
<p>Companies usually ask for references as part of the <a href="https://blog.sonicjobs.net/how-do-i-apply-for-a-job-sonicjobs/?id=756"><strong>job application process</strong></a>. Although they interview you, they also like to get professional recommendations. It helps them form a more rounded opinion of you. The most common people for references are old bosses.</p>



<p>But what do you do if you don’t have an old boss or you can’t get in touch with them? Is it possible to get a job without references?</p>



<p>Here’s what you’ll find in today’s blog:</p>



<ul><li>Why do employers ask for references?</li><li>How to get a job without references</li><li>Can an employer give a bad reference?</li><li>What to do if you’re given an unfair reference</li></ul>



<h2>Why do employers ask for references?</h2>



<h3>To validate your CV details</h3>



<p>Employers need to check that your CV is accurate. Some people have been known to make up a few details in their CV. So employers need to know they’re getting the whole truth from your CV. This can be validating your dates of employment, job titles and <strong><a href="https://blog.sonicjobs.net/what-are-skills-on-a-cv-sonicjobs/?id=534">CV skills</a></strong>.</p>



<h3>To check your work ethic</h3>



<p>One of the things employers want to know is if you have a strong work ethic. Old employers can vouch for your work ethic and punctuality.&nbsp;</p>



<h3>To verify your skills</h3>



<p>References can talk about the skills you have. That includes both <strong><a href="https://blog.sonicjobs.net/what-are-hard-and-soft-skills/?id=1148">soft skills and hard skills</a></strong>. This could be about leadership, teamwork, communication or technical ability.</p>



<h2>How to get a job without references</h2>



<h3>If you’ve never had a job…</h3>



<p>If you can’t get a professional reference from an old boss, it’s time to think creatively. You can always use an old colleague, mentor, sports coach or teacher as a reference. These people can still vouch for your work ethic and character.</p>



<h3>If your old boss has left the company…</h3>



<p>If you worked at a company where your old boss has left, the HR department should still be able to provide a reference. Their reference won’t be so much about your character. It will be more factual since they probably didn’t know you personally. HR can provide a reference to confirm the following:</p>



<ul><li>Dates of employment</li><li>Job title</li><li>Salary</li><li>Whether you had any disciplinaries</li><li>Whether you were dismissed</li></ul>



<h3>If you still can’t find a reference…</h3>



<p>Once you’ve tried everything you can to find a reference, it’s important to let the hiring manager know if you’re struggling. Explain why you can’t find a reference. Let them know how much you want the job and propose a solution:</p>



<ul><li>An extended probation period</li><li>Carry out a trial shift</li><li>An different solution of their choice</li></ul>



<h2>Can an employer give a bad reference?</h2>



<p>Most people believe employers can’t give a bad reference. But this isn’t true. Employers can give you a negative reference. But employers must be fair and accurate when giving a negative reference. Employers have to be able to back up any negative references with proof, like warning letters or disciplinaries.</p>



<h2>What to do if you’re given an unfair reference</h2>



<p>If you feel your reference was unfair or inaccurate, you can claim damages in court. This is most common where a job offer has been retracted as a result of a negative reference. Visit the <a href="https://www.gov.uk/work-reference" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>government website</strong></a> for more information.</p>



<h2>All is not lost</h2>



<p>Don’t panic if you don’t have a reference. The hiring manager may still be open to hiring you if they have a good feeling about your work ethic. The most important thing is to reassure them that you really want the position. In many cases, hiring managers will make an exception and overlook the fact you don’t have a reference.</p>



<p class="has-text-align-center"><em>Ready to land a new job in record time? 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 on the go!</em></p>


What to do when you don’t have any references for a job


<p>Been <strong><a href="https://blog.sonicjobs.net/is-an-apprenticeship-right-for-me/?id=1157">thinking about doing an apprenticeship</a></strong>? Not sure what’s out there? These days, you can find an apprenticeship for pretty much any job! There are only a few <strong><a href="https://blog.sonicjobs.net/what-jobs-do-you-need-a-degree-for-sonicjobs/?id=652">jobs that need a degree</a></strong>. </p>



