
<p>With living costs rising, it’s no wonder the word ‘recession’ is on everybody’s lips. And recessions affect every part of your life &#8211; including your job hunt! During recessions, companies start hiring differently. They don’t have the budget to spend big bucks on endless hires. They tighten the purse strings. And they focus more on hiring people with a certain set of soft skills.&nbsp;</p>



<p>So with strong signs that a recession is on its way, it’s time to<strong> <a href="https://blog.sonicjobs.net/how-to-update-your-cv/?id=482">zhuzh up your CV</a></strong>. Here are  5 recession-proof <strong><a href="https://blog.sonicjobs.net/what-are-hard-and-soft-skills/?id=1148">soft skills</a></strong> to add to your CV.</p>



<ul><li>Resourcefulness</li><li>Flexibility</li><li>Quick learner</li><li>Negotiation</li><li>Resilience</li></ul>



<h2>5 CV skills for a recession</h2>



<h3>Resourcefulness</h3>



<p>Being resourceful is an absolute must during a recession. Recessions are times when businesses review everything they spend and use. So as an employee, it’s a great advantage if you take care not to waste company resources. And what’s better is if you can find ways to streamline the company through your out-of-the-box thinking!</p>



<h3>Flexibility</h3>



<p>When faced with a recession, company’s need employees that are flexible. That’s because businesses will usually have to make several changes to ensure their business survives the storm. So that means you need to be flexible with your working patterns. But you also need to be flexible with the work you do. If they need you to muck in in different parts of the business, you’d better be ready to roll your sleeves up!</p>



<h3>Quick learner</h3>



<p>Being able to pick up new skills quickly is a gift to all employers. They don’t want to spend lots of money on in-depth training or hiring someone new all the time. They need employees who can pick up skills quickly. To do this, you need to be sharp and a good listener. You need to have a keen eye for detail and ask questions as you go along.</p>



<h3>Negotiation</h3>



<p>What better skill to have during a recession than negotiation? This skill will come in handy if you’re applying for jobs in sales or management roles. It’s also useful for any job where you deal with clients or suppliers. When done right, you can negotiate better rates and save your company a small fortune. As a manager, you’ll also need strong negotiation skills for managing your staff with things like pay rise requests.</p>



<h3>Resilience</h3>



<p>Businesses go through ups and downs during recessions. And the stress of this often trickles down to the staff. It could mean losing clients, feeling more pressure, or having harder targets. So employers want to hire people who have a determined attitude. People who aren’t easily shaken by turbulence. You need to be able to roll with the punches and dust yourself off when you fall.</p>



<h2>How to include these skills on your CV?</h2>



<p>Don’t just list these skills on your CV. Think of examples of how you’ve used them in the workplace. And then include these examples and key words in your job duties.</p>



<h3>Resourcefulness example</h3>



<p><strong>“Administrator, Sept 2018 &#8211; present</strong></p>



<ul><li>Processing confidential client data in compliance with GDPR</li><li>Data entry for payroll processing</li><li>Using <strong>resourceful</strong> thinking to streamline processes and speed up processing times (shortened processing time by 20%)”</li></ul>



<h2>Rethink your CV</h2>



<p>Your CV should constantly evolve. As you develop new skills, <strong><a href="https://blog.sonicjobs.net/what-are-skills-on-a-cv-sonicjobs/?id=534">add these to your CV</a></strong>. When you apply for different jobs, tailor your CV to the job. When the economic climate takes a nosedive, rethink how you market yourself!</p>



<p class="has-text-align-center"><em>Short on time? Create a free CV in minutes on the </em><a href="http://www.sonicjobs.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong><em>SonicJobs</em></strong></a><em> app!</em></p>


5 recession-proof skills to add to your CV immediately!


