Making Money

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For many Americans, one of the best ways to get closer to their ideal annual income is to learn how to make money online. 

According to a 2024 study from Smart Asset, individual Americans need an annual salary of $96,500 to live comfortably in a major city, and families with two children need to make about $235,000.

However, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) recently reported that the weekly median earnings for Americans was $1,139. This makes the median annual salary a little less than $60,000—far below the annual cost of living in many cities. 

Some leverage the thriving “gig economy,” where you find contracted gigs in a virtual marketplace, and others generate passive income. Regardless of your skill set and interests, you’re sure to find something that works for you.

We put together a list of 27 different ways you can make money from home to supplement your income. You’ll also learn what it takes to get started and whether or not it’s right for you.

1. Find miscellaneous freelance jobs 

A great place to start when learning how to make money online is by looking at platforms that offer a wide range of work. Before diving into the rest of the list, it’s helpful to know about popular platforms like Upwork and Fiverr. Every day, people and companies post jobs you may be perfect for.

At these sites, you can type in some of your various skills to see if any jobs are available. You can also create a detailed profile marketing your skills so people can find you more easily and offer you work.

Best for: People with a wide range of skills.

What you need to get started: Skills will vary depending on the specific job.

2. Take online surveys

Many companies out there want to get opinions from specific demographics and will pay you to take these surveys. While these don’t pay as much as many of the other options on the list, they also don’t take that long to do, so they are a simple way to make extra money. You can sign up to take these surveys at websites like Survey Junkie or Swagbucks.

Best for: Anyone with access to the internet.

What you need to get started: Access to a web browser.

3. Perform data entry

Data entry is a skill that many people can learn if they don’t already have experience. Doing data entry typically involves inputting data from different sources into a spreadsheet. Sometimes, you can find businesses looking for long-term workers, which can offer a little more stability than finding “gig work.” In addition to sites like Upwork and Fiverr, you can find data entry work at TechSpeed and Oworkers.

Best for: Well-organized individuals.

What you need to get started: Some proficiency with spreadsheet programs like Excel and Google Sheets.

4. Become an online tutor

For teachers looking for online side hustles, becoming an online tutor is a great option. Even if you’re not a teacher, you may be able to find some subjects that you can help students with. The platforms that link tutors with students usually cover school subjects like math, English, foreign languages, writing, and more. You can sign up to tutor on websites like TutorMe, Skooli, and Preply.

Best for: Those who love to teach.

What you need to get started: Experience teaching and expertise in the subject matter.

5. Be a virtual assistant

Many businesses of all sizes need additional help, so they hire virtual assistants. Virtual assistant tasks can vary depending on the gig. Some of these opportunities may be for one day of work, but others may need help for longer stretches of time. 

These may pay you per job or per hour, and you can find these gigs on any freelance website. As of 2024, the average hourly rate for virtual assistants is $24 per hour and can be upward of almost $34 per hour.

Best for: People with a wide range of skills.

What you need to get started: Skills will vary depending on the specific job, but some skills can be helpful for many gigs like project management, organization skills, and data entry.

6. Get paid for your perspective

Focus groups are a key aspect of marketing, but it’s no longer just for new products hitting store shelves. In the digital age, companies are looking for people to review the user experience for their websites. 

Sites like UserTesting pay you to share your opinions about different products from a variety of different brands. There are also sites like Userbrain that allow you to test different websites, applications, and software.

Best for: Individuals who like sharing their opinions.

What you need to get started: Access to a web browser.

7. Rent out your stuff

Do you have things that you don’t mind renting out? Well, websites like FriendWithA connect you with people who are looking to rent various items. Some of the main items people rent include cameras and film equipment, tools, generators, bikes, and other items people may only need for a day or two.

Best for: People with items they aren’t regularly using.

What you need to get started: Items in good condition to rent.

8. Rent out a room

In addition to apps like Uber, Airbnb is one of the most popular platforms in the new “sharing economy.” Many people use Airbnb as an alternative to hotels while traveling, but some people need a room to rent for longer periods. 