<p>Apprenticeships grow more popular every year. And with good reason. It’s a great way to earn while you learn. Not everybody wants to go down the university or college route. Apprenticeships give you an alternative. They teach you the skills and give you hands-on experience.</p>



<p>There are lots of different kinds of apprenticeships. It’s not just engineering and electrician apprenticeships. In today’s blog, we’ll cover the main types of apprenticeships.</p>



<h2>Apprenticeship industries</h2>



<h3>Agriculture, horticulture and animal care</h3>



<p>This category includes:</p>



<ul><li>Veterinary medicine</li><li>Environmental conservation</li><li>Animal training</li><li>Arboristry</li><li>Pet care and grooming</li><li>Ecology</li><li>Floristry</li><li>Landscape gardening</li><li>Pest control</li><li>Sustainability</li></ul>



<h3>Business and administration</h3>



<ul><li>Project management</li><li>Sales</li><li>Management</li><li>Conveyancing</li><li>Data protection</li><li>HR</li><li>Internal audit</li><li>Paralegal</li><li>Solicitor</li></ul>



<h3>Construction</h3>



<ul><li>Architecture</li><li>Bricklaying</li><li>Building services engineering</li><li>Carpentry</li><li>Civil engineering</li><li>Plastering</li><li>Plumbing and heating</li><li>Electrics</li><li>Tiling</li><li>Welding</li></ul>



<h3>Creative, media and the arts</h3>



<ul><li>Advertising&nbsp;</li><li>Art therapy</li><li>Broadcasting</li><li>Content production</li><li>Dance</li><li>Fashion</li><li>Journalism</li><li>Marketing</li><li>PR</li><li>Silversmithing</li><li>Sound engineering</li><li>Storyboarding</li></ul>



<h3>Financial services</h3>



<ul><li>Accounting</li><li>Actuaries</li><li>Bookkeeping</li><li>Compliance and risk management</li><li>Credit controller</li><li>Financial advice</li><li>Mortgages</li><li>Payroll</li><li>Pensions&nbsp;</li></ul>



<h3>ICT</h3>



<ul><li>Artificial intelligence</li><li>Cyber security</li><li>Data science</li><li>Network engineering</li><li>Software development</li><li>Software testing</li><li>Programming</li></ul>



<h3>Hair and beauty</h3>



<ul><li>Beauty therapy</li><li>Hairdressing</li><li>Holistic therapy</li><li>Makeup artistry</li><li>Nail services</li></ul>



<h3>Hospitality and travel</h3>



<ul><li>Baking</li><li>Chefing</li><li>Commercial catering</li><li>Event planning</li><li>Hospitality management</li><li>Hotel management</li><li>Travel consultancy</li></ul>



<h3>Education and training</h3>



<ul><li>Teaching</li><li>Nursery care</li><li>SEN</li><li>Learning mentor</li><li>Youth work</li></ul>



<h2>What are the best paid apprenticeships?</h2>



<p>All apprenticeships are paid. But the pay will vary depending on your age, level and type of apprenticeship.</p>



<p>Here are the salaries for some of the best paid apprenticeships:</p>



<ul><li>Management apprenticeship &#8211; £26,325 per year</li><li>Engineering apprenticeship &#8211; £23,199</li><li>Electrician apprenticeship &#8211; £17,304</li></ul>



<h2>Which apprenticeship is right for you?</h2>



<p>Deciding on the right apprenticeship is no easy task. But you shouldn’t base your decision just on money. Think about what you enjoy and what you can see yourself doing for a career. Here are some career questions to get you going:</p>



<ul><li>Do you enjoy working on computers?</li><li>Do you want to be sat in an office?</li><li>Are you a practical person who enjoys using their hands?</li><li>Would you like to work in a customer-facing role?</li><li>What are your strengths?</li></ul>



