
<p>Asking for a pay rise during a recession isn’t the same as <strong><a href="https://blog.sonicjobs.net/how-to-ask-for-a-pay-rise/?id=464">asking for a pay rise in a booming economy</a>.</strong> BUT… it can be done. But before you go bowling into your manager’s office, there’s a few things to consider. Negotiating a higher salary in a shaky economy isn’t always appropriate. So check out our guide to asking for a raise during a recession.</p>



<h2>When to do it</h2>



<p>There’s a time and a place for asking for a pay rise. If you’re going to ask for a raise in tough times, these are the best times to do it:</p>



<h3>During an appraisal</h3>



<p>Appraisals are the perfect opportunity to ask for a pay rise. But only when you’ve been a top performer. If your appraisal is full of criticism, this isn’t the best time to ask for a salary increase.</p>



<h3>When you’ve completed a project successfully</h3>



<p>You always want to ask for a raise when you’re at your best. So waiting until you’ve completed a project or hit a target is wise. These are your high points. It’s when your manager can clearly see the value you bring to the company.</p>



<h3>When your manager is in a good mood</h3>



<p>The pay rise is down to your manager. So of course, you want to catch him/her in a good mood. If they’re stressed or busy dealing with problems, wait until the storm has passed.&nbsp;</p>



<h2>When not to do it</h2>



<p>As we said in the intro, it’s not always appropriate to ask for a pay rise. You want the best conditions when you ask for a raise. But here are some things that could hinder your chances.</p>



<h3>When you’re below target</h3>



<p>If you’re behind on your targets, this isn’t the best time to ask for a raise… <em>especially</em> in a recession. Times are hard enough as it is. So wait until you’re above your targets.</p>



<h3>When the company is failing to hit its targets</h3>



<p>Even if you’re performing well, the company might not be. If your company is taking a big hit in the economy, your chances of getting a raise are slim.&nbsp;</p>



<h3>When the company is laying people off</h3>



<p>If your company is making redundancies, then now is <strong><em>not</em></strong> the time to seek a pay rise. At this point, you should just keep your head down and focus on doing your job consistently.</p>



<h2>Tips for asking for a pay rise during a recession</h2>



<h3>Compare your pay&nbsp;</h3>



<p>Salaries change during recessions. In booming economies, salaries can skyrocket. But in recessions, things are a little slower. So it’s hard to <strong><a href="https://blog.sonicjobs.net/how-do-you-know-if-you-are-being-paid-enough-at-work-sonicjobs/?id=877">know if you’re being paid enough</a></strong>. You’ll need to find out what other companies are paying. Use job boards and talk to recruiters. This will help you work out how much of a raise you should ask for (if any at all).</p>



<h3>Schedule an appointment</h3>



<p>Asking for a raise should never be an off-hand conversation. Pre-book it into your boss’ diary and make sure you’ll have some privacy.&nbsp;</p>



<h3>Show understanding to the current climate</h3>



<p>Don’t ignore the recession when asking for your raise. Be sensitive towards the situation and show you’ve put some thought into it. Here are a couple of phrases to help inspire you:</p>



<ul><li>“I understand the economic climate isn’t the best, but I’m hoping you’ll see that the value I bring is worth the raise.”</li><li>“I know the business needs to be frugal with its spending right now, but I’m here to show you why a pay rise would be worth it for the company, even in today’s climate.”</li></ul>



<h3>List your achievements in facts and figures</h3>



<p>Facts and figures are the strongest way to present yourself for a raise. Don’t use wishy washy arguments like ‘I work really hard.’ Instead, tell them how you’ve performed against your targets. Use as many numbers as possible to demonstrate your value.</p>



<h3>Be confident, but not entitled</h3>



<p>Be confident in your worth. But remember that your employer doesn’t owe you a raise. So keep your tone polite and respectful.</p>



<h3>Don’t make threats</h3>



<p>When asking for a raise, never insinuate that you’ll leave if you don’t receive it. This can be very damaging to your business relationship. Your pay rise should be based on your merit, not on your threat to leave.</p>



