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When is it okay to miss work at short notice?

There may come a time where you have a valid reason to miss work at short notice. In an ideal world, you’ll stick to work policies and give plenty of notice. But this isn’t always possible. Sometimes things crop up at the last minute. So, today we’re going through all the reasonable excuses to miss work.

Acceptable excuses to miss work at short notice

Sickness

Falling sick is a reasonable excuse not to go to work. Especially if that sickness is contagious. Where possible, you should try to work from home if you feel well enough. But if you just need to stay in bed, take the rest you need. Most managers will be understanding towards sickness. But in some cases, they may request a doctor’s note if you’re off for a ‘long’ time. Check your company’s sickness policy to see when a doctor’s note may be required.

If you’re on your probation period, try not to take a sick day unless absolutely necessary. If you call in sick too often during probation, your boss may extend your probation or dismiss you for poor attendance.

Childcare

Being a parent comes with its own responsibilities. If your child is sick or you can’t arrange childcare, you may need to take the day off work. Most employers will be understanding of this on the odd occasion. But if it happens very often, they may take disciplinary action.

Death of a loved one

Death is a valid reason to miss work. You may need time to grieve or attend a funeral. This is usually called compassionate leave. This is where the employer gives you a certain number of days to grieve the loss of your loved one. This will vary from company to company. So check your employee handbook for the details.

Emergency

Emergencies are always a valid reason to miss work. And there are many scenarios that could be classed as an emergency. This could be due to a gas leak, car accident or someone having a medical emergency. The point is, these are times where it’s more important for you to be elsewhere or your safety is at risk. Employers should be understanding of any emergencies and grant you the time you need.

Extreme weather

Extreme weather and road closures are an acceptable excuse to miss work. Snow and flooding can make it dangerous to travel. In these cases, your employer should encourage you to stay safe. Equally, sometimes road closures make it very difficult to get to work. You may have the option to work from home. But if this isn’t possible, you may need to take the day off.

How to tell your boss you’re not coming in to work

No matter what your reason for not attending work, there’s a right way to let your boss know.

Pick up the phone

Always pick up the phone to tell your boss you’re not going to make it in. This is the most courteous thing to do. Employers are sceptical of receiving texts or emails about absence. It creates more transparency and trust when you explain your absence over the phone.

Apologise

Always offer an apology for any inconvenience caused by the short-notice. Although your manager should be understanding, an apology goes a long way.

Be helpful

Don’t just leave your manager high and dry. Think about what your absence means to the rest of the team. Think of anything important that needs handing over to another team member. This will help the team to run smoothly even while you’re off.

Give a timeframe

Tell your boss when you expect to return to work. Avoid giving an exact date unless you’re 100% sure you’ll be back then.

Everything within reason

Taking time off work at short-notice is okay. But just remember to do it the right way. If your employer feels you’re abusing your leave, they can take disciplinary action. So keep your time off to a minimum and always be transparent about your reasons.

Ready to take the next step in your career? Use SonicJobs to find a job you love.

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What is a national insurance number?

If you’re looking for a job in the UK, you’ll probably have heard the term ‘national insurance number.’ It’s important to understand what this is and how to get one (if you don’t already have one). It’s an important part of working life in the UK.

What is a national insurance number?

A national insurance number is a unique number made up of 9 characters (6 letters and 3 numbers). It’s used to make sure you pay the correct amount of tax and national insurance contributions when you start working. Whether you’re an employee or self-employed, you’ll need to pay national insurance contributions. You keep one national insurance number for your entire life. But you should note that a national insurance number isn’t a form of ID.

Who can apply for a national insurance number?

To apply for a national insurance number, you’ll need to be at least 16 years old or over. You also need to live in the UK and have the right to work in the UK. If you’re unemployed, you can still apply for an NI number.

Do you need an NI number to get a job?

No, you can still get a job without a national insurance number. But once you get a job, you’ll need to apply for an NI number. In the meantime, your employer will give you a temporary NI number until your permanent one comes through.

