
<p>Whether you’re unemployed or in a job,<strong> <a href="https://blog.sonicjobs.net/why-is-applying-for-jobs-stressful-sonicjobs/?id=674">job hunting can be a stressful experience</a></strong>. Finding a new job is a big deal. And it can really take its toll on your mental health. Before you know it, you end up feeling <strong><a href="https://blog.sonicjobs.net/how-to-avoid-burnout-at-work/?id=1206">burnt out</a></strong> and overwhelmed. So if you’re looking for a new job, make sure you use these techniques to support your mental health and wellbeing.</p>



<ul><li>Declutter</li><li>Use a planner</li><li>Set realistic goals</li><li>Switch off</li><li>Use your support system</li><li>Assert healthy boundaries</li><li>Use breathing techniques</li><li>Practise patience</li></ul>



<h2>8 ways to support your mental health during your job search</h2>



<h3>Declutter</h3>



<p>If you want to<strong> <a href="https://blog.sonicjobs.net/how-do-you-know-if-a-career-is-right-for-you-sonicjobs/?id=599">find the right job</a></strong>, you need mental clarity. And you can’t have mental clarity if your environment is cluttered. Clutter creates stress and overwhelm without you even realising it. </p>



<p>So take time to declutter your surroundings. Make sure your desk is clear. Sort your files into folders on your laptop. Clear out your purse. Donate or sell any old clothes you don’t wear anymore. Trust us on this one. Declutter and you&#8217;ll unlock a whole new level of clarity.</p>



<h3>Use a planner</h3>



<p>When it comes to job hunting, a planner will work wonders for your mental health. Instead of trying to hold everything in your mind, write it down. Plan out your days, weeks and months. This will free up SO much space in your mind. You can relax knowing you don’t need to remember everything yourself since it’s all written down in your planner.</p>



<h3>Set realistic goals</h3>



<p>Job hunting can get overwhelming. So it’s best to break your job hunt down into <strong><a href="https://blog.sonicjobs.net/excel-your-career-in-2023-with-smart-goals-best-examples-included/?id=1345">SMART goals</a></strong>. For example, how many job applications would you like to make each week? Just remember to be realistic with your goals. Don’t overwhelm yourself with goals you can’t handle.</p>



<h3>Switch off</h3>



<p>Switching off is a huge part of supporting your mental health. You might think you need to work solidly until you find a job. But this will lead to burnout. Just like a computer runs better after it switches off, you will too! So go to the gym. Run a relaxing bath. Take a walk. Go see your friends. Just take time away from work and job hunting.</p>



<h3>Use your support system</h3>



<p>Don’t carry the burden of your job hunt by yourself. Talking to a friend can really lift the stress. So if you’re feeling a little overwhelmed, remember to pick up the phone to your friends or family.&nbsp;</p>



<h3>Assert healthy boundaries&nbsp;</h3>



<p>Boundaries are crucial to your mental health. Especially when you’re job hunting. So make sure you take your work breaks. Finish work on time. Don’t take on too much from other people. Learn when you need to say ‘no’. It can be uncomfortable, but it’s for the best.</p>



<h3>Use breathing techniques</h3>



<p>Breathing is directly related to your stress levels. When you’re feeling stressed or anxious, try breathing exercises to calm your nervous system. There are a ton of breathwork videos on YouTube. These will slow your mind down and help you sleep better.</p>



<h3>Practise patience</h3>



<p>Patience is the key to keeping your cool while job hunting. Remember that it takes time to find the right job. And rejections are just a part of the process. So be patient any time you start to feel frustrated. Just know that the right job is right around the corner, and <strong><em>so</em></strong> worth the wait!</p>



<h2>Don’t neglect yourself</h2>



<p>It’s great to have career aims. But you never want your self-care to fall away. Don’t wait for this to happen before you start using these tips. Self-care should always be a part of your routine. If anything, it will make your job hunt more successful.</p>



<p class="has-text-align-center"><em>Save time in your job hunt by using the </em><a href="http://www.sonicjobs.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong><em>SonicJobs</em></strong></a><em> app. Apply for jobs with 1 tap from your phone.</em></p>