Joining a platform like Airbnb allows you to make use of the extra room in your home for both travelers and long-term renters.

Best for: People with an extra room or home.

What you need to get started: A well-maintained room or home.

9. Sell used items

Selling used items is one of the best ways to make money because we all have things we no longer use. You no longer need to have a garage sale to sell your old items because there are platforms that can help you find buyers. There’s a long list of platforms that allow you to sell your used items like: 

One of the primary advantages is that you’re no longer limited to your neighborhood and can reach a larger pool of potential buyers. If you have unique novelty items you’re willing to sell, you may want to consider a platform like eBay, where people are regularly looking for hard-to-find items. This is also a great way for kids to make extra money by selling old toys.

Some of these sites are also a great way to make money fast online because they have quick payouts once an item is sold. If the buyer is local, you can get paid the same day.

Best for: Those with old items they no longer need.

What you need to get started: Supplies to ship orders or transportation to deliver locally.

10. Sell graphic design services

There’s no shortage of graphic design jobs, and you can find these jobs through freelance websites or directly with businesses. Many businesses of all sizes need people who can design advertisements, logos, and more. If you’re a graphic designer, it may be a good idea to create a website that hosts a portfolio of your work where people can contact you directly as well.

Although it’s helpful if you have a background in graphic design, you can learn many graphic design skills on your own. There are many helpful tutorials for popular programs like Photoshop on YouTube and other social media sites.

Best for: Graphic designers.

What you need to get started: Graphic design software.

11. Create online courses

Is there something you know quite a bit about that you can teach to others? If so, you can create and sell online courses. From work-related topics to yoga to parenting strategies, offering classes for something you are a subject matter expert in can help you make money while doing something you love! Some of the best websites to sell your courses include Udemy, Skillshare, and Teachable.

You may want to familiarize yourself with online course platforms because they are a great resource to broaden your skills. If you’re willing to invest some time and a little money, there are many courses to teach you new skills that you can turn into more ways to make money online.

Best for: Those who love to teach.

What you need to get started: Expertise in the subject matter you want to teach.

12. Self-publish books

There are many ways for writers to make money online, and writing books is easier than ever. You no longer need to go through a publisher to make money selling books. Today, there are many different websites that allow you to self-publish and sell your books. 

The most popular site is Amazon’s Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP), but you can also sell your books on websites like Apple, Google Play books, Kobo, and more. If you have a microphone, you can turn your books into audiobooks as a way to make even more money from your writing.

Best for: Writers.

What you need to get started: Writing software.

13. Start a blog

Blogging became big as a way to make extra money online in the early days of the internet, and it’s still very viable. The great thing about blogging is that you can write about anything you’re interested in and just need to find others who are interested in the same topic. 

There are different ways to make money from a blog. You can create your own website and sell Google Ad space or find sponsors. You can also use platforms like Medium, which has a built-in audience, and you can earn revenue as more people read your posts.

Best for: Those who like to write.

What you need to get started: Writing skills and knowledge about a topic.

14. Do freelance writing

Although many news outlets and websites have dedicated journalists, there is also a lot of work out there for freelance writing. Some of the biggest websites out there, from the Washington Post to the New York Times, take submissions from freelance writers. 

One of the best ways to find freelance writing work is by following editors on X (formerly known as Twitter). They’ll often post asking for people who can write on a specific topic. Sometimes, these gigs will pay hundreds of dollars for a single article. If you’re a fast writer and can write articles within a couple of hours, you could earn an hourly rate of $100 an hour or more.

If there’s a specific website you’d like to write for, just check and see if they have a page that tells you how to submit pitches for articles. Keep in mind that each publication pays different rates, and sometimes, the work can be inconsistent.

Best for: Writers.
What you need to get started: Writing software.

