Why do you want to work here? It’s a great question to ask of yourself, regardless of where you are in your career. And it is something you will likely be asked in an interview.

Why Is This Question Asked In Interviews?

Properly assessing potential applicants is no easy task. Some people are amazing at interviewing, but not so great at doing the job; just as the best person for the role might do poorly in interviews.

Asking this question allows employers to better assess which candidates are the right fit for the position, no matter how nervous or confident they are.

Your response to this question indicates how you look at the world, interact with it, and think. In essence, if you are a good fit for their team, it will be obvious here.

In any industry, there will be bright, glaring red flags for potential new hires. Answering in the wrong way could eliminate you from the list immediately.

If you make it about money only, it suggests that you’re not truly invested in the job itself. Employers might assume you’ll leave as soon as a higher offer comes along.

However, you can also utilize this information to your advantage. Choosing your words carefully here can transform the outcome of the interview in your favor.

You can alleviate their fears, stresses, and anxieties at this moment by focusing on the right topics and tailoring your statements accordingly. A well-thought-out, tailored response can sound quite charming, and it can provide a clear window into who you are as a person.

Since so many employers ask this question, it would be wise to have a strong reply at the ready.

Ultimately, your boss wants to know a few things when they hit you with this line. Are you going to get the job done? Will I have to hold your hand? How much guidance will you require? What kind of impact will you have on company culture?

How to Craft a Stellar Response

The first thing you should do before heading into an interview is to research the company. Without arming yourself with knowledge, you will be at a disadvantage. Knowing a few things about the company is crucial, as it demonstrates competency and interest.

Start by looking at the objective metrics of the company or organization. For example, what kind of product or service are they selling or providing, and how do you fit into the picture?

If you are selling a product, you should know how many are sold each year at the very least. Or, if you are applying to a social service agency, you should know how many clients they serve each year and which programs have the most significant impact.

Once you have developed a basic knowledge of the organization, you can ask questions.

How will this company’s values align with your own, and what will that mean for your future? Have you spent time developing a repertoire of skills for this position? All that time you’ve invested in building your skills has real value – don’t underestimate yourself.

Your skillset should determine where you apply, and it should also shape your answer. A skilled salesman would know how to overcome objections, relieve buying pressure, and effectively close the sale. Engineers are built with an entirely different skill set, but the result is the same.

At the interview, you are also learning about the company. Never forget that.

Differing Approaches to Answer “Why Do You Want to Work Here?”

There are several ways you can prepare your answer to this common interview question.

Remember to be honest with the interviewer when explaining why you applied, but again, don’t focus on the wrong things, such as stating that you just want to get paid (even if that’s true).

1. Tell Them Why You Applied

Tell them what drew you to the job while searching, such as the company’s work culture and potential for upward movement.

For example, if you sent in your application because you liked their charitable activities, let them know about it. If you admire the way they innovate in their industry, mention how you are excited about contributing to their team.

Whatever stood out to you when selecting the job listing is what you should say at this point.

2. Show How You Can Add Value

A typical approach would be to look at how you can assist the company first. Can you help them move the bottom line or boost profitability in some way?

Responding in this manner is beneficial because your employer will view you as a valuable asset.

If you can effectively sell yourself to them, they will buy and invest in you as needed.

3. Think About What You Want to Gain

Another way to frame things is to consider your personal preferences. What would you hope to gain from the experience if you were hired?

This isn’t about personal perks alone, though. It’s about growth, learning, and experiences that will make you a stronger professional.

For example, you might discuss skills you’re excited to develop, projects you hope to contribute to, or exposure to a certain type of work that aligns with your career goals.

Framing it this way shows that you’re invested in the role beyond a paycheck, and it signals to employers that you’re motivated, forward-thinking, and likely to stay engaged.

Reflecting on this can also help you reduce the number of applications sent out and spend more time on what truly matters. If you have no idea why you’d want to work for a company, why are you interviewing for it?

4. Focus on the Right Fit

Finally, you can be practical and look at how you might be a good fit for the company. Sometimes, a square hole needs a square, and there is nothing wrong with that.

If your skills have been honed over years of dedication, someone is out there in need of your assistance.

Always remember to value yourself and appraise your worth appropriately.

Preparing Your Answer

Now, you have considered the question from every possible angle and are ready to tackle it.

No matter your approach, be truthful. Truthful responses are authentic, and everyone can feel authenticity.

Grab a friend and do a rehearsal run. Simply ask your neighbor, colleague, or brother for a second and see what pours out. Usually, you can come up with something worthwhile at the drop of a hat, but that may not always be the case.

Your rough draft will be rough, and that is alright. Take what you found and refine it, building it into something greater.

However, tailoring your response too much can be overkill, so you may not want to overthink it.

If you want to impress your audience, practice giving your answer. Record yourself in front of the mirror and listen to how you sound. Would you hire someone if you were conducting the interview and the candidate said the same?

Example Answers (and Why They Work)

Knowing what you should (and shouldn’t) say is great, but there are still so many variables to consider.

How long should your answer be? Should you be conversational or professional? Are concrete examples necessary, or can you be more general?

Your response should be concise but complete, showing both why you’re interested in the role and what you bring to the table. You can be professional yet conversational, but remember that the goal is to sound authentic, not scripted.

Concrete examples are ideal, as they give employers something to visualize and remember, but if you’re early in your career or transitioning fields, thoughtfully framed general statements can work too.

Think of each answer as a mini-story: it should reflect your skills, your values, and your fit for the company, all in a way that feels natural to you.

With that in mind, let’s look at some example answers and why they work.

1. Metrics-Focused Answer

Let’s say you applied to sell solar systems. You could highlight your past achievements, such as how many kilowatts you sold, your close-to-installation rate, or even the number of colleagues you trained.

“In my previous role as a solar sales representative, I consistently exceeded targets by closing an average of 25 new accounts per quarter, with 80% of those moving all the way to installation. I also helped train three new team members, which boosted overall department performance. I take pride in being able to communicate the benefits of solar in a way that drives results — not just for the company, but also for the customers who see real savings on their energy bills. I’m confident I can bring the same level of performance and dedication here.”

Why This Answer Works

This answer works because it relies on concrete, measurable results that employers can easily connect to the bottom line.

It demonstrates reliability, shows leadership through training colleagues, and proves you can both sell and support customers through the installation process.

By backing up your claims with numbers, you position yourself as a proven performer who can deliver value from day one.

2. Values-Focused Answer

Beyond the numbers, it’s equally important to show your passion for the industry and how your values align with the role. So another option might be to focus on this instead of metrics.

“I pursued a career as a solar salesperson because I believe in the power of renewable energy to transform our world. Every day, I get to help individuals and communities become a part of the solution to our global energy challenges. It’s not just about selling a product; it’s about educating and empowering people to make a positive impact on the environment. The sun provides an abundant source of clean energy, and I take pride in being a conduit for harnessing that energy. This job aligns with my values and allows me to contribute to a sustainable future, one solar panel at a time.”

Why This Answer Works

This answer works because it blends passion with purpose. It shows how your personal values align with the role, highlights the educational aspect, and showcases future-oriented thinking.

It goes beyond just selling and emphasizes the environmental and social impact, while also showing pride and fulfillment in the work.

3. Entry-Level Answer

These answers are great for someone who has experience, but what if you don’t? What do you say?

Let’s say you’ve applied to work at a cell phone store. During the interview, be sure to mention your existing knowledge of phones and cellular plans. Talk to them about how you use your phones during the day. Additionally, you can mention instances where you have helped people troubleshoot their devices in the past.

“I want to be a cell phone salesperson because I love technology and people. I enjoy learning about the latest features and innovations in the mobile industry and sharing them with customers. I also like helping customers find the best solutions for their needs and preferences, whether it’s a new phone, a plan, or an accessory. I find it rewarding to see customers happy and satisfied with their purchases.”

Why This Answer Works

This answer works because it shows how your values align with the company and how you envision yourself from a broader perspective within the organization. It also demonstrates your customer commitment.

What it doesn’t do is highlight that you are new to this type of job. Instead, it shows that you already have transferable skills, practical knowledge, and a genuine interest in the work. This reassures employers that even without formal experience, you can contribute and learn quickly.

4. Achievement-Based Answer

Focus on sharing specific accomplishments and experiences that show your expertise.

For instance, if you’re applying to be a realtor, you might talk about the number of closings you’ve handled, your role in guiding clients through the process, and any feedback you’ve received that demonstrates your professionalism.

“In my previous role as a real estate agent, I successfully closed 45 transactions over the past year, including first-time homebuyers and investment properties. I’ve been present at every step of the closing process, ensuring smooth communication between buyers, sellers, and lenders. Clients have consistently praised my responsiveness and attention to detail, and I use that feedback to refine my approach and provide even better service. I’m excited to bring this experience and dedication to your team, helping clients achieve their goals while supporting the company’s growth.”

Why This Answer Works

This answer works because it highlights industry-specific achievements with concrete numbers, demonstrating familiarity with the realtor role. It shows competence in handling the full closing process, emphasizes client satisfaction, and indicates the candidate’s ability to learn from feedback.

Overall, it communicates confidence, professionalism, and readiness to contribute to the new position.

5. Skills-Based Answer

If you’re applying for a non-sales role, such as an administrative assistant, it’s helpful to focus on how your skills and values align with the company.

Highlight your relevant experience, any training or education you’ve completed, and show that you’ve researched the organization and its initiatives.

“I’m excited to work here because I’ve spent the past four years building my administrative and organizational skills, including managing scheduling, correspondence, and office systems. Your company stood out to me because of its strong commitment to employee development and community engagement — for example, the charity drive you sponsored last year really resonated with me. As soon as I laid eyes on your homepage, I knew it would be a great fit, since we both share the same goals. I feel my skills and values align well with your team, and I’m confident I can contribute to keeping operations running smoothly while supporting your staff and clients.”

Why This Answer Works

This response works because it is specific, assertive, and honest.

Using phrases like “I feel my skills and values align” subtly communicates teamwork and commitment, while referencing a concrete company initiative makes the response more authentic.

As a bonus, when you start using the word “we” in a sentence, you are, subconsciously, already positioning yourself as part of their team.

6. Experience-Based Answer

For trades or manual labor roles where experience is key, focus on your hands-on experience, safety record, and practical skills. Highlight specific projects you’ve completed, certifications you hold, or improvements you’ve contributed to in previous positions. Demonstrating reliability and competence in the field goes a long way.

“I’m interested in working here because I’ve spent the last five years honing my skills as an electrician, including installing and maintaining residential and commercial wiring systems. At my previous job, I led a small team on several large-scale projects, always meeting deadlines while maintaining a perfect safety record. I was impressed by your company’s commitment to training and advancing team members, and I know my experience and attention to detail would allow me to contribute immediately to your ongoing projects.”

Why This Answer Works

This answer works because it highlights relevant experience, leadership, and safety awareness, which are critical in trades roles. It demonstrates your practical skills, reliability, and ability to make an immediate contribution.

Mentioning the company’s training programs also shows research and alignment with their values, making the answer both professional and tailored.

Speak Confidently and Finish Strong

Interviews are tough for anybody, regardless of age, experience, or knowledge. Everyone struggles when put on the spot, so do not lose hope.

Your interview is your opportunity to showcase who you are: your skills, values, and how you align with the company’s mission. Every word you say shapes the impression you leave, so focus on enthusiasm, professionalism, and authenticity.

Instead of dwelling on uncertainties or perks, highlight what you bring to the role:

• Show curiosity about the team, projects, or company growth
• Emphasize your skills and experiences and how they create impact
• Demonstrate adaptability and a willingness to learn
• Frame your goals in terms of contribution, not just personal gain

Remember, it’s not about delivering a “perfect” answer; it’s about showing that you understand the role, care about the organization, and are ready to contribute.

Walk into your next interview with preparation, clarity, and self-assurance. Your confidence and authenticity will speak louder than any rehearsed lines.

By preparing thoughtful, tailored responses, you turn your answer to “Why do you want to work here?” into a powerful showcase of your value.

In these tough economic times, saving money is more important than ever. As a former Extreme Couponer and self-proclaimed frugalista, it’s time for me to get tough and start using my best strategies to save my family money. I had relaxed a bit, but now I have to get back at it!

Here are 10 easy ways to save money on groceries at the supermarket. 

1. Buy Some Store Brands

The first strategy is to purchase a store-brand item instead of a name-brand one. In many categories, store brands are just as good or better than their name-brand counterparts for much less money. 

You can still buy brand-name favorites for some food items, but consider them for pantry staples like flour, sugar, butter, cooking oil, rice, and others.

2. Grocery Delivery

Wait, stay with me for this one because I’m totally serious! Many families view grocery delivery as an expensive extravagance, but this is not always the case. Our household grocery spending has gone down significantly since using delivery. 

And here’s why. First, I’m not tempted by impulse purchases when I shop online. I stick to my list. 

Grocery shopping takes me 90 minutes to 2 hours to do, start to finish. Time is money, and most grocery deliveries are around $10. Those 2 hours are much better spent in other areas, either generating income or doing other things for my family (meal planning, meal prep, freezer meal prep, cleaning) that affect our budget.

3. Use a Weekly Meal Plan

Another way to save money at the supermarket is to shop according to your weekly meal plan. This will ensure you are purchasing only what’s needed and nothing more, which can also help cut down on waste.

4. Use “One More Day”

This is an unusual technique, but it works. First, I must acknowledge that my husband and kids are spoiled. For me, this strategy started to correct that. Correct what? 

Well, they’d get uncomfortable with the concept of running out of things. Guess what? The world does not end if we run out of milk, cereal, granola bars, or yogurt. If you’re hungry, you will find something else to eat.

So rather than planning to grocery shop on the same day each week or running out to the store the minute we run out of something, I stopped. It was that simple. 

“Mom, we’re out of….” Now I respond with, “Guess you’ll have to find something else to eat.” Surprise, surprise — they always find other things.

How does this affect grocery shopping and money spent? I tell myself, “Just wait one more day…” before going to the store. And I only go or place my online order when we’re out of a lot of stuff. This helps eliminate food waste, and most months, I only do three shopping trips instead of four because I keep waiting one more day. 

That’s a huge savings if you don’t increase what you spend on each trip.

5. Eliminate Food Waste

The average American household wastes 40% of the food they buy! That’s crazy!

It is terrible for the environment and is a huge chunk of money. I’ve overcome this by using this technique. My garbage pick-up day is Tuesday. So, every Monday evening, I go through our fridge and pantry and get rid of the old food. 

And I keep track of it. I’ve learned that I don’t need a loaf of bread every week, only every other week. We don’t eat one yogurt every day; we each average 4-5 a week. While I’m trying to get us all eating healthier, I am realistic about the amount of produce we eat each week. 

Decreasing the amount of food we waste has probably had the most significant impact on our grocery budget.

6. Take Advantage of Price-Matching Promises

Another strategy to save money on groceries at the supermarket is to use purchase price matching if you are shopping somewhere like Walmart. Many large food retailers will match competitor prices to get your business, saving you even more cash.

Read up on policies on their websites and how to submit the changes.

7. Use the Store’s Loyalty Program

Make sure to sign up for the supermarket’s reward plan. Many give you a certain amount of points per cash amount spent. You can then exchange these points for money-off coupons.

Using online coupons is super easy to do when you’re shopping online.

8. Find the Best Time to Go Shopping

If you go to the supermarket in the evening, you will usually find many fresh items being reduced to clearance. I buy a lot of our meat this way. Then I come home and either use it that day or freeze it. You can also cook it and freeze it.

For example, ground beef — I just cook it all off and freeze it in 1 lb. portions. When it’s taco night, all I have to do is defrost it and add the taco seasoning while reheating.

9. Don’t Shop for Food When You Are Hungry

When you shop hungry, it can lead to a few bad decisions. You may pick up more food than you need and end up throwing lots away.

Studies show that you’re also more likely to buy junk food when you shop hungry.

10. Set a Spending Limit

A great way to save money on groceries is to set yourself a spending limit. This will help you stay within your budget and not exceed what you can afford. There are apps that help you do this.

Or, if you want to really go nuts with this idea, take cash only and not your cards, thus forcing yourself to stay within a limit.

How to Prevent Impulse Buys

Let’s face it, we’ve all been in this situation: We’re at the grocery store for a gallon of milk, we see that bag of chips and 2 liters of our favorite orange soda and end up walking out with more than we wanted. Impulse buys. It happens to all of us, and impulse buys add up. How do smart consumers keep from spending extra money on things that they don’t need?

