
<p>Virtual interviews have become a common part of the interview process, more so since lockdown first began. So now more than ever, candidates are expected to be well prepared for virtual interviews &#8211; and not just in how you answer the questions, but in how your background looks too!</p>



<p><em>“Just like an interviewer can judge you for your interview attire, they can judge you for your virtual interview background too.”</em></p>



<h2>Does your background matter in a virtual interview?</h2>



<p>We know what you’re thinking; <em>why should my background matter?! Surely it’s about me and not my background?</em></p>



<p>Well, sadly, appearances matter. Just like an interviewer can judge you for your interview attire, they can judge you for your virtual interview background too. A messy or distracting background can divert the interviewer’s attention away from you. They may also form negative judgments about you depending on your background.</p>



<h2>Background tips for virtual interviews</h2>



<h3>Wall space</h3>



<p>When choosing your virtual interview spot, you want to ensure you’re sitting against a wall instead of having an open room behind you. This is to ensure the interviewer’s focus stays on you, and not on exploring your home. Just try to find a neutral wall rather than one with busy wallpaper or loud colours.</p>



<h3>Books</h3>



<p>It’s okay to have a few books on the bookshelf behind you. This can give the interviewer a positive image of you being intellectual. However, this isn’t a pass to start loading your bookshelf up with as many books as possible. This will only distract the interviewer, so keep books to a minimum.</p>



<h3>Clutter</h3>



<p>Cluttered backdrops are off putting for interviewers. It subconsciously creates chaos in the mind and can give interviewers the impression that you’re not very organised. Really analyse your backdrop before going live and make sure every visible item is there for a good reason.</p>



<h3>Photos</h3>



<p>Photos serve as another distraction for your interviewers. If they want to learn about your family tree or your last trip to Ibiza, they’ll ask!&nbsp;</p>



<h3>Plants</h3>



<p>Plants can be a nice touch for a virtual interview background. They have a calming effect on people, so they can help to create a pleasant ambiance for your interview. But choose wisely &#8211; too many plants will inevitably deflect the interviewer’s attention from you. Just one plant will do the trick!</p>



<h3>Mirrors</h3>



<p>A mirror in your background is a big no no! Not only can they serve as a distraction depending on what’s in the reflection, but they could also cause some serious glare for the interviewers.&nbsp;</p>



<h3>Lighting</h3>



<p>Good lighting is one of the most essential virtual interview tips. You want to be in a well lit space so the interviewers can see your face clearly. One of the biggest video interview faux-pas is to have your back to a window during the interview. You either need to sit facing a window, or have a light shining on you from behind the camera.</p>



<h2>Virtually ready?</h2>



<p>Virtual interviews can be a faff to get used to, particularly if you don’t have much experience with them. But with so many employers now adopting video interviews, it’s worth taking the time to perfect your background so you can easily use it time and again. And although the background is important, don’t forget to look at our <a href="https://blog.sonicjobs.net/how-to-stand-out-in-video-interview/?id=478"><strong>tips to nail your virtual interview</strong></a>!</p>



<p class="has-text-align-center">Don’t miss our recent post on all the different <strong><a href="https://blog.sonicjobs.net/how-many-different-stages-of-interviews-are-there-sonicjobs/?id=718">stages of the interview process</a></strong>!</p>


What background should you use for a virtual interview?


<p>When it comes to interview preparation, practising <a href="https://blog.sonicjobs.net/most-common-interview-questions-and-answers/?id=400"><strong>common interview questions</strong></a> shouldn’t be the only thing on your prep list. You also need to think about <em>when</em> you want to be interviewed as this can impact how successful you are.</p>



<p>Timing is everything. So when scheduling your interviews, be sure to carefully think about both the day <em>and</em> the time of day to maximise your chances of finding a job.</p>



<ul><li>What’s the best day of the week to attend an interview?</li><li>What time of day should you choose for an interview?</li><li>Is it better to have a morning or afternoon interview?</li><li>Should you try to be the first interviewee?</li><li>Tips for scheduling interviews</li></ul>