15. Find voice-over work

There are many people looking for voice-over work in advertisements, presentations, or audiobooks. If you can read a script, there may be people out there who will hire you for your voice work. Freelance platforms like Upwork often have miscellaneous voiceover job postings, but you can make more with longer-form content.

ACX is the platform Amazon’s Audible uses for authors to find people to read their audiobooks. The prices vary, but you can sometimes make significantly more there than on the freelance websites.

Best for: Anyone with a great voice.

What you need to get started: A microphone with good quality.

16. Sell arts and crafts

There are many different marketplaces online for those who love making arts and crafts. One of the most popular marketplaces is Etsy, and there’s a market for just about anything you enjoy making. You can make your own prices, and the platform takes a small percentage of the sale. 

Best for: Creatives and artists.

What you need to get started: Materials to create items.

17. Sell stock photography and videos

Have you ever wondered where websites get their high-quality photos or videos? Many of them don’t have in-house photographers or videographers. They buy stock photos and stock video footage for a variety of projects. 

For those who love photography and videography, there are a variety of websites that will buy your photos and videos. Websites like SmugMug Pro, 500px, Getty Images, and many others will pay you for the rights to your photos and videos.

Best for: Photographers and videographers.

What you need to get started: A camera.

18. Sell royalty-free music

Similar to photography and videography, many websites will pay you for your music. This type of music goes in the background of YouTube videos, advertisements, and anywhere else people may need some background music. Websites like Epidemic Sound and Pond5 are good places to start when it comes to selling your tunes.

Best for: Musicians.

What you need to get started: Instruments and recording equipment. Royalty and licensing information is available on the websites.

19. Create an e-commerce website

There are many websites that allow you to sell your product, but each one takes a percentage of the profits for using their platform. You can keep a larger portion of your profits by creating an e-commerce website. 

When you create your own website, you’ll hold onto most of the profits. One of the most popular ways to sell is with Shopify, which easily plugs into your website. Shopify and similar services have fees as well, but it’s less than using a platform like Etsy.

The primary downside is that marketplaces like Etsy have a built-in user base, so you would have to do your own marketing to get the word out about your website.

Best for: People with something to sell who want a larger portion of the profits.

What you need to get started: The ability to create a website.

20. Utilize affiliate links

Affiliate links are a way to make additional money that work in conjunction with many of the other jobs on this list. An affiliate link is a special link that you use for a product or service from a company, and each time someone uses your link, you get a commission. This is how many stay-at-home parents popularized blogging in the 2000s. You can easily make passive income by using affiliate links with any of the following:

  • Personal blogs and websites
  • Social media profiles and content
  • Podcasts

In an interview with Business Insider, creative entrepreneur and YouTuber Roberto Blake explained how he started making $5,000 a month from affiliate marketing. “I fell into affiliate marketing from the Amazon affiliate program, but then I realized a lot of subscriptions and software I was using had programs, too,” said Blake while discussing additional ways to do affiliate marketing.

Best for: Those who also make money from creating a platform like a blog, YouTube channel, or podcast.

What you need to get started: Discussing other products and services that you can link to.

21. Edit audio or video

There are many different job postings on freelance websites for audio and video editing. Many companies find freelancers through sites like Upwork and Fiverr to help them with their marketing content.

In addition to companies hiring audio and video editors, many social media influencers on platforms like YouTube and TikTok outsource their editing. Podcasters often hire audio editors as well. 

This is another one of the skills that you can potentially learn if you don’t have experience yet.

Best for: People who enjoy editing audio and video.

What you need to get started: Software to edit audio and video.

22. Edit copy

People are always looking for editors. Whether it’s an author looking for someone to edit their next book or a company that needs an editor for something they’re publishing for the public, people need their words to look excellent. Previously mentioned websites like Upwork and Fiverr regularly have jobs for editors, but you can also find work at Reedsy and Wordvice.

Best for: Those who love language.

What you need to get started: Familiarity with the English language and various types of grammar rules, such as Chicago or AP style.