<h2>Earn while you learn</h2>



<p>Apprenticeships are a fantastic way to earn a living while gaining skills. Instead of spending 3-5 years in a classroom, you gain real life experience.&nbsp;<br></p>



<p class="has-text-align-center"><em>Looking for a job but no experience? Browse thousands of </em><strong><em><a href="https://blog.sonicjobs.net/what-jobs-dont-need-experience-sonicjobs/?id=840">zero experience jobs</a></em></strong><em> on the </em><a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="http://www.sonicjobs.com/" target="_blank"><strong><em>SonicJobs</em></strong></a><em> app today!</em></p>


What are the most popular apprenticeships?


<p>Apprenticeships are a popular choice in the UK. In 2019/2020, there were <a href="https://researchbriefings.files.parliament.uk/documents/SN06113/SN06113.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">719,000</a> apprentices in England. But it’s not always easy deciding if an apprenticeship is right for you. You need to think ahead and decide what you want to do in life. And what’s the best route to get you there? <a href="https://blog.sonicjobs.net/do-i-need-to-go-to-university-to-get-a-good-job/?id=231"><strong>Should you go to university instead</strong>?</a> Can you get the job you want without a degree? This is no easy task. And the answer will be completely unique to each individual.&nbsp;</p>



<p>In today’s blog, we’re talking everything apprenticeship. Let’s jump right in!</p>



<h2>What are apprenticeships?</h2>



<p>Apprenticeships are set periods of time where you enroll onto a course of study. But unlike regular study, you also work in the field at the same time. This allows you to earn while you learn. And you gain hands-on experience, developing your skills. Most apprenticeships last 12 months or more. But they can last up to four years depending on your area of study.</p>



<p>There are 4 different levels of apprenticeships: <strong>intermediate, advanced, higher and degree level.</strong></p>



<h3>Intermediate level (Level 2)</h3>



<p>Intermediate apprenticeships are equal to 5 GCSEs grades A to C. The qualification could be an NVQ level 2 or a BTEC. Once completed, you can move onto the advanced level.</p>



<h3>Advanced (Level 3)</h3>



<p>If you already have 5 GCSEs grades A-C, you can jump straight into the advanced level. You’ll receive an NVQ level 3 or a BTEC qualification. Once completed, you’ll have the equivalent of 2 A levels.</p>



<h3>Higher (Levels 4 and 5)</h3>



<p>Higher apprenticeships take your skills even further. Once completed, you’ll receive either an NVQ level 4 , a foundation degree, a diploma or a HNC.&nbsp;</p>



<h3>Degree (Levels 6 and 7)</h3>



<p>There are <a href="https://blog.sonicjobs.net/what-jobs-do-you-need-a-degree-for-sonicjobs/?id=652"><strong>jobs that require you to have a degree</strong> </a>or equal. Degree level apprenticeships combine university study with work. This allows you to gain hands-on experience while learning. The government or your employer pays for the cost.</p>



<h2>Who can do an apprenticeship?</h2>



<p>Anybody can enroll onto an apprenticeship so long as you’re not in full-time study. There’s no age limit. In 2019,<a href="https://researchbriefings.files.parliament.uk/documents/SN06113/SN06113.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> <strong>47%</strong></a> of new apprentices were age 24 or over. The only requirement is that you’re at least 16 years old. If you’re aged between 16-18, the government will fund your apprenticeship. If you’re over 18, you may need to pay for part (or all) of your apprenticeship. But it’s also possible to find an employer who will fund part (or all) of your qualification.</p>



<h2>Types of apprenticeships</h2>



<p>People tend to think apprenticeships are just for blue collar work. But these days, there’s an apprenticeship for pretty much anything!</p>