<h2>What’s the best day of the week to attend an interview?</h2>



<p>The best days of the week to attend an interview are <strong>Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.</strong> You should do your best to avoid scheduling an interview for a Monday. Let’s be honest &#8211; nobody really likes Mondays. In fact, most people <em>dislike</em> Mondays. It’s usually the busiest day of the week, and people’s spirits tend to be low as they mourn the loss of the weekend and dread the week ahead.</p>



<p>So if you want to catch the hiring manager on a day when they’re in high spirits, avoid picking a Monday!</p>



<p>Fridays are also a day to avoid. On Fridays, employees tend to be distracted by thinking about the weekend and are counting down the hours until the shift ends. You want to meet the hiring manager when they’re in full working mode and can give you all their attention.</p>



<h2>What time of day should you choose for an interview?</h2>



<p>The best time of day to schedule an interview is <strong>between 10-11.30am</strong>. The morning slot is when the hiring manager is bright-eyed and bushy-tailed. But you should be aware that any earlier than 10am may be risky if the hiring manager isn’t a morning person. The earliest part of the working day is usually for people to discuss any problems, team meetings and goal setting, so it’s best to schedule your interview out of this period.</p>



<h2>Is it better to have a morning or afternoon interview?</h2>



<p><strong>Morning interviews tend to be better than afternoons.</strong> In the mornings, hiring managers will be more alert and less drained by the day’s demands. In the afternoon, not only is the hiring manager starting to think about home time, but they might also feel sluggish after lunch or when their morning coffee starts to wear off.&nbsp;</p>



<h2>Should you try to be the first interviewee?</h2>



<p>Another consideration is where you position yourself in terms of other candidates. <strong>You don’t want to be the first person to be interviewed.</strong> The first interviewee is normally the person to set the benchmark, and hiring managers aren’t sure what to expect. But coming in after the first person allows you to ‘make an entrance’ and outperform your competition, all while creating that <em>Wow</em> factor.</p>



<p>At the same time, make sure you’re not too far down the queue or worse: at the end. <strong>You want to be interviewed fairly early on when hiring managers aren’t yet exhausted by the process.</strong> If you leave it too late and schedule yourself in last, hiring managers are more likely to be more focused on wrapping up the process and getting through the numbers.</p>



<h2>Tips for scheduling interviews</h2>



<ul><li>Avoid rescheduling if you’re automatically assigned a slot</li><li>Always write an acknowledgement email for the interview call</li><li>Take the initiative to provide your interview availability</li><li>Try to find out how many other candidates are in the interview process to help you pick your slot</li></ul>



<h2>Don’t forget your prep!</h2>



<p>Picking the best interview slot is one part of the battle. But don’t forget you also need to cover the other aspects of <a href="https://blog.sonicjobs.net/how-to-stand-out-in-an-interview/?id=423"><strong>interview prep</strong></a>. &nbsp;</p>


What time of day should you choose to be interviewed?


<p>When it comes to finding a job, it’s important to have a good grasp on how long the interviews could take. The last thing you want to do is have to leave your first interview early because you’ve booked another interview that overlaps! Interviews are often made up of several rounds. And each round can take up a different amount of time.</p>



<p>Use our guide to work out how long your interview is likely to take.</p>



<h2>How long does the average interview last?</h2>



<p>An average interview usually takes <strong>45-60 minutes</strong>. The first 15 minutes is usually spent going over introductions, company overview and general questions like ‘<em>tell me about yourself</em>’ and ‘<em>what do you know about our company?</em>’. The middle part of the interview will be the <a href="https://blog.sonicjobs.net/interview-questions-with-answers/?id=486"><strong>core interview questions</strong></a> which might be competency-based, and the last 15 minutes will be wrapping things up and getting your questions answered. But the length of the interview will also depend on the type of interview, industry and role.&nbsp;</p>



<h3>Psychometric tests</h3>



<p><strong>Average length: 10-30 minutes</strong></p>



<p>Not strictly an interview but still an important part of the hiring process, psychometric tests&nbsp;</p>



<p>have become a very common interviewing tool, especially for large corporations. Psychometric tests allow businesses to screen candidates without having to physically interview them. These tests can be used to assess various skills like your english, maths, analytical and leadership ability. Some tests can last longer than 30 minutes, but this is less common.</p>