Money-Saving Hacks That Really Work

Money-saving life hacks are all over the internet, but most of them are just plain boring. Sure, we all know about the classic tips like cutting out your daily latte, packing your lunch, and using coupons – but let’s be real, those hacks can only get you so far. Our money-saving hacks will actually work.

Studies have shown that boredom is an important part of our daily lives and that it can actually be good for you. Idle time gives you and your brain a chance to rest. This can help boost productivity, improve problem-solving, encourage altruism, and allow you time to reflect and reexamine your goals or set new ones. It also gives you a chance to simply stop and smell the roses, as the saying goes.

On the other hand, boredom at work is a big contributor to work-related stress. So it’s essential to pay attention and think about the real reason you are feeling bored.

If you’re just having a slow day, there are lots of little tasks you can do to pass the time.

But if you are easily bored most of the time, that could be indicative of a bigger problem. Like, perhaps this isn’t the right job for you, or you are neglecting your mental health and wellbeing. In this case, ignoring what’s really causing your boredom and doing nothing about it could make things worse.

Being bored at work isn’t necessarily a bad thing, though. It can help keep us from becoming stagnant or trapped doing something we don’t want to be doing. Your boredom could be that push you need to make a change – no matter how big or small. 

Here are 10 productive things to do when you’re bored at work.

1. Clean-Up & Organize

You probably already use some of your downtime each day to tidy your workspace. But there’s more to cleaning up and organizing than just wiping down your computer and stacking your paperwork into a neat pile.

If you find yourself getting bored at work, clean up your space.

Keeping a clean workspace helps to cut down on the chances of getting sick at work. Decluttering and getting yourself organized helps you do your job better and is beneficial to your overall mental health. So if you find yourself becoming bored, this is a great place to start.

Deep clean your keyboard, mouse, monitor, desk, and other surfaces.

With a few cleaning supplies and some elbow grease, spend time to really make the equipment and space around you shine. Germs, dust, and dirt can get everywhere and could be making you sick without even realizing it.

Clean up your emails and digital files.

Delete those old emails from your inbox. Unsubscribe from those newsletters that you never read anyway. Create or better utilize folders. Run those updates. Clean up your desktop shortcuts. Back up your work and important files.

Clean up your files and paperwork.

Even in a digital age, the paperwork can really start to pile up. Don’t just throw these documents into a filing cabinet where you may never look at them again. Take some time and sort through what you actually need to keep, and come up with a filing system that makes it easy to find again.

Rethink your set-up.

Is your workspace really set up in the most efficient and ergonomic way possible?

Research shows that sitting can be just as bad for health as smoking. But standing for long periods of time can be detrimental to your health, too. No matter what set-up you have at work, take some time to assess your ergonomics and workflow, and improve what you can.

2. Review Your Employee Paperwork

When you first got hired, you were likely bombarded with the various new hire paperwork associated with your job. And chances are good you only skimmed a lot of it with the intention of taking a better look at it once you settled in.

Let’s face it, these documents can be uninteresting and can get boring, too. But if you never got around to it, now is a perfect time to. Or if you have been with this employer for a while, now is the perfect time to review everything to make sure you aren’t missing out.

Read your employee handbook.

Your employee handbook should include all of the policies and procedures associated with your job, so it is important that you familiarize yourself with it. It helps to ensure that management and staff members are on the same page, that established systems are being followed, and is a point of reference to use if there is any confusion.

Read your union’s collective bargaining agreement.

Most people only turn to their union when something is going wrong and they need help navigating work-related issues or grievances. But they also ensure your rights are being met when it comes to things like pay, benefits, scheduling, leave policies, health and safety, and harassment and discrimination.

Unfortunately, there are managers out there who try to take advantage of their employees, even when there is a union agreement in place. How can you exercise your rights if you don’t know what they are?

Read your benefits, insurance & retirement options.

If you have benefits and retirement options at work, take full advantage of them! Ask questions if anything is unclear. It’s your money and your future, after all.

Research your 401(k), RRSP, pension, or retirement plan to make sure you understand it and are maximizing any matching contributions. Are there any stock options or profit-sharing opportunities that you could be investing in?

Look into your insurance coverage and make sure it meets your needs. Adjust it if it doesn’t.

Familiarize yourself with everything your benefits cover, as well as the deductibles, co-pays, and other out-of-pocket costs. Most health insurance benefits will cover the basics including prescriptions, dental and visual, but some include other work perks like gym memberships and massage therapy.

You may even discover extra benefits you didn’t know about, like childcare, education allowances, expense reimbursements, and employee discounts.

3. Research Your Industry

Staying up to date with your industry is a smart way to give yourself that competitive advantage.

It also can help you figure out if you want to continue down this career path or if it’s time for you to make a career change and move on to something else.

Watch videos, read articles & listen to podcasts.

Between the internet and the resources available to you through your employer, there is a lot of content out there to keep you entertained and prevent boredom. Watch the training videos provided by your human resource department. Find an inspiring TED Talk. Listen to a podcast by an industry leader. Read relevant blogs and websites. Subscribe to newsletters that genuinely interest you. Find like-minded people to follow on social media.

Research your competition.

It’s important to know what others in your industry are up to – locally, nationally, and globally. This is one of the best ways to keep on top of marketing trends and what’s happening in the job market.

Research your job description & salary.

While you’re scoping out your competitors, head on over to their careers page. Chances are good that they have job roles similar to yours.

So how do they compare? Are other companies expecting more education or experience from their employees? Is your salary fair or should you be negotiating for a raise?

4. Update your Credentials & Accomplishments

If you are considering applying for another job, your resume and professional profiles need to be up to date. But it certainly doesn’t hurt to keep them updated, even if you are happy with your current situation. You never know when a new, exciting opportunity will present itself.

Update your resume.

Try to treat your resume like a living document and not only something you scramble to update when you suddenly need it. It’s a lot easier to keep it polished if you revise it regularly.

List of all of your accomplishments.

If you haven’t been tracking your career accomplishments, you should start doing so now. It’s a great resource you can use to demonstrate your value for performance reviews, when negotiating for a raise, or to highlight during your next job search.

Be specific. Stay focused on where you delivered the best results and can assign specific numbers or percentages. Quantifying your accomplishments is probably easier to do when you are at work and have access to the information needed.

Refresh your profiles.

Look at the LinkedIn profiles, portfolios, and websites from other people within your field. This can help you spruce up your wording while also learning more about what your peers are doing at their jobs.

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Did you know that your resume has an average of only 6 seconds to make it into the “yes” pile? Make sure it will pass the resume glace test with this free checklist!

Check out this article for even more “how-to” support: How to Get Your Resume Past the 6 Second Glance Test

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5. Network

Networking is an important part of every career path. It gives you the chance to learn and share ideas, improve your confidence, and develop professional relationships. Sometimes it’s all about who you know, and not what you know.

Getting out (or online) to do some networking is a great thing to do when you are bored at work.

Join a committee.

Being part of a committee is a great way to network, take on more responsibilities, develop professionally, and have your voice heard when it comes to future company decisions.

Meeting and working alongside people from other departments means you get to know more about them and what they do, while also giving them the chance to learn more about you and see your work in action.

It can give you the chance to utilize other skills and add some variety to your work so that you don’t become bored. It looks good on your resume, too.

Attend networking events.

Getting out of the office could be the change of pace you need when work gets boring. Are there any upcoming networking events such as presentations, seminars, and conferences that you could attend? Or professional associations you could join? Mentally stimulating new experiences can help revive your enthusiasm for your profession.

Connect with new people.

There are also networking opportunities that aren’t industry-specific where you can connect with new people and further expand your network. This could include young professional groups, chamber of commerce, women’s networking groups, and your college alumni associations.

Don’t overlook making connections online, either. You are not limited to only those that are geographically nearby.

Reconnect with existing contacts.

Keeping up to date with those already in your network is important, too. Take some time to update your contacts. While doing so, set reminders in your calendar to connect with certain people throughout the year.

If you’re feeling lonely, touch base with anyone you haven’t heard from in a while with a quick email or phone call. Or better yet, schedule a coffee or lunch date with them.

6. Do Your Job, But Better

Be honest. Are you bored or is this really procrastination? Could you be doing anything more at your job? Are there tasks that you’ve been putting off? Or more responsibilities that you are interested in getting involved in?

One of the most productive things to do when you are bored at work is to do your job — but do it better.

Get ahead with your work.

Most jobs have busy and slow times of the year. Using the slow time to get ahead with your work is a great way to make that busy time a little more manageable.

Think about what you can do now to better set yourself up for your future. Update your materials and resources. Set up your files or documents. Create your own templates or guides.

Take on more responsibilities.

People get bored at work because there simply isn’t enough work to do. Some employers do a poor job of keeping their employees engaged, or they are too busy to notice that their staff has a lot of free time.

Whether you find it on your own or ask your manager to assign you something to do, consider taking on more responsibilities at work if you’re getting bored. Taking on a new challenge or project not only makes you look good to your boss but also builds your experience and skillset.

Help someone else.

Helping someone else is a great way to take on more responsibilities at work without necessarily having to make any big commitments. You could ask a coworker if they need help with something, volunteer to help with an upcoming project or event, go above and beyond for a client or customer, or become a mentor to a new employee or junior member.

7. Learn Something New

Most companies welcome the opportunity for you to grow your skills or learn new ones that will help you do your job better and provide some mental stimulation.

Professional development funds, tuition assistance, or free access to courses might even be part of your employee benefits. If not, don’t be afraid to ask your manager to help cover the costs, especially if you can clearly justify how it will benefit you and the company. It can’t hurt to ask, right?

Either way, there’s plenty of ways to expand your knowledge:

• Take a relevant course or program
• Sign up for a webinar
• Watch a couple of TED Talks
• Listen to lectures
• Learn more about the programs and software you use by testing new things out
• Practice
• Study what the experts are doing
• Job shadow
• Work with a mentor
• Try teaching someone else
• Solve brain teasers or puzzles

This isn’t limited to what’s listed in your job description. There are common transferable skills that are useful in any job, including customer service, communication, and time management.

Don’t overlook your personal development, either. Your hobbies can also help relieve boredom and make you happier so that you’re not bored at home, too.

8. Take a Break

Our brains need distractions from our monotonous, boring tasks. Daydreaming and allowing our mind to wander can inspire creative ideas and reduce boredom. Taking a break could be exactly what you need to recharge and get back to work refreshed.

On a slow day, take a 15-minute break when you grow bored. Step away from your computer screen and smart-phone. Get up from your desk, stretch, go out, and get some fresh air. Or just sit, meditate or do nothing when your work starts getting boring.

Taking breaks throughout your day is good for you. Don’t work through them!

If you’re starting to feel a little burnt out or have a lot going on outside of work, use some (or all) of your vacation time. You could take a couple of days to catch up with the rest of your life, or take a couple of weeks and get away from it all.

If things are more serious, you might consider taking a leave of absence. You may have paid short term leave through your employer or insurance, or qualify for sick leave. Unfortunately, not many employers offer paid leaves, so this may not be a feasible option.

9. Plan Your Future

It can be easy to let the monotony of our day jobs get the better of us. You may think that you’re no longer passionate about your work because you find it boring and that quitting and finding a new job is the only solution. It is an option, of course, but’s it’s not your only one.

Everything happens for a reason. If you are not feeling fulfilled in your current career its time to figure out what’s next.

Figure out what’s next.

You can’t plan your future if you don’t know what direction you’re going. But how do you figure out what you should be doing with your life?

We are more productive at work when we feel valued and our talents are being utilized. If you don’t feel this way, you probably feel bored with your job instead.

Do you want to overcome this boredom and grow or advance within your role? Are there any opportunities for an internal promotion? Or is it time for you to move on?

Outside of work, what do you want next? Are you hoping to start a family or buy a house soon? Your life goals matter too and will influence what steps you take with your career.

Define your career goals.

Your short term and long term career goals act as a roadmap towards a successful future. It’s important to define them, but you also need to develop and follow a strategy to achieve them. Doing so helps to keep you motivated and engaged, focused on your priorities, and makes sure you are following the right steps to achieve your goals.

If you’ve previously set career goals, check-in on your progress. Are you still on track? Do they still align with your values and what’s important to you?

Set new, challenging goals for yourself.

Bored workers often feel unchallenged, disengaged, and depressed. If your work becomes too easy or too repetitive, you are not going to feel so fulfilled or interested in it anymore. Setting new, challenging goals for yourself is one way to make things more fun and exciting.

So get out of your comfort-zone and start moving towards whatever it is you want to accomplish.

10. Find a New Job

Having a boring job is one of the the top reasons people quit. We feel underutilized and capable of doing more. Or our interests and priorities change so the job is no longer right for us.

It’s okay if you decide the best way to deal with a job you find boring is to find work elsewhere.

It might be tempting to look and apply for other jobs while at work if you’re seriously bored, but it’s risky and not recommended. Doing so could cost you your current job. But there are a lot of other things already mentioned that you can safely do that supports your job search, such as researching your industry, updating your credentials, networking, and learning something new.

It might also be tempting to quit right away, but this too is risky and not recommended. Finding a new job takes time. You don’t want to be stuck accepting a new tedious job out of desperation where you’ll just be bored again. Take the time to find something better where you can have a meaningful and rewarding career.

Everyone becomes bored at work from time to time. Choosing how to cope when your job becomes boring is up to you.

But here’s the truth: by the time you get in the room, your resume will probably look a lot like everyone else’s.

As you prepare, one key area to focus on is behavioral interview questions. These questions are designed to help employers understand how you’ve handled challenges in the past, which is often the best predictor of your future performance. But how can you prepare for these questions and ensure you stand out?

What really sets candidates apart during interviews isn’t just their experience or qualifications — it’s how well they connect with the hiring manager and fit into the team. That’s why behavioral interview questions are so common. They help employers see who you really are, not just what you’ve done.

To encourage candidates to share personal experiences from their history and how they interacted with their coworkers, managers ask leading questions such as, “Can you describe a time when you had to resolve a conflict with a coworker?” or “Tell me about a time you led a project and what was the outcome?”

Strategically answering these questions is your best chance to stand out, not by being perfect, but by being real, thoughtful, and prepared.

So how do you prepare for behavioral interview questions in a way that actually gives you an edge?

Understanding Behavioral Interview Questions

Although you can add some personality to your resume and cover letter, it’s hard to convey who you really are on paper.

To assess a candidate’s demeanor and character, interviewers want to know how an applicant behaved and solved problems in the past. People often draw on their prior experiences to understand or resolve present issues. So, the theory behind behavioral interview questions is that your previous conduct will predict your future performance.

Did you come up with a creative way to help a customer, or did you pass it off to your manager? Did you take the initiative when your team struggled, or did you wait for someone else to step up?

Supervisors also cannot ask about a candidate’s personal life, religious beliefs, or any other discriminatory factors during the hiring process. For example, asking a woman if she wants to have children soon or what she thinks about prioritizing her job above her home and family life is not only unethical but sometimes illegal.

Behavioral interview questions, on the other hand, can go beyond this murky territory by posing queries that elicit a candidate’s potential response to a hypothetical circumstance.

When asked, “Tell me about a time when you had to meet a tight deadline under pressure,” for instance, a candidate can share a personal tale of time management. Managers may then inquire about how they handled their stress level and how it made them feel.

To find out if a candidate is a team player or if they could be challenging to deal with directly, another example would be to ask them to “Describe a situation where you had to work with a team member.” These are the types of questions that hiring managers ask to get a candidate to reveal more subjective aspects of their personality.

Using Behavioral Interview Questions to Your Advantage

To take advantage of these kinds of inquiries, we need to understand why employers ask them in the first place: to gauge a candidate’s aptitude and suitability for the position they will be taking on inside the company.

Don’t forget you are not just trying to prove that you can do the job well; you are trying to prove that you can do it better than the other applicants. But these other applicants will have qualifications and skills strikingly similar to yours…

In light of this, you should view the behavioral questions as a chance to stand out and make a lasting impression on the interviewers. You want your answers to stand out from the similar answers of other candidates.

To achieve this, consider the following tips:

• Answer the questions honestly and passionately
• Share anecdotal evidence to further cement your uniqueness in the employers’ eyes
• Pick an example that highlights your skills and not your shortcomings
• Demonstrate knowledge of the company you are interviewing with
• Be confident; don’t whisper or sound unsure
• When appropriate, use humor, though remain professional

Managers will remember candidates who can confidently articulate their strengths and how they align with their company’s goals.