<p>Your CV is your chance to sell yourself. But <strong><a href="https://blog.sonicjobs.net/how-to-write-a-cv-uk/?id=438">writing a standout CV</a></strong> is not a quick task. And hiring managers only look at your CV for around 6 seconds before moving on. Writing your <strong><a href="https://blog.sonicjobs.net/what-are-the-top-skills-that-employers-want/?id=1154">key skills</a> </strong>is one way to grab their attention<strong>. </strong>But you also need to put some thought into the words you use to describe yourself in your CV. And adjectives are the way to do that. When chosen carefully, adjectives can really help to sell yourself.</p>



<p>Let’s take a look at some good descriptive words for your CV.</p>



<h2>Best adjectives for your CV</h2>



<h3>Adjectives for sales CVs</h3>



<p>A sales CV should show you’re highly motivated and a self-starter. But sales isn’t for everyone. So employers want to know you have the drive and focus it takes to succeed in a tough industry.</p>



<ul><li>Self-starter</li><li>Motivated</li><li>Tenacious</li><li>Resilient</li><li>Target-driven</li><li>Independent</li><li>Thick-skinned</li><li>Bold</li><li>Disciplined</li><li>Charismatic</li><li>Persuasive</li></ul>



<h3>Adjectives for care worker CVs</h3>



<p>Carers work with the most vulnerable people in society. And it’s a job that comes with a lot of demands and pressures. So it’s important to show you’re not afraid of hard work. And that you have a compassionate heart.</p>



<ul><li>Compassionate</li><li>Caring</li><li>Friendly</li><li>Reliable</li><li>Genuine</li><li>Calm</li><li>Amiable</li><li>Supportive</li></ul>



<h3>Adjectives for IT CVs</h3>



<p>IT is a highly logical and analytical field. IT professionals need to be able to work with technical information. And they&nbsp; musn&#8217;t be afraid of solving a problem or two!</p>



<ul><li>Problem solving</li><li>Analytical</li><li>Logical</li><li>Outside the box thinker</li><li>Lateral thinker</li></ul>



<h3>Adjectives for customer service CVs</h3>



<p>Customer service reps are the face of the business. You’re the first port of call for customers. So you need to show you enjoy working with people. And your communication skills need to be top notch!</p>



<ul><li>Strong communicator</li><li>Sociable</li><li>Patient</li><li>Helpful</li><li>Clear</li><li>Organised</li></ul>



<h3>Adjectives for hospitality CVs</h3>



<p><strong>H<a href="https://blog.sonicjobs.net/the-ultimate-career-guide-to-working-in-hospitality-2022/?id=1259">ospitality</a></strong> is all about creating unforgettable experiences for people. The best hospitality workers are able to work under pressure and still keep their calm.</p>



<ul><li>Composed</li><li>Energetic</li><li>Flexible</li><li>Adaptable</li><li>Quick-paced</li><li>Accommodating</li><li>Vibrant</li><li>Cooperative</li></ul>



<h3>Adjectives for warehouse CVs</h3>



<p>Warehouse workers spend a lot of time working on their feet. They have strict processes to follow and must work as part of a team.&nbsp;</p>



<ul><li>Focused</li><li>Methodical</li><li>Logical</li><li>Practical</li><li>Hands-on</li><li>Pragmatic</li><li>Thorough</li><li>Dexterous</li></ul>



<h3>Adjectives for marketing CVs</h3>



<p>Marketing professionals have a huge role to play in helping companies to grow. In a fast-moving world, the best marketing professionals are always one step ahead of the game.</p>



<ul><li>Creative</li><li>Imaginative</li><li>Forward-thinking</li><li>Innovative</li><li>Analytical</li><li>Experimental</li><li>Bold</li><li>Resourceful</li><li>Perceptive</li><li>Quick-witted</li><li>Inquisitive</li></ul>



<h3>Adjectives for leadership</h3>



<p>Not everyone is born to be a leader. So employers look for certain leadership qualities. Leadership is about inspiring a team of people and getting everyone to work towards a common aim.</p>



<ul><li>Innovative</li><li>Dynamic</li><li>Accountable</li><li>Influential</li><li>Decisive</li><li>Accomplished</li><li>Inclusive</li><li>Strategic</li><li>Strong-willed</li><li>Relentless</li><li>Authentic</li><li>Inclusive</li></ul>