<h3>Be flexible</h3>



<p>Although you can tell your employer how much you’d like to receive, be flexible. You may need to lower your expectations. Especially during a recession when budgets are tight.</p>



<h3>Have a plan B</h3>



<p>Sometimes pay rises aren’t granted…even if you deserve one. During a recession, companies will be less likely to dish out rises. So prepare a plan B. You could ask for a one-off bonus instead or agree to review the situation in 6 months time.</p>



<h2>It’s a gamble</h2>



<p>Getting a pay rise during a recession IS possible. But it can be harder. So don’t set your expectations too high. It may be best to wait until the economy levels out again. But if done correctly, there’s absolutely no harm in asking!</p>



<p class="has-text-align-center"><em>Looking for a higher paying role? Explore your options today with the <a href="http://www.sonicjobs.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>SonicJobs</strong></a> app!</em></p>


Can you ask for a pay rise during a recession?


<p>Teamwork. It’s a word we hear ALL the time in the working world. It’s written under <strong><a href="https://blog.sonicjobs.net/what-are-skills-on-a-cv-sonicjobs/?id=534">the skills section in your CV</a></strong>. It’s one of the most <strong><a href="https://blog.sonicjobs.net/most-common-interview-questions-and-answers/?id=400">common interview questions</a></strong>. But what does it mean? And are you <em>actually</em> practising it? Or are you just using it as a buzzword?&nbsp;</p>



<p>Here’s why teamwork is SO important and how you can be a better team player in 2023.</p>



<h2>Why is teamwork important at work?</h2>



<p>In most jobs, teamwork will be required. Employers love teamwork because jobs often involve working with other people. And if you don’t work well with others, it shows in the result. It’s very rare to find a job where you don’t have to rely on colleagues in some way. So if you can prove you’re a good team player, employers will be more likely to hire or promote you!</p>



<h2>The 5 elements of a great team player</h2>



<ul><li>Celebrating your team members</li><li>Pulling your weight</li><li>Mucking in</li><li>Leading, but not dominating</li><li>Knowing your team</li></ul>



<h3>1. Celebrating your team members</h3>



<p>Being able to celebrate others’ wins is key to being a strong team player. There’s no room for jealousy in teamwork. You don’t want to compete with your own teammates to the point where you can’t be happy for them if they succeed. So any time a colleague or teammate does well, go out of your way to congratulate them. Remember, other people’s success doesn’t take away from your own!</p>



<h3>2. Pulling your weight</h3>



<p>In teamwork, we all have a role to play. The least you can do is deliver on your part. If you have a deadline, make sure you hit it. Give 110% to doing your bit right. If you start slacking, you’ll only let down the rest of your team. Your boss will also see you’re not pulling your weight. This could hinder your chances of getting a promotion as they’ll soon brand you as unreliable.</p>



<h3>3. Mucking in</h3>



<p>The work doesn’t stop when you deliver on your own role. You need to go the extra mile and muck in wherever needed. Sometimes your team members will fall behind or face problems. That’s when teammates need to step in and offer a helping hand. This is the beauty of teamwork.</p>



<h3>4. Leading, but not dominating</h3>



<p>In teamwork, there will be opportunities to shine as a leader. Every team needs leadership. You don’t have to be ‘assigned’ this role to take it on. But just be careful not to overstep the mark. You don’t want to dominate the group, especially when you’re not an assigned leader. Only step in as a leader when it seems the team needs more direction or inspiration.</p>



<h3>5. Knowing your team</h3>



<p>In teams, there will always be people who are better at certain things. It’s important to know what everyone’s strengths and weaknesses are. That way, you can assign certain tasks to the team members that are best suited. It’s just like football. You wouldn’t put Lionel Messi as a defender, would you? He clearly performs best as a forward. Play to your strengths, not <strong><a href="https://blog.sonicjobs.net/what-are-your-weaknesses-sonicjobs/?id=544">your weaknesses</a></strong>! That’s how teamwork produces results!</p>



