
<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>


How often should you move jobs?


<p>First days at work can be a daunting experience. You want to make the best possible impression, but at the same time, there are SO many things running through your mind. From making sure you arrive on time, to getting the dress code right, to meeting new people &#8211; it’s a lot for anyone to take on board.</p>



<p>So to make things a little easier for you, we’ve compiled a list of all the things you’ll need to take on your first day of work. Whether you’re in a <a href="https://blog.sonicjobs.net/what-is-a-blue-collar-job-sonicjobs/?id=837"><strong>blue collar</strong></a>, office-based job or even an <a href="https://blog.sonicjobs.net/are-internships-good-work-experience-sonicjobs/?id=828"><strong>internship</strong></a>, these items all apply:</p>



<ul><li>Map the route</li><li>Lunch</li><li>Questions</li><li>The right attire</li><li>Notepad and pen</li><li>Paperwork</li><li>Put your phone on silent</li><li>Water bottle</li><li>A smile</li></ul>



<h2>9 essential items to take on your first day of work</h2>



<h3>Map the route</h3>



<p>First things first, know where you’re headed in advance. Don’t leave this to the last minute or you’ll probably end up late on your first day. If possible, make the commute yourself before starting work so you know exactly where you’re going. Be sure to allow time for rush hour and arrange parking if you’re driving.</p>



<h3>Lunch</h3>



<p>First days are often full of training and videos. Your company may have a canteen or food van, but it’s best not to leave it to chance on your first day. Take a lunch with you that doesn’t require a microwave, so you can be sure to eat no matter what the time or circumstances.</p>



<h3>Questions</h3>



<p>When it comes to having questions, don’t be shy or fear looking stupid. Your employer expects you to have questions and might be concerned if you don’t ask any. So if something isn’t making sense to you, always ask the question so you can do your job to the best of your ability.</p>



<h3>The right attire</h3>



<p>Getting the dress code right is a pretty important part of your first day. You don’t want to dress up in a suit and tie when everyone else is wearing casual jeans and t-shirts. Equally, you don’t want to turn up wearing your finest clothes if your first day is going to be on a mucky construction site. Make sure you ask your employer what the dress code is in advance.</p>



<h3>Notepad and pen</h3>



<p>Always take a notepad and pen on your first day. You’ll be loaded with information and you’ll need to store it somewhere. So make notes throughout the day of any important points that you’ll need to refer to later down the line. This will prevent you from asking the trainer to repeat themselves because you forgot something.</p>



<h3>Paperwork</h3>



<p>You may need to bring some paperwork on your first day but your employer should give you this information before you start. This could be a signed contract, ID, your national insurance number or perhaps proof of address.</p>



<h3>Put your phone on silent</h3>



<p>Don’t let your phone going off be the reason you make a bad first impression. Before you enter the building, remember to turn it on silent. Simple but effective!</p>



<h3>Water bottle</h3>



<p>Take your own bottle of water on your first day &#8211; the water tap might not be as accessible as you need it to be if you’re in and out of training all day. Stay hydrated to stay on your A game!</p>



<h3>A smile</h3>



<p>The key component to a successful first day &#8211; a smile! Although starting a new job can be stressful, it’s important to not let that tension overcome you. A simple smile can release tension and help others to feel at ease around you too.</p>



<h2>First impressions count</h2>



<p>It’s true what they say: first impressions count! It’s normal to feel nervous on your first day of work, but the most important thing is to be as organised as possible. Be sure to use this list before your first day to make sure you start out on a strong footing.&nbsp;</p>



<p class="has-text-align-center"><em>To find a job near you, 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!</em></p>


What should you bring on your first day of work?