<h3>Adjectives for communication&nbsp;</h3>



<p>Everyone should include communication skills in their CV. Whether you work with customers or work as part of a team, great communication is key.</p>



<ul><li>Direct</li><li>Articulate</li><li>Assertive</li><li>Honest</li><li>Polite</li><li>Respectful</li><li>Personable</li></ul>



<h3>Adjectives for work ethic</h3>



<p>Always describe your work ethic in your CV. Employers want to know you’re committed to the job and will be reliable!</p>



<ul><li>Committed</li><li>Diligent</li><li>Passionate</li><li>Determined</li><li>Unrelenting</li><li>Focused</li><li>Dependable</li><li>Reliable</li></ul>



<h2>Does your CV need an ‘About me’ section?</h2>



<p>Every CV should have an ‘About Me’ section or a personal statement. This is 3-5 sentences at the top of your CV that describe 3 things:</p>



<ol><li>Who you are</li><li>Your experience</li><li>What you’re looking for</li></ol>



<p>Include key adjectives in your ‘About Me’ section. This is the first thing hiring managers will see, so keywords will help to catch their eye.</p>



<h2>Upload your CV!</h2>



<p><a href="http://www.sonicjobs.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>SonicJobs</strong></a> lets you upload your CV in an instant. It’s as easy as taking a picture of your CV! If you don’t have a CV yet, don’t worry! Using our CV building function, we’ll build you a free CV in minutes. </p>



<p class="has-text-align-center"><strong>Browse our app to start your job hunt today!</strong></p>


The best descriptive words to use in your CV


<p>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.</p>



<p>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?</p>



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



<h2>Is it illegal to lie on your CV?</h2>



<p>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!</p>



<p>This is because employers are offering you a salary based on the information you’ve provided. You can <strong><a href="https://blog.sonicjobs.net/how-to-write-a-cv-uk/?id=438">write the most amazing CV in the world</a></strong>. But if that information is false, you’ve committed fraud. </p>



<h2>Can you get sacked for lying on your CV?</h2>



<p>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 <strong><a href="https://blog.sonicjobs.net/what-to-include-in-a-cover-letter/?id=433">cover letter</a></strong>. If you lie on your cover letter, you face the same consequences.</p>



<p>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 <strong><a href="https://blog.sonicjobs.net/how-to-pass-your-probation-period-at-work/?id=1275">probation period</a></strong>, they can still dismiss you if you’re caught lying.</p>



<h2>How employers know you’re lying</h2>



<p>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.</p>



<h3>Reference checks</h3>



<p>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.</p>



<h3>Interview grilling</h3>



<p>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.</p>



<h3>Skills tests</h3>



<p>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.</p>



<h3>Requesting certificates</h3>



<p>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.</p>



<h3>CV errors</h3>



<p>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.</p>



<h3>Cross-referencing with LinkedIn and social media</h3>



<p>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.</p>



<h3>Monitoring your performance on the job</h3>



<p>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.</p>



<h2>The truth always comes out</h2>



<p>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.&nbsp;</p>



<p><em>Looking for a new job? Use the </em><a href="http://www.sonicjobs.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong><em>SonicJobs</em></strong></a><em> app to find a job in record time!</em></p>


Is it okay to lie on your CV?


<p>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 <strong><a href="https://blog.sonicjobs.net/how-to-write-a-cv-uk/?id=438">nailing the rest of your CV</a></strong>.</p>



<h2>What is a personal statement on a CV?</h2>



<p>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.</p>



<h2>Tips for writing a personal statement that stands out</h2>



<h3>Place it at the top of your CV</h3>



<p>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 ‘<em>Personal statement</em>’, ‘<em>Work experience</em>’ etc.</p>



<h3>Keep it short</h3>



<p>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.</p>



<h3>Don’t be generic</h3>



<p>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.</p>



<h3>Summarise your experience</h3>



<p>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.</p>



<h3>Talk about your career aims</h3>



<p>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.</p>



<h3>Use buzzwords from the job description</h3>



<p>The job description tells you <em>exactly</em> 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.</p>



