
<p>Not all interviews are born equal. Depending on the employer and job role, interviews can take different layouts. It’s not just a question of practising the <strong><a href="https://blog.sonicjobs.net/interview-questions-with-answers/?id=486">answers to interview questions</a>. </strong>You need to pay attention to the<a href="https://blog.sonicjobs.net/how-many-different-stages-of-interviews-are-there-sonicjobs/?id=718"> <strong>type of interview</strong></a>. For example, your interview could be:</p>



<p>&#8211; an informal interview</p>



<p>&#8211; a group interview</p>



<p>&#8211; <strong><a href="https://blog.sonicjobs.net/how-to-nail-a-phone-interview/?id=1059">a phone interview</a></strong></p>



<p>&#8211; an assessment day</p>



<p>&#8211; a trial shift</p>



<p>&#8211; a competency-based interview</p>



<p>In today’s blog, we’re covering all the tips you need to prepare for a competency interview.</p>



<h2>What is a competency-based interview?</h2>



<p>Competency-based interviews are a structured style of interview. They assess a particular set of skills. This is decided before the interview. The interviewer will have decided exactly what skills the right candidate needs. This will be a set criteria that you’ll need to do the role.</p>



<p>In competency interviews, the questions are structured differently. Regular interviews might ask questions like, ‘<em>Why do you want this job</em>’ or ‘<em>What do you know about our company?</em>’. Instead, competency interviews are situational. They ask you to describe specific experiences where you applied specific skills.</p>



<p>The idea is that your past experiences are the best way of assessing if you&#8217;re suited to the role.&nbsp;</p>



<h3>Common skills assessed</h3>



<p>Below are a list of common skills assessed during competency-based interviews:</p>



<ul><li>Problem-solving</li><li>Initiative</li><li>Working under pressure</li><li>Organisation</li><li>Teamwork</li><li>Communication</li><li>Decision-making</li><li>Leadership</li><li>Assertion</li></ul>



<h2>How to prepare for a competency interview</h2>



<h3>Highlight key skills in the job description</h3>



<p>When it comes to preparing for your interview, the job description is going to be the biggest clue. The interviewers shouldn’t ask you about anything that’s not in the job description. So go through it with a fine tooth-comb and highlight all the skills mentioned in the description.</p>



<h3>Think of examples</h3>



<p>Once you’ve identified all the required skills, think of examples. These should be specific times when you’ve demonstrated each of these skills. Ideally, you’ll pick a couple of workplace examples for each skill. But if this isn’t possible, examples from your studies and personal life work too.</p>



<h3>Practice</h3>



<p>Once you’ve got your examples, it’s time to get used to talking about them out loud. But don’t just wing it. Make sure you use the <strong><a href="https://blog.sonicjobs.net/how-to-use-the-star-interview-technique/?id=1065">STAR method</a>. </strong>This will help you structure your answers properly so you can<a href="https://blog.sonicjobs.net/how-to-stand-out-in-an-interview/?id=423"> <strong>stand out in your interview</strong></a>.</p>



<h2>Examples of competency-based interview questions</h2>



<ul><li><strong>Working under pressure</strong> &#8211; Describe an occasion where you worked under pressure?&nbsp;</li><li><strong>Innovation</strong> &#8211; When have you put forward an idea in the workplace? How was it received?&nbsp;</li><li><strong>Taking feedback</strong> &#8211; When have you received constructive feedback from a manager? How did you apply it?</li><li><strong>Initiative</strong> &#8211; Can you think of a time when you resolved a workplace issue? Try to think of something that was outside of your normal duties.</li><li><strong>Problem-solving</strong> &#8211; Tell me about a time where you had to deal with a customer complaint. What was the outcome?</li><li><strong>Personal growth and accountability</strong> &#8211; Can you describe a time where you didn’t achieve what you sought out to do? What did you learn?</li><li><strong>Assertion</strong> &#8211; Has there been a time where you’ve had to decline the request of a customer or client?</li></ul>



<h2>Feeling competent?</h2>



<p>If you’re still reading, you should now be more confident in your ability to ace a competency interview. Just remember, this interview style is focused on examples. So the more examples you can prepare, the better!</p>