<h2>There’s no I in team</h2>



<p>Being a strong team player will excel your career. It will help you perform better and can set you apart as a leader. Just remember to do your part and support the people around you. Great teamwork = great results!</p>



<p class="has-text-align-center"><em>Want to climb the ladder? Find a new job FAST on the </em><a href="http://www.sonicjobs.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong><em>SonicJobs</em></strong></a><em> app</em></p>


Why teamwork is key to your career progress in 2023


<p>Is career progression on your mind for 2023? If so, you’ll want to set some SMART goals. There’s no point in just hoping for success. You need to plan ahead to use your time effectively and create healthy career habits. Setting SMART goals will give you structure. And in the end, you’ll <font color="#005177"><a href="https://blog.sonicjobs.net/what-careers-have-good-progression-sonicjobs/?id=820"><span style="caret-color: rgb(0, 81, 119); font-weight: 600;">progres</span></a></font><strong><a href="https://blog.sonicjobs.net/what-careers-have-good-progression-sonicjobs/?id=820">s your career</a></strong> at a much quicker rate!&nbsp;</p>



<p>It’s time to get specific!</p>



<h2>What are SMART goals?</h2>



<p>SMART goals stands for <strong>Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant and Time-specific</strong>. It’s a structured way of setting aims. SMART goals help to keep you on track and ensure your goals are achievable.</p>



<p><strong>Specific</strong> &#8211; your SMART goal can’t be vague. It needs to have a tangible aim in mind.</p>



<p><strong>Measurable</strong> &#8211; you need to be able to track the progress of your SMART goal. It should be measurable in some way.</p>



<p><strong>Achievable</strong> &#8211; always set SMART goals that are achievable. Many people fail with their goal-setting because they’re over-ambitious. But this only leads to disappointment and failure.</p>



<p><strong>Relevant</strong> &#8211; keep your SMART goals focused. Make sure they’re actually going to progress your career in a meaningful way. There’s no point setting a goal for something that won’t have much impact on your career.</p>



<p><strong>Time-specific </strong>&#8211; every SMART goal should be time-bound. You need to know the exact time frame you have to achieve your goal. Without a time frame, your goal could take twice as long to achieve!</p>



<h2>Examples of goals Vs SMART goals</h2>



<h3>Example 1</h3>



<p><strong>Goal:</strong><em> “I want to find a new job. To do this, I’ll make sure I apply for lots of jobs everyday.”</em></p>



<p>This isn’t a SMART goal. It’s not specific since we don’t know what type of job they’d like to find and there’s no timeframe. This goal is too vague.</p>



<p><strong>SMART goal:</strong> <em>“I will find a new full-time job in HR by February 2023 with a minimum salary of £24,000. To do this, I will update my CV and apply for 5 jobs per week.”</em></p>



<p>In this version, we know exactly what type of job we’re aiming for and we’ve set a deadline. We’ve made it measurable by adding in the 5 job applications per week and salary.</p>



<h3>Example 2</h3>



<p><strong>Goal: </strong><em>“I want to </em><strong><em><a href="https://blog.sonicjobs.net/how-to-ask-for-a-pay-rise/?id=464">gain a pay rise</a></em></strong><em> in 2023 and become more experienced/skilled in accountancy.”</em></p>



<p>With this goal, we don’t know what ‘<em>more experienced’</em> looks like. This needs defining. It doesn’t seem achievable as there’s no solid plan to achieve the pay rise.</p>



<p><strong>SMART goal: </strong><em>“Next year I will complete my AAT Level 3 Diploma in Accounting needed to achieve the next pay grade. I will dedicate 3 hours of study per week to Monday-Wednesday, ready to take my exam in September.”</em></p>



<p>This goal is much smarter. We know that we need to complete a new qualification to gain a pay rise. And we’ve carved out a specific timeframe and plan to get there!</p>



<h3>Example 3</h3>



<p><strong>Goal:</strong> “<em>I want to have a better work-life balance next year, working fewer hours.”</em></p>



<p>This goal isn’t measurable or time-specific. We know we need a better work-life balance. But we don’t exactly know how we’ll achieve that.</p>