<p>Until 2020, the idea of working from home was a distant dream for most employees. But because of the pandemic, millions of people have been thrust into remote working. And suddenly, everyone realises it’s not all comfy clothes and lie-ins. <a href="https://blog.sonicjobs.net/are-remote-jobs-the-future/?id=446"><strong>Work from home jobs</strong></a> come with their own challenges.&nbsp;</p>



<p>So if you’re feeling the strain of remote working, don’t worry! Today we’re sharing our top tips to transform your work from home experience.</p>



<h2>6 ways to transform your remote working experience</h2>



<h3>Create a dedicated workspace</h3>



<p>Nobody feels motivated looking at a dark, cluttered room. Working from home is a great excuse to create an uplifting work space; one that you look forward to going to. And it’s important you don’t just work from the sofa, but have a dedicated space that separates work and home life. Here are some simple ways you can revamp your office space:</p>



<ul><li>Invest in a filing cabinet</li><li>Put up family pictures</li><li>Buy some flowers</li><li>Hang a whiteboard</li><li>Use good lighting</li><li>Keep it tidy</li><li>Use a partition (if you don’t have a separate office)</li></ul>



<h3>Get dressed</h3>



<p>Getting dressed is one of the simplest ways to transform your working day. We know it can be tempting to lounge about in your pyjamas all day. But how much is this really helping your motivation levels? We’re not saying you need to put on your finest office wear&#8230; but dressing as though you&#8217;re going to leave the house is a great way to shift your mindset.</p>



<h3>Develop a routine</h3>



<p>When you’re working from home, it’s so important to develop a routine to help you stay on track. Normally you’d have your manager keeping you accountable, but it’s not the same when you’re a remote worker. If you don’t develop a routine, distractions will step in (the fridge being one of those distractions). </p>



<h3>Interact with your team</h3>



<p>Home based jobs can get a little lonely from time to time. It’s easy to roll out of bed, switch your computer on and get to work. But before you know it, a whole day has passed and you haven’t interacted with anyone. To avoid feeling isolated, be sure to check in on your colleagues. Make sure you attend team meetings, and also talk to your manager if you feel you need more interaction.</p>



<h3>Take breaks</h3>



<p>When you’re working from home, it can be easy to work through your breaks, especially if you <a href="https://blog.sonicjobs.net/what-is-it-like-working-in-a-startup-sonicjobs/?id=807"><strong>work for a startup</strong></a><strong>.</strong> But avoid getting into the habit of eating your lunch at your desk. Force yourself to get away from the computer and take your full breaks. If you don’t do this, it won’t be long before you experience burnout and your motivation levels drop to an all time low.</p>



<h3>Set boundaries</h3>



<p>If you don’t live alone, it’s important to cut out as many distractions as possible. You may need to tell your children not to disturb you between certain times. Or you may need to shut the office door to make sure your pets don’t come and disturb you. Setting boundaries is particularly important if you have deadlines to meet.</p>



<h2>Flourish from home</h2>



<p>Working from home can be a fantastic addition to your life, but only when managed in the right way. It certainly has its drawbacks. But it’s all about learning how to manage these downsides rather than letting them pile up on you. As long as you make a conscious effort to use these steps, you can continue to <a href="https://blog.sonicjobs.net/should-you-enjoy-your-job-sonicjobs/?id=817"><strong>enjoy your job</strong></a>!</p>



<p class="has-text-align-center"><em>Want to work from home? Browse the </em><strong><em>‘work from home’</em></strong><em> section 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 remote job near you!</em></p>


Tips for working from home


<p>When it comes to looking for a new job, many people decide to <a href="https://blog.sonicjobs.net/what-is-job-hopping-and-is-it-bad-sonicjobs/?id=666"><strong>hop from one job</strong></a> straight into the next, without any gap. And generally speaking, employers tend to disapprove of long gaps on CVs. But are there circumstances where a short break between jobs might be beneficial?</p>



<p>In some cases, it’s totally beneficial to take a break between jobs. If you have the finances to support yourself during the break, go for it. This will give you time to recharge your batteries before launching into your next role. And it will also give you space to reflect on your next move.</p>