<p class="has-text-align-center"><em>Ready to land a new role? The </em><a href="http://www.sonicjobs.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong><em>SonicJobs</em></strong></a><em> app contains the UK’s largest database of jobs… and you can apply straight from your phone!</em></p>


How to prepare for competency-based interviews


<p>In today’s <a href="https://blog.sonicjobs.net/what-is-job-hopping-and-is-it-bad-sonicjobs/?id=666"><strong>job-hopping</strong></a> culture, it’s not uncommon for people to change jobs every 2-4 years. This has become so common that it almost leaves you doubting yourself if you’re <strong><em>not</em></strong> job-hopping. <br><em>“Is there something wrong with me?”.</em><br>But job-hopping isn’t the right solution for everyone.<br>In some cases, it’s better to stay in a job for 10+ years instead of switching employers every few years. Especially if your employer can provide you with continued growth, development and progression. This can be just as beneficial as <a href="https://blog.sonicjobs.net/what-careers-have-good-progression-sonicjobs/?id=820"><strong>changing jobs to climb the ladder</strong></a>.</p>



<h2>Is it good to stay in the same job for a long time?</h2>



<p>The most important thing to ensure when you’re staying in the same job for a long time is that you’re able to progress. When it comes to finding a new job, employers will want to see that you’ve been able to develop your skills over the years. They want to know you haven&#8217;t stayed in the same position with the same responsibilities. In their eyes, this could show a lack of motivation and skill.</p>



<h2>When should you stay in a job for a long time?</h2>



<p>Staying in a job for a long time isn’t always the best decision. Sometimes you should cut cords quickly. But here are some signs that you might be onto a good thing!</p>



<h3>You’re on a competitive salary and package</h3>



<p>Whilst salary isn’t the be all and end all, it is an important factor. One of the benefits of job-hopping is that it’s usually the quickest way to gain a pay rise. So it’s important to ask yourself <a href="https://blog.sonicjobs.net/how-do-you-know-if-you-are-being-paid-enough-at-work-sonicjobs/?id=877"><strong>if your employer is paying you enough</strong></a>. And if not, are you able to <a href="https://blog.sonicjobs.net/how-to-ask-for-a-pay-rise/?id=464"><strong>negotiate a higher salary</strong></a>? If your employer is able to compete with other companies then you’re onto a good thing!</p>



<h3>Your employer values your input</h3>



<p>Whatever company you’re working for, you want your voice to be heard. If you’re working for a company for a long time, you need that company to value your opinion. This gives you the opportunity to make a real impact on the organisation. This will be a huge talking point when it comes to changing jobs. You can show prospective employers all the ways you’ve changed the company.</p>



<h3>You have opportunities for progression</h3>



<p>When staying with a company for a long time, it&#8217;s important to ensure you’re progressing through the ranks. If there are opportunities for you to receive a promotion, this is a promising sign. But if there’s no sign of progression, it may be time to jump ship. Prospective employers will question why you’ve not progressed if you’ve been at a company for so long. And this could end up backfiring on you later down the line.</p>



<h3>You’re excited about the company mission</h3>



<p>Without a doubt, you have to be excited about the company mission. There’s no point in staying with one company if you’re not passionate about the vision. If you’re lacking passion, you risk spending several years feeling unfulfilled.&nbsp;</p>



<h3>You’re exposed to different aspects of the business</h3>



<p>One of the benefits of staying with one company for a long time is the ability to learn the business inside out. But this only works if the business is willing to expose you to different areas of the business. Generally speaking, this is easier in smaller companies that have more flexibility. Larger companies tend to be divided into small sections, making it harder to learn the ins and outs.</p>



<h2>Should you stay or should you go?</h2>



<p>Staying in the same job for 10 years isn’t always a bad thing. Often, it can be a fantastic asset. Employers will be able to see you’re a stable and loyal employee. And they know you won’t be handing your notice in as soon as a higher salary comes your way from a competitor. But at the same time, always make sure you&#8217;re progressing. This is a must. Prioritise your own career progression and development.</p>



<p></p>



<p class="has-text-align-center"><br><em>Time to land a new stint? Browse over half a million live vacancies on 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 near you!</em></p>


Can you stay in the same job for 10 years?