Techniques for Responding

The good news is that there are no right and wrong answers to behavioral interview questions. However, because you can answer them however you want, you may give a bad answer.

Usually, your answer will involve telling a story about a time you successfully handled the situation or challenge the interviewer is asking about. This shows you can apply your skills and knowledge in the real world.

Here are a few things to keep in mind when responding to behavioral questions, especially challenging ones, along with some examples of answers.

1. The STAR Technique

When responding to a behavioral question, you want to include all the relevant information without going on and on. To organize your response efficiently, use the acronym STAR: scenario, task, action, and result.

Example Answer:

• Scenario: “In my previous role as a customer service representative, we experienced a sudden increase in customer complaints due to a technical issue with our product.”
• Task: “As the lead representative, it was my responsibility to manage the influx of complaints and make sure customers were satisfied while the technical team worked to resolve the issue.”
• Action: “I quickly put together a team to handle the increased volume of calls and emails. I also created a standardized response script so that all customers received consistent and accurate information about the issue and the steps being taken to fix it. Then I personally followed up with key clients to reassure them that their concerns were a top priority.”
• Result: “As a result of these efforts, we reduced the average call handling time by about 14%, and customer satisfaction scores remained stable despite the technical difficulties and we didn’t lose any clients.”

2. Use narrative

Humans have the unique ability to relate to one another personally through storytelling. One of the best ways to make hiring managers remember you as exceptional and one of a kind is with an engaging story that illustrates your ability to solve challenges and your accomplishments.

Example Answer:

“At my last job, our team was working on a project with a tight deadline when we ran into a roadblock.  One of the key tools we’d been using suddenly couldn’t process the new data we received, throwing our entire timeline into jeopardy. It was a stressful moment, knowing how much was riding on this project. I remember sitting there, thinking about how we could turn this around.

Instead of panicking, I decided to dive into research mode and found a promising new tool. I took it upon myself to learn the new tool inside and out, then gathered the team to share what I’d learned so that we stayed on track. Thanks to the quick switch, we completed the project on time and our processes improved.

That experience showed me the importance of adaptability and teamwork, and I’m confident I can bring that same resourcefulness to your team.”

3. Make it about them

Everything in your job search ultimately depends on whether your skills and expertise align with the employer’s expectations. So make your answers about them!

A story about how you navigated complex delivery routes as a truck driver isn’t going to help you get an office admin job because it isn’t relevant. Instead, share an example demonstrating how your skills directly meet their needs.

Example Answer:

“As a truck driver, I had to be organized to make sure deliveries were on time and properly recorded. There were often unexpected delays due to traffic and last-minute changes in the delivery schedule, but when the East Bridge flooded, I needed to quickly adjust my plan and prioritize tasks to avoid falling behind and making customers angry. This also meant communicating with customers and dispatch to update them about delivery times.

By effectively managing the situation and communicating clearly, I completed all my deliveries with minimal impact on the overall schedule.

This experience strengthened my adaptability, time management, and communication skills — skills that are essential for an administrative role, where managing schedules and handling unexpected issues are crucial.”

What to avoid

Knowing what not to say when responding to a behavioral question is just as important:

• Don’t give a cookie-cutter generic answer; make your answer unique to you.
• Don’t be negative. Success stories are what managers want to hear, not your failures.
• Don’t say things like “I can’t” or “I am terrible at…” – focus on your strengths.
• Don’t minimize or blame others when something went wrong.
• Don’t complain about your former boss or coworkers.
• Don’t exaggerate or lie.
• Don’t rush! Before you start talking, take a moment to think of the best example to use.

And, of course, there are also things you shouldn’t say for any interview questions. Don’t acknowledge that you were dissatisfied or bored with your previous position, that you left to pursue a better income, or that you were unable to handle a toxic work environment. Even if all of these may be true, frame the issue more positively by saying something like, “I don’t feel as if I was being adequately challenged to grow in my former position,” if you must bring them up.

Examples of Behavioral Interview Questions

Without getting a list of potential interview questions from the hiring manager in advance, you cannot anticipate every question you may be asked.

That said, it is smart to prepare for some of the most typical behavioral interview questions that interviewers like to ask.

1. “Can you recall a time when you had to adapt to a significant change at work?”
2. “Describe a project where you had to take the lead and motivate others.”
3. “Tell me about a situation where you had to deal with a dissatisfied customer.”
4. “Give an example of when you had to prioritize multiple tasks with competing deadlines.”
5. “Can you discuss a time when you had to resolve a disagreement within your team?”
6. “Describe a challenge you faced in a previous job and how you overcame it.”
7. “Tell me about a time when you had to persuade others to accept your viewpoint.”
8. “Give an example of when you had to demonstrate leadership skills without holding a formal leadership position.”
9. “Describe a situation where you had to think creatively to solve a problem.”
10. “Can you recall a time when you had to work with limited resources to achieve a goal?”
11. “Tell me about a mistake you made and how you handled it.”
12. “Describe a time when you had to handle a difficult decision at work.”

Even though the language may differ from business to business, a general theme becomes apparent as we go through this list. The hiring supervisors are primarily interested in learning how you would respond in a difficult situation.

They want to know how successfully you’ve handled conflict in the past, how you handle challenging individuals (clients or coworkers), and how well you could fit into the company’s corporate culture.

Knowing what to expect from you when interacting with customers and coworkers is especially important in customer service, as it plays a big role in why managers choose to recruit someone.

You Will Be Asked Behavioral Interview Questions, So Be Ready!

The hiring process takes a long time and can be expensive for all parties. Once hired, the new employee must adjust to the workplace and complete a set amount of training, which may cost the business a lot of money. It will be a huge waste of time for everyone if the employee ends up not working out because of conflicts with clients or coworkers.

To put it briefly, managers want to avoid “buyers’ regret” when recruiting someone new, so they ask behavioral questions during the interview process.

If you want to be the successful candidate who is offered the job, it’s important — no, necessary— to learn how to answer behavioral interview questions.

Need more interview tips? Here’s how to answer some of the most common interview questions! 

Your job offers several benefits, including career growth, a chance to meet new people, and, of course, money. But it can also be stressful, boring, isolating, and soul-sucking.

Think of the benefits you gain by staying (such as a steady paycheck) versus those you gain by leaving. Changing jobs doesn’t guarantee a better situation, so it’s not always an easy decision.

You also need to consider how you will explain why you left — because it will come up during your job search. With your friends and family, it’s okay to say that your boss is a jerk or you hated everyone at the office, but you can’t say this to an interview panel!

“Why are you leaving your current job?” or “Why are you looking for a new job?” are common interview questions that might also appear on a job application.

Here are some common reasons for leaving a job, with tips on how to honestly and professionally answer why you left.

Wait! Before You Quit

If you’re here because you are thinking about quitting, it’s probably time to find a new job. But you have to plan what you will do after quitting your job before you hand over your resignation letter.

Leaving a job without another one lined up will leave you in a place no one wants to be: unemployed.

With no income or plan in place, you will start eating into your savings; before you know it, you will have nothing left. So please don’t rush this decision.

How to Answer the ‘Why Did You Leave Your Last Job’ Question During Interviews

There isn’t one standard way to answer “Why are you looking for a new job?” or “Why did you leave your last job?” It really does depend on what your reasons are.

Although it may seem invasive, hiring managers want to assess your integrity, honesty, and fit. They also genuinely want to know why you left. For instance, if you were fired, was it for a just cause? If you went back to school, what did you learn?

Regardless, your answer needs to be:

• Honest: Before you are hired, the company will contact your previous employers as part of its background check. A single contradiction could cost you the job.
• Short: The more you talk, the more likely you will say the wrong thing, especially if you left your previous job on bad terms. Keep your answer concise and to the point—two or three sentences are enough—and then redirect the conversation back to highlighting your qualifications. And if they don’t ask, don’t tell!
• Positive: Avoid saying anything negative about your former employer and focus on the good experiences you had. For instance, talk about your interactions with clients instead of your relationship with your boss, or put a positive spin on it, such as what you learned from the experience or how it helped you grow.

Use the examples below to prepare what to say and how to say it based on your situation.

1. You Hate Your Job

Is hating your job a good enough reason to quit? It might be. But you may not like your next job either. Or the one after that.

Before quitting, evaluate why you hate the job. Is it because your colleagues don’t support you? Is your boss too bossy? Does the job take too much of your time? Try to resolve the issues and see if that changes how you feel. Quitting should be the last option.

That said, don’t invest too much of yourself into something that will never work. You only have so much power to change things within a company – but you have the power to switch to a different company altogether.

Explaining that you quit your last job because you hated it there without raising red flags is tricky but possible. And yes, you can still be honest about it, too.

Example Answer:

“At my previous job, there was a disconnect between my skills and interests and the responsibilities and environment of the role. It became clear to me that to continue growing professionally, I needed to pursue opportunities elsewhere. I’m now eager to bring my skills and enthusiasm to a role where I can make a real difference and feel like part of a supportive team.”

Why This Answer Works:

• Honesty: It acknowledges dissatisfaction with your previous job without dwelling on negativity or blaming anyone.
• Positive Outlook: Believing in finding a better fit and contributing meaningfully elsewhere showcases resilience and a forward-thinking attitude, which are admirable traits.

2. You Were Passed Over for a Promotion

You might feel like you deserved the recent promotion someone else got, and now you’re upset and thinking about quitting. Before making any hasty decisions, take a step back and give yourself time to think about it.

Was the other person just as qualified as you, if not more? Have they worked on more successful projects? Have they been with the company longer than you?

Instead of quitting, consider what you can do to improve. Better yet, go to your supervisor and ask them what else you could be doing. You may be closer to that promotion than you think.

Or they may give you completely bogus reasons, and moving on is the best thing for you and your career. In that case, by all means, start looking for a new job.

Here’s what you can say when you get to the interview stage.

Example Answer:

“I left my previous role because I felt my potential for growth wasn’t being recognized and I wasn’t advancing as I had hoped. After discussing my concerns, it became clear that there were limited opportunities for progression. So, I decided to seek new challenges where I could contribute effectively, leading me to apply for this position.”

Why This Answer Works:

• Shows Initiative: Discussing concerns with supervisors and taking proactive steps to address the issue shows your willingness to advocate for yourself.
• Focus on Career Growth: The answer underscores your commitment to personal and professional growth.

3. There Is No Room to Grow

You can only advance and be promoted if there’s another role to promote you to. When I worked at a small non-profit, the only position above mine was management, which I was not interested in. So it didn’t matter how good I was at my job. If I wanted to move up, I had to move on.

If you are also in this situation, here’s what you can say.

Example Answer:

“After reflecting on my career goals, it became apparent that there was limited potential for progression within the organization. I’m eager to join a company where I can continuously learn, grow, and take on new challenges that will help me progress in my career.”

Why This Answer Works:

• Clarity: It is clear and straightforward, providing a direct explanation without any ambiguity.
• Openness to Change: This openness to exploring different environments and roles suggests adaptability and a readiness to take on challenges outside your comfort zone.

4. You Want a Bigger Paycheck

We all need more money, but there is more to a job than just a paycheck.

Now, hear me out. You may get a better-paying job elsewhere, but what if it means working longer hours? Or a longer commute that will increase your transportation costs? These will rob you of your free time and time with your family and friends. You may no longer be able to attend your children’s talent shows or Friday pizza nights.

Don’t only focus on your take-home pay. Your current employer may offer good health insurance, 401(k) matching, and other benefits you don’t have to pay out-of-pocket. There may be other work perks, too, like working from home or access to training programs to enhance your skills. Consider these factors when you are evaluating different jobs.

However, studies have shown that switching jobs leads to earning more than those who stay with the same employer. So, by all means, move on to something new if that means you’ll be making more money. Just don’t let the salary be the only reason; you still want to do something interesting that gives you a work-life balance.

Example Answer:

“Although I enjoyed the role, the compensation didn’t align with my financial goals. After careful consideration, I realized that I need to pursue opportunities with financial stability for my personal and professional well-being. So, I decided to explore new avenues where I could be fairly compensated for my skills and contributions.”

Why This Answer Works:

• Transparency: The response is straightforward and honest, building the interviewer’s trust.
• Personal and Professional Considerations: It shows that the decision was made after carefully considering both personal and professional factors, demonstrating your maturity and foresight.

5. You Are Changing Careers

It is also understandable to make a career change because your interests, values, or lifestyle have changed. I started my career in arts education, working all hours (due to evenings and weekend classes), and the pay was terrible. So, it wasn’t long before I was applying elsewhere.

Example Answer:

“Initially, I pursued a career in arts education, but over time, I realized the demanding schedule and low pay were not sustainable for me. I learned a lot from this job, but the communication skills I have developed better align with the projects companies like yours have to offer. I’m excited about transitioning into [new career field], where I can leverage my skills and make a meaningful impact while maintaining my personal and professional life.”

Why This Answer Works:

• Specific: It specifies the challenges faced in your previous career, such as demanding hours and low compensation, clarifying the reasons for seeking a change.
• Focus on Transferable Skills: Highlighting how the communication skills learned can be useful in your new career shows you know your strengths and can use them in different jobs.

6. You Don’t Want to Return to the Office

Remote work might be the only good thing to come out of the last few years, but many companies are phasing out remote roles and mandating a “return to the office” (RTO).

A ResumeBuilder.com survey of 1,000 companies found that 9 out of 10 will return to in-person work by the end of 2024. Although 64% say they will still offer hybrid roles, having to go into the office even once a week doesn’t work for everyone.

Many people moved, assuming they could continue to work from home. Others simply dread that time-consuming commute or can’t afford it. Transportation expenses, child and pet care, and domestic assistance costs add up to an average of $561 per month for employees returning to the office.

If you’d rather keep that money in your pocket or have relocated, frame your answer like this example.

Example Answer:

“I’ve found remote work to be incredibly beneficial for both my productivity and work-life balance over the past few years. However, with the recent mandate to return to the office, I’ve had to reconsider my circumstances. Continuing remote work would be the best option for me at this time.”

Why This Answer Works:

• Clear Preferences: The response clearly states your preference for remote work and sets a straightforward expectation.
• References Strengths: Mentioning that working remotely is good for productivity highlights one of your key strengths.

7. You Are Relocating

On that note, moving somewhere new, whether it’s because you need to or want to, is also a good reason to quit your job. Unless you can work remotely or there is another branch you can transfer to, it’s really your only option. It’s also easy to explain.

Example Answers:

“My partner has accepted a job in another state, so my family and I are moving.”

“I’m currently seeking new opportunities because I’m relocating to a different city to be closer to family. I’m excited about exploring new professional avenues in [the new location].”

Why These Answers Works:

• Realistic: People move and need to find new jobs.
• Situational Change: This explanation shows that seeking new employment is driven by personal circumstances rather than dissatisfaction with your current job.

8. You Work in a Toxic Environment

Uncooperative colleagues, a difficult boss, and a company that does not provide the resources you need all constitute a toxic working environment.

If you face these challenges and cannot perform your duties, try to solve the problem. This could mean talking to your boss, your HR department, your union, or seeking medical help from your doctor or a counselor.

But if the issues persist, it’s time to leave. Your mental health has to come first.

Example Answer:

“I’ve decided to move on because I’m looking for a more supportive and positive workplace where I can grow professionally. I’m excited about finding a workplace that aligns better with my career goals and values.”

Why This Answer Works:

• Maintaining Professionalism: Not criticizing your current workplace or pointing fingers helps preserve your professional reputation.
• Focuses on Positive Aspects: Rather than dwelling on negatives, the response focuses on the positive attributes you want in a new job.

9. You Were Laid Off

Maybe you didn’t quit your previous job but were let go. Being laid off from work is nothing to be ashamed of. Companies are always downsizing or going out of business.

In this case, a good answer would be simple and direct.

Example Answers:

“There was some restructuring at the company, and my position was affected.”

“Due to organizational changes, my position was eliminated, and I was let go from my previous job.”

Why These Answers Works:

• Focuses on the Future: The response stays optimistic by briefly addressing the reason for departure and transitioning to discussing future opportunities.
• No Fluff: There are no unnecessary details needed or given.

10. You Were Fired

Being fired, on the other hand, is a little tricky. Although trying to cover it up is tempting, you should be honest about it. The truth usually comes to light at some point, so you might as well address it now.