<ul><li>Agriculture, horticulture and animal care</li><li>Arts, media and publishing</li><li>Business, administration and law</li><li>Construction, planning and the built environment</li><li>Digital</li><li>Education and training</li><li>Engineering and manufacturing technologies</li><li>Hair and beauty</li><li>Health, public services and care</li><li>Information and communication technology</li><li>Leisure, travel and tourism</li><li>Retail and commercial enterprise</li><li>Science and mathematics</li><li>Transport and logistics</li></ul>



<h2>How much do you earn?</h2>



<p>The apprenticeship wage varies depending on your age. You’ll be entitled to a minimum wage, but many employers pay above the minimum.</p>



<p>If you’re aged<strong> 16-18</strong>, the national minimum wage for apprentices is currently <strong>£4.81</strong> per hour.&nbsp;</p>



<p>If you’re aged 19 or over and in your first year of apprenticeship, you’re entitled to the national minimum wage for apprentices of<strong> £4.81</strong> per hour.</p>



<p>If you’re aged 19 or over and in your second year of apprenticeship, you’re entitled to full <a href="https://www.gov.uk/national-minimum-wage-rates" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>national minimum wage</strong></a><strong>.</strong></p>



<p><strong>Think the wage sounds low? Just remember, many employers choose to pay above the minimum wage!</strong></p>



<h2>Ready to earn while you learn?</h2>



<p>Apprenticeships are a great alternative for many reasons. If you don’t want to pay the cost of university tuition fees, an apprenticeship could be a great route. And hey, heavy study isn&#8217;t for everyone. If you learn best through doing, apprenticeships are a fantastic route! One of the best places to find apprenticeships is on the<a href="https://www.apprenticeships.gov.uk/apprentices/browse-apprenticeships" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> <strong>government website</strong></a>.</p>



<p class="has-text-align-center"><em>Want to browse </em><strong><em><a href="https://blog.sonicjobs.net/what-jobs-dont-need-experience-sonicjobs/?id=840">zero experience jobs</a></em></strong><em>? Search for junior roles on your phone on the </em><a href="http://www.sonicjobs.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em><strong>SonicJobs</strong></em></a><em> app!</em></p>


Is an apprenticeship right for me?


<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>Every year, almost 200,000 people move to London. And we can’t blame them. It’s The Big Smoke &#8211; the land where possibilities are endless. From theatre to finance, London has it all.</p>



<p>But landing a job in London isn’t always the easiest task. There’s fierce competition in the capital. So sometimes<a href="https://blog.sonicjobs.net/where-can-i-apply-for-lots-of-jobs-quickly-sonicjobs/?id=571"> <strong>finding a job quickly</strong></a> can actually take some time.</p>



<p>To help you on your way, here are 6 of the most in-demand jobs in London.</p>



<ul><li>Hospitality worker</li><li>Driver</li><li>Carer</li><li>Nurse</li><li>Software developer</li><li>Digital marketing executive</li></ul>



<h2>6 jobs in London that need staff NOW</h2>



<h3>Hospitality worker &#8211; £29,000 average salary</h3>



<p>From restaurant staff to event workers, there’s no better place to work in hospitality than in London. This is where the industry is booming. Whether you want to work front of house or tucked away in the kitchen, there are lots of opportunities to choose from. And many of the<a href="https://blog.sonicjobs.net/what-jobs-dont-need-experience-sonicjobs/?id=840"> <strong>jobs don’t require any experience</strong></a>. Let&#8217;s not forget the best bit&#8230; The tips! So long as you’re prepared to work unsocial hours and weekends, you should<a href="https://blog.sonicjobs.net/how-do-you-find-a-job-in-hospitality-sonicjobs/?id=865"> <strong>find a job in hospitality</strong></a> in no time at all.</p>



<h4>Key skills</h4>



<ul><li>Communication</li><li>Working under pressure</li><li>Customer service</li></ul>