<p><strong>SMART goal:</strong> “<em>To have a better work-life balance, I will submit a request to reduce my hours to 30 hours per week in March. I will also make sure I take my full breaks and leave work at 5pm.</em>”</p>



<p>Much better. Now we know what a healthy work-life balance means. We’ve set a deadline and ways to track our progress. If we aren’t leaving work on time or are skipping breaks, we know we’re not sticking to the plan.</p>



<h2>Work SMART, not hard</h2>



<p>SMART goals will transform your career. Say goodbye to aimlessly wandering your way through life. <strong><a href="https://blog.sonicjobs.net/how-to-avoid-burnout-at-work/?id=1206">Say goodbye to burnout</a>.</strong> Making progress doesn’t have to be hard. You just need to get smart.</p>



<p class="has-text-align-center"><em>Ready to find a job you love? Join thousands of others who are using <a href="http://www.sonicjobs.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>SonicJobs</strong></a> to find a new role in record time!</em></p>


Excel your career in 2023 with SMART goals (best examples included!)


<p>Want your career to skyrocket in 2023? Then it’s time to make some changes. Career breaks don’t happen in an instant. It’s a build-up of small habits. And you know what they say? Small habits lead to great success.</p>



<p>So in 2023, focus on adopting these effective career habits to <a href="https://blog.sonicjobs.net/what-careers-have-good-progression-sonicjobs/?id=820"><strong>progress your career</strong></a>.</p>



<h2>23 habits to further your career in 2023</h2>



<h3>1. Update your CV regularly</h3>



<p>Most people don’t update their CV until they’re ready to look for a new job. But you never know when a new opportunity is going to present itself. So you should <strong><a href="https://blog.sonicjobs.net/how-to-update-your-cv/?id=482">update your CV</a></strong> every 3-6 months with both<strong> <a href="https://blog.sonicjobs.net/what-are-hard-and-soft-skills/?id=1148">hard and soft skills</a></strong>!</p>



<h3>2. Attend networking events</h3>



<p>Sometimes it’s not what you know, but who you know. Form connections with people in your industry and company. One of the best ways to do this is by attending industry events both online and in-person.</p>



<h3>3. Create a LinkedIn profile</h3>



<p><a href="https://blog.sonicjobs.net/do-i-need-a-linkedin-profile-for-jobs-sonicjobs/?id=706"><strong>Having a LinkedIn profile</strong></a> is a must for career-hungry professionals. Not only is it great for finding new job opportunities, but it’s also another great place to network.&nbsp;</p>



<h3>4. Keep up a healthy work life balance</h3>



<p>Too much work will lead to burnout. You need to stay on your A game. And to do that, you have to separate work time from personal time. It’s all about balance.</p>



<h3>5. Contribute ideas</h3>



<p>One of the best ways to get noticed at work is to contribute ideas. Don’t just leave it up to management. Be the type of employee who volunteers new ideas.&nbsp;</p>



<h3>6. Hit your targets</h3>



<p>Commit to hitting your targets. When it comes to targets, you need an attitude of <em>do or die</em>. This is key to getting a promotion of landing a more senior role.</p>



<h3>7. Be punctual&nbsp;</h3>



<p>A lot of people fall short on punctuality. If you want to further your career, you need to show up on time to work and meetings. It’s that simple!</p>



<h3>8. Offer your support</h3>



<p>Be the kind of employee that helps others out. Where you can, support your colleagues with your expertise and time. This is a strong leadership quality that your managers will notice!</p>



<h3>9. Show leadership</h3>



<p>To land a leadership role, you need to prove yourself as a leader first. So take initiative to lead your team when the opportunity arises.</p>



<h3>10. Celebrate others’ wins</h3>



<p>A key part of leadership is being able to celebrate others. So if your colleagues are doing well, always congratulate them on their wins.</p>



<h3>11. Be a problem-solver</h3>



<p>Problems always crop up in business. But the key is to be a problem-solver. If you have to raise an issue, always follow it up with a solution.&nbsp;</p>