<p>Most people find the concept of attending an interview rather daunting. If it isn’t enough having your every move analysed, you’re also expected to answer some tough <a href="https://blog.sonicjobs.net/interview-questions-with-answers/?id=486"><strong>interview questions</strong></a>. It’s enough to put anyone on edge.<br>But instead of resigning to the interview gods, there are proven <a href="https://blog.sonicjobs.net/how-to-stand-out-in-an-interview/?id=423"><strong>interview tips</strong></a> to control the situation. And one of those ways is with the STAR interview technique. In today’s article, we’re going to tell you everything you need to know about this method!</p>



<h2>What is the STAR interview method?</h2>



<p>The STAR interview technique is a structured way of answering competency-based interview questions. It stands for Situation, Task, Action, Result. Instead of just blurting out the first thing that comes to mind, the STAR method provides a framework. If you follow this framework, your answers will be well structured.</p>



<ul><li>Situation</li></ul>



<ul><li>Task</li></ul>



<ul><li>Action</li></ul>



<ul><li>Result</li></ul>



<h3>Situation</h3>



<p>Begin your answer by describing the situation at the time. Perhaps you need to detail what company you were with and the position you held. This helps to set the scene in your answer.</p>



<h3>Task</h3>



<p>The next part of your answer should describe the task or problem. What was the challenge you faced? Were there any time constraints? Make sure you go into detail about the most challenging parts of this situation.</p>



<h3>Action</h3>



<p>This is the part of your answer where you describe the action you took to resolve the task at hand. Whether you worked as part of a team or solo, explain the key points in how you completed the task.</p>



<h3>Result</h3>



<p>The final part of your answer is to describe the outcome. What did you achieve? What benefit did this have for the organisation, the customer or your department? Perhaps you managed to streamline a process by 15%. Or maybe you were able to create a new filing system or hit a sales target. If you can use any facts or figures when describing the result, it will make your answer more powerful!</p>



<h2>Sample STAR interview questions</h2>



<ul><li>Describe a time where you used your initiative</li></ul>



<ul><li>Can you give an example of when you’ve worked as part of a team?</li></ul>



<ul><li>When have you worked to a target?</li></ul>



<ul><li>Have you ever overcome a difficult situation in the workplace?</li></ul>



<ul><li>Tell me about a time where you worked under pressure</li></ul>



<ul><li>Can you describe a time where you failed? What did you learn from the situation?</li></ul>



<h2>Example of a STAR interview answer</h2>



<p><strong>Sample question:</strong><br>Can you describe a time where you hit a target?</p>



<p><br><strong>Example answer:</strong></p>



<h3><br><strong>Situation:</strong> </h3>



<p>“Two years ago I was working as a sales consultant for Volkswagen selling brand new cars.”</p>



<h3><br><strong>Task: </strong></h3>



<p><strong>“</strong>The annual target for our team of 3 was £500,000 in sales. But by the end of November, we were short by £60,000 with just 1 month to hit our annual target.”</p>



<h3><br><strong>Action: </strong></h3>



<p><strong>“</strong>I split our team into 3 areas to cover the entire city. We spent days calling through every customer who had recently left their details. We made sure we followed up with every new customer within 24 hours, and booked in as many new viewings as possible. We held team meetings everyday, twice a day to boost morale and help each other where possible.”</p>



<h3><br><strong>Result:</strong></h3>



<p> “With 3 days to spare, we had hit our annual target and received a bonus commission to reflect our hard work. We were the only team in the UK to hit our target.”</p>



<h2>STAR for the win!</h2>



<p>Whether a <a href="https://blog.sonicjobs.net/how-to-nail-a-phone-interview/?id=1059"><strong>phone</strong></a>, <a href="https://blog.sonicjobs.net/how-to-stand-out-in-video-interview/?id=478"><strong>video</strong></a> or face to face interview, you’ll be able to use the STAR method for all your competency-based questions. Just be sure to prepare answers to these questions ahead of the interview to give you the best shot of success.</p>



<p class="has-text-align-center"><br><em>To find a job you love, browse the </em><a href="http://www.sonicjobs.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong><em>SonicJobs</em></strong></a><em> app and apply with one tap!</em></p>


How to use the STAR interview technique


<p>Being successful at work isn’t just dependent on how good you are at your job. Sure, you could be the most qualified worker in your department, but if you can’t work well with others, you can’t expect to climb the ladder.</p>



