
<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>When it comes to job hunting, you don’t just need to think about <strong><a href="https://blog.sonicjobs.net/how-to-write-a-cv-uk/?id=438">writing your CV</a></strong> and perfecting your <strong><a href="https://blog.sonicjobs.net/interview-questions-with-answers/?id=486">interview answers</a></strong>. Hiring managers use many ways to test you out. At a certain point in the hiring process, they’ll probably ask you for a reference.</p>



<p>But picking the right references is key. You want to pick someone who’s going to give you the strongest and most relevant reference to the job.</p>



<h2>What is a job reference?</h2>



<p>A job reference takes place before you begin a new role. Companies may ask for a letter from your previous employer. This is to confirm that you performed the role that’s in your CV. You can think of it like a letter of recommendation. Sometimes, your job offer can only be confirmed once a reference has been received.</p>



<h2>6 people to use for a job reference</h2>



<p>It’s not always possible to provide a reference from a previous job, especially if you didn’t end on good terms. Or perhaps you’ve never had a job before. But the good news is you get to pick who you provide as a reference. It doesn&#8217;t have to be from an old boss.</p>



<h3>Previous manager</h3>



<p>The best person to use as a reference would be your previous manager. And this is also the most obvious choice. If you had a good relationship with your old manager, put their name down as a reference. This will fill your prospective employer with confidence.</p>



<h3>Teacher</h3>



<p>School teachers make great references for jobs. This is because they get to know your character very well at school. Ideally, you’ll choose a teacher who you spent a lot of time with.&nbsp;</p>



<h3>Lecturer/Professor</h3>



<p>If you went to university, you can use your lecturers as a referee. They can vouch for your character and your work ethic.</p>



<h3>Volunteer work</h3>



<p>If you’ve ever performed any volunteer work, a senior member of staff is a great person to use as a reference. They can describe your character. But they can also describe how you work in a professional setting. They can detail the duties you took on board and whether they’d recommend you as an employee.</p>



<h3>Mentor</h3>



<p>If you’ve ever had a mentor, these can be great people to use as references. Some people had mentors in school/university. And others may have had mentors during their professional career.</p>



<h3>Sports coach</h3>



<p>This may seem like an odd choice, but sports coaches can vouch for your character. They can tell employers if you’re dependable and how you work as part of a team. They can also comment on your punctuality and motivation levels.</p>



<h2>What makes a great reference?</h2>



<p>When picking someone to use as a reference, there are a few things you want to think about. Use these tips to pick the best possible reference:</p>



<ul><li>Pick someone who can vouch for skills that relate most closely to the job you’re applying for.</li><li>If using a previous manager, try to pick your most recent company. The more recent the experience, the better!</li><li>Choose someone that you had a good relationship with and who you can trust to support your career move.</li><li>Avoid picking a manager where you ended on bad terms.</li><li>Where possible, tell your referee what skills you’d like them to mention in their reference</li></ul>



<h2>How many references should you provide?</h2>



<p>Usually the company will specify how many references you need to provide. But it’s common for companies to ask for two. So always have two referees in mind when applying for jobs.</p>



<h2>Pick wisely</h2>



<p>Many employers depend on references when looking for new employees. So always have a couple of people in mind who will provide an outstanding reference for you.</p>



<p class="has-text-align-center"><br><em>Ready to land a new role? Start applying for jobs from your phone on the </em><a href="http://www.sonicjobs.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong><em>SonicJobs</em></strong></a><em> app.</em></p>


Who to use as a job reference


<p>Is your life all work and no play? If you’re reading this blog, chances are you answered ‘yes’. Well, you’re not alone. <a href="https://employeebenefits.co.uk/52-uk-staff-do-not-have-good-work-life-balance/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Research</strong></a> has shown 35% of employees say they can’t have a healthy work-life balance in their current role. And 52% of staff said their work eats into their personal life!</p>



<p>But at some point, you’ve got to draw the line. And more people are realising they should and can<strong> </strong><a href="https://blog.sonicjobs.net/how-to-be-happy-in-a-job-you-hate-sonicjobs/?id=813"><strong>find happiness in their job</strong></a>. In today’s blog, we’ll discuss the importance of a good work-life balance, and how to get it right.</p>