<h3>12. Upskill</h3>



<p>Get into the habit of constantly upskilling. Take advantage of any training offered at work. Pick up new skills where you can. And enrol into training in your own time.&nbsp;</p>



<h3>13. Avoid gossip</h3>



<p>Workplace gossip will always exist. But you don’t have to take part in it. In fact, you’ll do better to keep your head down and mind your own business. Stay professional and get your job done.</p>



<h3>14. Ask for feedback</h3>



<p>Ask your manager for feedback on a regular basis. This shows you’re willing to learn and develop. Plus, they’ll respect you for taking criticism.</p>



<h3>15. Use SMART goals</h3>



<p>Setting goals is good. But setting SMART goals is better. Always ensure your goals are:</p>



<ul><li>Specific</li><li>Measureable</li><li>Achievable</li><li>Relevant</li><li>Time-specific</li></ul>



<h3>16. Use a planner</h3>



<p>Start using a planner to get the most out of your days. Update it daily to make sure you don’t waste any time or forget important tasks!</p>



<h3>17. Eliminate distractions</h3>



<p>Get focused when you’re doing important tasks. Turn off your emails and put your phone away. Your projects will get completed quicker and with better quality!</p>



<h3>18. Use power hours</h3>



<p>Power hours are where you spend 60 minutes fully focused on your most important tasks. No conversation, no phones, no browsing the internet. Just pure focus.&nbsp;</p>



<h3>19. Know when to ask for help</h3>



<p>Being successful isn’t about doing everything yourself. We all need help sometimes. So get comfortable asking for help when you need it.</p>



<h3>20. Use the 80/20 rule</h3>



<p>The Pareto rule says that 20% of your actions lead to 80% of your results. So prioritise tasks that generate the most results. Knowing where to focus your efforts is a huge part of success.</p>



<h3>21. Review your own performance</h3>



<p>Keep checking in with your own performance on a weekly and monthly basis. You need to know where your strengths and weaknesses lie.</p>



<h3>22. Use checklists</h3>



<p>Checklists are an easy way to get productive. You can create a checklist for the day, week, and month to make sure you don’t forget any tasks!</p>



<h3>23. Think outside the box</h3>



<p>Make an effort to think differently to the rest of the group. Try to play devil’s advocate and look at situations from different angles. Companies appreciate employees who don’t fall into groupthink!</p>



<h2>2023 is your year!</h2>



<p>Success isn’t hard. It just takes consistency. If you adopt these habits, it won’t be long before your career flies.</p>



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


23 career habits to adopt in 2023

The ultimate career guide to working in hospitality (2022)


<p>Everyone goes through periods of procrastinating at work whether you work in an office or <strong><a href="https://blog.sonicjobs.net/are-remote-jobs-the-future/?id=446">remotely</a></strong>. Sometimes the thought of getting things done is just too much. And we feel overwhelmed. So, instead, we find other pointless tasks to fill the time. It’s kinda like the opposite of <strong>burnout</strong>. But how many cups of tea can you make before your workload really starts to suffer?</p>



<p>We’re here to help you beat the procrastination plague. It’s time to step into the most productive version of yourself!</p>



<h2>Typical signs of procrastination at work</h2>



<ul><li>Making numerous trips to the kettle</li><li>Clock watching</li><li>Filling your time with pointless conversations with colleagues</li><li>Prioritising tasks that can wait</li><li>Over-checking your emails</li><li>Taking too long to complete small tasks</li></ul>



<h2>Why do we procrastinate?</h2>



<p>We can think of a few different reasons why you end up procrastinating at work.</p>



<h3>Boredom</h3>



<p>Sometimes your work isn’t stimulating enough. You’re tired of repeating the same tasks day in, day out. You don’t feel challenged and therefore you’d rather watch paint dry than crack on with your work.</p>



<h3>You can’t solve a problem</h3>



<p>Problems with your work can be a huge trigger for procrastination. Especially when you don’t know what the solution is. Problems get in the way of your rhythm and flow. They can be a huge obstacle to overcome. And sometimes you need others to help you work your way out of the hole.</p>