How to apply for a national insurance number

UK residents

If you’re a UK resident, you’ll automatically receive a national insurance number when you turn 16.

New to the UK

Although it’s not a legal requirement to have a national insurance number, life sure will be easier with one. You can apply via the government website. Applications are usually processed within 8 weeks. To apply, you’ll need one of the following:

A passport
A biometric residence permit (BRP)
A national identity card from an EU country or from Norway, Liechtenstein or Switzerland

Should you take your NI number to an interview?

It’s not a legal requirement for you to have an NI number. But if you do have one, it’s a good idea to take it to your interview. If your employer wants to offer you the job on the spot, having your NI number handy can speed up the process.

Should you write your NI number on your CV?

It’s not common practice to include your NI number on your CV. Your employer will usually ask you for your NI number once you’re hired.

Get organised

As we mentioned before, it’s not a legal requirement to have a national insurance number. But the majority of the UK does have an NI number. It makes life much simpler. But don’t worry – if you don’t have an NI number yet, you can still apply for jobs!

Ready to find a new job? Browse over half a million jobs today on the SonicJobs app.

Check out our other blogs:

What is a p45?

How to write a resignation letter

Unemployed? 9 ways to become more employable NOW

Being unemployed is a tough ride. The competition can be fierce. So to find yourself a job, you need to do everything you can to make yourself more employable. It’s not just a question of your past experience. There’s lots you can do to boost your employability.

Check out these tips for finding a job when you’re unemployed.

9 ways to get hired faster

1. Sign up for a free course

The internet is FULL of free courses. Work out what skills are needed for the job you want. And then find a free course to upskill yourself. This will look great on your CV and employers will be impressed by your motivation.

For example, if you want to get into marketing, why not take a course on SEO or paid ads? Or if you want to become a bartender, try a free course on cocktail making!

2. Update your CV

Making sure your CV is in top shape is key to your employability. So be sure to update your CV with all your latest skills and experiences. And don’t forget to check out our CV writing tips to make your CV stand out – it’s worth the effort!

3. Upload your CV to job sites

Don’t hide. Make yourself visible. Publish your CV on job boards. This way, recruiters can contact you if they like the look of your CV. This opens up more opportunities for you.

4. Network

Be sure to grow and call on your network. You’d be surprised by how many people get hired through a referral. Think about creating a LinkedIn profile – this is a great platform for career-driven professionals. You could also attend events and webinars to meet people in the industry.

5. Tidy up your social media

Always tidy up your social media when you’re job hunting. Make sure you remove any inappropriate pictures or comments. Around 70% of employers WILL check your social media profiles out during the hiring process. So don’t let your social media hold you back.

6. Volunteer

It’s a good idea to volunteer while you’re unemployed. It will help to grow your network and skillset. But it also shows employers you’re a proactive and motivated person.

7. Be flexible

Always be flexible when job hunting. This means being flexible about your salary, your shifts and your duties. Sometimes you have to compromise a little just to get your foot in the door! And be sure to mention your flexibility in your personal statement.

8. Attach a cover letter

Cover letters are designed to help you stand out. It gives the hiring manager more information about you. The idea is to persuade the hiring manager that you deserve an interview. Attach a cover letter to help give you an edge over others.

9. Use Smart Apply

Getting a new job isn’t just about what you apply for. It’s also about how you apply. The Smart Apply feature on the SonicJobs app automatically applies for relevant jobs on your behalf. So whilst you’re sleeping, we’re busy putting in applications for you…saving you time and energy!

Moral of the story? Don’t spend hours filling out long application forms when you don’t need to. Revolutionise the way you apply for jobs with SonicJobs.

Level up

If you’ve reached a plateau in your career move, it’s time to go up a gear. There are always small ways to make BIG improvements. You just need to get a little creative.

Short on time? Apply for jobs from your phone with SonicJobs – it’s that simple!

How to ACE a job interview presentation

Interview presentations are a popular choice for interviewers. That’s because they get to assess different skills like organisation and communication. But job interview presentations come in different shapes and sizes. You may need to give a powerpoint presentation about yourself. Or you could be asked to sell a product or give a presentation about a topic.