8 practical mental health tips while job hunting


<p>Thinking about starting a career in digital marketing? The good news is the industry is booming. This means there are plenty of digital marketing career paths in the UK. You may need to complete a qualification or take on an <strong><a href="https://blog.sonicjobs.net/is-an-apprenticeship-right-for-me/?id=1157">apprenticeship</a></strong> to get started. But it’s a fantastic career path for creative and analytical people.</p>



<p>So let’s explore some popular digital marketing careers.</p>



<h2>5 digital marketing career paths</h2>



<p>Take a look at some of the most popular digital marketing roles and job descriptions. The salaries provided are a UK average. But don’t forget, the higher you progress, the higher your salary.</p>



<h3>PPC (Pay Per Click) &#8211; £29,000-£47,500 average UK salary</h3>



<p>As a digital marketer, you can specialise in paid advertising (or PPC). This means running digital ad campaigns to gain exposure and clicks on the internet. You could be running paid ads on a variety of platforms like Google or Facebook. But paid advertising specialists need to be highly analytical. You’ll constantly be using data to tweak ads and try new techniques.</p>



<h3>Social media &#8211; £32,500-£47,500 average UK salary</h3>



<p>Jobs in social media management have exploded over the past 5-10 years. Every business is on social media. And it’s a whole beast of its own. Sometimes social media accounts need several people to run them. As a social media expert, you create and schedule engaging content. The aim is to help grow the company&#8217;s following and generate more revenue. It’s a highly creative role. You must be able to adapt to change since social media platforms are constantly evolving.</p>



<h3>SEO &#8211; £27,000-£47,500 average UK salary</h3>



<p>SEO specialists are analytical people. They specialise in making websites more visible on search engines like Google. The aim is to make the business rank higher on search engines for keywords. SEO is constantly evolving. So your job will be to research and create your own database of keywords. Then you&#8217;ll need to find ways to include these keywords across the website and paid ad campaigns. If you do your job right, the company website will gain more visitors and earn more money.</p>



<h3>Email marketing &#8211; £25,000-£42,500 average UK salary</h3>



<p>Email marketing is a creative career route in digital marketing. Emails are an essential part of any business. As an email marketing specialist, you’ll be creating sales funnel emails to convert your subscribers into customers. You need to have strong copywriting skills. But you’ll also need to analyse your target customers on a psychological level. Once you find out what makes them tick, this will drive your email marketing strategy.</p>



<h3>Content marketing &#8211; £32,106-£47,500</h3>



<p>Content marketers create engaging content to promote and sell the company. You need to have a love for language. On a daily basis, you could be writing up blog posts, whitepapers or other marketing materials. As a content marketer, language is your forte and you love to get creative!</p>



<h2>The future’s bright</h2>



<p>Digital marketing is a booming industry. As long as you keep developing your <strong><a href="https://blog.sonicjobs.net/what-are-skills-on-a-cv-sonicjobs/?id=534">CV skills</a></strong>, you’ll have a fantastic career ahead of you. It’s all about being creative and achieving great results. If you’re <a href="https://blog.sonicjobs.net/how-can-i-change-my-career-with-no-experience-sonicjobs/?id=1055"><strong>changing your career path</strong></a>, just be sure to pick up some qualifications before diving in!</p>



<p><em>To start your new career, browse over half a million vacancies on the </em><a href="http://www.sonicjobs.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong><em>SonicJobs</em></strong></a><em> app today!</em></p>



<p><strong>Related blogs</strong></p>



<p><strong><a href="https://blog.sonicjobs.net/the-ultimate-career-guide-to-working-in-hospitality-2022/?id=1259">Guide to working in hospitality</a></strong></p>


What does a career in digital marketing look like?