<h3>Group interviews</h3>



<p><strong>Average length: 1-3 hours</strong></p>



<p>Group interviews usually last several hours. This is because there are so many job seekers participating in the interview and you’ll usually have several tasks to complete that assess various skills. Over the course of the interview, the hiring managers will be watching your behaviour to see how well you communicate with others, how well you work as a team, your leadership ability, and your ability to do the role.</p>



<h3>Telephone interviews</h3>



<p><strong>Average length: 15-30 minutes</strong></p>



<p>Telephone interviews are often the first point of contact you have with a hiring manager. They tend to be quite short and include a few screening questions to help the hiring manager decide whether to invite you in for an interview. The questions aren’t usually too in-depth, and the main focus of the call might just be to check your communication skills, basic experience and availability.</p>



<h3>First interview</h3>



<p><strong>Average length: 45-60 minutes</strong></p>



<p>Your first face-to-face interview will usually run for between 45-60 minutes although it’s not uncommon for them to last between 30-45 minutes. It’s less common for a first interview to last longer than an hour because the interviewers will want to save the tougher and more in-depth questions for the second interview.&nbsp;</p>



<h3>Final interview</h3>



<p><strong>Average length: 1-2 hours</strong></p>



<p>You can expect your final interview to last for at least an hour. It usually takes place with 2 members of staff, sometimes including a CEO or Director. The interviewers will want to probe deeper into your answers to really put you to the test so it’s not so much that there are more questions, but that there’s more meat to your answers!</p>



<h2>Final thoughts</h2>



<p>Before you go, don’t forget these final interview tips:</p>



<ul><li>Always write an acknowledgement email for the interview, asking the employer how long they expect the interview to last.&nbsp;</li><li>A long interview is usually a good sign. If you’re out the door too quickly, it’s usually because you’re not right for the position.</li><li>Avoid booking interviews for the same day. It’s an exhausting process so you don’t want to tire yourself out and underperform!</li><li>Remember to cover other aspects of <strong><a href="https://blog.sonicjobs.net/how-to-stand-out-in-an-interview/?id=423">interview prep</a></strong> to give yourself the best chance of success!</li></ul>


How long do interviews take?


<p>There can be a lot of waiting involved in the job application process. It can be hard to know when to expect a response after applying, and how long to wait before following up.&nbsp;</p>



<ul><li>How long does it take to hear back after submitting a job application?</li><li>When should you follow up on a job application?</li><li>How to follow up on an application</li><li>Job application follow up examples</li><li>What to do when waiting for a response</li></ul>



<h2>How long does it take to hear back after submitting a job application?</h2>



<p>On average, it takes <strong>one to two weeks</strong> to hear back from a job application. In some cases, it may take longer than this. Sometimes the employer won’t respond to any job applications until after the closing date. Occasionally, companies will respond to your application in under a week, but this is less common.</p>



<h2>When should you follow up on a job application?</h2>



<p>It’s usually safe to follow up on a job application a week after you applied. However, you should always first check the job advert to see if they give you a timeframe for hearing back. If so, make sure you only follow up if they’ve not responded within the timeframe.</p>



<h2>Job application follow up examples&nbsp;</h2>



<h3>By telephone</h3>



<p>Putting in a call to the company is the best way to follow up on your application. However, this method will only work if you know the phone number and name of the hiring manager.</p>



<p><strong>Example.</strong></p>



<p><em>“Hi Mr/Mrs [Jones], my name is [Anna Greenfield]. I’m just calling to follow up on a recent application I submitted for the role of [software developer] in your [Birmingham] office. I’m still very interested in the position and just wondered when I should expect a response back about my application?”</em></p>



<h3>By email</h3>



<p>Email is the most common way of following up on a job application. Simply write an email to the hiring manager (try to send it directly to them rather than an admin email address) saying that you’re following up on a recent application. Reiterate your interest in the role and that you hope for a positive response.</p>



<p><strong>Example</strong></p>



<p><em>Dear Mr/Mrs Jones,</em></p>



<p><em>My name is Wendy Greenfield. I applied for the permanent position of [Software developer] in your [Birmingham] office on the 3rd November but I am yet to receive a response. I have a keen interest in working for [company name] and wondered if there has been any progress made in reviewing my application? For your ease, I have attached a copy of my CV and cover letter.</em></p>