Either way, there are some key things to remember when you’ve got an interview with a presentation. Follow these tips to crush your interview!

What skills are employers assessing during an interview presentation?

Of course, the presentation is part of the interview process for a reason. It’s to assess a variety of hard and soft skills:

Communication
Persuasiveness
Confidence
Organisation
Attention to detail
Written skills
IT skills
Time management
Research
Ability to work under pressure

12 tips to smash your interview presentation

Read the brief

Before even putting your presentation together, go back and read the brief. Make sure you’ve understood the assignment before getting to work. Many people will overlook important details in the brief. But interviewers assess your attention to detail to see if you’ll stick to the brief.

Frame your presentation

Always start by framing your presentation. This means explaining what you’re going to cover during the presentation. This helps the audience feel comfortable and know what to expect.

Use images and white space

If you’re making a powerpoint presentation, make sure you include lots of images and white space. Don’t just fill your slides with text. This is a quick way to put your audience to sleep!

Keep it uniform

Make sure all your slides follow the same format. That means using the same colours, same borders and positions for titles. This makes it look neater and is easier for the audience to follow. This will show the employer you’ve got an eye for detail too.

Use brand colours

To really make your presentation pop, use the company’s brand colours. This is an extra little detail that shows you’ve put thought into your presentation. It’s the little touches that make a big impression.

Use statistics

Statistics are a GREAT way to engage an audience. Whatever point you’re trying to make, use statistics to strengthen your argument.

Engage the audience

Be sure to include your interviewers in the presentation. Ask them a few questions throughout the presentation to keep them on their toes.

Make eye contact

Don’t spend the whole time staring at your powerpoint presentation. Be sure to engage the audience by looking at them as much as possible.

Stick to the timeframe

One of the skills the interviewers will be testing is your time-keeping skills. So make sure you don’t overrun. Practise your presentation before the interview day. And keep timing yourself to make sure it runs smoothly.

Proofread

There’s nothing more embarrassing than giving a presentation with a huge typo on the screen. Always double and triple-check your work. The interviewers may mark you down for typos!

Take cue cards

Prepare some cue cards to help prompt you throughout your presentation. You might not need them. But it’s good to have them handy in case stage fright gets the better of you.

Leave time for questions

At the end of your interview, you’ll have time to ask the interviewer questions. So you should also leave time at the end of your presentation for questions from the interviewer. This is an essential part of any presentation.

Breathe deep!

As much as you prepare for your presentation, it’s still a daunting experience. Just remember to take a deep breath before you begin.

Ready to climb the ladder? Browse jobs on the SonicJobs and apply from your phone!

Is it okay to lie on your CV?

Applying for jobs can be tough. There’s a lot of competition out there. So it’s no surprise around 40% of the population has admitted to lying on their CV. Some people change their job title to something more eye-catching. Others alter their employment dates to make themselves look more stable. And many people tell porkies about their qualifications.

But what if you get found out? How much trouble can you get in for lying on your CV? What if it’s just a little white lie?

Today, we’ll explain what can happen when you lie on your CV.

Is it illegal to lie on your CV?

Lying on your CV is actually illegal. It can be classed as a criminal offence under the 2006 Fraud Act. If found out for lying, you could get rejected from a job. If you get found out while on the job, you could get sacked or face a fine. In the most extreme cases, you could even face upto 10 years imprisonment!

This is because employers are offering you a salary based on the information you’ve provided. You can write the most amazing CV in the world. But if that information is false, you’ve committed fraud.

Can you get sacked for lying on your CV?

The short answer to this is YES. Depending on the circumstances, employers may have the right to dismiss you if they find out you’ve lied on your CV. The same thing goes for your cover letter. If you lie on your cover letter, you face the same consequences.

Some jobs, like doctors and engineers, require certain qualifications. If you’ve not got the right qualifications, you could be endangering others and putting the company at risk. So even if you’ve passed your probation period, they can still dismiss you if you’re caught lying.