<p>What&#8217;s that saying?</p>



<p>‘<em>If the mountain won’t go to Muhammad, then Muhammad must come to the mountain’</em>. </p>



<p>Well, this wisdom can be used in your job hunt! Don’t just sit and wait for opportunities to come to you. Create them for yourself!</p>



<p>Today, we’ll teach you what a speculative job application is, and how to make one!</p>



<h2>What’s the definition of a speculative job application?</h2>



<p>A speculative application (or speculative CV) is when you send your <strong><a href="https://blog.sonicjobs.net/how-to-update-your-cv/?id=482">updated CV</a></strong> to a company even though they’re not advertising for jobs. You sell yourself into the company hoping they will create a position especially for you. Or maybe they were planning on hiring, but you manage to send your CV in before they start the process. Either way, when you send a speculative CV, you don’t know if the company is going to be interested in hiring or not. It’s a chance you take!</p>



<h2>Do speculative applications work?</h2>



<p>Good companies are always interested in people that can add value. So if you’ve got skills to offer, many employers will be glad to hear from you. Some skills are really hard to find. So hiring managers will always be open to hearing from candidates with the right skills. They don’t need to be actively hiring. They can take you on because they know your worth.</p>



<h2>How to write a speculative application email</h2>



<h3>Identify your skills</h3>



<p>Before you get started, know what you have to offer. What’s unique about you? What skills have you learned? What qualifications do you have? These are all questions that will shape what kinds of jobs you should go for.&nbsp;</p>



<h3>Create a list of roles and companies</h3>



<p>Once you’ve identified your skills, it’s time to make a list. Don’t just aimlessly target companies. Know exactly the types of roles that could use your skills. And identify which companies you’d like to work for.</p>



<h3>Send your CV and cover email</h3>



<p>Make sure you update your CV before sending. You should also <a href="https://blog.sonicjobs.net/what-to-include-in-a-cover-letter/?id=433"><strong>write a</strong> <strong>tailored cover letter</strong></a><strong> </strong>that will make up the body of your email. Try to find a contact within the company to send your email to. You may be able to find this on the company website. If not, you’ll have to send the email to the general recruitment team.</p>



<h2>Speculative email example</h2>



<p><strong><em>Subject:</em></strong><em> CV for eco-minded digital marketing professional&nbsp;</em></p>



<p><em>Dear Mr. Parsons,</em></p>



<p><em>My name is Carl Adamson and I am a qualified digital marketing professional with over 3 years’ experience. After researching your company, I am sending my CV in the hope that you will consider me for any opportunities to work in digital marketing for Eco-future.</em></p>



<p><em>Over the last 3 years, I have worked as a digital marketing assistant for another eco-minded business, The Green Way. During my tenure, I have generated over £.25mil revenue solely through my email marketing and paid advertising campaigns.</em></p>



<p><em>I believe my innovation and passion for marketing are a key driver behind my campaigns’ success, and I am now looking to achieve new levels of growth for a different company.</em></p>



<p><em>Although you are not actively hiring, I feel I am very aligned with Eco-future’s mission to reduce deforestation and therefore took the initiative to send you my CV.</em></p>



<p><em>I hope you consider my attached CV for any suitable job opportunities. I would be very grateful to discuss my skill set with you in-person.</em></p>



<p><em>Yours sincerely,</em></p>



<p><em>Carl Adamson</em></p>



<h2>Make the first move</h2>



<p>Sending speculative CVs is a great way to <strong><a href="https://blog.sonicjobs.net/where-can-i-apply-for-lots-of-jobs-quickly-sonicjobs/?id=571">speed up the job hunt process</a></strong>. It’s a way for you to create the opportunities you want, rather than settling for whatever’s out there. Just be sure to keep it as personal as possible by tailoring your CV and cover letter.</p>



<p><em>Ready to change your career? Apply from your phone with the </em><a href="http://www.sonicjobs.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong><em>SonicJobs</em></strong></a><em> app!</em></p>


What is a speculative job application? (With email example)


<p>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.</p>



<p>Check out these tips for finding a job when you’re unemployed.</p>



<h2>9 ways to get hired faster</h2>



<h3>1. Sign up for a free course</h3>



<p>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.</p>



<p>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!</p>



<h3>2. Update your CV</h3>



<p>Making sure your CV is in top shape is key to your employability. So be sure to <strong><a href="https://blog.sonicjobs.net/how-to-update-your-cv/?id=482">update your CV</a></strong> with all your latest skills and experiences. And don’t forget to check out our <strong><a href="https://blog.sonicjobs.net/how-to-write-a-cv-uk/?id=438">CV writing tips</a> </strong>to make your CV stand out &#8211; it’s worth the effort!</p>