23. Become a social media influencer

Currently, it’s easier than ever to make money online through social media platforms. Platforms like YouTube and TikTok pay creators directly through their creator programs. Typically, you have to meet certain criteria to be eligible for these programs, but some people make hundreds or even thousands of dollars each month through them.

If you’re an online business owner, a writer, or anyone who sells products or services, social media is a great way to find new buyers. On these platforms, you can provide links to your products, and you can also include affiliate links as a way to earn even more.

Best for: People who don’t mind being on camera.

What you need to get started: Some or all of the following: a camera, smartphone, and editing software.

24. Start a podcast

Podcasting is an easy way to start making content that could potentially make you money. You have a lot of creative freedom with podcasts as well. You can talk about topics that you’re interested in, tell stories, or interview people. Then, you can broadcast it to thousands or even millions of potential listeners on apps like Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

It can take some time to make money from podcasting. Unlike social media platforms like YouTube or TikTok, podcasting platforms don’t have a program to pay creators. Podcasters primarily make their money from advertisements and affiliate links. Once you have a dedicated audience, you can reach out to companies to sell ad space on your podcast.

Best for: People who enjoy talking.

What you need to get started: A microphone and audio-editing software.

25. Create a newsletter

Newsletters were some of the first ways for people to make money online. Services like Mailchimp and others allow you to create an email list and send a newsletter out to your subscribers. 

The newsletter can be as frequent as you’d like, you can discuss different topics that interest you, and you can put it behind a paywall on your website. Substack is a newer platform that combines blogging with newsletters, and you can charge readers a monthly or annual subscription. This is a helpful tool for those who don’t want to build their own website.

You can also use a newsletter as a way to promote your online business and alert your customers of new products or discounts.

Anne Janzer is a self-published author and discusses how she uses her newsletter to sell more books. “When I have something new going on, I can go and ask those folks, ‘Hey, can you share the word about this?’ and they’re the first ones to go out and post about my new book,” Janzer said in an interview about how her newsletter leads to more sales.

Best for: Writers and people with an online business.
What you need to get started: The ability to write.

26. Walk or board dogs

If you’re a dog lover, this may be the right option for you. There are apps like Wag and Rover that connect dog walkers with people, but you can board dogs as well. For those who rent, you may need your landlord’s approval before boarding dogs, but this is a great option for those who want to make money from home.

Both Wag and Rover offer additional dog services for those with other dog specialties. These include:

  • Drop-in visits to check on dogs while the owner is away
  • Dog training
  • Dog sitting

Best for: People who love dogs.

What you need to get started: Possibly transportation to get to clients and a home that allows pets if you choose to board them.

27. Trade stocks

This path of making money from home is on the riskier side, but it can also come with higher rewards. The difference between investing and day trading stocks is that investments are long term, whereas trading involves buying and selling stocks on a daily basis. 

To make money trading stocks, you’ll need to stay updated on all of the latest stock news and learn when to buy and sell properly. There’s a learning curve to trading stocks, but some people make full-time income trading stocks through brokerages like Charles Schwab, Vanguard, or Robinhood.

Best for: People with a high risk tolerance.

What you need to get started: Before trading, you’ll want to learn as much as you can about various stocks and how to read the market to minimize losses. Then, you need a computer to trade, or you can trade on apps like Robinhood.

Making money online can help you pay off your debts

If you have a lot of debt, allocating funds from your paycheck can be difficult. Making money online is a great way to earn extra income that you can put toward your debts and potentially improve your credit. Some people are even able to make more money online than they would in an office job.

Having a good credit score is also a way to get access to credit cards and loans. You can use these to fund your online business or better equipment. This all starts with knowing your credit health and having the right tools. 

At Credit.com, you can get your free credit report card to check your credit. Sign up for ExtraCredit for additional tools like credit monitoring and ways to report additional payments to the major credit bureaus.

Source: credit.com

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Audible is an audio storytelling service featuring audiobooks and podcasts founded in 1995. Amazon acquired Audible in 2008, and today, it has a global reach in over 180 countries and in 47 languages.