<p><em>I hope to hear back from you soon with a positive response.</em></p>



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



<p><em>Wendy Greenfield</em></p>



<p><em>[mobile number]</em></p>



<h2>What to do when waiting for a response&nbsp;</h2>



<ul><li>Check your emails / junk folder</li><li>Apply for more jobs</li><li>Practise interview skills</li><li>Be kind to yourself</li></ul>



<h3>1. Check your emails / junk folder</h3>



<p>Make sure you’re regularly checking your emails for updates on your job application. Companies will often send an automated response just after you apply that may detail when you should expect a response. Equally, don’t forget to check your junk folder too!</p>



<h3>2. Apply for more jobs</h3>



<p>Always keep the ball rolling by continuing to apply for more jobs. You never want to put all your eggs in one basket.&nbsp;</p>



<h3>3. Practise interview skills</h3>



<p>Sooner or later you’ll be invited in for an interview. Don’t wait until you receive an invitation before you start the interview prep. Start practicing your answers to the <a href="https://blog.sonicjobs.net/most-common-interview-questions-and-answers/?id=400"><strong>most common interview questions</strong></a>. This will give you more confidence when it comes to interviewing.</p>



<h3>4. Be kind to yourself</h3>



<p>It’s easy for you to put a lot of pressure on yourself when job hunting. But just remember it’s a lengthy process and most people face some form of rejection during the interview process at one point or another. Just keep moving forward and know that the right opportunity will happen when it’s supposed to!</p>



<h2>Job applications made easy</h2>



<p>Job applications can be a slog, but not with the SonicJobs app. With our app, you’ll only ever need to tap once to apply for a job &#8211; no long application forms! Browse our app today to get your job hunt started!</p>


How long should it take to hear back after applying for a job?


<p>When it comes to applying for a new job, we’d all like to think this is a smooth process that takes place seamlessly. In reality, finding a new job isn’t an overnight process. There are many complications and delays that can take place along the way.</p>



<p>Let’s walk you through a typical scenario to show you how long it can really take to find a job in the UK.</p>



<h2>How long can a job search take?</h2>



<p>The length of time it takes to find a new job varies from <strong>3-6 months</strong>, although in some circumstances it can often be shorter or longer than this. The job search process depends on a number of factors including the type of position (seniority and rarity), the economic climate, and the company’s interview process among other things.&nbsp;</p>



<h2>Average length of a job search</h2>



<h3>Week 1 &#8211; gaining clarity and updating the CV</h3>



<p>The moment you decide you want to find a new job isn’t the moment you start applying. Once you make the decision, you’ll need time to think about your next step and which direction you want to take your career. It’s good to have this period of reflection. Once you’ve decided on the direction, you’ll also need time to <a href="https://blog.sonicjobs.net/how-to-update-your-cv/?id=482"><strong>update your CV</strong></a> to incorporate your latest work experience and tailor it to the types of jobs you’ll be applying for.</p>



<h3>Weeks 2-4 &#8211; applying for jobs</h3>



<p>You’re likely to spend at least a couple of weeks applying for different jobs before hearing back. Applying for jobs can be a time-consuming task in itself. It’s not something that takes place in a single evening. Depending on the type of job you’re looking for will impact <a href="https://blog.sonicjobs.net/how-many-jobs-should-you-apply-for-when-job-searching-sonicjobs/?id=686"><strong>how many job applications you should send</strong></a> per day. Often you’ll need to send out numerous applications each day to keep the ball rolling.</p>



<h3>Weeks 4-6 &#8211; arranging the telephone interview</h3>



<p>By week 5 of your job search, you could start hearing back from some of the companies to arrange the first phase of the interview process. Different companies have different <a href="https://blog.sonicjobs.net/how-many-different-stages-of-interviews-are-there-sonicjobs/?id=718"><strong>ways of structuring the hiring process</strong></a>. They may invite you to carry out an online assessment, or it may be a telephone interview or even a face-to-face interview. But for this example, let’s assume it’s a telephone interview. Either way, there’s likely going to be a 1-2 week waiting period to find a suitable date.</p>



<h3>Weeks 6-7 &#8211; the face-to-face</h3>



<p>During weeks 6-7, you’ll be waiting for feedback from your first interview, and you may also experience a delay if the company has other candidates to interview first. Following the feedback from the telephone interview, you’ll (hopefully) arrange a date for the next stage of the interview process: a face-to-face interview.</p>