<h3>3. Upload your CV to job sites</h3>



<p>Don’t hide. Make yourself visible. Publish your CV on<strong> <a href="https://blog.sonicjobs.net/what-are-the-best-job-platforms-sonicjobs/?id=736">job boards</a>. </strong>This way, recruiters can contact you if they like the look of your CV. This opens up more opportunities for you.</p>



<h3>4. Network&nbsp;</h3>



<p>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 &#8211; this is a great platform for career-driven professionals. You could also attend events and webinars to meet people in the industry.</p>



<h3>5. Tidy up your social media</h3>



<p>Always tidy up your social media when you’re job hunting. Make sure you remove any inappropriate pictures or comments. Around <a href="https://www.careerbuilder.com/advice/social-media-survey-2017" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>70%</strong></a> of employers WILL check your social media profiles out during the hiring process. So don’t let your social media hold you back.</p>



<h3>6. Volunteer&nbsp;</h3>



<p>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.</p>



<h3>7. Be flexible</h3>



<p>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 <a href="https://blog.sonicjobs.net/how-to-write-a-cv-personal-statement-with-examples/?id=1286"><strong>personal statement</strong></a>.</p>



<h3>8. Attach a cover letter</h3>



<p><strong><a href="https://blog.sonicjobs.net/what-to-include-in-a-cover-letter/?id=433">Cover letters</a></strong> 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.</p>



<h3>9. Use Smart Apply</h3>



<p>Getting a new job isn’t just about <em>what</em> you apply for. It’s also about <em>how</em> you apply. The Smart Apply feature on the <a href="http://www.sonicjobs.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>SonicJobs app</strong></a> 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!</p>



<p>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.</p>



<h2>Level up</h2>



<p>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.&nbsp;</p>



<p class="has-text-align-center"><em>Short on time? Apply for jobs from your phone with SonicJobs &#8211; it’s that simple!</em></p>


Unemployed? 9 ways to become more employable NOW


<p>So you’ve had your interview but haven’t heard anything back.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Now what?&nbsp;</p>



<p>Whether you’ve had a 1:1, <strong><a href="https://blog.sonicjobs.net/how-to-stand-out-in-a-group-interview/?id=1218">group</a></strong> or <strong><a href="https://blog.sonicjobs.net/how-to-nail-a-phone-interview/?id=1059">telephone interview</a></strong>, 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.</p>



<p>Use our guide to writing a follow-up email after your interview.</p>



<h2>How long after an interview should you follow up?</h2>



<p>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<strong> leave it a few days </strong>before sending your follow-up email.</p>



<h2>How to write a follow-up email after your interview</h2>



<h3>Write a clear subject line</h3>



<p>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.</p>



<p><strong>Examples</strong></p>



<ul><li><em>Re: Tom Smith interview update</em></li><li><em>Re: Jane Green, interview 12th August</em></li><li><em>Re: Ben Lowe, Sales Associate interview</em></li></ul>



<h3>Address the hiring manager by name</h3>



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



<h3>Recount the details&nbsp;</h3>



<p>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.</p>



<h3>Show them you’re still interested</h3>



<p>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.</p>



<h3>Clearly ask for an update</h3>



<p>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.</p>



<h3>Don’t show frustration</h3>



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



<h3>Keep it short</h3>



<p>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.</p>



<h3>Spellcheck</h3>



<p>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.</p>



<h2>Example interview follow-up email</h2>



<p><em>“Dear Sarah,</em></p>



<p><em>I hope you are well.</em></p>



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



<p><em>Many thanks for your time &#8211; I really love the look of the job and company. I also really enjoyed our little chat about interior design!</em></p>



<p><em>I’m just writing to see if you have managed to reach a decision about the role?</em></p>



<p><em>Many thanks again for the opportunity. I look forward to hearing from you soon.</em></p>



<p><em>Yours sincerely,</em></p>



<p><em>Alison Woods”</em></p>



<h2>Looking for a new role?</h2>



<p>If you’re looking for your next position, why not try the <a href="http://www.sonicjobs.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>SonicJobs</strong></a> 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!</p>


How to follow up after an interview


<p>Sabbatical leave. You’ll have heard of annual leave (everyone’s favourite). You’ll know about maternity and sick leave. But what is sabbatical leave? This term doesn’t get thrown around too often. But if you ask us, it’s certainly worth knowing about!&nbsp;</p>