<h3>Driver &#8211; £29,000 average salary</h3>



<p>Drivers are hot in demand right now with online shopping at an all time high. So long as you have a licence, you can get to work as a multi-drop delivery driver for companies like DPD and Hermes. As a full-time driver in London, you can expect to be earning anywhere between £23,784 and £37,500.</p>



<h4>Key skills</h4>



<ul><li>Organisation</li><li>Admin</li><li>Reliability</li><li>Customer service</li><li>Initiative</li></ul>



<h3>Care worker &#8211; £23,000 average salary</h3>



<p>Carer workers are in demand across the UK, not just in London. As a care worker, you can expect to be travelling to clients’ houses. You&#8217;ll help them with their day to day tasks like dressing, cleaning and eating. You may also need to run errands like shopping or picking up medication. Whether full-time or part-time, care companies tend to be quite flexible. So you can work around your own schedule.</p>



<h4>Key skills</h4>



<ul><li>Good listener</li><li>Communication</li><li>Reliability</li><li>Caring</li></ul>



<h3>Nurse &#8211; £31,787 average salary</h3>



<p>Hospitals in London are calling out for registered nurses.&nbsp; The city is still trying to overcome its backlog of patient treatments. Healthcare has always been an understaffed area. So if you’ve got the right qualifications, you can be sure to find a nursing job in London.</p>



<h4>Key skills</h4>



<ul><li>Working under pressure</li><li>Caring</li><li>Reliability</li><li>Nursing qualification</li></ul>



<h3>Software developer &#8211; £62,500 average salary</h3>



<p>Software developers can always find a job in London. As companies continue to innovate, the possibilities are endless. All you need is a software development background. Even if you have no experience,&nbsp; that&#8217;s okay. Anyone with a software development qualification should find graduate jobs in London.</p>



<h4>Key skills</h4>



<ul><li>Critical thinking</li><li>Problem-solving</li><li>Attention to detail</li><li>Computer languages</li><li>Computing qualification</li></ul>



<h3>Digital marketing executive &#8211; £32,500 average salary</h3>



<p>If you’re a social media whizz with a creative eye, you could find yourself very in demand. London&#8217;s digital marketing scene is buzzing. The quality of digital marketing is evolving rapidly. So companies will pay big bucks to marketing whizzes that can produce results. Don&#8217;t worry if you lack experience. Display the right qualities and you’ll be able to climb the ladder from a junior digital marketing role.</p>



<h4>Key skills</h4>



<ul><li>Creativity</li><li>Results-driven</li><li>Technical and analytical ability</li><li>SEO, social media, paid ads</li></ul>



<h2>London’s calling</h2>



<p>Feeling the call to London? Let <a href="http://www.sonicjobs.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>SonicJobs</strong></a> help you! Using our app, you’ll be able to find full-time and part-time jobs in London based on your location. And the best part is that you only need to tap once to apply! Let’s go!</p>


The most in-demand jobs in London


<p>If you’re reading this blog, you’ve probably reached a point in your career where you’re yearning to switch lanes. It&#8217;s time to <a href="https://blog.sonicjobs.net/how-do-you-know-if-a-career-is-right-for-you-sonicjobs/?id=599"><strong>take on a new career</strong></a>. But if you’ve not got any relevant experience, you can be left feeling stuck in the mud. Most job adverts seem to want someone who’s experienced, so how can you overcome this challenge?<br>Here are our tips for making a career change when you’re lacking experience:</p>



<ul><li>Leverage your current role</li></ul>



<ul><li>Start out as a trainee</li></ul>



<ul><li>Take a course</li></ul>



<ul><li>Attend webinars/events</li></ul>



<ul><li>Focus on your transferable skills</li></ul>



<ul><li>Volunteer</li></ul>



<ul><li>Build a portfolio</li></ul>



<ul><li>Network</li></ul>



<ul><li>Tell your story</li></ul>



<h2>9 tips for changing careers when you lack experience</h2>



<h3>1. Leverage your current role</h3>



<p>To gain more experience, your current role should be your first port of call. Once you’ve decided on the direction you want to take, identify all the skills employers want. Then seek out ways to build on those skills in your current job. This will likely mean asking your manager if you can take on some new responsibilities. Examples of skills could be:</p>