<h3>Keep it formal</h3>



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



<h3>Don’t echo your cover letter</h3>



<p>If you’re including a <strong><a href="https://blog.sonicjobs.net/what-to-include-in-a-cover-letter/?id=433">cover letter</a></strong> with your application, don’t just copy and paste the text from there. Make sure your personal statement is totally original.</p>



<h2>Personal statement examples</h2>



<h3>Example 1: waiter/waitress role</h3>



<p>“<em>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.</em>”</p>



<h3>Example 2: sales role</h3>



<p>“<em>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.</em>”</p>



<h3>Example 3: carer role</h3>



<p>“<em>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.</em>”</p>



<h2>Ready for a new start?</h2>



<p>If you’re looking for a new job, <a href="http://www.sonicjobs.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>SonicJobs</strong></a> can help. With our free mobile app, you can apply for jobs on the go.</p>


How to write a CV personal statement (with examples)


<p>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.</p>



<p>Check out our list of transferable <strong><a href="https://blog.sonicjobs.net/what-are-skills-on-a-cv-sonicjobs/?id=534">skills for your CV</a></strong>.</p>



<ul><li>IT</li><li>Customer service</li><li>Problem-solving</li><li>Leadership</li><li>Critical thinking</li><li>Teamwork</li><li>Project management</li><li>Research</li><li>Delegation</li><li>Time management</li></ul>



<h2>Examples of transferable skills</h2>



<h3>IT</h3>



<p>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.</p>



<h3>Customer service</h3>



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



<h3>Problem-solving</h3>



<p>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.</p>



<h3>Leadership</h3>



<p>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.</p>



<h3>Critical thinking</h3>



<p>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.</p>



<h3>Teamwork</h3>



<p>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.</p>



<h3>Project management</h3>



<p>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.&nbsp;</p>



<h3>Research</h3>



<p>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.</p>



<h3>Delegation</h3>



<p>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.</p>



<h3>Time management</h3>



<p>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!</p>



<h2>You have a lot to offer!</h2>



<p>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!&nbsp;</p>



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


What are transferable skills?


<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


<p>Although job skills vary from role to role, there are always certain skills that every employer wants. These are transferable skills that can be used across many jobs. So if you’re looking for a new role, read on to find out how to impress any employer.</p>



<ul><li>Communication</li><li>Enthusiasm</li><li>Adaptability</li><li>Organisation</li><li>IT</li><li>Leadership</li><li>Initiative</li><li>Teamwork</li><li>Reliability</li><li>Self-motivation</li><li>Personal development</li><li>Critical thinking</li></ul>



<h2>How to demonstrate your skills</h2>



<p>There are a few different ways you can demonstrate these skills to employers:</p>



<ul><li><strong>Interviews </strong>&#8211; try using the <strong><a href="https://blog.sonicjobs.net/how-to-use-the-star-interview-technique/?id=1065">STAR method</a></strong> in interviews to demonstrate your skills</li><li><strong>CV </strong>&#8211; be sure to use keywords in your CV to make it pop</li><li><strong>Cover letter </strong>&#8211; <strong><a href="https://blog.sonicjobs.net/what-to-include-in-a-cover-letter/?id=433">write a cover letter</a></strong> to add more detail to your application</li><li><strong>References</strong> &#8211; provide a professional and character references who can vouch for you</li></ul>



<h2>12 transferable CV skills that never go out of fashion</h2>



<h3>Communication</h3>



<p>Having strong communication skills comes in handy for any job. Whether communicating with customers or colleagues, interpersonal skills are key to getting hired. This means listening as well as communicating your ideas clearly.</p>



<h3>Enthusiasm</h3>



<p>Employers want to hire people who’re excited about their mission. They don’t want people who are there purely for the money. You need to show passion about their products/services. You can show your enthusiasm when the interviewer asks ‘why do you want this job?’. Or you can also show your enthusiasm in your <strong><a href="https://blog.sonicjobs.net/how-to-end-a-cover-letter/?id=1119">cover letter</a></strong>.</p>