<p>Today we’re answering your FAQs about sabbatical leave in the UK:</p>



<ul><li>What is sabbatical leave?</li><li>Why take a sabbatical?</li><li>Who is entitled to sabbatical leave?</li><li>Is sabbatical leave paid in the UK?</li><li>Sabbatical leave Vs career break</li><li>Can you work for someone else while on a sabbatical?</li><li>How to request sabbatical leave</li></ul>



<h2>What is the meaning of sabbatical leave?</h2>



<p>Sabbatical leave is an agreed period of time you’re allowed to ‘take off’ from work while remaining employed. Sabbatical leave is longer than your annual leave allowance. It can range anywhere from 1 month to 5 years. At the end of this period, you can continue working in your same job as you stay employed by your company.</p>



<h2>Why take a sabbatical?</h2>



<p>Employees take sabbaticals for different reasons. It could be for personal respite, academic learning or pursuing passions. Maybe they want to go volunteering. Or perhaps they want time to study for a new qualification. Or maybe they just want to spend more time doing the things they enjoy.</p>



<h2>Who is entitled to sabbatical leave?</h2>



<p>Not every company offers sabbatical leave. It depends entirely on your company and its policies. If your company does offer sabbatical leave, your length of service can influence how much time you’re allowed to take off. Generally speaking, the longer you’ve been with a company, the longer you can stay on sabbatical leave for.</p>



<h2>Is sabbatical leave paid in the UK?</h2>



<p>In the UK, sabbatical leave is generally unpaid. But you may get lucky and find a company that offers paid sabbatical leave. If that’s the case, they’ll usually pay you a percentage of your normal salary. But chances are your company will only offer unpaid sabbaticals, if any at all.</p>



<h2>Sabbatical leave vs career break</h2>



<p>So what’s the difference between sabbatical leave and career breaks? A career break is generally when you’ve quit your job to pursue other projects. Many companies don’t offer sabbatical leave. So that’s when some employees may choose to go on a <a href="https://blog.sonicjobs.net/should-you-have-a-break-between-jobs/?id=946"><strong>career break</strong></a> before finding a new job. At the end of their career break, they’ll need to find a new job. But on a sabbatical, your old job will still be waiting for you at the end of your break.</p>



<h2>Can you work for someone else while on a sabbatical?</h2>



<p>Most companies will forbid you from working for anyone else while on a sabbatical. That’s because you’re still technically employed by your company. So you’ll need to make sure you have your finances in check to support you during this time. If you decide to work during your sabbatical, you may lose your old job if the company finds out.</p>



<h2>How to request sabbatical leave</h2>



<p>Sabbatical leave isn’t the sort of thing you can request a couple of weeks in advance. You need to make it formal, like <a href="https://blog.sonicjobs.net/how-to-write-a-resignation-letter/?id=1129"><strong>writing a notice letter</strong></a>. You’ll usually need to request leave several months in advance. The more time you can give your employer, the better. This is because they’ll need time to consider your request and arrange a replacement. You may need to negotiate and compromise with your employer if they can’t meet your request.</p>



<p>When you’re ready to submit your request, it’s best to do this in writing to your manager.</p>



<h2>All work and no play?</h2>



<p>Sabbaticals can be a great option for many people. Got a bit of money in the bank? If your employer is willing to play ball, why not take a little time out?! This gives you time to explore other passions and learn new skills. Once you return to work, you’ll be feeling totally renewed and can (hopefully) <a href="https://blog.sonicjobs.net/should-you-enjoy-your-job-sonicjobs/?id=817"><strong>enjoy your job</strong></a> so much more!<br></p>



<p class="has-text-align-center"><em>Looking for your next career move? Download the </em><a href="http://www.sonicjobs.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em><strong>SonicJobs</strong></em></a><em> app to browse over half a million jobs!</em></p>


A complete guide to sabbatical leave in the UK


<p>When it comes to <strong><a href="https://blog.sonicjobs.net/how-to-write-a-cv-uk/?id=438">writing a standout CV</a></strong>, you need to put some thought into your hobbies section. Lots of people think the hobbies section is irrelevant. But actually, employers like to read your hobbies section to get a feel for your personality. So don’t overlook this part of your CV!</p>