<h3>Weeks 8-10 &#8211; the final stage</h3>



<p>Things are hotting up in weeks 8-10. This could potentially be the final stage of the interview process with a second face-to-face interview. Again, you’ll be waiting for feedback from the previous interview, and then you’ll need to allow time to arrange the next stage.&nbsp;</p>



<h3>Weeks 10-11 &#8211; waiting for the final decision</h3>



<p>Once the final stage of the interview is complete, you just have to wait for the other candidates to complete any other interviews and for the hiring team to meet up and discuss who they’d like to hire.&nbsp;</p>



<h2>What are the quickest jobs you can get?</h2>



<p>There are some jobs that will have a much quicker interview process. This tends to be jobs where there is a high demand for staff or where there is usually a high turnover of staff.</p>



<ul><li>Care work</li><li>Warehousing</li><li>Drivers</li><li>Hospitality (waiters / waitresses)</li><li>Sales</li><li>Manual labour</li></ul>



<h2>How to speed up the job hunt process</h2>



<ul><li>Ensure your CV is of a high standard</li><li>Apply for several jobs daily</li><li>Take advantage of the <strong>auto-apply</strong> and <strong>1 tap apply</strong> features on the SonicJobs app</li><li>Set job alerts</li><li>Follow up on every application after a week</li></ul>



<h2>Patience and persistence</h2>



<p>Although you’re keen to land a new job as soon as possible, remember that it takes time. If you’re going to succeed in your job hunt, you need to remain patient to the fact that it could take 6 months, but also keep in mind it will be worth it in the end when you find your ideal role.</p>



<p class="has-text-align-center"><strong>Looking for the quickest way to land a new role? Hop onto the SonicJobs app for a speedy way to find jobs!</strong></p>


How long does it take to find a job?


<p>One of the biggest questions on jobseekers’ minds is whether to write a cover letter. Should you spend hours doting over your cover letter or are they a waste of time? In a recent survey, <a href="https://www.livecareer.com/resources/special-reports/stats/resume-and-cover-letter-stats" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>49%</strong></a> of hiring managers said that including a cover letter will boost your chance of landing a new role. Whilst this is a decent number, it still shows that a large portion of hiring managers don’t value a cover letter.</p>



<p>So how do you know when to include a cover letter? Is there a way of identifying which jobs you should send one to and which jobs you shouldn’t? Read on to find out whether you should include a cover letter with your job application.</p>



<ul><li>What is a cover letter?</li><li>Does anyone read cover letters?</li><li>When should you include a cover letter?</li><li>Cover letter benefits</li></ul>



<h2>What is a cover letter?</h2>



<p>A cover letter is a short letter addressed to the hiring manager that accompanies your CV. It goes into more detail about your achievements and skills. The point of a cover letter is to convince the hiring manager they should invite you in for an interview.</p>



<h2>Does anyone read cover letters?</h2>



<p>Truthfully, not everyone will care to read your cover letter. Those least likely to read your cover letter are large companies who receive hundreds of applications and who have several screening stages before face to face interviews. On the other hand, cover letters can be very impactful when applying for a job with a smaller business that doesn’t hire mass volumes of people. These kinds of employers tend to have a more personable approach to hiring (especially during the early stages) and are more likely to read your cover letter.</p>



<h2>When should you include a cover letter?</h2>



<h3>When asked for one</h3>



<p>This one’s a no brainer. If an employer specifically asks you to provide a cover letter as part of your application, include a cover letter!</p>



<h3>When given an option</h3>



<p>Sometimes employers won’t specifically ask for a cover letter, but they give you the opportunity to upload any additional documentation/information. You could use this as an opportunity to upload a cover letter… especially if it’s a small business!</p>



<h3>When it’s a small company</h3>



<p>When applying for jobs with smaller companies, always include a cover letter. Smaller businesses tend to hire less frequently and receive fewer applications. So sending a cover letter will make more of an impact as it won’t get drowned out amongst an ocean of other applications.</p>



<h2>Cover letter benefits</h2>



<h3>Strengthens your case</h3>



<p>One of the biggest benefits to writing a cover letter is that you get to go into more detail about yourself and include information that didn’t fit into your CV.&nbsp;</p>