With hundreds of thousands of titles in the platform’s catalog, it’s no wonder listeners turn to Audible. But can you make money on Audible?

If you want to expand your income stream through a side gig, social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram often come to mind. But there is profit potential with Audible. The key is to focus on two areas — content creation and affiliate marketing.

How to make money on Audible with content creation

You can create audiobooks on Audible, narrate someone else’s book or apply for an influx of cash to produce a podcast through Audible’s development program.

Narrate audiobooks

Audiobook Creation Exchange, also known as ACX, is Audible’s marketplace for connecting people involved in the creation of audio storytelling — think authors, agents, publishers, narrators and producers.

The platform can help you link up to authors who are seeking a narrator for their books. Contracts can be structured in a few different ways:

  • Pay-for-production deal: you’ll receive a flat fee based on your narration services.

  • Royalty share deal: you’ll receive a royalty for each sale of an audiobook you narrated.

  • Royalty share plus deal: you’ll receive a flat fee upfront for services performed plus a royalty on each sale.

Depending on the distribution rights, narrators can earn up to 40% in royalties.

Create your own audiobook

While narrating someone else’s audiobook can earn you a fee upfront and/or royalties over time, you also have the option to create and produce an audiobook through ACX.

This method will likely work better if you already have a built-in audience, such as through blogging or social media followers. If you don’t, there are still opportunities to earn but you may have to get creative.

For example, say you are a decluttering wizard employed as a professional organizer. You create your audiobook on how to declutter a home in seven easy steps.

Even if you don’t yet have a social media audience, you can still visit topic-specific groups on social media platforms to promote your audiobook. For instance, the group Decluttering & Organizing Tips & Tricks on Facebook has almost 150,000 members and averages 10 new posts a day. That’s a good number of people already interested in the topic to share the link to your audiobook.

Not only do you earn royalties from the sales of your book from those who clicked through and purchased it, but you also can earn up to $75 through the Bounty Referral Program for each new member you bring to Audible.

Audible Podcast Development Program

Have an idea for a podcast? The Audible Podcast Development Program grants a $10,000 commission fee to bring a podcast idea to life. This includes production costs, guidance on scripts and production, and access to high-quality equipment and resources.

At the time of this writing, the submission window had closed but check Audible’s website frequently to get updates on when the next call for entries will take place.

How to make money on Audible with affiliate marketing

Affiliate marketing is when you promote someone else’s product in exchange for a commission each time you net a sale. Audible provides two affiliate programs, Amazon Associates Program and the Creator Program.

Amazon Associates Program

The Amazon Associates Program has been around for 18 years and allows you to advertise and promote products through Amazon. In 2015, the program expanded to include the option for earning advertising fees for referring Audible purchases.

The program encompasses more than advertising audiobooks, though. The wide net of commissions creates profitable opportunities if strategically applied. For instance, let’s say you’re a travel blogger. You can use the Amazon Associates Program to advertise luggage, carry-on essentials and travel toiletries — in addition to the latest travel audiobooks — and earn a commission on each referred sale.

For Audible, the following fee structure is available for each type of purchase you refer through Amazon Associates:

  • Audible Gold digital membership: $10.

  • Audible free trial digital membership: $5.

  • Audible audiobook purchase: 50 cents.

Creator Program

The Audible Creator Program is similar to the Amazon Associates Program, but is specific to Audible and used by podcasters. The program gives you $15 for every free trial membership you successfully secure.

The idea is that you promote the 30-day free trial of Audible to your podcast audience. When someone you refer follows your link and signs up for the free trial, you earn a $15 commission. You get paid monthly for commissions, as long as you reach a $30 payout threshold.

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Other ways to make money online

If creating and marketing audiobooks isn’t your thing, there are other ways to build a side hustle online. Consider:

Source: nerdwallet.com

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The idea of a four-day workweek is so popular with some workers that they’d be willing to take a pay cut to make it happen, according to a new survey.