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote has-text-align-center"><p>&#8220;<em>Sometimes taking a step back is actually taking a step forward.</em>&#8220;</p></blockquote>



<h2>How long should your break be?</h2>



<p>Taking 1 to 4 weeks between jobs is a good amount of time to take. But, you may be in a position to take a little longer. Just ensure your break doesn’t exceed 3 months to prevent it from negatively impacting your CV. If it’s any longer, you may need to explain this when you <a href="https://blog.sonicjobs.net/how-to-update-your-cv/?id=482"><strong>update your CV.</strong></a> Employers may jump to conclusions about your work ethic if the break is longer than 3 months.</p>



<h2>Benefits of taking a break between jobs</h2>



<h3>Time for career reflection</h3>



<p>If your job is stressful, it can be extremely difficult to think straight. This makes it difficult to plan your next move. You may just take the first opportunity that comes your way to get away from the stresses of your current role. But you need to evaluate what you want for yourself. By taking time off, you have the opportunity to think clearly. And you no longer have the pressures of work weighing you down. Taking a break gives you more opportunity to <a href="https://blog.sonicjobs.net/what-job-is-right-for-me-sonicjobs/?id=560"><strong>find the right job for you</strong></a>.</p>



<h3>Reboot your system</h3>



<p>Going from one job straight into the next doesn’t give you much space to unwind. We all need a break to restore our energy and motivation levels. Once you return to work, you’ll find you have bags more energy and are able to perform much better. Sometimes taking a step back is actually taking a step forward.</p>



<h3>Pursue your passions</h3>



<p>Let’s be honest, sometimes the stresses of work get in the way of you pursuing your personal interests. At the end of a long day in the office, you don’t always have heaps of energy to do the things you enjoy. By taking time off, you get to spend some quality time on your hobbies, projects or interests. How about that room you’ve been meaning to decorate? Or that yoga class you’ve been meaning to start? Or that hike you’ve been meaning to go on? Your career break can be the perfect opportunity to indulge in your passions!</p>



<h2>Disadvantages of taking a break between jobs</h2>



<h3>Employer judgement</h3>



<p>So one of the downsides to taking a break between jobs is that some employers may disapprove of your break. They may assume you’re not motivated because you didn’t jump straight into a job. The good news is that more and more employers now understand the need to take a break. And in some cases, they see this as an advantage.</p>



<h3>Financial risk</h3>



<p>There can be some financial risk if you take a break without having another job in place. It may take longer to find a job than you thought. So you need to have some money in the bank so you don’t run into money problems. Always ensure you know your expenses. Have some money set aside to support you in case the job search takes a little longer than planned.</p>



<h3>Danger of becoming demotivated</h3>



<p>You may end up enjoying your break so much that you find it hard to return to the working world. After working hard for so long in one job, it can be refreshing to enjoy some time to yourself. This isn’t a bad thing. But just be mindful that you may experience the blues when you resume your job search.</p>



<h2>Break away</h2>



<p>Taking a break in between jobs is totally acceptable. And in many cases, extremely beneficial. It can give you more energy and clarity about your career. But we should point out that it’s okay if you don’t feel called to take a break in between jobs. You may be ready and raring to go straight into a new job.</p>



<p class="has-text-align-center"><em>Looking for your next career move? </em><a href="http://www.sonicjobs.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong><em>SonicJobs</em></strong></a><em> can help. Browse over half a million jobs on our app today!</em></p>


Should you have a break between jobs?