<h2>Work-life balance: what does it mean?</h2>



<p>Work-life balance is having the right blend of work life and personal life. It’s very easy for work to consume your life. When this happens, you end up feeling overwhelmed, stressed and unmotivated. But by aiming for a healthy balance, you’ll be able to enjoy your personal life without the interference of work. Equally, you’ll gain more enjoyment from your work because you’re not burning yourself out.</p>



<h2>8 ways to improve your work-life balance</h2>



<h3>Finish on time</h3>



<p>It’s important to stick to your <a href="https://blog.sonicjobs.net/how-many-hours-is-a-full-time-job-sonicjobs/?id=923"><strong>working hours</strong></a>. It can be tempting to stay an extra hour. But doing this defeats the object of a healthy work-life balance. You’re already working 8 hours a day. Make sure you finish work on time to get the rest you need.</p>



<h3>Silence work notifications</h3>



<p>Okay, so you can finish work on time and STILL be responding to emails from home. But you need to set boundaries. Home time is personal time. Make sure you silence your emails and notifications.&nbsp;</p>



<h3>Take your breaks</h3>



<p>Taking breaks throughout the day is key to a better work-life balance. But this means avoiding eating your lunch at your desk too. Stepping away from your office for 30 minutes can give your mind the break it needs.&nbsp;</p>



<h3>Set goals outside of your career</h3>



<p>Has your life become all about your career? Have you completely thrown away your personal goals? Take time to focus on something else outside of work. Your career doesn’t always have to be your priority. It could be redecorating your house, learning a new skill or training for a marathon.</p>



<h3>Become a planner</h3>



<p>Planning is an essential part of work-life balance. If you don’t plan, you won’t know where your week’s gone. On a Sunday evening or Monday morning, use a planner to map out your week. This should include all the things you want to do outside of your job.</p>



<h3>Meditate</h3>



<p>Meditation is a great tool for resetting the mind. We spend our waking days wrapped up in thoughts. We’re constantly going round in loops about the same issues. This leaves little room for other inspiration to come through. But by meditating, you’re clearing space in your mind to allow new ideas to present themselves.</p>



<h3>Go on holiday</h3>



<p>You always need something to look forward to. And going away is a powerful tool for restoring your wellbeing. We’re only human. We all need time away from work to enjoy life without the stresses of our jobs!</p>



<h3>Communicate&nbsp;</h3>



<p>If work is getting on top of you, communicate! Talk to your manager. They have a duty to support you if your workload is too heavy. They may be able to arrange flexible working or <a href="https://blog.sonicjobs.net/tips-for-working-from-home/?id=949"><strong>remote work</strong></a>. Or perhaps they can just delegate some of your tasks to other team members.</p>



<h2>Find your balance</h2>



<p>Every job should have a healthy work-life balance. But sometimes it takes a little work to establish it. And it certainly helps if you have the support of your manager too. But if you feel like there’s no hope in your current job, it’s time to look elsewhere.&nbsp;</p>



<p class="has-text-align-center"><em>On the </em><a href="http://www.sonicjobs.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong><em>SonicJobs</em></strong></a><em> app, you can apply for thousands of jobs that offer a great work-life balance. Download our app to start your new life today!</em></p>


How to improve your work-life balance


<p>One of the trickiest things about <a href="https://blog.sonicjobs.net/how-to-ask-for-a-pay-rise/?id=464"><strong>climbing the ladder</strong></a> is finding a healthy work-life balance. You want to impress your boss. You want to achieve as much as possible. But you also need to know where to draw the line. If you don’t, you’ll end up suffering from burnout.</p>



<p>But what is burnout at work? How do you know if you’re working too hard? Let’s take a look at all the signs you’re experiencing work burnout.</p>



<h2>What is professional burnout?</h2>



<p>Burnout is when you’ve worked yourself to the point of exhaustion. You no longer have the physical or mental willpower to carry on working. As a result, your energy levels are low… and so are your motivation levels.&nbsp;</p>



<h2>6 signs you’re working too hard</h2>



<h3>Losing sleep</h3>



<p>Is the thought of work keeping you up at night? If so, you’re definitely overworked. Sleep is an essential part of your daily routine. But when you’re stressed or anxious, your sleep can get disrupted.</p>



<h3>Working through your lunch</h3>



<p>Skipping lunch to carry on working is a definite sign of burnout. It shows you’re so busy, you can’t even afford to spare 30 minutes for yourself.</p>