<h3>Overwhelm</h3>



<p>When your workload piles up, you’d like to think you’d switch gears. But sometimes the opposite can happen. You’re suddenly overcome with overwhelm. And when the overwhelm hits, you’ll find just about anything else to do to distract you. Overwhelm can also happen if your boss applies too much pressure or you’re working in a <strong>toxic environment</strong>.</p>



<h2>7 ways to beat procrastination at work</h2>



<h3>Ask for new tasks</h3>



<p>If boredom is part of your problem, you may need to add a bit more variety into your work day. Communicate how you’re feeling with your manager. Explain that you’ll become more productive if given the opportunity to work on different tasks. Sometimes, all you need to do is switch up your routine.</p>



<h3>Break big tasks into smaller chunks</h3>



<p>Tackling big tasks is a skill. But think of it like climbing Everest. You focus on reaching certain points before you hit the summit. Take time to map out your project and break it down into smaller sections. This will make your workload feel more manageable.</p>



<h3>Set deadlines</h3>



<p>Deadlines are key! If you don’t set yourself a deadline, one simple task can take you the whole day. So whether you’re working on a big project or just your daily diary, set deadlines to keep you in check.</p>



<h3>Reward yourself</h3>



<p>Rewarding yourself for your work is a great way to boost motivation levels. Maybe you’ll treat yourself to a meal out. Or perhaps it’s as simple as giving yourself an extra break away from your desk. Either way, find things to look forward to for completing your work.</p>



<h3>Use a power hour</h3>



<p>Power hours are fantastic for productivity. It’s just an hour of your time, but with maximum concentration and effort. Often, people end up achieving more in one power hour than they would have done the whole day. Be sure to turn off all distractions. And it helps if you can let your colleagues know when you’re entering a power hour so they don’t disturb you.</p>



<h3>Use lists&nbsp;</h3>



<p>Lists are a useful technique for productivity. List out everything you have to do that week/day/month. From there, you’ll be able to prioritise what needs doing first. When you complete a task, crossing it off your list gives you a great sense of achievement and encourages you to move onto the next task.</p>



<h3>Start every day with a plan</h3>



<p>Never freestyle your day. That’s just asking for procrastination. Always start each day by writing up your plan. You may even want to check in at midday with your goals, and write up your plan for the afternoon.</p>



<h2>It’s not too late</h2>



<p>If you’re a serial procrastinator, don’t worry. It’s never too late to get yourself in gear. Everyday gives you a new opportunity to start afresh. Once you implement these tips, you’ll be surprised by how much more you can achieve!</p>



<p class="has-text-align-center"><em>Looking for a new adventure? Use the </em><a href="http://www.sonicjobs.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong><em>SonicJobs</em></strong></a><em> app to find your next career move.</em></p>


How to stop procrastinating at work


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



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



<h2>What are apprenticeships?</h2>



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



<h2>Types of apprenticeships</h2>



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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


Is an apprenticeship right for me?


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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



<p></p>



<p class="has-text-align-center"><br><em>Time to land a new stint? Browse over half a million live vacancies on the </em><a href="http://www.sonicjobs.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong><em>SonicJobs</em></strong></a><em> app to find a job near you!</em></p>


Can you stay in the same job for 10 years?


<p>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>


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Can you ask for a pay rise during a recession?

Why teamwork is key to your career progress in 2023

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How to stop procrastinating at work

Is an apprenticeship right for me?

Can you stay in the same job for 10 years?

Interpersonal skills you need to succeed at work

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Where are you looking for a job?

Our community love us

Browse by category

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Can you ask for a pay rise during a recession?

Can you ask for a pay rise during a recession?

Why teamwork is key to your career progress in 2023

Excel your career in 2023 with SMART goals (best examples included!)

23 career habits to adopt in 2023

The ultimate career guide to working in hospitality (2022)

How to stop procrastinating at work

Is an apprenticeship right for me?

Can you stay in the same job for 10 years?

Interpersonal skills you need to succeed at work

SonicJobs

Your next career move. Sorted.

Our
community
love us