How employers know you’re lying

Employers aren’t silly. They know many people try to lie on their CV. So they take measures to verify the information you’ve given them to make sure you’re not lying.

Reference checks

Carrying out references is one of the most common ways employers check out your background. They can write to a past employer to confirm your job title, duties and employment dates. They may even confirm your previous salary and your reason for leaving.

Interview grilling

Employers will use interviews as an opportunity to dig into your background. They can usually tell if someone is lying because they’ll start tripping up on the details. Maybe their dates don’t add up. Or perhaps they just fail to answer questions they should know.

Skills tests

Skills tests are another way employers put you to the test. Anyone can write themselves up a storm about how skilled they are. But they use skills tests, exams and trial shifts to test out your knowledge.

Requesting certificates

Don’t even think about lying about your qualifications. It’s very easy for employers to verify this information. They’ll simply ask to see copies of your certifications. They may also write to the institutes to confirm your qualification in case the document has been forged.

CV errors

CV errors are a big giveaway if you’re lying. Most commonly, people slip up here when the employment dates on their CV don’t add up.

Cross-referencing with LinkedIn and social media

Nowadays, companies will check your LinkedIn and social media profiles to verify you are who you say you are. So always be sure your profiles contain up-to-date (and correct) information.

Monitoring your performance on the job

Finally, the last giveaway is your performance on the job. Even if you talked a good talk, you can only fake it for so long. Eventually, the holes in your experience are going to show. At this point, it may be obvious that you lied in your CV.

The truth always comes out

Don’t risk lying on your CV. Not even a little white lie. It’s okay if you don’t have all the necessary experience. Often, employers will still hire you because they see your potential. It’s simply not worth the risk.

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

How to write a CV personal statement (with examples)

Hiring managers are busy people. And they only spend an average of 6 seconds looking at a CV before deciding whether to reject or read on. One of the first things they’ll read is your personal statement. So you need to make sure this grabs their attention as well as nailing the rest of your CV.

What is a personal statement on a CV?

A personal statement (or summary) are the opening lines of your CV. It tells the employer about you, your aims, and what you have to offer. Your personal statement should summarise the most important points from your CV.

Tips for writing a personal statement that stands out

Place it at the top of your CV

First things first, your personal statement sits towards the top of your CV along with your personal details. The next part of your CV will be your work experience, followed by your qualifications and hobbies. And don’t forget to title each section so it says ‘Personal statement’, ‘Work experience’ etc.

Keep it short

The best personal statements are concise and to the point. There’s no waffling or long-winded sentences. It should be a paragraph containing 3-5 sentences only. Remember, hiring managers are short on time. So make their job easier by writing a short but powerful personal statement.

Don’t be generic

Avoid writing cliches in your personal statement. The point is to stand out from the crowd. So really think of all the things that make you unique and an asset. Ask yourself if your personal statement could be talking about anyone… or if it can only be about you.

Summarise your experience

Use 1-2 sentences in your statement to summarise your experience. But keep it relevant. If you’re applying for a job in hospitality, only mention the stuff that’s closely linked with hospitality. This will make sure your CV stands out and the hiring manager will want to know more about you.

Talk about your career aims

Make sure you include where you want your career to go, and why. It’s good to show employers that you’re serious about this career path. Show them you’re ambitious and determined.

Use buzzwords from the job description

The job description tells you exactly who the hiring manager is looking for. If they’re looking for ‘organised’ people, make sure you include the word organised. But don’t overdo this. Only pick out a couple of the most important qualities they’re looking for.

Keep it formal

Remember to keep the language professional and formal. Don’t use abbreviations like ‘I’m’ or ‘I’ve’. Instead, write ‘I am’ or ‘I have’.

Don’t echo your cover letter

If you’re including a cover letter with your application, don’t just copy and paste the text from there. Make sure your personal statement is totally original.

Personal statement examples

Example 1: waiter/waitress role

“I am an outgoing person who thrives working in fast-paced environments. I enjoy providing a first-class experience for customers and have 2 years’ experience working in a busy restaurant as a waitress. I am looking to work full-time for a fine-dining restaurant that can provide ongoing career progression. I am available from March 1st.”