<p>Today, we’re giving you the best examples of hobbies and interests for your CV.</p>



<h2>What are hobbies?</h2>



<p>Hobbies are the things you like to do in your free time. Usually, it’s the things you do for fun. Or just things that you’re really interested in. Some of the most common hobbies are sports, music and travel.</p>



<h2>Why include them?</h2>



<p>There’s a few reasons why you should include hobbies in your CV:</p>



<ul><li>Tells the interviewer about your personality</li><li>Makes your CV more interesting</li><li>Helps the interviewer decide if you’ll be a good cultural fit for the company</li><li>Make you stand out from others</li><li>Gives you an opportunity to show relevant skills</li><li>Can be a good conversation starter for your interview</li></ul>



<h2>How to write your hobbies on your CV</h2>



<ul><li><strong>Use a heading &#8211; </strong>always use a heading that clearly states ‘Hobbies’. This helps to keep the information easy to find and presentable!</li></ul>



<ul><li><strong>Use bullet points &#8211; </strong>don’t write about your hobbies in a long paragraph. Use short bullet points. This makes it easier for the interviewer to read.</li></ul>



<ul><li><strong>Choose two three &#8211; </strong>it’s best to include 2-3 hobbies on your CV. This will really give the interviewer a better taste of your personality.</li></ul>



<ul><li><strong>Be honest &#8211; </strong>never lie about your hobbies. Always pick things that really happen in your life.</li></ul>



<ul><li><strong>Include hobbies relevant to your role &#8211; </strong>where possible, include some hobbies that are relevant to the role you’re applying to. For example, it’s always good to include some competitive sports when you’re applying for sales positions.</li></ul>



<ul><li><strong>Give a bit of detail &#8211; </strong>don’t just list your hobbies in one word. Always give a bit of detail to bring the information to life and add more personality. It should be completely unique to you.</li></ul>



<ul><li><strong>Write them towards the bottom of your CV &#8211; </strong>place your hobbies at the bottom of your CV after your work experience. Hobbies are important, but your career history and <a href="https://blog.sonicjobs.net/what-are-skills-on-a-cv-sonicjobs/?id=534"><strong>CV skills</strong></a> are more important. </li></ul>



<h2>Best hobbies for your CV with examples</h2>



<h3>Sports</h3>



<p>Sports tell the interviewer that you’re a team player and competitive. This is great to include for jobs that require teamwork or sales positions.</p>



<p><em>“Football &#8211; playing football as a centre-back for a Sunday league team”</em></p>



<h3>Travel</h3>



<p>Travel shows you’re adventurous. It shows you&#8217;ve experienced different cultures. This will tell employers that you’re able to communicate with different people. This is particularly useful for customer-facing jobs, like in <strong><a href="https://blog.sonicjobs.net/the-ultimate-career-guide-to-working-in-hospitality-2022/?id=1259">hospitality</a></strong> or retail.</p>



<p><em>“Travel &#8211; previously spent 6 months solo backpacking in Asia”</em></p>



<h3>Reading</h3>



<p>Reading shows you’re intelligent. But always mention the kinds of books you like to read to make it more personal to you.</p>



<p><em>“Reading &#8211; enjoy reading personal development books that are motivational”</em></p>



<h3>Painting</h3>



<p>Painting shows you’re creative and artistic. Many painters have great imaginations.</p>



<p><em>“Painting &#8211; taught myself to use water-colours to paint landscapes”</em></p>



<h3>Music</h3>



<p>Music shows you have perseverance since it’s not easy to learn a new instrument.</p>



<p><em>“Music &#8211; self-taught guitarist writing my own songs since I was 15”</em></p>



<h3>Skincare</h3>



<p>Skincare shows you enjoy keeping up your appearance and looking after your body.</p>



<p><em>“Skincare &#8211; experimenting with skincare recipes to create my own products at home”</em></p>



<h3>Yoga</h3>



<p>Yoga tells the interviewer you’re a calm person who has developed a good level of mental strength.</p>



<p><em>“Yoga &#8211; attending yoga classes since 2015 and running my own blog with wellness tips”</em></p>



