it comes to choosing the right company, size matters. There are pros and cons of working for small/large businesses. But there’s no ‘right’ or ‘wrong’. it really depends on who you are as a person, and how you prefer to work.

Benefits of working for a large company

Opportunities for progression

One of the great things about working for large companies is that there’s usually lots of room to progress. Because the company is so large, your progression isn’t dependent on someone else leaving. There are always opportunities to progress so long as you have the right skills.

More structure

Big companies have a lot of structure. They wouldn’t have been able to grow so big without proper processes and procedures. So if you like to follow processes and rules, a big company could suit you.

Bigger projects

Bigger companies have bigger names. Which means they work on bigger projects with bigger clients. Sure, small companies can work on big projects too. But it’s more common in large companies. So working for a large company could give you a more exciting work environment.

Job stability

With large companies, you have more job stability. That’s because they’ve been around for longer and are well established. This can be reassuring during tough economic times.

Negatives of working for a large company

Red tape

We know large companies have processes. But sometimes these processes can be a hindrance. Things usually take longer to complete in large companies. That’s because processes can take time to follow. So you need to be prepared to move a little slower.

Corporate atmosphere

Large companies tend to have a stiffer atmosphere. That’s because it’s harder for colleagues to bond because the teams are so large. This isn’t so great if you’re a social butterfly. So be sure to get a feel for the company’s social atmosphere before making a decision.

Less competitive salaries

Large companies usually have salary grades they have to stick to. So salaries can be a little lower in big companies.

Benefits of working for a small company

Fun atmosphere

Atmosphere is a huge focus for small companies. They tend to bring more of a family atmosphere. That’s because teams are smaller and people are able to get to know each other more easily. 

Gain experience fast

Small businesses are less structured than large businesses. So that means you have the opportunity to get stuck into different areas of the business. This is great if you’re keen to develop skills in different areas and build up your CV.

Competitive pay

Smaller companies usually pay higher salaries. That’s because they don’t usually have rules about salaries. So if they see a talented candidate they really like, they’ll usually pay more than larger companies. Plus, it’s harder for smaller companies to attract talent. So higher salaries is one way they do that.

Negatives of working for a small company

Less job stability

In times of uncertainty, small businesses get hit the hardest. Their budgets are smaller, so cuts happen faster. When profits drop, they feel it more than a larger company. So bear this in mind if you’re applying for jobs during economic uncertainty.

Work-life balance

Smaller companies can expect more of you than larger companies. They don’t have the same infrastructure as big companies. And they don’t have as many people working for them. So your workload is harder to balance. And sometimes this means you might end up working overtime.

Less structure/routine

Working for a smaller company means mucking in where you can. Although you’ll have a job description, sometimes you’ll be expected to take on extra responsibilities. If the company goes through a busy period or someone leaves, be ready to step up to the plate.

It’s your call

Choosing whether to work for a small or large company is something that’s personal to you. As you can see, there are huge benefits to doing both. But it comes down to your personal preferences, and how you like to work. 

Fancy a career change? Find a new job in minutes on the SonicJobs app

Why are you leaving your job? 9 good reasons

When you’re attending interviews, you might be asked why you’re leaving your current job (or why you left). Think carefully before answering this interview question. If you left on bad terms, it can be tempting to slate your old employer. But this will work against you. The last thing your interviewer wants to hear is negativity about your old boss. The way to nail your interview is to keep it professional.

Check out these 9 professional ways to explain why you left your old job in an interview.

  • Career progression
  • The commute
  • Being underpaid
  • Seeking a new challenge
  • Wanting a new industry
  • Company changed hands/management
  • Flexible working
  • Job wasn’t aligned with your career aims
  • Redundancy

9 valid reasons for leaving a job

1. Career progression

Career progression is a great reason to leave a job. If your old company wasn’t able to provide you with opportunities to progress, who can blame you for moving on? It shows you’re ambitious and keen to get stuck in.

2. The commute

Travel is a big factor with your job. If a commute is too long, it can eat into your free time and take away from family time. So it’s perfectly acceptable to say you’re looking for a better commute.

3. Being underpaid

Salary can be a driving factor for finding a new job. Just make sure you don’t come across as being too money-focused. Otherwise, the interviewer might think you’ll leave as soon as a better salary comes along. So be sure to explain that it’s not about always wanting a higher salary, but being paid fairly for your skills.

4. Seeking a new challenge

Sometimes doing the same thing can get a little…samey. So it’s only natural to want a new challenge to reignite your passion. This is a great reason for leaving your job.

5. Wanting a new industry

It’s normal for your interests to change throughout your career. So if you’re switching industries, use this to your advantage. Explain why you’re interested in their industry and what excites you about it.

6. Company changed hands/management

A big part of job satisfaction is to do with the people you work for. You need to like their management style and the way they run the company. So if a company changes hands, they’re bound to do things differently. And it’s okay if this doesn’t suit your style. 

7. Flexible working

In today’s world, more and more employers are offering flexible working arrangements. Whether it’s because of childcare or just to have a better work-life balance, flexible working is a strong reason to give in an interview.

8. Job wasn’t aligned with your career aims

We’ve all had to work jobs that weren’t our end goal. Maybe you had a job just to pay the bills. Or perhaps you just wanted a bit of work experience for your CV. Either way, this is a good excuse for leaving a job and finding one that’s more aligned.

9. Redundancy

Redundancies happen. Don’t feel ashamed if this happened to you. There’s no need to hide it in an interview. You can explain that the company had no other choice than to make cuts. But be sure to follow this up with everything you achieved in your role.

Professionalism is power

Remember that one of your biggest strengths in an interview is staying professional. Never blame your old employer for anything. Never rant about office politics. Even if the relationship turned sour, find a way to keep your answer professional.

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