<h3>Working after hours</h3>



<p>Most <a href="https://blog.sonicjobs.net/how-many-hours-is-a-full-time-job-sonicjobs/?id=923"><strong>full-time</strong></a> employees work 36.5 hours per week. But what happens if you start early and stay late everyday? You’ll soon end up doing <a href="https://blog.sonicjobs.net/is-50-hours-of-work-a-week-a-lot/?id=931"><strong>50+ hours per week</strong></a>. This is going to lead to burnout. Switching off after work is a must.</p>



<h3>You dread going into the office</h3>



<p>If you dread starting work, it could be because you’re burnt out. Nobody should feel dread everyday before work. Feeling like this will soon run you into the ground.&nbsp;</p>



<h3>Feeling overwhelmed</h3>



<p>Are you overwhelmed by the amount of work you have to do? Does it feel like you’ll never reach the end of your to-do list? This isn’t a healthy way to feel. Overwhelm can stop you from doing anything at all!</p>



<h3>Falling sick (immune system is low &#8211; rest is important)</h3>



<p>If you keep getting sick, it may be because of burnout. Feeling overworked lowers your immune system. So you’re more prone to getting sick. If you keep getting run down, it’s probably time you spend more time on your self-care.</p>



<h2>How to avoid burnout at work</h2>



<h3>Rest well</h3>



<p>Getting 7-8 hours of uninterrupted sleep every night is key to looking after your mental health. Avoid electronics 2 hours before bed &#8211; this is known to help you sleep better at night!</p>



<h3>Take your breaks</h3>



<p>Commit to your break times. Remind yourself that taking a break is going to help you perform better. It’s a bit like switching off your computer when it starts to lag. It performs better after a quick rest!</p>



<h3>Focus on one task at a time</h3>



<p>Force yourself to only focus on one task at a time. Doing too many things at once only creates distraction and overwhelm.&nbsp;</p>



<h3>Ask for help</h3>



<p>Take a little pressure off yourself by asking for help! That’s what teammates are for. Speak to your manager about how you’re feeling. They should make some changes to help you manage your workload better.</p>



<h3>Set boundaries</h3>



<p>Boundaries are an important part of managing burnout. You can’t always say ‘yes’ to every task. You need to learn to say ‘no’ too. It’s also important you switch off from work at the end of the day. Be strict with yourself. Leave on time. Turn off your notifications and don’t check your work emails.</p>



<h3>Practise meditation</h3>



<p>10 minutes of meditation per day can totally transform your day. Even when you’re feeling stressed, meditation can be a great coping tool.&nbsp;</p>



<h2>Self-care for the win</h2>



<p>Self-care at work isn’t always easy. But it’s an absolute must. Especially if you’re feeling burnt out. If you dread going into work or are low on energy, maybe it’s time to make some changes.</p>



<p class="has-text-align-center"><em>Looking for a better work-life balance? Browse over half a million jobs on the </em><a href="http://www.sonicjobs.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong><em>SonicJobs</em></strong></a><em> app today!</em></p>


How to avoid burnout at work


<p>Looking for a more satisfying job? We spend the majority of our lives at work. So it’s only natural to want a job that fulfills you. After all, you don’t want to spend most of your life doing a <a href="https://blog.sonicjobs.net/how-to-be-happy-in-a-job-you-hate-sonicjobs/?id=813"><strong>job you hate</strong></a>. </p>



<p>But job satisfaction isn’t black and white. And it looks different for everyone. It’s a combination of many different factors. And it will always be personal to you.</p>



<p>But before you <a href="https://blog.sonicjobs.net/how-to-write-a-resignation-letter/?id=1129"><strong>hand in your notice</strong></a>, think carefully before making your next move. Explore all options. We’ve created a list of the highest ranking careers for job satisfaction in the UK.</p>



<h2>What is job satisfaction?</h2>



<p>Job satisfaction is individual to each person. But take a look at this list of some of the most common features of the happiest jobs.</p>



<h3>Personal growth</h3>



<p>Many people find job satisfaction comes in the form of growth. That means developing your professional skills through training and experience. This could be working on more complex projects, or taking on additional tasks. Without growth, employees can feel bored!</p>