<h3>Photography</h3>



<p>Photography is for creative people and shows you have patience too.</p>



<p><em>“Photography &#8211; capturing photos of animals, like birds and foxes, in their natural habitats”</em></p>



<h2>Be you!</h2>



<p>Hobbies is the fun part of your CV where you get to showcase your personality. Just remember, the key is to keep them brief but detailed!&nbsp;</p>



<p class="has-text-align-center"><em>Looking for your next role? Apply for jobs from your phone with the </em><a href="http://www.sonicjobs.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong><em>SonicJobs</em></strong></a><em> app!</em></p>


The best hobbies and interests to put on your CV

The ultimate career guide to working in hospitality (2022)


<p>Companies often use group interviews to assess candidates in the early <strong><a href="https://blog.sonicjobs.net/five-answers-that-can-get-you-rejected-from-a-job-at-the-interview-stage/?id=117">stages of the interview process</a></strong>. They’re different to traditional 1:1 interviews. They allow employers to assess many different <strong><a href="https://blog.sonicjobs.net/what-are-hard-and-soft-skills/?id=1148">hard and soft skills</a></strong>. But because you’re interviewing with lots of other people, you need to take a different approach. </p>



<p>Follow our top group interview tips to make sure you make it through to the next round.</p>



<h2>8 PROVEN ways to ace your group interview</h2>



<h3>Look the part</h3>



<p>Looking the part is important for any interview. The interviewer should tell you what the dress code is. But if you’re ever in doubt, it’s always better to be overdressed than underdressed. So be sure to put <strong><a href="https://blog.sonicjobs.net/what-to-wear-to-an-interview/?id=1151">a great interview outfit</a> </strong>together. It also helps to wear a pop of colour to help you be more memorable.</p>



<h3>Don’t be shy</h3>



<p>Group interviews are no place to be shy. This doesn’t mean you need to steal the limelight at every opportunity. You still need to allow space for other people to have their say. But just make your presence known and get involved as much as possible. If the hiring managers ask for volunteers, put yourself forward. The worst thing you can do is try to blend in.</p>



<h3>Act like a leader</h3>



<p>Group interviews are a fantastic opportunity for you to set yourself apart as a leader. Hiring managers often look out for candidates who show strong leadership ability. So be ready for any opportunity to lead the rest of the group during certain tasks.</p>



<h3>Avoid groupthink</h3>



<p>Groupthink is when a group of people fall into a pattern of thinking the same way or agreeing with each other. When this happens, it’s because people aren’t thinking critically or just want to please the rest of the group. But it’s important to always think critically and question your own methods to get the best outcome.&nbsp;</p>



<h3>Take notes</h3>



<p>Throughout the group interview, you might receive presentations from the hiring managers. If this happens, be sure to note down any important details. You never know when these could come in handy later in the day.</p>



<h3>Be a problem-solver</h3>



<p>Don’t fall into the habit of just pointing out problems. If you’re going to point out a problem, be ready to follow it through with a solution.</p>



<h3>Show teamwork skills</h3>



<p>Teamwork is a big skill that gets assessed during group assessments. So be mindful of how you’re working with others. Make sure you listen to your team members and encourage them (even when things don’t go your way).</p>



<h3>Be a mood lifter</h3>



<p>Make sure you bring uplifting energy to the group interview. Group interviews can sometimes be a little awkward. And if it’s a full assessment day, it’s easy for energy levels to drop. Instead, make a conscious effort to bring bags of positive energy. Be the energy you want to attract!</p>



<h2>Embrace the room</h2>



<p>Group interviews can be daunting. But the best thing to do is embrace the day. Be yourself and let your confidence shine through.&nbsp;</p>



<p class="has-text-align-center"><em>Want to land more interviews? Apply for jobs from your phone on the </em><a href="http://www.sonicjobs.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong><em>SonicJobs</em></strong></a><em> app to speed up your job search!</em></p>


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8 practical mental health tips while job hunting

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What does a career in digital marketing look like?

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Unemployed? 9 ways to become more employable NOW

How to follow up after an interview

A complete guide to sabbatical leave in the UK

The best hobbies and interests to put on your CV

The ultimate career guide to working in hospitality (2022)

How to stand out in a group interview

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