Example 2: sales role

“I am a highly motivated individual who is best suited to working in competitive environments. I have excelled in my current role selling mobile phone contracts, having achieved all of my sales targets. I am now seeking a more challenging sales role, selling higher-ticket items. I am available to start at one month’s notice.”

Example 3: carer role

“I am a compassionate and dependable person, seeking work as a carer. I have experience caring for sick, elderly relatives, administering their medication and tending to personal care. I understand what it takes to support vulnerable people. I am seeking a full-time position with an immediate start.”

Ready for a new start?

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How to follow up after an interview

So you’ve had your interview but haven’t heard anything back.

Now what?

Whether you’ve had a 1:1, group or telephone interview, it’s good to take matters into your own hands. Sending a follow-up email after an interview is a great way to keep yourself on the radar. Employers will see you’re proactive and keen on the position.

Use our guide to writing a follow-up email after your interview.

How long after an interview should you follow up?

Ideally, you’ll have asked the hiring manager during the interview how long it will be before you hear back. But if you’ve not done this, don’t worry. They’ve probably got other candidates to interview. So leave it a few days before sending your follow-up email.

How to write a follow-up email after your interview

Write a clear subject line

Chances are, the hiring manager’s inbox will be flooded with emails on a daily basis. So be sure to use a clear subject line that includes your name. Avoid anything vague or generic like ‘FAO manager’. This helps to make sure your email doesn’t get missed.

Examples

Re: Tom Smith interview update
Re: Jane Green, interview 12th August
Re: Ben Lowe, Sales Associate interview

Address the hiring manager by name

When you start your email, address the hiring manager by their name. This makes the email more personable. Instead of writing, ‘Dear Mr Walker’, you can write ‘Dear Alan.’

Recount the details

Some interviewers will interview many people for one role. And sometimes, the candidates start to blur into one. It’s not the interviewer’s fault! So don’t assume they know exactly who you are. Jog their memory by letting them know when you attended the interview, and what role it was for. If you can think of anything more personal to add, do it. For example, if you had a good chat about football, mention that.

Show them you’re still interested

Sure, you wouldn’t be writing a follow-up email if you weren’t interested. But it’s best practice to let the hiring manager know you’re still keen on the role. Or, tell them what you liked most about the position.

Clearly ask for an update

After your introductory lines, let them know you’re writing for an update. Ask them if they’ve made a decision on the role. Or you could ask when they’re likely to have a decision.

Don’t show frustration

Always keep the tone light. Even if you’ve had to send a couple of follow-up emails already, don’t show any frustration.

Keep it short

Keep the email as short as possible. Hiring managers are busy people. And this isn’t an opportunity to re-sell yourself in an email. Keep it short and to the point.

Spellcheck

Don’t just double-check your email. Triple-check it. Typos can be really off-putting. So use a spellchecker and maybe even ask a friend to look over the email for you.

Example interview follow-up email

“Dear Sarah,

I hope you are well.

This is Alison Woods. I had an interview for the position of Sales Associate on Wednesday 3rd June in your Manchester branch.

Many thanks for your time – I really love the look of the job and company. I also really enjoyed our little chat about interior design!

I’m just writing to see if you have managed to reach a decision about the role?

Many thanks again for the opportunity. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Yours sincerely,

Alison Woods”

Looking for a new role?

If you’re looking for your next position, why not try the SonicJobs app?! We have over half a million jobs and you can apply with 1 tap. Browse our free app today to start your job hunt!

What are transferable skills?

Every job gives you transferable skills. These are the skills that you can use for many jobs, even if they’re completely different. So whatever job you’re applying to, think about all the skills you can bring across from your previous roles.

Check out our list of transferable skills for your CV.