<h3>Career progression</h3>



<p>Career progression is an important factor for lots of workers. Especially people who are career-driven. Most people don’t want to stay at the same level for their whole lives. Instead, they want the opportunity to gain promotions and climb the ladder.</p>



<h3>Work-life balance</h3>



<p>Work-life balance is becoming a more and more important part of career growth. Employees are now ranking this balance as a key part of job satisfaction. Burnout is fast becoming a thing of the past!</p>



<h3>Team dynamic</h3>



<p>Getting along with your colleagues can be a vital part of job satisfaction for lots of people. After all, we spend most of our waking days with the people we work with. So it makes the world of difference when you get along and enjoy their company.</p>



<h3>Competitive salary</h3>



<p>Of course, salary plays a big role in job satisfaction. You want to reap the rewards for the hard work you’re doing. Your salary can really justify all the hard work you’re doing.</p>



<h3>Fulfillment</h3>



<p>Fulfillment is something that’s personal to each individual. For some, fulfillment could be doing meaningful work that impacts the community. For others, fulfillment could be hitting sales targets. Either way, fulfillment is one of the vital things for job satisfaction.</p>



<h3>Recognition</h3>



<p>Being recognised for your hard work is always nice. And often this makes your work much more enjoyable. Being seen by your boss is a sure way to boost job satisfaction.</p>



<h2>Top 10 happiest jobs in the UK</h2>



<p>Here’s a list of the UK’s top 10 jobs with the highest job satisfaction according to <a href="https://www.glassdoor.co.uk/blog/jobs-highest-satisfaction/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Glassdoor</strong></a>.</p>



<h3>1. Corporate recruiter</h3>



<p>Job satisfaction: 4.59/5</p>



<p>Median base salary: £46,215</p>



<h3>2. HR manager</h3>



<p>Job satisfaction: 4.39/5</p>



<p>Median base salary: £48,443</p>



<h3>3. Full stack engineer</h3>



<p>Job satisfaction: 4.32/5</p>



<p>Median base salary: £47,320</p>



<h3>4. HR business partner</h3>



<p>Job satisfaction: 4.3/5</p>



<p>Median base salary: £50,000</p>



<h3>5. UX designer</h3>



<p>Job satisfaction: 4.26/5</p>



<p>Median base salary: £46,382</p>



<h3>6. Front end engineer</h3>



<p>Job satisfaction: 4.23/5</p>



<p>Median base salary: £43,803</p>



<h3>7. Data scientist</h3>



<p>Job satisfaction: 4.2/5</p>



<p>Median base salary: £49,449</p>



<h3>8. Customer success manager</h3>



<p>Job satisfaction: 4.18/5</p>



<p>Median base salary: £41,113</p>



<h3>9. Marketing manager</h3>



<p>Job satisfaction: 4.17/5</p>



<p>Median base salary: £47,320</p>



<h3>10. Mobile engineer</h3>



<p>Job satisfaction: 4.13/5</p>



<p>Median base salary: £51,443</p>



<h2>Not satisfied?</h2>



<p>Are you unsatisfied with your job? There’s no reason to stay in this position. There are thousands of jobs on the market right now. All you have to do is put yourself out there to find a job you love.</p>



<p class="has-text-align-center"><em>To find a new career quickly, browse jobs on the </em><a href="http://www.sonicjobs.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong><em>SonicJobs</em></strong></a><em> app to find your dream career.</em></p>


Careers with the highest job satisfaction in the UK


<p>It’s no secret we’re in the midst of The Great Resignation. Record numbers of workers are leaving their jobs in search of better prospects. But new <a href="https://sloanreview.mit.edu/article/toxic-culture-is-driving-the-great-resignation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>research</strong></a> shows that a toxic work culture is the biggest <a href="https://blog.sonicjobs.net/top-reasons-for-leaving-a-job-sonicjobs/?id=526"><strong>reason employees are running for the door</strong></a>.</p>



<p>When it comes to finding a life-long career, you can’t flourish in a toxic work environment. You need to be with a company that uplifts and empowers its employees. And one that treats all workers fair and equal.&nbsp;</p>



<h2>11 warning signs you’re in a toxic work environment</h2>



<h3>Micro-management</h3>



<p>Do you constantly feel like your boss is breathing down your neck? Micro-management is a big sign of a toxic workplace. It suggests your manager doesn’t trust you. And without the trust of your manager, how can you move onto higher heights?</p>