<p>Let’s take a look at some examples of interpersonal skills you need to be successful at work, and to <a href="https://blog.sonicjobs.net/what-are-skills-on-a-cv-sonicjobs/?id=534"><strong>include on your CV</strong></a>:</p>



<ul><li>Teamwork</li><li>Communication</li><li>Problem solving</li><li>Listening</li><li>Taking criticism</li><li>Persuasiveness</li><li>Assertiveness</li><li>Positivity</li><li>Patience</li><li>Trust</li></ul>



<h2>What are interpersonal skills?</h2>



<p>Interpersonal skills are the soft skills needed to work and communicate effectively with others. This could be on an individual basis, or even as a group. In a workplace setting, it relates to everyone you come into contact with including your colleagues, managers and customers.&nbsp;</p>



<h2>10 essential interpersonal skills to succeed at work</h2>



<h3>Teamwork</h3>



<p>Being able to work well as part of a team is critical to your career’s success. It’s very rare that you’ll find a career that doesn’t require any teamwork. To truly shine, you need to work in unison with others, recognising their strengths and contributing your own.</p>



<h3>Problem solving</h3>



<p>Problems arise all the time at work, whether you’re dealing with colleagues or customers. So it’s a real bonus if you can be the type of person who finds <a href="https://blog.sonicjobs.net/examples-of-problem-solving-sonicjobs/?id=547"><strong>solutions to problems</strong></a><strong> </strong>when they crop up, rather than making the matter worse. </p>



<h3>Communication</h3>



<p>Having the ability to clearly communicate your ideas is a key interpersonal skill. Not everyone is able to communicate ideas clearly and in an engaging way &#8211; so this is a real asset!</p>



<h3>Listening</h3>



<p>Listening is one of the most important interpersonal skills you can have, and is often overlooked. But great communication starts with the ability to listen properly. That means devoting your attention solely to whoever is speaking, therefore being able to respond in a direct and relevant way.&nbsp;</p>



<h3>Taking criticism</h3>



<p>We all have our flaws, and we all have areas we can improve on. But being open to that feedback is a different thing. Often, employees can become defensive if they’re challenged. But it’s important to always remain open to feedback, and to be able to <a href="https://blog.sonicjobs.net/what-are-your-weaknesses-sonicjobs/?id=544"><strong>acknowledge your weaknesses</strong></a>. That’s a real sign of strength!</p>



<h3>Persuasiveness</h3>



<p>Having persuasive skills is a great interpersonal skill to have under your belt. Being persuasive isn’t just for salespeople. It’s for anyone who needs to work with others, especially for people wanting to take on a leadership role. If you have a new idea to bring to the table, you need to be able to present it in a compelling way that highlights the benefits and gets others excited about your idea too.</p>



<h3>Assertiveness</h3>



<p>Being assertive is a real skill &#8211; and one that many people struggle with. But in business, there are always moments when you need to assert yourself. From negotiating important deals to resolving workplace conflicts, there are several moments throughout the working day where an assertive personality is needed.</p>



<h3>Positivity</h3>



<p>Having bags of positivity is crucial in the working world. We encounter problems everyday, and it’s only by adopting a positive mental attitude that we can overcome these problems. That’s not to say you can’t be realistic about any challenges, but there’s always an opportunity to boost morale by bringing a positive spin.</p>



<h3>Patience</h3>



<p>Patience is a great interpersonal skill to have, particularly if you’re aspiring to a leadership position. Not everyone works at the same pace, and not all projects go to plan. So you need to have patience when things don’t go as you planned rather than losing your composure and creating friction within the team.</p>



<h3>Trust</h3>



<p>Trust is a key soft skill when it comes to interacting with colleagues. Without trusting your colleagues to perform certain tasks, you’ll never be able to work as part of a team and you’ll end up trying to manage everything yourself &#8211; this will inevitably lead to burnout and disaster.</p>



<h2>Ready to level up?</h2>



<p>Looking to take the next step in your career? <a href="http://www.sonicjobs.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>SonicJobs</strong></a> has over half a million live vacancies across the UK. Browse our app to find a job near you!</p>