<p>When <a href="https://blog.sonicjobs.net/how-long-to-stay-in-a-job/?id=442"><strong>leaving a company</strong></a>, you’ll usually have to give a formal notice period. This is standard practice in most jobs. It gives the employer time to find a replacement or reallocate your workload. In today’s blog, we’ll be discussing everything about notice periods. By the end of this post, you&#8217;ll be confident to hand yours in!</p>



<p>Most notice periods for full-time permanent employees tend to be <strong>1 month.</strong> But this can be shorter or longer depending on a few things. Seniority and length of employment can influence your notice period. Lower level roles tend to be less time. But the notice period for senior level roles can last several months.</p>



<p>Here’s what we’ll cover in today’s blog:</p>



<ul><li>What is a notice period?</li><li>When to hand in your notice</li><li>What happens if you don’t work your notice period?</li><li>The 3 parts to a resignation letter</li></ul>



<h2>What is a notice period?</h2>



<p>A notice period is the length of time you need to continue working once you’ve told your employer you’ll be leaving. The length of this period will be written in your contract. It can be influenced by the amount of time you’ve worked for that company. Generally speaking, the longer you’ve worked at a company, the longer your notice period can be.</p>



<h2>When to hand in your notice</h2>



<p>It&#8217;s best to give notice once you’ve received a formal employment offer in writing and agreed a start date. Ideally, you’ll have signed your contract first but this isn’t always possible. Avoid handing in your notice when you&#8217;re still in the interview process. And wait until you&#8217;ve finished <a href="https://blog.sonicjobs.net/how-to-ask-about-salary-expectations/?id=460"><strong>negotiating your salary.</strong></a> Otherwise you could end up jobless if your new job falls through.</p>



<p>You may want a little <a href="https://blog.sonicjobs.net/should-you-have-a-break-between-jobs/?id=946"><strong>break between jobs</strong></a>. If that’s the case, you can hand in your notice whenever it suits you. But just make sure you have the finances to cushion you in case your job search takes a longer time.</p>



<h2>What happens if you don’t work your notice period?</h2>



<p>If you don’t work your notice period, you’re breaching your employment contract. As a result, your employer doesn’t have to pay you for the part of your notice period that you didn’t work. This may also hinder your chance of receiving a reference from your employer. So it’s best to work your notice period where possible and leave on good terms.</p>



<h2>The 3 parts to a resignation letter</h2>



<p>Your notice of resignation can be short and sweet. You should hand this over in-person as a hard copy, as well as over email. It’s a good idea to keep it factual, professional and polite. You can divide your notice into 3 parts:</p>



<h3>Part 1: The facts</h3>



<p>Let your employer know you’re writing to give formal notice, the position you’ve held, the length of your notice period and your end date.</p>



<p><em>Please accept this letter as formal notice that I, [John Smith], will be resigning from my position of [salesman]. In line with my contract, I am providing [1 month’s] notice and will therefore remain in my position until [25th January 2022].</em></p>



<h3>Part 2: The plan</h3>



<p>Include a couple of sentences to state your intent for your notice period.</p>



<p><em><em>During my notice period, I will be happy to continue performing my role to the best of my ability and will assist with any training requirements.</em></em></p>



<h3>Part 3: The thanks</h3>



<p>Finally, you want to end the letter on a positive note. So round the letter off with some sincere words of thanks.</p>



<p><em>I have enjoyed my role over the past [8 years] and the team will be sorely missed. Thank you for understanding my reasons for leaving to pursue a new challenge. I wish you all the best of luck for the future success of the company.</em></p>



<h2>Leave on good terms</h2>



<p>The most important thing to remember when giving your notice is to leave on the best possible terms. No matter what your <a href="https://blog.sonicjobs.net/top-reasons-for-leaving-a-job-sonicjobs/?id=526"><strong>reasons for leaving</strong></a> are, it’s never good to burn bridges. So keep it professional and give the required amount of notice. </p>



<p class="has-text-align-center"><em>Looking for a fresh start? </em><a href="http://www.sonicjobs.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong><em>SonicJobs</em></strong></a><em> have over half a million live jobs across the UK. Browse our app to get searching!</em></p>


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How to use the STAR interview technique

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Interpersonal skills you need to succeed at work

How to nail a phone interview

How can I change my career with no experience?

How often should you move jobs?

What should you bring on your first day of work?

Tips for working from home

Should you have a break between jobs?

How long is a notice period?

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