<h3>Shows keen interest</h3>



<p>Writing a cover letter automatically shows the employer you have a keen interest in the role. Where some candidates may just submit their CV, you’ve actually taken the time to craft a tailored cover letter.</p>



<h3>Explains unemployment gaps</h3>



<p>Unemployment gaps over 3-6 months can sometimes be a concern for employers if left unexplained. In your cover letter, you have the opportunity to explain any lengthy unemployment gaps in your CV.&nbsp;</p>



<h3>Makes an impact on smaller businesses</h3>



<p>Again, writing a cover letter for a role at a smaller company is a great way to elevate your application. It will likely be read by the hiring manager and, as a result, create a very strong first impression.</p>



<h2>To cover or not to cover?</h2>



<p>When it comes to including cover letters, it’s clear there’s no hard and fast rule. In some cases a cover letter will really strengthen your application, whereas in others it’s pretty much guaranteed to be a waste of time. So approach each job opportunity individually and use your own discernment to decide whether a cover letter will be effective.</p>



<p class="has-text-align-center">Need help with your cover letter? Don’t miss our tips on <a href="https://blog.sonicjobs.net/what-to-include-in-a-cover-letter/?id=433"><strong>how to write a cover letter</strong></a>!</p>


Do employers read your cover letter?


<p>Your job application is your opportunity to make a great first impression. It’s not a process you should rush through. Employers have to sift through large numbers of applications so you need to put a lot of thought and care into it to ensure yours gets noticed.</p>



<p>In today’s post, we’re walking you through all the steps to submit a winning job application.</p>



<ul><li>The four main ways to apply for jobs</li><li>How to apply for a job the right way</li></ul>



<h2>The four main ways to apply for jobs</h2>



<h3>1. Job boards</h3>



<p>Job boards are the most common way for people to find a job in the UK. Job boards include sites like CV Library and Totaljobs.</p>



<h3>2. SonicJobs app</h3>



<p>The SonicJobs app has some of the most popular UK job boards, like CV Library and Totaljobs, all rolled into one platform. It’s a way for jobseekers to apply for jobs from their mobile phone without a lengthy application process. You can apply to every job with 1 tap and will never get redirected to another site!</p>



<h3>3. Direct</h3>



<p>You can apply for jobs by going directly to company websites and filling out an online application form. If there’s a particular company you want to work for, you can check out the vacancies section on their site to see what opportunities are available.</p>



<h3>4. Recruiters</h3>



<p>Using recruiters is another way to find a job, whether you want to apply for part-time jobs or full-time. Often, you’ll submit your CV to the recruiter who will then send your CV off to a handful of companies who are hiring.</p>



<h2>How to apply for a job the right way</h2>



<h3>1. Pick the right jobs</h3>



<p>Never apply to jobs just for the sake of it. This is a waste of your time and energy. Make sure you only apply to jobs that genuinely interest you and will benefit your career aims.</p>



<h3>2. Get your CV straight</h3>



<p>CV writing is one of those jobs people tend to put off. But <a href="https://blog.sonicjobs.net/how-to-write-a-cv-uk/?id=438"><strong>perfecting your CV</strong></a> is arguably the most important part of your application. So if anything deserves your time, it’s your CV.&nbsp;</p>



<h3>3. Tailor each application</h3>



<p>Never submit a ‘copy and paste’ application. Always make sure each application has been tailored to the job and company at hand, focusing on the skills each company is looking for. Employers will know if you’ve not put any thought into your application so don’t miss this step.</p>



<h3>4. Give tangible examples</h3>



<p>Providing examples in your job application is one of the most impactful application techniques. Instead of reading vague and wishy-washy applications, employers want to hear the specifics about how you excelled in your previous role and what you achieved.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<h3>5. Don’t put all your eggs in one basket</h3>



<p>The last thing you want to do is just apply to one job. You need to keep your options open by applying for several jobs regularly. Finding a new job is a process, so don’t expect to succeed after the first try. Most people have to face a bit of rejection along the way. So it’s important you keep applying for jobs to keep the ball rolling!</p>