Find the right balance between acknowledging what happened without saying anything more than necessary. Try to use terms like “let go” and “dismissed” instead of “fired” – it may sound like strange advice, but it softens the impact.

In your response, show them that you can own up to your mistakes and that you’ve learned from them.

Example Answer:

“As the business grew, I could no longer keep up with the workload. I spoke with my manager several times, letting her know and asking about getting additional help. Unfortunately, no one else was added to the team, and I was eventually let go. While it was not the outcome I had hoped for, I now have stronger organizational and problem-solving skills because of it.”

Why This Answer Works:

• No Emotions: This answer shares the facts about what happened, not your feelings.
• Soft Language: Saying ‘let go’ instead of ‘fired’ makes the situation sound less harsh. ‘Fired’ often has negative associations, like someone did something wrong, while ‘let go’ sounds more neutral, like it just didn’t work out.

11. You Don’t Like Your Boss

The saying “People don’t quit jobs, they quit bosses.” is common for a reason. Having a bad boss is awful – and I’ve had my fair share. Poor leadership is a valid reason to leave your job, whether there was some restructuring and your new manager can’t manage very well or just can’t handle your boss’s bad decisions anymore.

Honesty is key, but choose your words wisely to avoid sounding rude or unappreciative.

Example Answer:

“After a management changeover, my last role was no longer a good fit for me. I learned that I thrive in a proactive environment rather than a reactive one, and I am pursuing opportunities with more forward-thinking companies.”

Why This Answer Works:

• Invites Further Discussion: This response opens the door for further conversation about your skills, experiences, and career objectives, leading to a more engaging and productive interview.
• Action Plan: The answer ends with a clear statement of intent: you are actively pursuing opportunities with more forward-thinking companies.

12. The Schedule Doesn’t Work For You

The 40-hour, 9-5 workweek does not apply to all jobs, which can be good or bad, depending on what you’re looking for. These days, jobs have all sorts of different schedules. That 9-5 might actually be more of an 8-6 (plus that half hour you spend checking your work email before bed).

Working too many hours, not enough hours, weekends, night shifts, being on call… if the schedule doesn’t work for you, find a new job with a schedule that does.

Example Answer:

“I left my last job because the schedule wasn’t working for me. I found it difficult to balance my personal life and work commitments due to the irregular hours and long shifts. I realized the importance of having a more stable schedule for my overall well-being and productivity, which is why I’m seeking opportunities with more predictable hours.”

Why This Answer Works:

• Relatable: The interviewer likely wouldn’t want to work unpredictable hours either, so this answer resonates with them.
• Not Concerning: If the job you’re interviewing for follows a fixed schedule, this response should be fine as it doesn’t apply to the current position.

13. Health Reasons

Being sick can affect your work performance, just as work can deteriorate your health.

If you are injured or unwell, you may need to leave your job to fully recover. Or an illness affecting a close family member may require you to leave your job to take care of them.

However, if you are considering leaving your job for a medical reason, you may not need to quit. See if your insurance has any medical coverage. You may also qualify for government support, such as Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or the Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Take full advantage of whatever income support you can get before you resign.

However, for long-term medical needs, you may have no choice but to leave until you recover.

Example Answer:

“I had to leave my last job because I was facing some medical issues that made it difficult for me to perform my duties effectively. I needed to prioritize my health and focus on getting better. Now that I’ve recovered, I’m eager to return to work and contribute to a new team.”

Why This Answer Works:

• Discretion: The response demonstrates professional discretion by avoiding excessive disclosure of your personal medical details while effectively communicating the seriousness of your health situation.
• Legal Compliance: In some jurisdictions, employers are prohibited from asking about specific health conditions during hiring. This answer navigates around potential legal constraints while still addressing the question.

14. Personal Reasons

Personal reasons for leaving a job vary and often revolve around significant life events or responsibilities. For instance, being a parent may necessitate leaving a job to care for your children. Burnout, resulting from prolonged stress or overwork, can lead you to prioritize your mental and physical well-being by taking time away from the workplace.

Your job is not your life – even if it sometimes feels like it is. You don’t have to share the specifics when asked in an interview.

Example Answer:

“I had to leave my last job because I encountered some personal challenges requiring immediate attention. It required a significant amount of time and attention, making it challenging to balance work commitments. I decided to temporarily step away from my job to focus on these responsibilities. Now that the situation has improved, I’m ready to return to work with renewed focus and dedication.”

Why This Answer Works:

• Demonstrates Adaptability: The decision to step away from the job temporarily reflects your adaptability and ability to handle unexpected circumstances.
• Reassuring: Despite facing personal challenges, this response can reassure the interviewer that you are motivated, responsible, and ready to re-engage in the workplace with renewed dedication.

15. The Job Wasn’t What You Expected

A one-page job description and an hour or two of interviews don’t tell you what a job will actually be like day to day.

Surprisingly, a lot of people quit their new jobs — about a third within 90 days, according to one study – primarily because the job wasn’t what they were led to believe. Some even quit on their first day (I’ve done that once!).

I’ve helped employers find and hire new employees, and yes, some purposely made the role sound much better than it was just to fill the role. But most were just absolutely clueless about what their employees actually do all day. Each scenario sets you up for failure and disappointment, so why you would choose to leave is clear.

Example Answer:

“I left my previous job because it didn’t match what I was looking for. When I joined the company, I was eager to contribute and grow within the role. However, as I became more involved in the day-to-day operations, I found that the reality didn’t match the picture I had in mind. So, I decided to move on and find a better fit.”

Why This Answer Works:

• Decision-making: Your answer shows agency and decisiveness by stating that you chose to move on and find a better fit rather than passively accepting a situation that wasn’t fulfilling.
• Engagement: Your eagerness to contribute and grow within the role highlights your commitment to professional development and your willingness to invest time and effort in your career progression.

16. You Are Pursuing Your Education

Advancing your education is always a good idea. But if you want to pursue a degree or specialize in an area of interest, it may be impossible if you also have a job.

The number of hours you work, how much time your classes will take, and your schedule for both will determine whether you have to quit or if you can manage a job and school.

Some courses are part-time or online, making it possible to keep your job and pursue your education simultaneously. But if you are going to be a full-time student, keeping a full-time job probably isn’t feasible. You don’t want to spread yourself too thin and fail your classes or struggle at work.

Example Answer:

“I left my previous job because I decided to go back to school. I felt it was important to continue my education to improve my skills and knowledge in my field.  Now that I’ve completed my courses, I’m eager to apply my new skills and knowledge to a new role.”

Why This Answer Works:

• Shows Your Value: Completing courses suggests you have gained up-to-date knowledge and skills, making you a more valuable asset to any organization.
• Competitive Advantage: Employers gain a competitive edge by hiring individuals who continuously invest in their professional development. Your commitment to learning signals you are motivated to excel, aligning well with the organization’s goals for growth and success.

17. You Have a Better Job Offer

Perhaps the best reason to quit is that you have a better offer and want to pursue it—particularly if the new job offers career growth, better hours, flexibility, increased pay, a promotion, and/or personal satisfaction.

Since you already have the offer, you won’t have to worry about interviewing for now. But in the future, you might need to explain why you switched jobs, which is easy to do.

Example Answers:

“I switched jobs because I was offered a better position. It allowed me to grow in my career and take on more responsibilities.”

“I made the decision to switch jobs because I was presented with a more promising opportunity. The new role offered a better fit for my skills and provided a chance for me to make a greater impact in my field.”

Why These Answers Works:

• Career Advancement: Taking on more responsibilities and growing your career are green flags in an interview, so don’t be shy about it.
• Shows Initiative: Rather than waiting for opportunities to come to you, you proactively sought a better position that would allow you to progress in your career, reflecting well on your initiative and ambition.

Why Do Interviewers Ask This Question?

Now that you know how to answer questions about leaving your last job, why does it come up in job interviews?

Hiring a new employee costs the company money. Therefore, they ask questions about your background to understand you better and determine if you are the best candidate or if you will quit this job, too.

Did you leave on good terms? Was it for valid reasons? Did you leave on your own, or were you let go? If you were fired, do you take appropriate responsibility for what happened?

They want to know!

They also want to check your integrity by assessing whether your answers hold up. For example, if you say you left your last job because of a lack of growth opportunities but later say it was due to a conflict with your supervisor, this inconsistency can make you look dishonest or deceptive.

How to Tell When It’s Time to Leave a Job

You may have good reasons for leaving your job, but how do you know when it’s the best time to go?

You need to evaluate your life, not just your job. Ask yourself:

• Is my current role helping me grow in my career?
• Am I getting the right pay for my qualifications?
• Can I get a better job with another company?
• Am I unhappy with something temporary or fixable?
• Can I fix the problem?
• Is the company, industry, or my specific role undergoing major changes?

Your answers to these questions will help you determine if it is time to call it quits or if you need to stick it out a little longer.

How to Tell Your Boss That You’re Quitting

When it’s clear that you need to move on and quit your job, you have to do it right.

First, understand that not everyone will support your decision, so be ready for different reactions.

Write a resignation letter detailing your reasons, schedule a meeting with your supervisor, and hand it over. It’s common to give two weeks’ notice, but you can provide as much notice as you see fit. If the issues causing you to quit are urgent, you may leave your job effective immediately. Or, your employer may decide not to accept your notice and terminate your employment sooner.

When drafting your letter, remember to be courteous no matter how bad your experience was. You don’t need to go into detail; a short, simple explanation will suffice.

Also, remember to say thank you for the opportunity and leave on good terms – you never know when you may need a former colleague or boss to help you out in the future.

Preparing for the Next Steps in Your Career

Do you have a good reason to quit your job? A clear plan on what you will do next, like a new job? A way to support yourself (and your family) if you’ll be out of work?

If you do, go ahead and leave gracefully. Let your manager know, write a resignation letter, and leave with your head held high.

If not, stay where you are until you have these things in place. Start job searching, update your resume, and prepare to explain why you’re leaving with a clear, precise, and honest answer.

From my experience, both as an employee and someone who’s hired others, I’ve learned that talent isn’t everything. What really matters is showing up every day with a strong work ethic. This means having the skills to do the job and the right qualities—like being reliable, dedicated, and a great team player.

Employees who work hard and bring this kind of energy to the workplace are the ones who consistently ace job interviews, get hired, receive great performance reviews, score bonuses and raises, and get promoted.

To become someone with promising career prospects and earning potential, learn how to improve your work ethic.

What Does Work Ethic Mean?

Remarkably, 85% of employers see work ethic as the most important trait in job applicants. So, what is it, really?

A work ethic is a set of values that exemplifies one’s dedication to their work duties and their determination to get the job done. Employees with a strong work ethic are motivated, deliver great results, and help boost productivity, job satisfaction, and even the company’s reputation—no matter the circumstances.

What Are The Best Work Ethic Attributes?

Since a strong work ethic highlights the importance of working hard and staying determined, it’s not just one thing—it’s a mix of skills, behaviors, core values, and attitudes.

Professionalism and Attitude

Isn’t it exhausting to work with someone who’s always negative and unhelpful? It drags the team’s morale down and makes the work environment toxic.

Interpersonal skills are a key part of a good work ethic. It means keeping a positive attitude and respecting your colleagues, even when things get tough. When you’re professional, you’re willing to communicate clearly, offer solutions, and help the team meet deadlines without losing your cool or pointing fingers.

Professionalism in the workplace isn’t just about you—it’s a two-way street that creates a better environment for everyone.

Punctuality

For some people, being late to work is a rare disaster, while for others, it’s just another day. In fact, 29% of employees in the U.S. admit they’re late at least once a month!

Being punctual is more than just showing up on time—it means you have great time management skills for sticking to your schedule, meeting deadlines, and avoiding the stress of last-minute scrambles. It also shows your co-workers and clients that you are dependable, reliable, and trustworthy.

Being on time makes it easier to stay productive and avoid procrastination!

Dedication and Persistence

As an employee, do you willingly put in extra effort or take on more responsibilities to lock in your project’s success, or do you get easily distracted and lose motivation?

Dedication means being fully committed to your work obligations. Dedicated people go the extra mile to achieve goals and are willing to put in the extra effort when needed. Their motivation comes from a love for their profession and pride in delivering high-quality results.

Perseverance is important, too—it helps you push through obstacles. Many successful people faced failures, but instead of giving up, they used those setbacks to learn and grow.

Initiative

People with initiative always find ways to improve themselves and tackle new challenges. People with a strong work ethic are proactive—they don’t wait around for instructions but instead, jump in and look for ways to contribute.

Initiative means deeply understanding the company’s mission and working towards shared goals without needing constant direction. This kind of adaptability saves time and resources by not needing constant oversight.

Productivity

Why is productivity such a big part of a strong work ethic? Simply put, a strong work ethic leads to top-notch productivity and vice versa. Productive employees get more done and often finish projects ahead of schedule, going beyond just the basics.

But being busy doesn’t always mean being productive. Busy just means you have a lot on your plate, but it doesn’t guarantee you are prioritizing high-quality work or making progress. Being productive means making real strides toward your goals. It means you work smarter and focus on what really counts.

So, are you busy or productive? Let’s hope it’s the latter!

Collaboration

Who wants a team member who won’t help out, creates a competitive vibe, and always shifts the blame? Avoiding responsibility and ignoring team input is a nightmare for everyone involved.

Collaboration, on the other hand, makes everything better. When you work well with others, you help build a company culture that thrives on teamwork and learning. Good habits like sharing ideas and supporting your colleagues lead to a stronger, more successful team focused on growth and development.

Accountability

This might sound simple, but accountability is important and often the hardest to master.

People with a strong work ethic fully own their actions and results with honesty and transparency. They don’t make excuses when things go wrong; instead, they own up to their mistakes with humility, learn from them, and avoid repeating them.

Being accountable shows integrity and reliability and means you stick to ethical standards.

How Do You Improve Your Work Ethic?

Fortunately, your work ethic is entirely under your control. There are a lot of steps you can take to improve your attitude and behavior surrounding your job.

1. Develop Self-Discipline

Self-motivation involves pushing yourself to keep going, even when you’re not feeling your best. It’s necessary to stay consistent at work and focus on long-term goals rather than giving in to short-term distractions.

Building self-discipline means changing old habits. Instead of scrolling on your phone or online shopping during breaks, why not grab a coffee or take a quick walk outside? These small changes can help support your goals and boost your self-control. You’ll stay focused, meet deadlines, and maintain a high work ethic.

2. Deliver Quality Work

To build an excellent work ethic, focus on delivering accurate, thorough, and timely work.

Make it a habit to “do it right” and avoid shortcuts. Rushing through assignments or doing sloppy work results in low-quality outcomes. If you can’t do something well, it’s better not to do it at all. Shift your mindset to always aim for the best and set high standards for yourself.

3. Seek Continuous Learning

Continuous learning helps employees pick up new skills and improve the ones they already have. Moving up in your career is more important than ever, and ongoing learning can make you a top expert in your field and increase your chances for advancement.

Change is constant in every industry, so staying updated with the latest trends is critical to success. Always look for ways to grow professionally through mentorship, classes, or other opportunities.

4. Be a Team Player

Ever wondered why working with others can be tough? When a big project is on the line, it’s easy to feel like you’re the only one who can get it done right. But that’s not the way to go.

You have to learn to work with clashing personalities, even if your coworkers seem difficult. It takes flexibility and being open to change, but having the ability to take on new challenges helps the whole team succeed.

Good communication is also essential. This means listening well, sharing your ideas clearly, and giving and receiving feedback effectively. And don’t forget—understand your role and know your limits.

5. Be a Good Company Ambassador

As an employee, you represent your company, showing its values and goals through your actions and words.

To build a great work ethic, act like a brand ambassador for your company. Keep a positive attitude about the company in every interaction at work. Find opportunities to contribute and support the business, even if it’s outside your usual tasks.

Rather than complaining about your job, being proud of it will do wonders.

What are Some Examples of a Poor Work Ethic?

A poor work ethic shows up in different ways. It can hurt both your individual and team performance. Spotting these behaviors can help you see where you might need to step up.

Here are some common examples:

• Producing poor-quality work
• Showing up late, disregard for deadlines
• Lack of commitment
• Abusing privileges
• Dressing unprofessionally
• Acting disrespectfully towards your colleagues
• Gossiping
• Negativity

How Do You Show a Good Work Ethic on a Resume or in a Job Interview?

Once you’re hired, showing your employer your strong work ethic is easy. Because you’re naturally motivated to do a great job, you show up on time, are prepared, and deliver quality results.