<ul><li>Mentoring</li></ul>



<ul><li>Marketing</li></ul>



<ul><li>Project management</li></ul>



<ul><li>Process improvements</li></ul>



<ul><li>Data entry</li></ul>



<h3>2. Start out as a trainee</h3>



<p>Sometimes you may need to start out as a trainee in a new career and work your way up. If most employers are looking for someone with experience, try searching for junior positions instead. That way, you’ll be able to find a <a href="https://blog.sonicjobs.net/what-jobs-dont-need-experience-sonicjobs/?id=840"><strong>job that doesn’t require any experience</strong></a> and will provide full training.</p>



<h3>3. Take a course</h3>



<p>The internet is full of free and inexpensive courses. No matter what career you’re interested in, there will be short courses you can take. They don&#8217;t have to turn you into an expert, but it shows the employer you have a genuine interest in the industry. The course will <a href="https://blog.sonicjobs.net/how-to-write-a-cv-uk/?id=438"><strong>make your CV pop</strong></a> and you’ll be more likely to get an interview.</p>



<h3>4. Attend webinars/events</h3>



<p>If you’ve got no experience, attending webinars and events is a great way to add some content to your CV. This will make your CV more relevant. By attending industry webinars/events, you’ll show employers you’re passionate about the opportunity.</p>



<h3>5. Focus on your transferable skills</h3>



<p>Even if you think you’ve got no relevant experience, you will! Go through the job description carefully to identify ALL the skills (both hard and soft) needed. You’ll have some transferable skills to offer, whether it be communication, teamwork, timekeeping or IT skills.</p>



<h3>6. Volunteer</h3>



<p>Volunteering is one of the most effective ways of jazzing up your CV. Find a company that can offer you a bit of volunteer work so you can gain some experience. This will show employers you’ve already got your foot in the door.&nbsp;</p>



<h3>7. Build a portfolio</h3>



<p>This point may not apply to everyone, but it’s a good tip if you&#8217;re looking to move into marketing, design, writing or photography. If you’ve got some skills but no formal experience, try building your own portfolio to showcase your skills instead.</p>



<h3>8. Network</h3>



<p>Sometimes it’s not what you know, but who you know. Try to create some connections in the industry. Use platforms like LinkedIn to build a strong professional network. Be sure to also talk to any people you already know in the industry. Also, attending some events where you can meet lots of industry professionals is a good idea. You never know who you’ll meet and what doors they can open for you.</p>



<h3>9. Tell your story</h3>



<p>If you don’t have heaps of experience to talk about, you’ll want to make sure you have a compelling story to share. This should explain why you’re interested in this particular career/industry, and how your journey has unfolded. You can include a snippet of this story in your <a href="https://blog.sonicjobs.net/how-to-start-a-cover-letter-sonicjobs/?id=530"><strong>cover letter</strong></a>, and also talk about it during the interview. </p>



<h2>A change is coming</h2>



<p>Although changing jobs with no experience is harder, it’s nowhere near impossible. There are plenty of ways you can gain a bit of experience to add to your CV. And anyway, it’s not all about experience. Employers have become more and more open to hiring people based on potential rather than experience. So don’t forget to focus on showing employers just how employable and passionate you are above all else!<br></p>



<p class="has-text-align-center"><a href="http://www.sonicjobs.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong><em>SonicJobs</em></strong></a><em> is home to thousands of jobs across the UK (including no experience jobs). Browse our app to start your career move today!</em></p>


How can I change my career with no experience?