IT
Customer service
Problem-solving
Leadership
Critical thinking
Teamwork
Project management
Research
Delegation
Time management

Examples of transferable skills

IT

IT skills are extremely transferable. Most white collar jobs will involve some IT work. You may need to use a particular software. Or maybe you just need to send emails on a daily basis. Either way, being able to show you’re confident using computers is an important skill for your CV.

Customer service

If you’ve ever worked with customers, you can include customer service on your CV. This is an excellent skill to offer employers. Customer service is useful for industries like hospitality and sales.

Problem-solving

Problems arise in ANY job. That’s why problem-solving is an invaluable skill to offer. Every employer wants to know their employees can resolve problems. Be an employee that finds solutions, not problems.

Leadership

Leadership is a great transferable skill. Leaders are hard to find. But if you can show employers you’ve led people, this will look great on your CV. But don’t worry if you’ve not led a team in a workplace environment. You could have been the leader of a sports team or even of a group task at school or university.

Critical thinking

Critical thinking is having the ability to think differently and challenge ideas. Employers love critical thinkers because this is what helps businesses to grow. For example, finding ways to streamline a process is a great example of critical thinking. It shows you challenged a pre-existing idea. And you found a new and better way of doing it instead.

Teamwork

Teamwork is a ‘must-have’ for transferable skills. Most employers will look for team players. Without teamwork, most companies will fail to grow. So if you’ve ever worked as part of a team, be sure to include this in your CV. And if you don’t have work experience, think about any times you were part of a team in sports or at school/college.

Project management

Project management is a fantastic skill. It shows you’re organised and can plan ahead. This will be a great skill to offer if you’re applying for roles like project management, administration or personal assistants.

Research

Being good at research can be an advantage in many jobs. Not everyone has the ability to conduct research. It takes time, patience and organisation. So if you have experience with research, mention this skill in your CV.

Delegation

Delegation is a rare and valuable skill. Particularly if you want to move into a management position. Managers need to be able to delegate tasks to others. And this is often where many new managers go wrong. So if you’re applying for leadership positions, think of times where you’ve delegated tasks.

Time management

Being able to manage your time properly is an essential skill for EVERY role. This is something every employer will value. You need to manage your time properly to complete projects, attend meetings, and generally perform your role to a high standard. Using daily planners and online calendars are great examples of time management!

You have a lot to offer!

If you feel like you don’t have much to offer, think again. Every job gives you a ton of transferable skills. And even if you don’t have work experience, you’ll have gained transferable skills from school, college and university!

Looking for a new job? Use the SonicJobs app to apply for jobs from your phone!

How to pass your probation period at work

You’ve done the hard part and landed yourself a new job. But now you’ve realised you’ve got to conquer the probation period. The term ‘probation period’ sounds a little scary, right? Well, a probation period can either make or break your job. So they’re pretty important if you ask us!

If you’re just starting a new job, use these tips to make sure you pass your probation period with flying colours!

What is a probation period?

A probation period can be seen as a ‘trial’ period when you start a new job. During this period, your boss gets to test you out and see if you’re actually fit for the job. If they decide you’re not right for the role they can dismiss you at any time during this period without giving notice. The length of the probation period will vary depending on the company. But probation periods typically last anywhere from 4 weeks to 6 months.

Can you quit during your probation?

If you realise the job isn’t right for you, you can absolutely quit during your probation period. Check the terms of your contract. But often you’ll only need to provide 1 week’s notice (if any at all).

How to pass your probation with flying colours

Understand what’s expected of you

The first step in passing your probation period is knowing exactly what’s expected of you. How can you score a goal without knowing where the goalposts are? Your manager will have certain expectations of you and things they’re assessing. So if you have any targets, make sure you’re clear on these.

Keep up a strong work ethic

You need to show your manager you have a great work ethic during your probation. This means having determination to achieve your goals. Don’t be a time waster or a clock watcher! It also means getting your head down to finish the job at hand – no procrastinating! So avoid too much idle chatter or using your mobile phone during office hours.

Be positive

It’s not just about how well you do the job. But also about the attitude you do it with! So having a positive attitude and strong interpersonal skills are key to passing probation. You need to show your manager you have a ‘can-do’ attitude. And if they offer you any feedback, always take this on board gracefully.