<h3>Adaptability</h3>



<p>Employers like staff to be flexible in their approach. This means being able to adapt to change. Companies always have moments where they need to change direction. This is only made possible if the right staff are in place! Words like ‘fast learner’ and ‘flexible’ will <strong><a href="https://blog.sonicjobs.net/how-to-write-a-cv-uk/?id=438">make your CV stand out</a></strong>.</p>



<h3>Organisation</h3>



<p>Organisation comes in handy with any type of role. It’s also key to the success of any business. So if a company’s employees are unorganised, you can guarantee this will have a knock-on effect. Good examples of organisation are filing, planning and attention to detail.</p>



<h3>IT</h3>



<p>Most jobs always need basic IT skills. This can include word processing, using emails, and using programs like Excel and Word. Some jobs may need you to have more advanced IT skills. Be sure to highlight these skills on your CV.</p>



<h3>Leadership</h3>



<p>Leadership skills are a great asset. This means leading by example and inspiring others to do the same. Companies are always on the lookout for new leaders. These are the people who are going to push the company into new phases of growth.&nbsp;</p>



<h3>Initiative</h3>



<p>It doesn’t matter what job you’re applying for, initiative is a must. You can’t always depend on asking your manager for every query.&nbsp; You need to show you can think for yourself. If you notice something inefficient, find a better solution. Problem-solving is a great example of initiative. You can also show initiative by suggesting new ideas.</p>



<h3>Teamwork</h3>



<p>Every hiring manager wants to know you can work as part of a team. You’ll always have to work alongside colleagues. So every employer will see teamwork as an asset. Examples of teamwork include collaboration, project work and encouraging others.</p>



<h3>Reliability</h3>



<p>One of the biggest skills employers look for is reliability. They want to know you’ll turn up to work on time everyday. They need to have confidence that you’ll pour everything into your job. Examples of reliability are time-keeping, honesty and sticking to deadlines.</p>



<h3>Self-motivation</h3>



<p>It’s important to show employers you’re a proactive type of person. You want them to see you’re a go-getter. They don’t want to hire lazy employees. This will ultimately slow the business operation down and lead to errors. Good CV skills are goal-setting, using a daily planner and task management.</p>



<h3>Personal development</h3>



<p>Being committed to your own personal development is always a great thing. Employers love staff that are open to feedback. You need to be passionate about developing your skills. And that sometimes means accepting negative feedback.</p>



<h3>Critical thinking</h3>



<p>Critical thinking is an advantage for any company. Companies can only evolve if people think critically. That means thinking outside the box and looking at things differently. Use words like ‘analytical’ and ‘problem-solving’ to show you’re a critical thinker.</p>



<h2>Tap into your potential</h2>



<p>It doesn’t matter what job you’re looking for. If you can demonstrate these skills in your interview, the employer will be impressed! Of course, you may need to demonstrate other skills specific to the role. But showing these skills will get you off to a flying start.</p>



<p class="has-text-align-center"><strong><em>Ready for a new role? With </em></strong><a href="http://www.sonicjobs.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong><em>SonicJobs</em></strong></a><strong><em>, you can tap once to apply for any role. Get applying today!</em></strong></p>


What are the top skills that employers want?


<p>When it comes to job hunting, you need to know what the difference is between hard and soft skills. You also need to know  which ones you have to offer. Employers will often have a set criteria of skills they’re looking for in the right candidate. And this will be a balance of both hard and soft skills. Sure, they&#8217;ll review these <a href="https://blog.sonicjobs.net/what-are-skills-on-a-cv-sonicjobs/?id=534"><strong>skills in your CV</strong></a>. But they&#8217;ll also assess these skills during the interview.</p>



<h2><strong>What’s the difference between hard skills vs soft skills?</strong></h2>



<p>Hard skills are tangible skills that are easy to quantify and assess. Examples of hard skills are using Excel, customer service and marketing. But soft skills relate to your characteristics and behaviours and aren’t as easy to assess. Examples of soft skills are organisation, leadership and teamwork.</p>



<h2><strong>5 ways to showcase your skills to employers</strong></h2>



<p>There are different ways you can show your skills to employers. But don’t just pick one of these methods. You should use a combination to get the best results:</p>