But how can you show this on your resume or in an interview?

If you get interview questions about your work habits, avoid vague statements like “I’m a hard-working individual with a strong work ethic.” This tells a hiring manager nothing!

A strong work ethic is more about what you do daily rather than just a skill you claim to have. It’s reflected in your past experiences, so highlight your work ethos with real-life examples. Have a few accomplishments or true stories ready for your interview that you bullet on your resume so they’ll ask you about them. Show how committed you are by discussing times you stepped up and got things done, even if it wasn’t your job or when you went above and beyond on a task or project.

Employers love to hear concrete examples with results to back them up.

Take a close look at what you buy and what you can do without. By carefully examining your purchases, you can find ways to reduce your monthly expenses and put more money towards the things that truly matter. Here are 22 things my family and I stopped buying, and so should you.

1. Brand Names

Stop paying a premium for brand names when the generic version is just as good and, in some cases, even better. There are regulations in place regarding medication and food. That name-brand sugar was made the same way as the store-brand sugar. It might even have come from the exact same manufacturer. Medication is the same. My pharmacist often swaps out our medication for the generic version if that’s what our insurance company will cover or is the more affordable option for anything out-of-pocket.

2. Books

I was running errands last weekend and impulsively stopped at Barnes & Noble. As I was wandering around somewhat aimlessly, I realized I was there trying to find something to buy, just for the sake of buying something. My bookcase already had several books I picked up “just because” and haven’t read. Plus, I have a library card and my kids love reading, too. So I left the store empty-handed and took the whole family to the library the next day. The added bonus of seeing my kids sitting with a book instead of an iPad was the perfect finishing touch.

3. Movies

The days when people had shelves full of DVDs in their living rooms are long gone. Streaming services have made buying movies obsolete. We pay $8/month for Disney+ and have Prime Video included with our Amazon Prime account. These two platforms have more than enough movies and TV shows to keep us all entertained – but there are dozens of free places to watch movies online these days. My TV even comes with dozens of free channels now!

4. Cleaning Supplies

No, my house isn’t always dirty! We save money by making our own cleaners, refilling our hand soaps, and buying products that last a long time. A 4L jug of vinegar is under $5, lasts for months, and cleans a lot better than a lot of those commercial products. I’m also not worried about using it around my son or our dogs, who always have to watch what I’m doing around the house.

5. Body Wash

We don’t buy body wash for several reasons. My daughter and I have sensitive skin, and the packaging is made of plastic, which we are trying to avoid. Instead, we buy soap made locally in our area once a year that has better ingredients, lasts a lot longer, has less waste, and costs $2 instead of $10 or more.

6. Kitchen Gadgets

My countertops and cabinets are cluttered with kitchen gadgets that we’ve used only a handful of times, like the toaster oven I bought and regretted almost right away. We already have a toaster, a microwave, an air fryer, and a full oven—what could this toaster oven do that wasn’t already covered by one of these other appliances? It’s now become an expensive $115 bread box/dust collector.

7. Separate Meals

My husband and I don’t order delivery or takeout very often. When we do, though, we usually order two meals and split it up between us and our two young kids.  Depending on the restaurant, portions can be way too big. Nobody has to eat all of that food at once. So we spend less money and eat less.

8. Fancy Drinks

I really enjoy a fancy cup of coffee. But do I like how much it costs? NOPE! Making coffee at home is literally mentioned anytime the topic of saving money comes up. But several other drinks also aren’t worth the price. A nice, cold, bubbly soda sounds good almost everywhere we go, but why spend $3 for one serving when I can buy 2L for $2? And why are you paying for bottled water? Or $15 for a smoothie? Yes, these are all delicious treats – so make them at home.

9. Convenience Foods

As a mom, I’ve learned not to leave the house without food. Being “hangry” runs in the family! It just costs too much to buy snacks all the time. Instead, when we are going somewhere, I pack snacks and peanut butter sandwiches. The amount of stress it saves is more beneficial than the money – trust me.

10. Bank Fees

Bank fees really bother me. When I was struggling financially, getting hit with $25 in bank fees for overdrawing my account was gut-wrenching and frustrating. I didn’t have money, so you’re charging me more money? How does that make sense?My finances are much better now, but those fees still irritate me. When I was first dating my now-husband and found out he was paying $19/month just for having a checking account with his bank, I immediately made him switch to one with no fees. That’s $228 he didn’t have to spend. And neither do you.

11. Too Much Insurance

When my second child was born, I was very fortunate to be able to work from home part-time rather than returning to the office. This reduced our childcare bill substantially, but it also reduced my car insurance, as I was no longer commuting for an hour every day. My rate went down by just over $30/month or $360/year. When my sister’s job turned remote, her car insurance went down by $48/month, saving her $576 each year.

I know that insurance paperwork is dull and sometimes confusing, but spending a few hours reviewing things could save you hundreds.

12. Extra Cell Phone Data

On that same note, what does your data plan look like compared to what you use? If you work from home, you’re almost always connected to Wi-Fi, so do you really need ten gigs of data? I was barely using one gig, so I changed my plan and now only pay for what I use.

13. Brand-New Clothes

Kids don’t need brand-new clothes, and I’ve learned that neither do I. I’m not a trendsetter and have no desire to be one. By not following trends, we save money.

When you buy used things, you save money and help the environment. Consignment sales and Facebook Marketplace have no doubt saved me thousands, and no one but me knows that our clothes didn’t come from a store. But don’t be like me and overdo it just because it’s cheap. My two have more clothes than they need to get through elementary school.

14. Brand-New Toys

With birthdays and Christmas, we don’t need to buy our kids toys. Grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins have that area more than covered already. Our library also lends out toys and board games, which I admittendlty forgot about. Borrowing toys and games means we can change them up every few weeks, which keeps my kids from getting bored of them.

15. Baby Gear

Now that our baby is a toddler, we don’t need as much “gear” as we used to. And because he is our second, we already had a lot of baby clothes, accessories, and supplies that we used with his sister, so we didn’t have to buy anything new. As he outgrows things, we are passing along these things to our friend’s children, who can still get a lot of use out of them.

16. Cheap Makeup

Cheap makeup is usually cheap for a reason. Because you have to use more of it to get the full effect, you use up the whole thing faster than you would with a better product. And the chemicals used can be really bad for you, too. That said, you don’t need high-end expensive makeup, either. Store brands are the happy medium here. Or, if you don’t wear a lot of make-up like me, I’ll spend a little on my favorite mascara but buy everything else from Target.

17. Jewelry

Unless you frequent galas and formal events, you don’t really need a lot of jewelry. I’d rather have a few pieces of high-quality jewelry that I actually wear than dozens of pieces that sit in a box on my dresser.

18. Lottery Tickets

Do you know anyone who’s actually won the lottery? I don’t mean winning a free ticket or $50, either. I’m talking about life-changing amounts. My parent’s next-door neighbor won $25,000 a few years ago, and they are the only lottery winners I know. Admittedly, I will turn to scratch tickets when I’m looking for a quick gift idea for a coworker, but according to Jonathan Cohen, author of For a Dollar and a Dream: State Lotteries in Modern America, 1 in 8 Americans buys lottery tickets every week. Most of whom are lower-income. If you spend $10 a week playing the lottery, that’s $520 you could have used for something else.

19. Home Decor

Spending money on home decor doesn’t make much sense when you have kids or pets. So I’ve stopped buying new home decor to save money. I instead use what I already have to decorate, which includes all my kid’s arts and crafts projects.

But even if you don’t have kids who destroy your home, you don’t need to spend a lot on home decor. Thrift stores are your best friend for knickknacks (especially if you give them a fresh coat of paint). Better yet, use nature to decorate with things like fresh flowers, pinecones, and seashells.

20. Lightbulbs

When we moved into our new house, we slowly switched to LED bulbs. There was the initial cost to buy the LED bulbs, but we have saved money by using them. They last a lot longer than regular bulbs and use less energy.

21. Cheap Toilet Paper or Paper Towel

Once, I made the mistake of buying cheap toilet paper. We went through that 12-pack so fast because the sheets were too thin, and the rolls didn’t have much on them to start. So I sat down one day and did the “toilet paper math” to figure out once and for all which was the best way to go. Then I did the same for paper towels. I no longer stand in the aisle for far too long trying to divide X amount of sheets by X amount of rolls. I know what the best deal is and stock up even more when it’s on sale.

22. Candles and Air Fresheners

When you burn candles and spray air fresheners, chemicals enter the air, which you breathe in. Clearly, that’s not good for your lungs, so we stopped buying them. It’s also a fire hazard I’d rather avoid. I use baking soda or vinegar to absorb bad smells, open my windows as much as I can, and simmer cinnamon sticks or rosemary instead. It smells so good!

Don’t Throw Your Money Away

Once you cut these 22 items out of your budget, you won’t miss them. Instead, you’ll have more money to spend on your needs and whatever is important to you, and less clutter around the house, too. So what have you cut out of the budget that has saved you money?

Imagine the possibilities of creating a side business as a couple – one that generates extra income and brings you two closer together. The best part? You don’t need loads of experience or a hefty investment to get started. And most of them you can do from home (or the beach, or a remote cabin in the woods, anywhere really!).

Here, we unveil a collection of side hustle ideas tailor-made for couples like you.

1. Take Pictures

If you want to do something fun, why not offer photography services for events like birthdays and weddings? Picture one of you capturing the perfect shots while the other arranges props and tools, creating an enchanting visual experience.

This collaborative approach reduces the stress that often accompanies solo photography gigs. Sharing the workload makes the entire experience more enjoyable and not complete chaos. Plus, your combined efforts will result in exceptional photographs and happy clients.

Or, spend your weekends together exploring and taking pictures. But instead of posting them on Instagram, sell them on stock photo sites.

2. Dog Walking or Pet Sitting

Yes, you can get paid to take care of other people’s adorable furry friends. Pet owners often require assistance when they’re out of town for work or tied up with busy schedules, leaving their furry pals in need of some TLC until they return. You and your partner can turn these into fun dates, stroll through the park, play fetch, and provide love and care to these adorable companions.

3. House-Sit

Sometimes, those petting-sitting gigs include house-sitting, too. As a couple, you get paid to look after other people’s homes (which may include pets and plants), and you can treat it as a little vacation. In a way, it’s like you’re getting paid to stay in an Airbnb and keep it clean rather than being charged extra fees for not folding the laundry right.

A friend of mine house-sat with his wife for a full year. They got paid to live in a mansion—plus they didn’t have to pay rent. Although most house-sitting jobs won’t be this profitable, you can make good money with smaller jobs, too. All you have to do is keep the home in shape.

4. Open a Food Truck

If you have the start-up money, hit the road with your very own food truck! This exciting business opportunity allows couples to serve up mouthwatering and innovative creations, ranging from gourmet burgers to artisanal ice cream and fusion cuisine. As a couple, you can unleash your creativity and collaborate on developing a menu that truly reflects your culinary vision, all while building a successful business.

Catering events is also a potential avenue to earn some money with your kitchen on wheels.

5. Sell Cakes and Pastries

Some of us were lucky enough to learn how to bake from our parents or even grandparents when we were kids. If you or your partner know how to make tasty cakes, pies, or pastries, you could make money as a couple by selling them. No expensive food truck is required.

As long as you have the basic tools and follow local health, safety, and licensing regulations, you can run a bakery out of your kitchen. You can sell your treats to your neighbors and coworkers or online to people in your community.

6. Get Into Real Estate

You don’t need a million dollars to invest in real estate. You can make money by investing in a “real estate investment trust.” This lets you buy shares in a group of properties, which helps you make money passively as the value of the properties goes up.

Owning an Airbnb or two and monetizing short-term rentals is another option. By transforming your properties into inviting accommodations, you can earn income from travelers looking for a place to stay.

7. Help Out Homeowners

If owning real estate is out of reach or not a venture you’re interested in, work for homeowners and investors instead. Many people want to hire someone to plant and take care of their gardens, mow lawns, clean, fix things, or do odd jobs around their homes. If you know how to do the job well and don’t mind getting your hands dirty, start by helping with friends and family. Once you start getting good reviews, you’ll get more clients.

8. Get a Truck

How many times have you wished you knew someone with a truck to help you move or bring your old junk to a donation center or the dump? You and your partner can become the reliable and dependable friends with a truck you’ve always wished for!

When you own your own truck, you’re in the driver’s seat of your earning potential and the master of your operation. Just remember to consider operating costs like fuel, maintenance, insurance, and any licenses or permits you might need.

Running a hauling business requires top-notch time management and organization skills. Plan your jobs strategically, so you can maximize your earnings while still enjoying your personal time.

9. Flip Furniture

One of the best side jobs for handy couples is flipping furniture. You can buy a piece of furniture from a neighbor or thrift store, fix it up or change it into something else, and then sell it for a good price. Refinishing, reupholstering, repainting, or repurposing – the goal is to breathe new life into the furniture and create a unique and desirable piece.

Working together as a team, you can leverage each other’s strengths, such as one person focusing on repairs while the other handles the creative aspects, streamlining the process and maximizing efficiency. If you know what you are doing, this can be a very good way to make money.

10. Become Resellers

Flipping furniture isn’t the only way to make good money reselling. If you have things at home that you no longer need, fix them up and put a price tag on them. Spend your weekends browsing flea markets and garage sales for resellable items that are in good shape.

Try selling your stuff on popular websites like Craigslist or eBay. Most people go to these sites to find used things for a fair price.

11. Sell on Amazon

Amazon has made it so much easier to reach hundreds of thousands of customers all over the world. Once you have a product that people want to buy, you could make a lot of money selling it from your home (since the entire transaction takes place online).

You don’t need a lot of money to start a business selling things on Amazon, which is a plus. The trick is finding something that people want. As long as you have an in-demand item, you will always have customers.

According to Jungle Scout, 48% of Amazon sellers make at least $1,000 in sales per month, with 11% making more than $25,000.

12. Print-On-Demand

By creating and designing products such as T-shirts, pants, and socks, you can leverage online platforms like Etsy or Shopify to reach a wide customer base and sell these designs.

The beauty of a print-on-demand business is that you focus on the creative process and building your brand while the printing company handles the production, printing, and shipping logistics. This allows you to invest time and energy in designing unique and appealing products without worrying about inventory management or fulfillment.

When a customer purchases an item from your online store, the printing company deducts their costs from the sale price. For example, if your T-shirt is priced at $10 and printing and shipping costs $5.50, you would earn a profit of $4.50 per T-shirt sold.

13. Open a Shop on Etsy

If you and your partner are crafty and know how to make things like candles, face masks, spice mixes, or wine koozies, you can sell them on Etsy and make money. Tens of thousands of successful shops sell different things on the platform (both physical and digital products).

Once you sign up for free on the platform, build your store and add photos of your products. If a customer likes a certain item, they can buy it right away. Yes, that means you can make sales even when you’re asleep. Etsy makes the whole thing easy and has a large, established customer base.

If you have kids, get them in on this initiative, too, and make it a family activity.

14. Open a Personalized Gift Shop

Selling your work isn’t limited to Etsy. Create with your partner and offer customized gift items like engraved jewelry, hand-etched glassware, monogrammed accessories, or personalized home décor. You can sell them on Etsy or your own website or hit up vendor markets and set up a table.

Together you can channel your artistic talents into crafting one-of-a-kind gifts that leave a lasting impression. From birthdays to anniversaries and special occasions, you’ll help customers express their love and appreciation through thoughtful items made just for them.

15. Be a Camp Counselor

Embrace the great outdoors and become the ultimate campground hosts! If you two love nature, becoming camp counselors is an exciting opportunity. You and your partner can divide responsibilities and take turns being in charge, making it a flexible and enjoyable experience. You’ll both have time to soak in the serene surroundings and savor the campsite lifestyle away from all the noise.

While the job is seasonal, you’ll help your camper make new friends and create lifelong memories amidst nature’s beauty.

16. Tutor Together

Working with students of all ages and helping them learn something new is rewarding in itself, but it can also pay well. Especially if you can double up. Offer group tutoring sessions together (online or offline) or tutor siblings separately in their homes. What you teach can be anything from learning the piano or guitar to test preparation or learning a new language.

17. Sell Courses Online

Turn your shared knowledge into an online course and sell it to thousands of people. People all over the world are willing to pay for good education and online courses.

Almost anything can be turned into a course. For example, you can take your love for adventure and create an exhilarating course on outdoor survival skills. Or, you can invite the world into your kitchen and teach aspiring chefs how to create mouthwatering dishes inspired by different cuisines.