<h3>Gossip culture</h3>



<p>Are you working in a gossip culture? You know, the kind of culture where a few colleagues are always whispering over by the microwave. It’s not fun working amongst gossip and it shows a lack of respect for one another.</p>



<h3>High turnover</h3>



<p>Are your company doors constantly revolving? When a company can’t keep staff, it’s a huge red flag. It tells you the company is doing something seriously wrong. Whether people are leaving or getting the boot, a high turnover isn’t a good look!</p>



<h3>Favouritism</h3>



<p>Do certain workers get treated better? Does it seem like some colleagues are simply untouchable? Favouritism is definitely a toxic work trait. Everyone should be treated equally, no matter what their relationship to the manager.</p>



<h3>Moving the goalposts</h3>



<p>There’s nothing more frustrating than when a goal has been set, but then your manager moves the goalposts. Especially when you’re close to reaching your goal. When a target’s been set, nothing should ever change that.</p>



<h3>Rudeness</h3>



<p>Do you feel as though you could receive a rude or sarcastic comment from your manager at any time? That’s no way to work. You should always feel safe knowing that you’ll be spoken to with respect at work.</p>



<h3>Naming and shaming</h3>



<p>Naming and shaming is a cut-throat management technique. It relies on shaming people who have underperformed. The manager hopes this will put other people off from doing the same. But this only leaves people feeling demotivated. Any feedback should always be done privately.</p>



<h3>Skipping lunch</h3>



<p>Can’t find enough time in the day to have your lunch? Or maybe you’re expected to work through your lunch. This is a big no no! Taking a proper break is vital to your mental health. Plus, you’ll always feel more productive after switching off for 30 minutes.</p>



<h3>Work spilling into home life</h3>



<p>When your work is invading your home life, it’s time to stop and think. Work should be kept at work. If you let it spill into your home life, you’ll soon experience burnout.&nbsp;</p>



<h3>False promises</h3>



<p>Feel like you can’t rely on your boss’ promises? Then you need to draw the line. This sort of behaviour is unfair and isn’t acceptable.</p>



<h3>Unrealistic expectations</h3>



<p>Does your manager set targets you know you’ll never reach? That’s no way to work. Targets should be achievable. You should feel motivated at the thought of hitting your target.</p>



<h2>How to cope with a toxic workplace</h2>



<h3>Tend to your mental health</h3>



<p>Mental health should always be a priority. But this is particularly true when you’re working in a toxic environment. Going to the gym or practising 10 minutes of meditation and breath work can help release any tension.</p>



<h3>Stick to your breaks</h3>



<p>Your breaks should be non-negotiable. If you don’t want burnout, always make time to switch off throughout the day.</p>



<h3>Network</h3>



<p>It’s important to have a network of like-minded people you can rely on. Look for like-minded people within your own company. But also use platforms like <a href="https://blog.sonicjobs.net/do-i-need-a-linkedin-profile-for-jobs-sonicjobs/?id=706"><strong>LinkedIn</strong></a> to network with other people in your industry.</p>



<h3>Turn off notifications in the evening</h3>



<p>Once you leave the (virtual) office, you should completely switch off. Turn off all notifications and don’t respond to any messages until you’re back at work. It’s important to set boundaries so people know they can’t eat into your personal time.</p>



<h3>Talk to your manager</h3>



<p>You may have an opportunity to speak with your manager about how you’re feeling. Hopefully they’ll value your opinion and will look for ways to improve the situation.</p>



<h3>Leave</h3>



<p>Sometimes there’s really no healing the situation. Especially when you can’t even talk to your own boss. If that’s the case, it may be time to <a href="https://blog.sonicjobs.net/what-to-do-if-you-need-a-job-asap-sonicjobs/?id=790"><strong>find a new job</strong></a>.</p>



<h2>There’s no need to suffer</h2>



<p>Nobody should ever feel obliged to stay in a toxic work environment. There are plenty of opportunities (now more than ever) to find a new role. And there are plenty of employers that are great to work for. And those are the ones that deserve your time, energy and expertise.</p>



<p class="has-text-align-center"><em>To find an employer you love, browse over half a million vacancies on the </em><a href="http://www.sonicjobs.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong><em>SonicJobs</em></strong></a><em> app. A new life awaits!</em></p>