<p>So you’re in your teens and you’ve decided you want to enter the working world but aren’t sure what jobs you can get. Firstly, go you! Deciding to <a href="https://blog.sonicjobs.net/what-age-should-you-get-a-job-sonicjobs/?id=851"><strong>start working at a young age</strong></a> is a great thing! Not only will it look great on your CV later down the line, but it will also develop valuable life skills. Plus, it doesn’t hurt to have that extra cash in your back pocket!</p>



<p>Legally, you’re allowed to work in a restaurant under the age of 18 on a part-time basis. There’s no law prohibiting teenagers from serving alcoholic drinks in a restaurant. You just need to make sure those drinks are served with a meal. This is great news, particularly if you’re wanting to <a href="https://blog.sonicjobs.net/how-do-you-find-a-job-in-hospitality-sonicjobs/?id=865"><strong>pursue a career in hospitality</strong></a>.</p>



<p>So if you’re hoping to land your first job in a restaurant, let’s go over some of the <em>do’s and don&#8217;ts</em>!</p>



<h2>What hours can you work under 18?</h2>



<ul><li><strong>Age 14-16 &#8211; </strong>between the ages of 14 and 16, you’re still classed as a <strong>child.</strong> You can work in a restaurant but you will experience restrictions around the hours you can work. This is often affected by whether or not it’s term time.</li><li><strong>Age 16-17</strong> &#8211; between these ages you’re now classed as a <strong>young worker.</strong> That means you have to stay in some form of education alongside your part-time work.</li></ul>



<h2>Key CV skills for restaurant work</h2>



<p>As you think about <a href="https://blog.sonicjobs.net/how-to-write-a-cv-uk/?id=438"><strong>getting your CV into shape</strong></a>, you need to think about the main skills employers look for when hiring.</p>



<ul><li><strong>Teamwork</strong> &#8211; working in a restaurant is a team effort. Chefs, kitchen porters, bartenders and waitresses all have a role to play. You job is to create an unforgettable dining experience.</li><li><strong>Communication</strong> &#8211; since you’ll be dealing with the public, you need to show employers you can communicate with people from all different walks of life.</li><li><strong>Customer service</strong> &#8211; customer service is a top priority for restaurants. So this is an absolute must for your CV.</li><li><strong>Working under pressure </strong>&#8211; restaurants can be busy places, especially during lunch and dinner. So employers need to see that you’re able to remain calm when things get hectic!</li></ul>



<h2>CV tips for under 18s with no experience</h2>



<p>Creating your CV to find a part-time job can be tricky when you don’t have any work experience. Use these tips to help you create your CV.</p>



<h3>Use a template</h3>



<p>There are plenty of online CV builders and templates you can use to create your first one. In fact, the <a href="http://www.sonicjobs.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>SonicJobs</strong></a> app will create a professional CV for you in minutes. You’ll just need to answer a few questions &#8211; but we’ll do the hard work!</p>



<h3>Include keywords</h3>



<p>Keywords are key in getting your CV noticed. This means looking at the job description and finding the most important skills the employer is looking for. Then, include these keywords in your CV to get the hiring manager’s attention.</p>



<h3>Include school work / projects</h3>



<p>Chances are, you don’t have much (or any) work experience. But you have plenty of school experience which is great to talk about. Think of times when you’ve worked well as part of a team, or when you’ve excelled in a project or met a deadline. These are all transferable skills.</p>



<h3>Include your hobbies</h3>



<p>Hiring managers will want to know more about you and your personality. So include a small section dedicated to your hobbies so you can really paint a picture of yourself. Whether you enjoy sport or music, list a few hobbies to bring your CV to life.</p>



<h2>Land your first job</h2>



<p>If you’re itching to take your first step into the working world, we’d love to support you. Applying for jobs has never been easier than with the SonicJobs app. And we have thousands of <a href="https://blog.sonicjobs.net/how-do-you-find-part-time-work-sonicjobs/?id=693"><strong>part-time jobs</strong></a> and weekend restaurant jobs available. So, what are you waiting for? It’s time to get to work!</p>



<p class="has-text-align-center"><em>Browse our app today to find a part-time job near you!</em></p>


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