Once you’ve made your course, host and sell it on popular sites like Udemy, Teachable, and Thinkific.

18. Start Blogging

Similarly, you and your partner can start a blog together where you write about your favorite things. Blogs are a great way to make money because you can monetize your site and your content in so many different ways. From ads, sponsored content, and affiliate marketing to selling digital products or offering consulting services, the potential for financial success is as vast as your imagination.

I know lots of couples who blog together full-time and part-time. One writes while the other edits or one person handles the tech issues while the other manages your email.

19. Start a Channel on YouTube

Making videos for YouTube is a dynamic and captivating way to share your ideas, just like writing a blog. In fact, you can turn your blog posts into videos, expanding the monetization potential of your blog in yet another way.

But you have to be able to make content that is interesting or useful if you want more people to watch it and subscribe to your channel. You make more money the more views and subscribers you get.

As a couple, you have the unique advantage of showcasing your shared experiences and perspectives, providing viewers with authentic and relatable content that resonates.

20. Make Content for Social Media Sites

YouTube is not the only platform where the two of you can make money from your videos or live streams. Many couples make funny videos of themselves doing everyday things and post them online using Instagram and TikTok.

If you aren’t shy, why not try it? When one of your videos goes viral, or your page gets popular, you can start making a lot of money by advertising and promoting brands. Brands will be eager to collaborate with you, offering sponsored partnerships, product promotions, and endorsements. And if it doesn’t, you have hilarious “home-movies” of your time together.

Tie it in with your blog and YouTube channel, and you have a powerful and multi-faceted online presence!

21. Start a Podcast

Podcasting presents yet another avenue for you and your partner to monetize your shared interests and perspectives. Start an engaging podcast about your relationship, discuss topics that hold significance for both of you or (once again) repurpose your existing blog posts into podcast episodes; this medium offers a unique and intimate way to connect with your audience.

Just like with a blog or a YouTube video, by incorporating strategic ad placements within your podcast episodes, you can earn revenue based on the number of listeners and the reach of your show.

22. Social Media Management

For shy couples looking to make money online, give social media management some thought. You can make up to $25 per hour by helping small business owners run their social media pages, and you don’t have to be in front of the camera dancing.

All you have to do is make content (posts on social media), upload them, interact with the people who follow you, and maybe answer potential clients. This can be a lot easier if you and your partner work together. The more creative person can be in charge of making posts, and the more detail-oriented one can be in charge of publishing them.

23. Design Websites

Another great side hustle for couples with similar interests but different skill sets is web design. The creative partner can make the site and its branding look great, while the more technical partner can code and customize the site so it runs perfectly.

Earn Additional Income Together

From starting a food truck to offering personalized gifts, the key to success is to find a side job that resonates with both your interests and skills. From there, you can learn from each other, support each other, and grow closer as a couple, all while earning some extra money. So, find something that excites you, take the leap, and enjoy building a thriving side business that lays the foundation for a wealthy future together.

How to Find a Side Hustle

Can’t find the right side hustle for you and your partner? This massive list of over 300 side hustle ideas will surely inspire you!

There are literally hundreds of ways to make extra money. You could start a blog, babysit, or sell unused household items at a garage sale. But the best side hustle or business for you to start is one that fits your lifestyle and is something you can commit to without sacrificing your other priorities. How you answer these 15 questions will help you decide which side hustle is the best one for you (and your family).

With the vast amount of resumes that recruiters have to sift through, they don’t have the time to give each one the attention it deserves. Employers are looking for any excuse to weed out resumes and get the stack down to a manageable size. You won’t be selected for an interview if they immediately spot any red flags.

So, how can you ensure that your resume stands out from the rest and grabs the attention of the person reading it?

We asked recruiters what makes them say “no” to a resume, and here’s what they said.

1. Typos and Grammatical Errors

Mistakes like typos and grammatical errors are the first red flags that employers notice. It shows that you don’t pay attention to detail or care about your work. Employers may think that you won’t do your job properly if you can’t even take the time to proofread your resume.

“They make an applicant appear sloppy and careless,” says Kimberley Tyler-Smith of Resume Worded. “I don’t expect perfection, but I expect people to care enough about their professional brand to make sure every word is spelled correctly and formatted correctly.”

Small mistakes are generally forgivable, but a resume full of errors sends the wrong message. Always use a spellchecker and get at least two people to proofread your resume and cover letter before applying.

If you notice multiple typos or major mistakes after you’ve submitted your resume, consider resending it. It may feel awkward, but it’s the best way to ensure that the employer sees your qualifications, not your mistakes. 

2. An Unprofessional Email Address

When reviewing your resume, your email address is one of the first things a recruiter or hiring manager will see. 

If you want to be one of the 6-10 candidates interviewed for the job, don’t use that cute or funny email address you created years ago as a teenager. It comes across as unprofessional and gives employers a reason to reject your application. 

Create a free email address using your name or a variation of it. It’s an easy way to make a positive and professional first impression and helps to keep your job search organized.

On that same note, don’t use your current work email to apply for another job. It suggests that you are applying for jobs on company time instead of outside of work, plus you run the risk of your current employer finding out you are looking for a new job.

3. Employment Gaps

“Increasingly, hiring managers are open to hearing a candidate’s story regarding their work history and education. If you have the exact skills they are looking for, gaps in employment are not a deal breaker,” says William Crawford Stonehouse III of Crawford Thomas.

However, multiple and large gaps are big red flags that recruiters will notice immediately. They imply that you are unreliable, not good at time management, or simply not interested in working. Employers will fear you will also quit this job when faced with pressure or challenges.

Don’t put any doubt in their mind. If your resume has multiple gaps, include a brief but honest explanation in your cover letter. Tell them what you did while you were unemployed.

“I want to see an explanation,” says Stacey Mallory of Altis Recruitment. “I always coach candidates to not leave anything unanswered in their resume.”

If you can, try to spin the gap in a positive light. For example, if you took time off to raise your children, you can talk about how that experience has made you more patient and a better communicator.

Whatever you do, don’t try to hide your employment gap. Potential employers will likely find out about it eventually, which will only make you look dishonest.

4. Job Hopping

With the rise of the gig economy and the decline of traditional 9-5 employment, more people are finding themselves job hopping. There are all kinds of reasons people look for a new job, such as higher pay, better benefits, and flexible schedules. 

“Millennials and Gen Z are switching jobs more often than not,” adds Stonehouse. “For better or for worse, this may be the new normal.”

Be careful, though. Frequent job-hopping on your resume is a red flag for employers. They see this as a sign that you lack commitment or are always looking for something better.

There’s nothing wrong with taking advantage of new opportunities, but consider how they look. Employers don’t want to invest in someone who frequently changes jobs without justification.

“Managers understand that people have to leave if the company can’t offer an employee the growth opportunities they need to continue developing and moving forward in their career,” says Mallory. “Whether it’s for professional growth, to change industries, or if it’s a contract role, I don’t see job hopping as a red flag as long as it’s explainable.”

Whatever your reason, be honest and explain how job-hopping has helped you grow and become a better employee. 

5. Too Much Personal Information

You only have a few seconds to show employers you can do the job. Don’t waste them by including details that aren’t relevant. 

Highlight your experience, skills, and accomplishments, but don’t tell your life story. Employers don’t want to read about how you like to go camping or that you won a tennis tournament in high school. You will have the opportunity to let your personality shine through at the interview.

It is also illegal for employers to ask you about specific personal details, such as your marital status and religious beliefs, so don’t bother adding them. 

6. Obvious A.I.

Using A.I. tools like ChatGPT during your job search can be useful. But even though this technology is new, it is very obvious to recruiters who have used A.I. to write their resume and cover letter and those who customize it.

“I look for clues about a candidate’s communication skills and writing styles on their resume,” says hiring manager Sarah Miller. “A vague, robotic-sounding application doesn’t tell me anything and can actually work against you.”

You are being judged at every stage of the hiring process. If a recruiter suspects that you simply asked A.I. to throw together a resume and cover letter for you, they will just throw it out. They may assume that you are lazy and will take shortcuts on the job, too.

So, use A.I. as an assistant when applying for a job, not as a replacement.  

7. Too Much Design

For example, a wall of text with no white space is incredibly hard to read, so a busy recruiter might not even bother trying. The same can be said for resumes with bad font choices. And things like graphics, pictures, and emojis look childish. 

“A little design is a good way to not have a resume that looks like everyone else’s,” Miller adds, “but if I have to search for the applicant’s job titles and skills, it becomes frustrating, and there’s a good chance that I’ll miss their top qualifications.”

8. Ranking Your Own Skills

Adding a list of skills with zero context isn’t helpful, but ranking your skills is worse. What exactly does being “4 out of 5 stars” at MS Office mean? Or “half a circle” fluent in Spanish?

A hiring manager will not understand this, and neither will ATS screening software. It’s just taking up space on your resume and leaves more questions than it answers.

Instead, incorporate your skills throughout your resume. Use the bullet points to describe your work responsibilities and how your skills led to your various accomplishments. For example:

1. Efficiently managed office operations by coordinating schedules, organizing meetings, and handling communications; demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), excellent time management, strong interpersonal skills, and attention to detail
2. Operated and maintained heavy machinery, including forklifts and excavators, ensuring compliance with safety regulations; demonstrated skills in equipment repair, workplace safety, manual labor, and team collaboration to consistently meet project deadlines

Don’t Let Red Flags Ruin Your Career Path

Working in the evening or early hours of the day isn’t easy, but it has advantages. Employers recognize that these positions are harder to recruit, so they try to make them more attractive by offering part-time hours, shift premium pay, and other incentives. Plus, you’ll have more freedom to use your days as you please (once you get some sleep). Scheduling doctor appointments, errands, parent-teacher conferences, and other necessary tasks is easier when you do not have to request time off from work.

And if you’re looking for a way to earn extra income in addition to your day job, part-time night jobs are a guaranteed way to do just that. Side hustles are great and all, but the amount of money you make is sporadic and unpredictable. These roles provide a little more security and a steady paycheck.

1. Night Auditor

In the hotel industry, staff is needed day and night. Although a hotel remains open around the clock, its business day ends at midnight when the auditors process payments, generate reports, reconcile cash receipts, and create invoices for the coming day’s departing guests.

A night auditor wears two hats: first and foremost, this person is an accounting department employee performing the tasks mentioned. They also double as front desk clerks, helping to cover breaks or offering assistance if guests are waiting.

2. Loader/Unloader

You routinely see UPS, FedEx, and Amazon trucks and drivers around town, making deliveries to homes and businesses. However, the people who fill those trucks are mostly unseen since the trucks are stocked at night.

This occurs only after larger trucks are emptied of packages, which are, in turn, sorted according to destination. Unloaders do this while loaders—assigned two, three, or four delivery trucks—must place the packages on the correct truck according to the recipient’s address.

Loaders need to hustle and stay focused because unloaded packages can come fast and furious.

3. Sanitation Sorter

If there is one thing we will never run out of, it’s garbage. All kinds of waste are generated in hospitals, correctional facilities, hotels, and factories, but not all trash is created equal.

Some institutions demand a strict recycling regime, so bottles, cans, and paper must be separated. Healthcare institutions must observe a rigorous code relative to medical waste, so sorting here, too, is necessary.

Sorters also work for sanitation companies, picking out recyclables from garbage passing by on a conveyor belt. This happens after all the trucks return from their routes and dump their contents.

4. Customer Service

Customer service is a broad description that could mean any or all of the following: taking orders for products or services, resolving disputes and complaints, providing information about the company or its offerings, or processing payments and refunds. These duties are performed in person, over the phone, or online.

If you want an overnight, part-time job, you are more likely to interact with customers by telephone or virtually. Yes, some companies equip representatives to work remotely from home instead of serving at an on-site call center, which is an added perk.

5. Security Guard

Once known as a night watchman, the overnight security guard serves in places where valuable assets are kept in-house, e.g., factories, retail outlets, banks, and laboratories. This employee patrols the premises, does security checks on access points, keeps alarms working, watches electronic monitors, contacts law enforcement when necessary, keeps a log of visitors, and ejects unauthorized personnel.

Different standards of education and training apply, but these roles typically pay well and are perfect for introverts.

6. Stock Person

After a long day of sales, the sales floor or aisles need replenishing. Often, they employ a night shift crew to refill depleted items and construct displays for new products or those on sale. More frequently than not, grocery stores utilize overnight stock people, who will sometimes double as cashiers if the store is open 24/7.

Usually, a stock person is responsible for an aisle or two or a section of the store. In addition to sales area tasks, this job involves receiving from overnight delivery trucks.

7. Inventory Taker

This is a retail-oriented job where the employee works for a service contracted by a store or chain of stores. Retailers will hire these services for night work as they will not be in the way of customers by day. The job takes place in either the store itself or an affiliated warehouse.

At its essence, it is a counting job where associates tabulate the number for each item on the shelf or about to be placed there. This means that if you work for a hardware chain, you count every last nail, bolt, and washer, usually on a handheld electronic counting device. You will need to travel to different locations around your city, which might be problematic if you rely on public transit.

8. Custodian

Custodians and cleaning crews have a long history of night work because it’s an impossible task to achieve with daily foot traffic. Office buildings, public schools, hospitals, and government buildings are just some of the settings where these workers are needed.

Among their jobs is cleaning: emptying waste baskets, disinfecting bathrooms, mopping and waxing floors, to name a few. Depending on skill sets, custodians also repair boilers and HVAC systems, clogged toilets, broken windows, and lighting fixtures; some of these positions require union membership.

9. Truck Driver

American commerce is heavily reliant on our highways and those who move freight. Your Amazon orders would not arrive without them. When delivery deadlines are tight and urgency is high, carriers hire truckers who drive overnight to get freight to their destination in a timely fashion.

Various classes of truck drivers hold a commercial driver’s license (CDL) issued by the states. Obtaining the CDL requires passing a written and road test, each of which varies according to the type of vehicle you will be operating.

10. Diner Cook

Truck drivers and other road warriors who drive at odd hours understand the value of diners that stay open through the night. Food service crews staff these restaurants at night and serve hungry visitors. Diner cooks prep the ingredients for meals (chop vegetables, peeling potatoes, measuring ingredients), cook the meals, and keep the kitchen orderly while adhering to food safety guidelines set forth by the government.

11. Nurses and Assistants

Registered nurses and certified nursing assistants work at night in hospitals and nursing home facilities.

Registered nurses (RNs) are college-educated individuals who must pass a national examination and state licensure criteria. Like doctors, RNs can specialize in diverse areas of practice. They can administer medications, vaccinations, wound care treatments, and other protocols under the supervision of a physician.

On the other hand, nursing assistants are certified by the state in certain areas of caregiving. These include positioning patients in bed, changing bed linens, checking vital signs, bathing patients, and helping patients when they need assistance in the bathroom.

12. Gas Station Cashier

Gas stations and convenience stores are open late and need cashiers. Your main tasks would be simple: accept payments, restock shelves, and light cleaning. But since people usually work alone, there is also security to keep in mind—both your own and the stores’.

13. Bar or Event Staff

Concerts, weddings, and other celebrations take place in the late evening hours and require several staff members to keep things running. From bartending and serving to DJing and photography, there’s a lot you can potentially do. As a bonus, you get to play a part in someone’s special day and maybe even get staff-only access to performers. No two events will be alike!

14. Parking Lot Attendant

While it’s certainly not an exciting job, almost anyone can be a parking lot attendant. Automation has reduced the demand, but these roles do exist. Besides accepting payments, attendants monitor the lot, issue tickets, maintain equipment, and serve as light security. The pay ranges from $11-21 an hour and typically has a lot of downtime, which you can use to read, work on another side hustle, do classwork, or learn a new skill.

15. Babysitters and Caregivers

One of my first jobs was babysitting at night; I’m sure many of you can say the same. But babysitting and overnight caregiving isn’t just for teenagers. Hiring someone with more experience and a valid driver’s license might be necessary. This is especially true if you are caring for someone with mobility issues, as you may need to be physically able to support them.

16. Airport Staff

Another industry that has various part-time night roles is the airport. Someone has to be there for those late-night and early-morning flights. You could work in a food kiosk, as a customer service agent, as a baggage handler, cleaning or security. It all depends on your skills, qualifications, and interests.