Interpersonal skills you need to succeed at work


<p>Employers often use phone interviews as the stage before a face-to-face interview. It’s a great way to screen candidates and get a feel for their experience without going into too much detail. Phone interviews will contain questions about your experience. But often these questions will be less in-depth than your<strong> </strong><a href="https://blog.sonicjobs.net/most-common-interview-questions-and-answers/?id=400"><strong>typical interview questions</strong></a>.</p>



<p>Sometimes a telephone interview can be trickier. That’s because you don’t have the benefit of building rapport in the same way as an in-person or <a href="https://blog.sonicjobs.net/how-to-stand-out-in-video-interview/?id=478"><strong>video interview</strong></a>. So you have to work a little harder!</p>



<p>Here are some ways to make sure you shine in your phone interview:</p>



<ul><li>Don’t wing it</li><li>Practice your answers</li><li>Do your research</li><li>Prepare questions</li><li>Cut out all distractions</li><li>Charge your phone</li><li>Have your CV handy</li><li>Answer with your name</li><li>Walk around as you talk</li><li>Smile</li><li>Don’t use loudspeaker</li><li>Make notes</li><li>Build rapport</li></ul>



<h2>13 tips to absolutely ACE your phone interview</h2>



<h3>Don’t wing it</h3>



<p>Sometimes people make the mistake of treating a telephone interview with less importance than a face-to-face interview. But you should take it just as seriously and put in some prep work to make sure you shine.&nbsp;</p>



<h3>Practice your answers</h3>



<p>As part of your prep work, you should be practising your answers to basic screening interview questions. Get used to saying these answers out loud. Also, be sure to include as many examples as possible when giving your answers.</p>



<h3>Do your research</h3>



<p>Make sure you research the company before the interview. It’s common for hiring managers to test your company knowledge ask during the phone interview. This is to make sure you’ve done the most basic prep work to find out exactly what the company does.</p>



<h3>Prepare questions</h3>



<p>Always prepare<a href="https://blog.sonicjobs.net/questions-to-ask-an-interviewer/?id=475"> <strong>questions to ask the hiring manager</strong></a>. Towards the end of the call, they’ll usually give you the opportunity to ask some of your own questions. This is often a test in itself. If candidates don’t ask any questions, it shows a lack of preparation and enthusiasm.</p>



<h3>Cut out all distractions</h3>



<p>You want to make sure you find a quiet spot to take your call. Find a quiet setting indoors where you won’t be disturbed. If there are others in the house/building, make sure they know not to disturb you. Also ensure your phone is on silent throughout the call and that no pets will come and disturb you either.</p>



<h3>Charge your phone</h3>



<p>There’s nothing like a dead battery to ruin your telephone interview. As part of your preparation, you should make sure you&#8217;ve charged your phone.</p>



<h3>Have your CV handy</h3>



<p>Always have your CV or job application form handy during the call. The hiring manager might make reference to it. So it’s good if you can follow along and know exactly what they’re referring to.</p>



<h3>Answer with your name</h3>



<p>When the phone rings, don’t just say ‘<em>hello?</em>’. You know it’s going to be the interviewer. So why not make their life easier and answer professionally with your name? For example, ‘<em>Hello, James speaking.</em>’. Chances are you may have to take calls in the job so it’s good to show you can put on a professional telephone manner.</p>



<h3>Walk around as you talk</h3>



<p>Since you’re not in person, you need to do everything possible to engage the hiring manager. If you stay seated during the call, your voice may sound a little flat and your nerves may get the better of you. But if you pace up and down during the call, you’re able to project your voice more and channel your nerves.</p>



<h3>Smile</h3>



<p>Smile! Even though the hiring manager can’t see your smile, they can hear your smile. This helps to create a more lighthearted tone and creates more engagement. You’ll also find that smiling as you speak helps to relax your nerves!</p>



<h3>Don’t use loudspeaker</h3>



<p>The person on the other end of the phone can tell if you’ve put the phone on loud speaker. This often affects the quality of the call. Keep the phone to your ear to make sure your call quality is the best it can be.</p>



<h3>Make notes</h3>



<p>The hiring manager will likely give you more details about the job during the phone call. This may come in handy during the next stage of the interview. Have a notepad and pen handy. This way, you can make note of any important details or anything you’re unsure of. Refer to these questions at the end of the call.</p>