<ul><li><strong>Portfolio</strong> &#8211; Create a portfolio to show technical ability</li></ul>



<ul><li><strong>CV </strong>&#8211; List skills in your CV</li></ul>



<ul><li><strong>Cover letter </strong>&#8211; Detail achievements in your <strong><a href="https://blog.sonicjobs.net/what-to-include-in-a-cover-letter/?id=433">cover letter</a></strong></li></ul>



<ul><li><strong>The STAR method </strong>&#8211; Give examples using the <strong><a href="https://blog.sonicjobs.net/how-to-use-the-star-interview-technique/?id=1065">STAR method</a></strong> in an interview. This is particularly useful for competency-based interviews!</li></ul>



<ul><li><strong>Interview </strong>&#8211; Show soft skills throughout the interview</li></ul>



<h2><strong>Hard skills examples</strong></h2>



<h3><strong>Marketing hard skills</strong></h3>



<p>Paid advertising</p>



<p>Social media management</p>



<p>Branding</p>



<p>SEO</p>



<h3><strong>Engineering</strong></h3>



<p>Project management</p>



<p>Mechanical skills</p>



<p>Maths</p>



<p>Welding</p>



<h3><strong>Admin</strong></h3>



<p>Microsoft excel</p>



<p>Purchasing supplies</p>



<p>Using filing systems</p>



<p>Payroll</p>



<h3><strong>Accounting</strong></h3>



<p>Balancing accounts</p>



<p>Producing financial statements</p>



<p>Implementing accounting controls</p>



<p>Using software like Xero, QuickBooks</p>



<p>Debtor chasing</p>



<p>Knowledge of tax legislation</p>



<h2><strong>Soft skills examples</strong></h2>



<h3><strong>Marketing soft skills</strong></h3>



<p>Creativity</p>



<p>Teamwork</p>



<p>Initiative</p>



<p>Adaptability</p>



<p>Analytical</p>



<h3><strong>Engineering</strong></h3>



<p>Problem-solving</p>



<p>Forward thinking</p>



<p>Organisation</p>



<p>Critical thinking</p>



<h3><strong>Admin</strong></h3>



<p>Teamwork</p>



<p>Communication</p>



<p>Organisation</p>



<p>Attention to detail</p>



<p>Prioritisation</p>



<h3><strong>Accounting</strong></h3>



<p>Organisation</p>



<p>Attention to detail</p>



<p>Analytical</p>



<p>Time management</p>



<h2><strong>How to develop your professional skills</strong></h2>



<p>You should always be looking for ways to improve your skills throughout your career. Here are a few ways to develop your skillset:</p>



<ul><li>Asking your current employer for more responsibilities</li></ul>



<ul><li>Shadow other colleagues to learn from them</li></ul>



<ul><li>Complete a course</li></ul>



<ul><li>Gain a new qualification</li></ul>



<ul><li>Request training</li></ul>



<ul><li>Offer help to your colleagues</li></ul>



<h2><strong>How do employers assess your skills?</strong></h2>



<p>Employers use different techniques to assess your skills. Before your interview, find out as much information as possible about the interview style. You don’t want any surprises!</p>



<ul><li>1:1 interviews</li></ul>



<ul><li>Group interviews</li></ul>



<ul><li>Competency-based questions</li></ul>



<ul><li>Role-play</li></ul>



<ul><li>Trial shifts</li></ul>



<ul><li>Psychometric tests</li></ul>



<ul><li>References</li></ul>



<ul><li>Practical exams</li></ul>



<ul><li>Probation periods</li></ul>



<h2><strong><em>It’s a balancing act</em></strong></h2>



<p>Always remember that it’s never just about one or the other. The best job applicants are those that understand they need a good balance of skills. Not only do they need technical ability, but they also recognise they need the right soft skills too. So when doing your interview prep, always keep both types of skills in mind!</p>



<p class="has-text-align-center"><em>Ready to find a new career? Use the</em><a href="http://www.sonicjobs.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em> </em><strong><em>SonicJobs</em></strong></a><em> app to manage all your applications from your phone!</em></p>


What are hard and soft skills?