17. Anything You Can Do Online

Anything you do online to make money can be considered a part-time night job. Freelance writing, virtual assisting, web design… the possibilities are endless, really. The caveat is that not all avenues are created equally. Gig roles can be one-off projects that are few and far between, or you might find someone who always has work available.

The advantages are that you can work from home, set your own hours (so you’re not limited to only working at night), and control how many projects you take on. The downsides are that they can be inconsistent, hard to find, and rarely offer job security. But if you find something that works, it’s a win-win!

Part-Time Jobs Beyond 9 to 5

Night jobs are often identical to day jobs except for the hours you work. Although they have full-time counterparts, third-shift workers are usually paid a little more for working at less desirable times. So, if you can make the schedule work, take advantage of the opportunity to earn a higher wage.

And the timing couldn’t be better. The industry is facing a shortage of workers; plus, it generally offers great pay and benefits, lots of employment opportunities, and most you can do from home. But where do you want to apply your skills?

We’ve made a list below of some of our favorite tech jobs that don’t need coding skills.

1. Graphic Design

Coding can be an artistic trade in many ways, but graphic design is all about the look of a product or service. If you’re creative and artistic and want to become involved in tech, consider becoming a designer.

There are several areas that you can specialize in. For example, you could be designing products and packaging for companies that produce tangible goods. You might also be interested in designing ads and brand imaging, or even web pages.

Understanding of some commonly used design tools like Adobe Creative Suite or Sketch is always really useful to have and demonstrate when applying to these jobs.

2. Marketing and Sales

Almost every tech company’s goal is to make money, which means they need to sell products. People who have the skills to market and sell those products are in high demand.

There are various jobs within this sector, including search engine optimization, campaign marketing, content marketing, email marketing and social media marketing. In a small company, the marketing team (or person) might be responsible for doing all of these tasks; in a larger organization, one to two employees might specialize in each. 

Some of these jobs require more technical expertise than others, but they don’t involve coding. Having a good understanding of the company’s marketplace will be much more beneficial.

People in sales and marketing tend to be very creative and results driven. They are comfortable using data to help inform strategy and decision-making and love to test their approaches continually before deciding on the best route forward.

3. Quality Assurance & Software Testing

Another great job is software testing. This covers all manner of apps and services, from tools for managing industrial machines to games on your phone or the newest gaming systems.

Testing any type of software includes running through various scenarios within the application and checking for correct or incorrect responses. Bugs need to be found, reported, and then resolved by the developers. All that you need to do is be able to take a screenshot or accurately note an error code.

People who are good at quality assurance and software testing tend to be good with attention to detail and working independently.

4. Business Analyst Jobs

From the outside, the software development cycle might seem simple. Someone has an idea for a computer program, such as a mobile banking application, an inventory management system, or a scheduling platform. Then someone else, often a team of developers, analysts, and designers, collaborates to turn that idea into functional and efficient software.

However, a great product takes more than developers creating what customers tell them that they want. This is where the business analyst comes in, bridging the gap between customer needs and the work of the developer. By gaining a solid understanding of what the customer wants the software or product to do, the business analyst turns those requirements into a plan grounded in the logistics of what is feasible.

For those who enjoy the feeling of being a diplomat, are analytical and like seeking compromise, business analysis will be one of the most appealing technical jobs without coding to choose from.

5. Project Manager Jobs

Project managers are in charge and often coordinate the priorities and work of several cross-functional teams at once. All corners of the organization answer to the project manager. This includes developers and engineers, marketers, analysts, salespeople, and designers. The project manager keeps everyone in line and makes sure that important deliverables remain on track and are completed on time.

If you like the sound of that, you may also want to look at program management. Program managers do the same thing at a higher level within the company. They may oversee many project managers at once, working to further the company’s overarching goals in a big-picture sense. Typically, they work closely with project managers to oversee the progression within each team. They steer the ship, middling between the executives and those with their boots on the ground. This makes program management one of the most important non-programming tech jobs in the industry.

People that excel in these roles are great time managers, they’re very organized and they are very good at managing people and getting them aligned on common goals.

6. IT System Administrator

Are you good at problem-solving and quick at learning new things? If so, you’ll find plenty of IT and systems careers that don’t require coding at all.

‘Sysadmins’, as they’re commonly called, are often viewed as the handymen of the IT department. They cover everything from unboxing and setting up equipment to getting an email server back online when it goes down. They may also be tasked with backing up files across the entire company or creating firewalls to protect the network. It’s a busy job.

Successful sysadmins have a wide range of skills at their command. These include people skills, imperative when working with frustrated coworkers who can’t check their email or submit their project reports.

While coding outright will not usually be necessary, having some programming experience will be useful. At the very least, you need a solid understanding of how to run a computer from the command line.

There are, of course, other IT jobs that don’t require coding, too, such as desktop support and help desk operator. Many consider system administration to be the best job in IT without programming, however. It feels good to be the big man in charge.

7. Technical Writer Jobs

If your talents lie in crafting concise, useful prose, technical writing is one of the most abundantly available jobs in tech. Forget creating apps or databases; programs, websites, scripts, and nearly every other type of product need extensive documentation and all sorts of copy.

Technical writing can include instructions for users, requirements for developers, press releases, technical reports, specifications, or other miscellaneous documents. Being knowledgeable, concise, descriptive, and well-organized are all very useful skills to have in this role. Many technical writers get their start in the field that they work in, but others begin as freelancers.

If your base of knowledge is extensive, technical writing is one of the best non-programming jobs for software engineers. It’s the perfect way to apply what you know about various technologies without coding a single line.

8. UX and UI Researcher & Analyst Jobs

Some of the most obvious non-programming tech jobs are in User Experience (UX) and User Interface (UI) development. Careers in UX and UI have the potential to be some of the most fulfilling and meaningful tech careers.

When websites, programs, and apps are being developed, UX/UI specialists sketch out wireframes and mockups. These are tested on users, enabling the development of guidelines for designers to complete the user interface in order to make it feel whole and optimally functional.

Several roles fall under this category, each related to how users interact with a website, program, or app. These roles involve skills in design, psychology, human-computer interaction (HCI), and others.

UX experts come from a wide range of backgrounds. They hold degrees in all sorts of things, often at the master’s level, such as in HCI specifically. When asked which skills they found to be most useful, some prevalent responses were web design, writing, psychology, design, and research methodology.

9. Cybersecurity

Information and cybersecurity experts protect computer systems and networks from cyber threats.  They monitor systems looking for security breaches, analyze security risks, and implement security measures to keep the threats out.

In the event of a security breach or cyber attack, security experts need to respond quickly and effectively to contain the incident, minimize damage, and restore normal operations.

While some aspects of cybersecurity may involve scripting or basic programming, it’s not always a primary requirement, especially for entry-level positions.

10. Data Analyst

If you are skilled at interpreting data, analyzing results, and providing insights to help companies make better business decisions, being an data analyst might be perfect for you. These skills are in high demand as companies increasingly rely on data-driven decision-making to gain a competitive edge.

Many companies offer remote or flexible work arrangements for data analysts, and there is a clear path to advance into roles such as data scientist or business intelligence manager.

11. Data Entry

Data entry isn’t a glamorous job, but it’s straightforward and an important part of an organization. They maintain accurate records regarding accounting, inventory, customer information, trends, etc. that provide the foundation for data analysis and reporting. Organizations use this information to make strategic decisions and identify opportunities for improvement.

The role also involves accurately capturing and documenting information in accordance with legal and regulatory requirements. Compliance with data protection laws, industry standards, and internal policies is essential for protecting sensitive information and maintaining trust with customers – so don’t underestimate how crucial data entry is. 

12. Tech Support

Virtually every business has some sort of customer service or support role, including the tech industry. From not being able to log in to troubleshooting a computer program that isn’t working properly – we’ve all relied on tech support at some point. These specialists are there to provide assistance when these technical problems happen.

Technical support specialists often work directly with customers or internal teams to resolve technical issues and provide guidance on using technology effectively. If you are patient and have strong communication skills, companies are always looking to hire tech support staff, so it’s a fairly easy, and stable job to get.

Often used an entry-point into the industry, tech support roles usually allow for specialization in specific areas (such as software applications, hardware troubleshooting, networking, or cybersecurity). These specializations create opportunities to advance in your career into some of the more prestigious tech roles.

The Best No-Coding Tech Jobs

Just because you don’t like coding doesn’t mean you can’t have a job in the tech sector. There are so many software jobs without coding involved at all for you to peruse.

These in-demand tech jobs, for example, are open to you if you’re willing to work hard and prove yourself. Although some understanding of the principles of programming can be very helpful, for most of these jobs, you won’t need to know more than the basics.

The good news is that you can easily “rise and shine” by building a morning routine with the following 15 good habits.

1. Get Ready Before Going to Bed

One of the best morning routines to implement actually takes place the night before. Before going to bed, set yourself up for the morning. Find your car keys, reset the coffee machine, make your lunch, and pick out your clothes. You will be thankful you did!

2. Plan Your Next Day

Take it one step further and plan your day the night before, too. This can help you sleep better, as your mind won’t be racing with all the things you need to remember. All you have to do in the morning is review your calendar or to-do list to get an overview of your schedule.

With a clear plan, you can rest assured that you are focusing on the important things and aren’t forgetting anything.

3. Get Enough Sleep

Like many others, I’m not a very fun person to be around if I haven’t gotten enough sleep. Not getting enough quality rest leaves you feeling sluggish and irritable, and you’re more likely to forget things or make silly mistakes.

People stay up too late, often doing something unimportant, like scrolling through their phones or watching TV. There is nothing wrong with these leisurely activities, but don’t neglect your health because of them. Poor sleep increases the risk of certain health problems, negatively impacts mental health, and slows cognitive performance.

Getting a good night’s sleep isn’t hard, but you do need to find what works for you. Personally, I use a weighted blanket, therapeutic pillow, and white noise. Not staring at my phone also helps, but I usually fail at breaking this habit.

4. Don’t Hit the Snooze Button

“Just ten more minutes” is an adventurous game to play in the morning. Did you hit snooze or turn off the alarm? I guess you’ll find out one way or another!

Rather than risk it, don’t use your snooze button at all. Set your alarm for the time you actually need to get up and then get up at that time. This small victory is a positive jumpstart to your day because you’ll have enough time to do everything you need to do before leaving the house.

5. Don’t Immediately Look at Your Phone

I’ve started leaving my cell phone on sleep mode until I’m up, out of bed, and starting my day. I know as soon as those notifications pop up, I’m looking at every single one before doing anything else.

Quickly checking these notifications never ends up being quick. And do you really need to see your work emails while still in your pajamas? What an unappealing thing to wake up to. At least give yourself time to pour a coffee before you dive into the online world.

6. Find Something Happy

The world can be a scary place – at least, that’s what the media wants us to think. Reading or hearing about a bunch of bad news is no way to start your day. Find something happier! It could be any number of things like books, apps, journaling, or listening to your favorite playlist. And if all else fails: funny cat videos.

There are a lot of good reasons to avoid the news altogether, but if you can’t, don’t make it the first thing you do every day. Check the weather and the traffic report; the news can wait.

7. Stretch

Waking up with aches and pains due to an unfortunate sleeping position is one of the joys of adulthood. If you don’t want to be sore all day, add stretches and other muscle relaxation exercises to your morning routine.

It doesn’t have to take long – just a few minutes will do wonders. It also doesn’t have to be strenuous – gentle movements are best. While you stretch, mentally prepare for the day ahead; think about what your day entails and what you need to accomplish.

8. Meditate

It may seem weird to suggest meditation, a calming activity, immediately after sleeping, but your mind is already relaxed when you wake up. Meditating builds up this relaxation, setting a positive tone for the day ahead.

Combine it with your morning stretching, focus on your breathing, and let your mind wander to create a powerful routine.

9. Exercise

Exercises like yoga or going to the gym in the morning are ideal ways to start your day. But as much as we’d like to convince ourselves that we’re those kinds of people, most of us aren’t. So don’t even bother setting a goal you’ll never achieve. Instead, set aside some time in the morning to do something light.

Jogging on the spot or doing a few minutes of jumping jacks will get your blood moving and make it easier to stay productive all day.

10. Wake Up Your Brain

A good morning routine involves waking up your body and your brain. You could do both simultaneously by getting up early to go for a walk or a morning jog. But if you can’t leave the house, read a book, play some brain games, or work on a hobby.

Either way, regular physical and mental activity is, of course, good for you. Over time, these small habits add up, creating a healthier you.

11. Tidy Up

I’m not suggesting you wake up early just to do chores, but small, simple tasks like wiping surfaces and putting things away can create a welcoming environment to come home to. You don’t want to walk through the front door after a long, stressful day at work into another stressful mess, do you?

12. Drink a Glass Of Water

Before reaching for that coffee, pour yourself a glass of water. This simple but effective habit has incredible benefits for your overall well-being. Hydrating your body first thing in the morning starts your metabolism, flushes out toxins, and promotes healthy digestion. Drinking water also boosts your brainpower.

If you find yourself struggling with morning grogginess, drink more water! Staying hydrated throughout the day replenishes your energy levels and keeps that sluggish feeling at bay.

13. Have a Nutritious Breakfast

You knew this tip was coming. Energy is essential for starting the day, and a healthy breakfast is the best way to get it.

I often skip breakfast, even though I know I shouldn’t. I feel better when I eat. One tip that’s helped me is, once again, preparing the night before. Overnight oats are one of my go-to’s, but I’m also a big fan of smoothies. I also try to keep fruit in the house, which is quick and easy.

Having a pre-planned breakfast waiting for you makes you more likely to choose a nutritious option instead of grabbing something full of sugar or not eating at all.

Don’t eat too much, though; a big meal early in the morning will upset your stomach all day.

14. Avoid Sugar

My favorite breakfast foods are all high in sugar: muffins, cereals, and French toast. They are delicious but not great to eat first thing in the morning.

Fresh fruit, nuts, almond milk, and Greek yogurt are healthy options that also satisfy sweet tooth cravings. You can add variety with healthy toppings, so you won’t be eating the same boring thing. More importantly, they provide essential nutrients and don’t cause the energy crashes that sweets can cause.

15. Wash Your Face With Cold Water

If you can tolerate it, cold showers are apparently quite beneficial for your health. They release endorphins and improve metabolism and circulation, to name a few.

For those of you who would rather not, washing or even just splashing your face with cold water is also good for you. It’ll wake you up, reduce puffiness, and make your skin look smoother. What a great way to start your day!

Start Your Day Off Right

You have many responsibilities to handle each day, and you also have a lot of potential. Don’t let a hectic and disorderly morning overwhelm or derail you before your day even begins.

Start your day off right. With these small habits, you can be ready to face challenges head-on.

When you have a great morning, you have a great day!

There are a lot of dangerous and unpleasant jobs out there, each with pros and cons. Here’s a glimpse into some of the toughest occupations that might make you appreciate your job a little more.

1. Call Center

Working in call centers almost feels like a right of passage because, for many, this is the first job they get. Despite knowing that telemarketing calls are annoying to receive, we convince ourselves that being on the other end of the line can’t be that bad, right? I mean, what’s the worst that can happen besides being hung up on?

While there are some good call center jobs, most train you with a script that badgers the person at least three times before letting them get off the phone. Almost all of these calls include people cursing, shouting, name-calling, and hanging up on you. Then, if you do manage to get someone to listen, you are pressured to use deceptive tactics to sell products. No thanks!

2. Garbage Collector

Garbage collecting is an important but dirty job. While I doubt anyone would call it glamorous, I didn’t realize that cleaning the garbage truck can be part of a garbage collector’s job. It’s not just tossing bags into the back of the truck; they have to climb in and get out whatever waste is left behind. I can only imagine what that smells like!

Being exposed to hazardous waste is also a big concern.

3. Collections Agent

Another bad job that involves calling people who don’t want to hear from you is working in debt collection, where you spend your time calling people to collect on their delinquent accounts. 

But if that wasn’t bad enough, the amount of money you get paid to do this job could be tied to how successful you are at collecting the owed money. So, no matter how hard you work, you are out of luck if the account holders can’t pay.

4. Processing Facility

If you are not familiar with how poultry or other meat processing plants work, you probably don’t want to look it up. It’s not pretty. 

The working conditions can be harsh, involving long hours, repetitive tasks, and exposure to unpleasant sights and smells. Few have the stomach and resilience for it.

5. Manual Laborer 

Working in construction can be a lucrative and rewarding career overall, but being an entry-level crew member can be a bad job. If your days consist of moving heavy bags of cement, bricks, or other materials from the warehouse to the truck and then to the job site, you will be physically exhausted.