Signs of a toxic work environment


<p>With so many changes taking place in the world, you may be wondering what’s happening with minimum wage in the UK. It’s important to <a href="https://blog.sonicjobs.net/how-do-you-know-if-you-are-being-paid-enough-at-work-sonicjobs/?id=877"><strong>know if you’re being paid enough</strong></a>. But your minimum wage depends on different things like your age and whether you’re an apprentice. For example, minimum wage for 18 year olds is different to minimum wage for 16 year olds.</p>



<p>So let’s find out what the minimum wage is for you in 2022.</p>



<h2>What is national minimum wage?</h2>



<p>The national minimum wage is a payment tariff set by the government. It ensures that all UK employers pay their employees a minimum amount per hour. If employers pay less than the minimum wage, it’s a criminal offence.</p>



<h2>National minimum wage Vs national living wage</h2>



<p>National minimum wage (NMW) is the base rate per hour that all employees are entitled to. In 2016, the national living wage (NLW) was created. It’s set at a higher rate but only workers aged 23 or over are entitled to national living wage.</p>



<h2>National minimum wage rates 2022</h2>



<p><strong>Age 16-17:</strong> £4.81 per hour</p>



<p><strong>Age 18-20:</strong> £6.83 per hour</p>



<p><strong>Age 21-22:</strong> £9.18 per hour</p>



<p><strong>Age 23+ (NLW):</strong> £9.50 per hour</p>



<h2>Minimum wage for apprentices 2022</h2>



<p>Minimum wage works differently for <a href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/1fVCz7fZ-7cxtb2GOKuNa7lE1iOI14CErqZpib0Kolp4/edit#"><strong>apprentices</strong></a>. Your age also affects your minimum wage entitlement when you’re an apprentice.</p>



<p><strong>Age 16-18:</strong> £4.81 per hour</p>



<p><strong>Age 19+ and in your first year off apprenticeship: </strong>£4.81 per hour</p>



<p><strong>Age 19+ and completed your first year of apprenticeship:</strong> full national minimum wage for your age</p>



<h2>Who is entitled to minimum wage?</h2>



<p>All workers of school leaving age are entitled to minimum wage. It doesn’t matter if you’re a full-time or part-time employee. This includes:</p>



<ul><li>Part-time workers</li><li>Disabled workers</li><li>International workers</li><li>Labourers</li><li>Apprentices (see apprentice rates above)</li><li>Pregnant women</li><li>Remote workers</li><li>Offshore workers</li><li>Temporary workers</li></ul>



<h2>How often does minimum wage increase?</h2>



<p>Minimum wage increases every year. The government announces new rates for minimum wage. This increase takes effect from April every year.</p>



<h2>Should your wage increase each year?</h2>



<p>You should only expect your wage to increase every year if you earn minimum wage. If you’re earning more than minimum wage, your employer decides whether or not to increase your wage. They don’t have to do this, but many employers do increase wages by <a href="https://www.investopedia.com/articles/personal-finance/090415/salary-secrets-what-considered-big-raise.asp" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>3%</strong></a> each year.</p>



<h2>How to gain a pay rise</h2>



<p>Although pay rises<strong> </strong>should take place to keep up with inflation, this still doesn’t guarantee you an increase. It’s completely your employer’s decision. So you should always be looking for ways to <a href="https://blog.sonicjobs.net/how-to-ask-for-a-pay-rise/?id=464"><strong>earn your pay rise</strong></a>.</p>



<ul><li>Take on new responsibilities</li><li>Upskill with courses, qualifications and training</li><li>Make note of any targets you exceed</li><li>Discuss what you need to do to earn a pay rise with your line manager</li><li>Start managing people</li><li>Work on more complex projects</li><li>Always be punctual</li><li>Contribute useful ideas that enhance the company performance</li><li>Use your annual performance review</li></ul>



<h2>Plan ahead</h2>



<p>It’s always good to know exactly what wage you’re entitled to before applying for a job. This will help you to manage your finances and cover your living costs. But if your job isn’t paying you enough to cover your costs, you should look at finding another job that pays more.</p>



<p class="has-text-align-center"><em>To plan your next career move, download the </em><a href="http://www.sonicjobs.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong><em>SonicJobs</em></strong></a><em> app and get applying from your phone!</em></p>


What is minimum wage in the UK?


<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>


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