<h3>Build rapport</h3>



<p>Last but by no means least, make an effort to build rapport with the hiring manager. This is so important during a phone interview since you’re making up for not being there in person. Try to bring a little humour into the conversation. Or have a brief conversation about something you have in common like football, the weather, or children.</p>



<h2>Time to get hired</h2>



<p>Whether you’re still in a job or you’re currently unemployed, <a href="http://www.sonicjobs.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>SonicJobs</strong></a> can make your job hunt easy. With our app, you can manage all your applications in one place and apply with just one tap.</p>



<p class="has-text-align-center"><em>Browse our app today to find your dream job!</em></p>


How to nail a phone interview


<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>Throughout the course of your career, you’ll find lots of opportunities to move roles. But knowing when to seize those opportunities and when to stay put can be a whole dilemma of its own. If you move around too often, you risk being branded a flakey<a href="https://blog.sonicjobs.net/what-is-job-hopping-and-is-it-bad-sonicjobs/?id=666"> <strong>job-hopper</strong></a>. But stick around too long and you risk stagnating while others<a href="https://blog.sonicjobs.net/how-to-ask-for-a-pay-rise-2/?id=552"> <strong>climb the ladder</strong></a>.</p>



<p>There is no hard and fast answer to this question, as it varies for each individual. But generally speaking, 3-4 years is a solid amount of time to spend in one job before moving onto the next. Yet it’s not uncommon for Gen Z workers to move around every 2 years, and employers are adapting to this trend.</p>



<h2><strong>6 tell-tale signs it’s time to move jobs</strong></h2>



<h3>1. <strong>Long tenure</strong></h3>



<p>If you’ve been with your company for several years, it could be time for a change. Switching employers is a great way to freshen up your professional expertise. It gives you a new perspective. On average, people move jobs every 4 years. But if you’re happy and fulfilled in your role, don’t fix what isn’t broken!</p>



<h3>2. <strong>Low salary</strong></h3>



<p>If your company can’t offer you a competitive salary, it may be time to look elsewhere. But be sure to do your research and check the<a href="https://blog.sonicjobs.net/what-is-the-average-salary-in-the-uk-sonicjobs/?id=874"> <strong>average UK salary</strong></a>  before rushing to hand in your notice. And remember not to only follow the dollar signs. A successful career is a healthy balance of good financial reward and fulfilment. </p>



<h3><strong>3. You’re feeling under-challenged</strong></h3>



<p>If your role has become monotonous, you’re well within your right to want to seek out a new challenge. This is especially true if you’re someone that thrives off a challenge. It’s important to be in an environment that stimulates you to be the best you can be.</p>



<h3>4. <strong>No room for progression</strong></h3>



<p>If you&#8217;ve hit the ceiling in your current company, it may be time to find a new opportunity where you can progress. Always check what progression opportunities are on offer. And it&#8217;s important to find out how to achieve those promotions. For example, is your promotion dependent on someone else leaving? You want a job that can promote you based on your merit, not based on whether the person above you has left.</p>



<h3>5. <strong>Poor relationship with manager</strong></h3>



<p>Having a poor dynamic with your manager and teammates is a red flag. You should have a relationship that has clear communication and trust. Support with your development is also a must. If you’re struggling to feel supported by your manager, this may tell you it’s time for a career move.&nbsp;</p>



<h3>6. <strong>Restructuring</strong></h3>



<p>Restructuring is a word that rings alarm bells for all employees. Usually this happens when new management or ownership comes into the company. The leadership team then finds ways to streamline and build a more efficient team. This usually means redundancies. If you hear the word ‘restructure’, talk to your manager about what this might mean for your job. The next stage is to make a backup plan and start<a href="https://blog.sonicjobs.net/how-do-i-apply-for-a-job-sonicjobs/?id=756"> <strong>applying for jobs</strong></a>.</p>



<h2><strong>The Great Escape</strong></h2>



<p>Deciding to move jobs is one of the most difficult decisions you can make. But you have to put your career progression and happiness first. Although you may feel loyal to your employer, you also need to make sure you’ve got opportunities in front of you.</p>



<p class="has-text-align-center"><em>Start your career move today with the</em><a href="http://www.sonicjobs.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em> <strong>SonicJobs</strong></em></a><em> app and find a job near you from your phone!</em></p>


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