Plus, you likely have to work regardless of the weather, so you could be stuck in 95 95-degree sun one day and working during a thunderstorm the next. 

6. Children’s Party Place Worker

Parents might love them, but working at a restaurant or children’s entertainment center known for hosting kids’ birthday parties is not a job that many people want. It’s loud, it’s messy, and most of the time, the pizza isn’t even that good.

If you also have to dress up in a costume, expect kids to be all over you—pulling at your arms, climbing on you, and covering you with candy and pizza sauce. It’s not easy to keep your cool with all of that overexcitement and unpredictable behavior.

7. Corrections Officer

A few things make being a corrections officer a bad job. Even on the best of days, it’s a sad and stressful place to be. 

It’s a 24/7 job, so you work night and day and will miss out on many holidays and family events. Those night shifts can be long and boring, but a busy night means there is trouble, like fights or medical emergencies, which are potentially dangerous and high-pressure.

One of the toughest tasks of a CO involves conducting thorough searches for contraband items. Think about how this contraband might make its way in… and how uncomfortable that is for both the officer and the person being searched!

8. Pest Control

Most people hire someone else to deal with infestations, chemicals, and potentially dangerous pests. But as a pest controller, you’re the one they call when they’re dealing with bedbugs, cockroaches, rats, spiders, or aggressive wasps. It often involves crawling into tight, dark spaces where these pests hide, exposing yourself to bites, stings, and potentially harmful chemicals.

You might also get blamed if the treatment doesn’t immediately solve the issue or if they encounter any unexpected consequences, like damage to the property.

9. Hotel Housekeeper

Housekeeping is another common entry-level job. People think it’s easy, but cleaning multiple rooms per shift often involves tight deadlines and physically demanding tasks.

The job requires constant attention to detail and strenuous physical labor, from scrubbing toilets and showers to vacuuming floors and changing linens. Moving heavy furniture to clean behind and underneath it, reaching high to dust, and wiping surfaces are all part of the daily routine.

Housekeepers often encounter disrespectful guests who leave behind messes or damage the rooms, making their workload even worse. They may have to deal with complaints from guests who are unsatisfied with the cleanliness of their rooms, even if the issue is beyond their control.

Despite their hard work, housekeepers often receive little recognition for their efforts. They work behind the scenes to ensure that guests have a comfortable and pleasant stay, yet their contributions are often overlooked.

10. Coal Miner

Working underground in hazardous conditions, with the risk of accidents and long-term health issues, is not on most people’s dream job list.

Coal miners face numerous dangers daily, from cave-ins and explosions to exposure to toxic gases and dust. The job requires navigating through narrow tunnels and working in confined spaces, often in extreme temperatures and poor ventilation, which adds to the stress and danger of the job.

It’s also not good for one’s health. Prolonged exposure to coal dust can lead to respiratory diseases, and the fear of accidents and the uncertainty of what each shift may bring can take a toll on their mental well-being.

11. High-Rise Window Washer

Scaling tall buildings to clean windows, facing heights and unpredictable weather conditions is not for the faint of heart. 

The job is physically demanding and requires balance and coordination. High-rise window washers perform their job hundreds of feet above the ground, relying on safety harnesses and ropes to prevent falls while also maneuvering heavy equipment and carrying buckets of water and cleaning solutions.

12. Healthcare Aide

Providing direct care to patients, whether in a hospital setting or in the comfort of their own homes, requires a unique blend of compassion, physical stamina, and emotional resilience.

Caregivers must be prepared to handle physically demanding tasks, including lifting and transferring clients. They must also be prepared to handle emergencies and respond quickly to changes in their clients’ conditions.

Personally, I think emotional stress is the hardest part of the job. As they form close bonds with their patients or clients, they witness suffering and decline, and navigating complex family dynamics can take a toll on their mental well-being. However, they also experience the satisfaction of making a positive difference in the lives of those they care for, providing comfort and support during difficult times.

What do you think? Is there another worst job deserving of a spot on this list?

Although I used to work at a maximum-security jail, the scariest job I ever had was thanks to a horrible manager. The stress and doubt she put me through were debilitating. No matter what I said or how hard I worked, it was never good enough. I was never good enough.

Bad bosses and the fear of failure are not the only barriers to a successful career. There’s the anxiety associated with important meetings and public speaking. Tight deadlines and a mountain of work add pressure. Maybe you struggle with disorganization and inadequacy and are worried you make too many mistakes.

Then, there’s concern about being judged for asking questions or feeling like you are just bothering everyone. Feelings of isolation at work make starting conversations challenging and fitting in feel impossible, particularly if you are a new employee.

We’ve all been there at one point in our lives. Fortunately, with a few simple tricks, you can overcome whatever is causing your work anxiety.

1. Accept Your Fear

When faced with the fear of going to work, the first step is to accept and acknowledge how you feel. Remind yourself that experiencing unease and apprehension is a natural response. It doesn’t define your capabilities or worth as an individual.

Something is causing you to feel this way, and it might not be something you can control, like a toxic worker or ongoing organizational changes.

2. Pinpoint the Cause of Your Fear

Write down what’s bothering you and analyze it objectively. What’s the honest, root nature of the problem? And what’s the solution? Figure out what you can do to transform these fears of going to work into something much easier to solve.

For example, you could set boundaries with that toxic colleague or address the issue directly with HR or management. Or if disorganization is the culprit, you can learn time management skills and use tools to help keep you on track.

3. Don’t Expect the Worst

Fear can result from creating negative visions of the future that are not real. When you worry too much, your brain focuses on the negative and obscures the positive things in your life.

You may be picturing the absolute worst-case scenario in your head when, in reality, everything turns out fine. That small mistake is not worth the hours of stress you’re manifesting.

4. Remember Why the Company Hired You

When you feel afraid to go to work because you doubt your skills and abilities, think about why the company chose you instead of the hundreds or thousands of other candidates. They hired you because they see your potential and trust you can do the job. You should, too.

5. Improve Your Self-Worth

While reflecting on your worth in the organization, find ways to make yourself an even more valuable employee. For example, taking the initiative to learn new skills or proposing solutions before they become major issues.

The fear of going to work may be replaced with enjoyment when you can contribute to the company’s projects and feel recognized and appreciated.

6. Remember Your Past

This is not the first – or last – time you’ll face challenges in your career. Think about past stressful situations and how you handled them. What did you do that worked?

Did you look to your boss for guidance? Improve your self-discipline? Complain about it over drinks with friends? Get an entirely new job? Remembering how you handled tough situations can make you better prepared to face future challenges.

7. Find Ways to Reduce Stress

It’s understandable why someone would be anxious over a stressful job. You never know if there will be a big crisis today or if you can make it to 5 pm without fueling the fire. Some work stress is unavoidable, though. You need to find ways to reduce it so it doesn’t take over your life.

In the moment, you can step away from heated conversations and take a few deep breaths to regroup. Day to day, consider incorporating stress-relief activities into your routine, such as exercise, meditation, or hobbies you enjoy. For longer-term stress management, consider seeking support from a mentor or therapist to develop coping strategies and address underlying issues contributing to your stress.

You should also look for professional development opportunities or changes you can make to your work environment that align better with your values and career goals.

8. Talk to Someone

At work, make sure you’re communicating with your coworkers and supervisors about what’s going on. This can be tricky, but your boss can’t fix anything if they don’t know there’s a problem.

Outside of work, choose someone you trust to talk to. You could get some helpful advice from them or simply have someone listen to you without judgment. You could also talk to a mental health professional who can suggest coping techniques and other support if needed.

9. Connect with Colleagues

You could have the best job in the world but dread going to work because of the people. Not having work friends and feeling left out is troubling. So take the initiative to connect with the coworkers you like. Join them for lunch, help them with a task, or sign up to be on the same committee. You don’t have to have best friends at work, but the office is a lot less unnerving when you have people you can turn to.

10. Avoid the Drama

Sometimes, the fear of going to work comes from the “drama” around the office. When you know your toxic co-workers are gathering to gossip and speak ill of someone, stay away! Participating opens you up to being the one they gossip about the next time. You’re at work to work, not whisper behind people’s backs.

11. Do Your Job Well

Work hard, do your job well, and be kind to your colleagues and customers. The more you do what is right, the less you fear or worry about going to work.

12. Don’t Be Too Hard on Yourself

Your attitude determines how far you go. As long as you are dedicated, a good employer will work with you to get you the necessary skills and training. And if you’re stuck with a not-so-great employer, you can learn these skills on your own while you look for a new job where they will appreciate your hard work.

You don’t have to stay somewhere that causes you this much stress or anxiety. There are better jobs out there.

Every employee worries about the day they decide to ask their manager or boss for a promotion. You might feel both nervous and excited about the outcome at the same time. It’s natural to feel anxious and unsure. It’s a big deal! You’ll ask for more responsibilities and money while attempting to prove why you deserve it.

It can be even more challenging if your manager isn’t on your side and doesn’t see things the same way you do.

Thankfully, there are steps you can follow when asking for a promotion that will help you successfully get one. You can confidently ask for a promotion by understanding that you deserve the promotion and demonstrating to yourself and your supervisor that you are the right person to take on increased responsibilities. Here’s how.

1. Find an Opportunity for a Promotion

The first step is to identify promotion opportunities that you want to apply for. Think about what you want by changing your career. Is it a pay raise? A new title? More perks? New assignments? Being promoted to manager?

Then, look for promotion opportunities within the organization that will help you achieve these career goals.

There’s not much point in asking for a promotion if there is nowhere for you to be promoted to.

If you work for a small company, there simply may not be any positions available. If business is slow, there may not be any new projects or clients coming in, and you may have to wait for something to change before there’s a chance for a promotion.

On the other hand, if business is booming, use that to get ahead on your career path.

Has your job description grown? Has your workload changed? Do you feel you should be promoted? Don’t wait for a position to open up – be proactive and make your own opportunity! Ask for a raise or job promotion by negotiating a new, higher-level role for yourself.

2. Why Do You Deserve to Be Promoted at Work?

You can’t expect your manager to understand why you should move up the corporate ladder over your colleagues if you can’t justify it in your own head first.

Think of some recent wins and accomplishments in your professional career. What have you done in your current role that has been valuable to the company and made you look great? Have you learned new skills or done anything outside of the company that has boosted your qualifications, experience, or education?

These small things will help you create value for yourself, so when you pitch it to your boss, they understand why you should get promoted.

It’s smart to make a list of the reasons why you believe you deserve to get a promotion so that when you approach your manager, you’re already set to back yourself up.

Doing this will also make you feel more confident and less nervous about it. You’ll feel like you deserve to be asking your manager for a promotion, and your manager will be able to sense that same level of confidence.

3. Make It About Them, Not About You

A great way to improve your chances of getting a promotion is to make it about the company rather than about yourself.

How have you improved the company’s bottom line? Did you bring on new clients and make more money for them? What unique skills do you bring to the team? How do you make your boss’s job easier?

Focusing on how you can help reach the goals of the organization is one of the best ways to move up the ladder.

4. Set Up a Meeting

Once you have the confidence to ask for a promotion and have your reasons ready for why you deserve one, the next step is actually getting one. This involves more execution than preparation.

When you approach your manager, make sure it’s in a one-on-one setting. Asking for a promotion or a meeting to discuss a possible promotion in front of your coworkers will make you look unprofessional, and frankly, it’s none of their business.

Send an email requesting a meeting or talk to your manager privately and ask to schedule a meeting. This way, your manager will clear space in their schedule for you, and you’ll have ample time to discuss a promotion.

Be sure to give them some context of what this meeting is about by mentioning you’d like to discuss your performance and potential opportunities for advancement. If you don’t, the meeting might not go the way you had hoped because your manager hasn’t had time to prepare or think about your contribution to the team. You want them to be prepared, too!

5. Practice Your Pitch

Now that you have a time set to ask for your promotion, the next step is to plan what you’ll say before you actually do it. If you phrase your wording the right way, your chances of getting what you want will improve.

The best way to do this is by practicing it a few times when you’re alone. Your pitch for a promotion should start conversational and then take a serious turn when you get to the “ask.”

6. Set the Tone

In your meeting, don’t immediately launch into your pitch. Start by asking your manager about their day or the weather, something light and conversational to break the ice. I know small talk can seem pointless or boring, but it’s an important part of creating connections, showing respect, and setting the meeting’s tone.

Don’t skip the small talk, but don’t waste too much time on it, either. You want to get to the point of the meeting and not spend your time socializing.

7. Demonstrate Why You Deserve to be Promoted

Next, briefly list your most recent accomplishments with the company and how much of a help you’ve been. This will put you in a positive light and remind your manager how valuable you are to your company.

Give examples where you can and really sell yourself – but again, keep this short. You are highlighting your accomplishments and contributions, not explaining every little detail.

Tip: Prepare a Short Written Summary

To impress your boss or senior manager, prepare a 1-2 page summary outlining your track record and why you should be promoted. Include specific examples, concrete numbers, and metrics that are supported by documentation and data as much as possible, and avoid feelings or emotions.

Some examples include:

• praise from your performance evaluations
• testimonials from clients
• customer satisfaction ratings
• examples of when you went above and beyond
• how you have increased revenue and decreased costs
• problems you have solved
• systems you have developed
• project outcomes or targets you have met
• new ideas you have implemented
• training you have complete

Having something in writing helps you prepare your talking points when asking for additional responsibilities and gives the decision-makers something to reference as they consider your request.

8. Ask for a Promotion

Now is where you actually ask to be promoted. Be direct and say, “I would like to be considered for [the new position or project],” followed by how well you think you’ll be able to handle the new role and new responsibilities.

This is where confidence is key.

If you sound shaky about handling a new role, your manager will see that and have doubts. But if you’re serious and confident about how well you think you’ll do, your manager will also have more confidence in you taking on the position.

9. Let Your Manager Respond

Once you’ve given your pitch and have asked about a promotion, stop talking and give your manager a chance to reply.

Pay attention to how they respond because this will tell you a lot!

Whether they are excited and open to the idea of promoting you or they have any apprehensions, their body language and facial expressions will give you clues. So will what they say and what words they use.

Just like in a job interview, if your manager is smiling and asking follow-up questions, that’s a good sign.

But if they seemed closed off and disinterested, that could mean your chances of getting a promotion are slim. Try not to let this discourage you, though. They might respond this way for many reasons, or they could just be having a bad day.

Most likely, your manager won’t give you a solid ‘yes’ or ‘no’ immediately after you ask. They might say something about taking it into consideration and getting back to you. This is your cue to thank them for their time and leave so they can think about what you said.

10. Wait Before Following Up

After your meeting, your manager might give you a timeframe for when they will have an answer or when they would like to further discuss giving you a promotion.

But if they didn’t, don’t worry about when they’ll get back to you just yet. The last thing you want to do is annoy your manager and nag them about when you’ll be hearing from them. Instead, play it cool and continue to do your work to the best of your ability.

More than likely, your manager will respond to you within a week. If it’s been more than a week and you haven’t heard anything, ask for a follow-up meeting to discuss how they feel about your promotion inquiry.

It’s important to approach this follow-up meeting with the same confidence you had during the first meeting. You want to look like you’re serious about this promotion because you want your manager to know nobody could do this job better than you can.

At the same time, while you’re trying to look confident and serious, it’s important not to come across as being pushy or intimidating toward your manager. You don’t want them to feel that you’re trying to be forceful with them.

Understanding how to ask for a promotion is the key to staying where you are in your career and advancing to the next level. Be brave and confident, and understand that the worst a manager can say is no.

Exactly Why You’re Not Being Promoted at Work

How can you increase your income when you only have so much energy and time in your day? One of the best ways to do that is by getting promoted. But what do you do if you’re not being promoted?

I run across individuals all the time who are eager to get promoted. They have their eye on the next role and are always applying for open positions. But for some reason, they never get the job they want.

One fundamental concept at the core of your strategy is proving you’re ready. Here’s exactly why you’re not being promoted and what to do about it.

Strategies To Impress Your Boss and Finally Get Noticed

Today’s workplace is competitive, and you’re likely striving to impress the higher-ups. Everyone’s hard at work trying to get recognized and promoted (including you!).

You don’t always need to be the first in and the last out to get your manager to notice the value of your work. There are dozens of other ways to do the exact same thing.

If you’re unsure how to impress your boss, these easy-to-implement tactics will get you noticed and propel your career forward.