Don’t be afraid to ask questions

Asking questions is key to your growth. You’re bound to have questions as you learn. Don’t feel like you should know it all. Your manager expects you to ask questions. If you hold back on your questions, you’ll miss out on important bits of information that could be key to passing your probation.

Keep up your attendance

Your managers monitor your attendance during your probation period. If your attendance is poor or you turn up late for work, they may extend your probation period or dismiss you from the role. So always turn up 10 minutes early and avoid calling in sick unless absolutely necessary.

Is it bad if your probation gets extended?

There’s no legal limit to how long your probation period can last. So, your boss can extend your probation period. If they do this, it usually means they need more time to assess your skills. If this happens, don’t get disheartened. You still have the opportunity to impress your boss. You should speak with your manager to understand what you could do better. They should give you feedback and let you know what they hope to see from you.

Ready to shine?

Are you looking for your next role? Use the SonicJobs app to find a new job in record time.

What does competitive salary mean?

If you’re in the middle of applying for jobs, you might have noticed some jobs don’t tell you the salary. Instead, they just say ‘competitive salary’. This may leave you feeling a little frustrated. After all, you don’t want to apply for a job that doesn’t pay you enough.

So in today’s blog, we’re giving you the inside scoop on competitive salaries.

What does competitive salary mean?

A competitive salary means the company pays the average salary (or above) for the role.

Why do companies write this?

There are a couple of different reasons why companies choose to write ‘competitive salary’ rather than specifying an amount.

The first reason is that the salary is likely to be negotiable. Some companies don’t want to put people off by listing a low salary because they’ll pay more for the right person. At the same time, they don’t want to list a salary that’s really high. Believe it or not, but this can put some people off from applying.

The second reason is that the company may want to keep the salary confidential. Many companies don’t like when employees discuss their salaries. They prefer to keep this information confidential. But you should know that you can always ask your colleagues about their salaries.

How do you know if you’re being offered enough?

At some stage in the process, you’ll want to ask the employer for more information about the salary. At this point, they should be able to tell you a salary bracket.

It’s important to gauge the going rate for your role in your area. To do this, you can check other job adverts online or use salary checkers.

Examples of competitive salaries

The average salary in London for a software engineer is £72,500. So a competitive salary for this role could be between £72,500 and £76,000.

The average salary in Manchester for a Carer is £20,545. So a competitive salary could be between £20,545 and £23,000.

The average salary in Birmingham for a Head Chef is £27,000. So a competitive salary could be between £27,000 and £30,000.

Important note

Average salary checkers aren’t black and white. You should remember that salary isn’t just about the job title and location. Your experience and level of qualification will also affect the salary you’re entitled to. For example, a software engineer with just 1 year of experience wouldn’t expect to earn £72,500. The average salary for a software engineer with 1 year of experience will be much less than £72,500.

What to do if the salary is too low

When you find out BEFORE the interview process

If you find out before the interview process that the salary is too low, here’s what you do:

Address it as soon as possible.
Tell the hiring manager that you’re very interested in the role, but the salary isn’t close to your desired bracket.
Ask them if there is any room in their budget to increase the salary for the right candidate.
Let them know that you know their time is precious and that you don’t want to waste it if your desired salary is out of the question.

When you find out AFTER the interview

If you find out the salary is too low after you’ve been interviewed, you’ll need to negotiate your salary:

Tell the hiring manager you really like the sound of the role and are very interested in working for them.
Let them know that the salary is slightly under what you were hoping for.
Tell them the salary bracket you’d be happy with.
Reiterate the reasons why you think you’re deserving of the salary and position.

Know your worth

Seeing ‘competitive pay’ on a job ad isn’t a bad thing. It often means the employer is open to negotiation and will pay for the right candidate. But it’s important to get clear on the salary bracket as soon as possible. You don’t want to waste your time or the employer’s time if your salary brackets are total opposites. So always gain clarity on the salary bracket at your first opportunity!

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