<h3>6. Consider a cover letter</h3>



<p><a href="https://blog.sonicjobs.net/what-to-include-in-a-cover-letter/?id=433"><strong>Writing a cover letter</strong></a> can be a great way to stand out from the crowd. They allow you to expand on your CV and give the employer additional information about why you’re right for the role. But cover letters aren’t always appropriate or wanted. Sometimes employers will specifically state that they don’t accept cover letters, or they simply don’t offer space for a cover letter in the application process.</p>



<h3>7. Follow up</h3>



<p>You should follow up on every application you make if you haven’t heard back from the employer within a week. Simply give the company a call to find out if they’ve received your application and let them know you’re still very much interested in the position.</p>



<h2>Take the limelight</h2>



<p>When it comes to applying for jobs, don’t be shy &#8211; sell yourself! If there’s ever a time to talk about your achievements, it’s now. Employers need to feel confident in your ability to succeed in the role, and the best way for you to reassure them is to show confidence in yourself!</p>


How do I apply for a job?


<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>


How long should a CV be?


<p>When it comes to making a career change, you may be wondering if a recruiter can really help you get a new job or if they even help people with your skill set. Finding a new job can be stressful at the best of times, so it’s important you make the most of the resources around you.</p>



<p>Read on to find out if it’s worth working with a recruiter during your job hunt.</p>



<h2>How recruiters can help you get a job</h2>



<p>Recruiters work with several companies to help them find the right candidates for their vacancies. Recruiters tend to do everything from advertising the job role, to screening CVs, to arranging interviews and negotiating salaries. As a job seeker, you’ll be able to ask the recruiter about the company and role, and potentially apply for several opportunities through the same recruiter.</p>



<p>There are different types of recruitment agencies for you to choose from. Many agencies will specialise in a particular type of recruitment, for example financial services recruitment or environmental recruitment agencies. So, if you’re looking for a role in a particular industry, a quick google search will help you find an agency that has a strong presence in your industry.</p>



<h2>Pros of using a recruitment agency to find a job</h2>



<h3>1. Time-saving</h3>



<p>Good recruiters can save you time. As long as the recruiter is well connected, they may be able to get you into a new role quicker than you can say ‘hired.’ Very often, one recruiter will be able to send your CV off to multiple companies, increasing your chances of getting hired.</p>



<h3>2. Better negotiating</h3>



<p>Negotiating your own salary can be an awkward experience. But with a recruiter, you’ve got a much better chance of landing a higher salary since it’s also in the recruiter’s interest.</p>



<h3>3. You can ask the awkward questions</h3>



<p>Sometimes there are questions you don’t really want to broach with the employer directly. For example, if you know they recently had some bad press, a recruiter can give you the inside scoop on what’s really going on at the company.</p>



<h3>4. Support with the job search process</h3>



<p>Recruiters don’t just help by presenting you with job opportunities. They’re also very knowledgeable and can offer advice throughout the entire application process from CV advice to interview tips.</p>



<h2>Cons of using a recruiter to help you find a job</h2>



<h3>1. Chasing updates</h3>



<p>Some recruiters aren’t the best at keeping their candidates updated on any changes. So you may find yourself chasing the recruiter for an update.</p>



<h3>2. Lack of knowledge</h3>



<p>Not all recruiters are born equal. They don’t all know the ins and outs of the companies they’re representing, so they may not be able to answer all your questions about the job opportunity.</p>



<h3>3. No industry knowledge</h3>



<p>It’s important you find the right recruitment agency to work with. Some agencies are generalists, which means they don’t specialise in any particular industry. It’s best to work with recruiters who only work with your particular skill set/industry as they’ll be better connected and in a stronger position to help you.</p>



<h2>Launch your job hunt</h2>



<p>If you’re looking for different<strong> </strong><a href="https://blog.sonicjobs.net/where-can-i-apply-for-lots-of-jobs-quickly-sonicjobs/?id=571"><strong>ways to find a new job quickly</strong></a>, using a recruiter could be a great string to add to your bow so long as you’re working with an agency that is used to working with your skill set. Just be sure to also use other methods like the <a href="https://blog.sonicjobs.net/what-are-the-best-job-platforms-sonicjobs/?id=736"><strong>job boards</strong></a> and direct applications to really amplify your search.</p>


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