<p>The age-old question for jobseekers is this: <strong>How long should a CV be? </strong>It’s an important question to ask. If you get this wrong, you risk your job applications ending up in the ‘rejected’ pile.</p>



<ul><li>Should your CV be 1 or 2 pages long?</li><li>What skills should you put on your CV?</li><li>Tips for keeping your CV short</li></ul>



<h2>Should your CV be 1 or 2 pages long?</h2>



<p>The best length for a CV is 2 pages &#8211; no longer, no shorter. If your CV ends up being longer than 2 pages, the hiring manager is more likely to feel overwhelmed by the amount of information, and struggle to find the relevant details. On the other hand, if your CV is only 1 page long, chances are you’ve not included enough detail to entice the employer to offer you an interview.</p>



<h2>What skills should you put on your CV?</h2>



<p>It can be tempting to input ALL your skills onto your CV. But you are limited on space so you need to be selective and focus on the <strong><a href="https://blog.sonicjobs.net/what-are-skills-on-a-cv-sonicjobs/?id=534">most important CV skills</a></strong>. Each CV you submit will vary depending on the job you’re applying for but the key is to focus on the most important skills the employer is looking for, and include those skills on your CV.&nbsp;</p>



<p>For example, if an employer is looking for someone with excellent organisational and administrative skills, focus on detailing all the ways you practised these skills in your past jobs.</p>



<h2>Tips for keeping your CV short</h2>



<h3>Use bullet points</h3>



<p>Bullet points are an essential part of a successful CV. Steer clear of writing long paragraphs to describe your previous work experience. Instead, write 2-5 short bullet points to describe your work experience.</p>



<h3>Be selective</h3>



<p>Be selective about the jobs you include on your CV. As a general rule of thumb, you don’t need to include any job roles from more than 10 years ago. Equally, you don’t need to include those weekend jobs you had when you were 16 if it’s not relevant to the role you’re applying for.&nbsp;</p>



<h3>Don’t include references</h3>



<p>Many jobseekers think they need to include their references on their CV. But this isn’t true! You can remove your references. If an employer wants to carry out a reference check, they’ll simply ask you to provide those details. You don’t even need to include the phrase: ‘<em>References can be provided upon request</em>.’ This is a given!</p>



<h3>Use the right font size</h3>



<p>If you use a font that’s too big, it won’t be long before your CV is 5 or 6 pages long! Equally, if it’s too small, it will be too difficult for the hiring manager to read and will end up straight in the rejected pile. Use a size 12 font for the body of the text, and use 13 or 14 for headings, but be sure to put any headings in bold too.</p>



<h3>Avoid repetition</h3>



<p>Look for places in your CV where you’re repeating yourself. Perhaps you’ve talked about one skill multiple times, when it’s only necessary to talk about it once or twice. Or maybe you’re saying the same thing in several different ways. For example, saying you’re ‘highly motivated’ is fine, but then continuing to say you’re a ‘self-starter’ who is ‘driven’ is just repeating yourself unnecessarily.</p>



<h2>Short but not too short</h2>



<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>, it’s best to keep it short and sweet. But remember not to go so short that it’s only 1 page as this probably won’t get you very far! Get cracking and good luck!</p>


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5 recession-proof skills to add to your CV immediately!

5 recession-proof skills to add to your CV immediately!

The best descriptive words to use in your CV

Is it okay to lie on your CV?

How to write a CV personal statement (with examples)

What are transferable skills?

The best hobbies and interests to put on your CV

What are the top skills that employers want?

What are hard and soft skills?

How long should a CV be?

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Browse by category

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5 recession-proof skills to add to your CV immediately!

5 recession-proof skills to add to your CV immediately!

The best descriptive words to use in your CV

Is it okay to lie on your CV?

How to write a CV personal statement (with examples)

What are transferable skills?

The best hobbies and interests to put on your CV

What are the top skills that employers want?

What are hard and soft skills?

How long should a CV be?

SonicJobs

Your next career move. Sorted.

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