The survey, which included 1,250 people who work full time, was conducted in April by Resume Builder, a career services company. It found that 8 in 10 workers would be excited to work 32 hours a week instead of 40 because they believe it would help them achieve better work-life balance, improve their health, mitigate burnout, be more productive and reduce commuting costs.

The survey results suggest some workers feel pretty desperate for that better work experience. Even though nearly all the survey participants (94%) said they could do the same amount of work in fewer hours, about 21% said they would take a pay cut if it meant they could work the equivalent of one less day per week.

In addition, 83% of respondents said they would prefer a four-day, 40-hour workweek to the current standard of 40 hours in five days.

“I think people value time now more than they ever have — especially younger generations,” says Julia Toothacre, resume and career strategist with Resume Builder.

Idea of a four-day workweek is catching on

The four-day workweek is still a long way from becoming the norm in the U.S., Toothacre says. But the idea has picked up steam in recent years because it’s seen as a way to address the impact of work stress and long hours.

Roughly 3 out of 4 workers said they experienced work-related stress in the last month, according to the 2023 Work in America Survey by the American Psychological Association. More than half said that stress resulted in an array of negative effects, including emotional exhaustion, lack of motivation, a desire to quit, lower productivity and irritability.

There’s some interest in making the four-day workweek a national policy. In March, Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., introduced a bill that would standardize a 32-hour workweek without cutting workers’ pay or benefits. But it’s not expected to go anywhere.

Pilot programs show promising results

Instead, the four-day workweek has gained the most traction through companies’ participation in pilot programs. Organizations around the world have tested it out, and the results are pretty positive. In 2022, a pilot program that included 33 U.S. companies found that most of them wanted to continue with the 32-hour schedule after the trial period ended.

The companies involved in this pilot didn’t make any changes to workers’ pay. And it turns out that’s for good reason: The companies reported that productivity was positively affected by the new schedule. Workers at the participating companies said their job performance improved during the course of the trial.

In the trial, companies got rid of meetings and other unnecessary activities to free up workers’ time, according to Boston College researchers who evaluated the results. Wen Fan, a sociology professor, said in a December 2022 news release that the program worked as expected. “Hours reduced, well-being improved, and key organizational bottom-lines sustained — all of these happened without the need for workers to intensify their work demands.”

Source: nerdwallet.com

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Phone interview questions often cover a lot of ground, from your professional motivations to your preferred style of being managed. Phone interviews also typically include several behavioral questions, too, in which you’re asked to recount specific experiences from your previous jobs.

They can seem intimidating, but phone interview questions are a lot less scary when you’ve rehearsed your answers and prepared stories that demonstrate your strength as a candidate.

Below, you’ll find 20 questions commonly asked during phone interviews, as well as advice on how to best answer them.

Phone interview questions

In preparing for your phone interview, set aside a few hours to reflect on how you’d answer each question. Write or type out your answers, then practice answering each question out loud.

Focus on speaking slowly and clearly, and run through your answers several times — that’ll help you eliminate filler words and speak comfortably when you’re talking to the interviewer.

When you’re on the phone interview, smile while speaking, recommends Robert Half, a human resources consulting firm. Even though the interviewer can’t see you, you’ll sound more enthusiastic and confident.

You can also keep a cheat sheet with key dates, sales figures or other information you want to easily access. Don’t overly rely on them, though, and be prepared to complete the interview without having to visit your notes.

Question about the company or position

1. What are your qualifications for this position?

If you’re asked this question, talk about your hard skills or competencies learned through training or education, says Heather Livingston, a career advisor at University of Phoenix.

Bring up any specific qualifications you have that were in the job description. Such qualifications might include knowledge of a specific software, coding language or experience working with a certain type of customer.

Be sure to mention any professional certificates or licenses relevant to the position, too, Livingston says. You can also mention any college courses or professional training you’ve completed that relate to the role.

2. Why do you want to work for us?

To effectively answer this question, you’ll need to research the company, Livingston says. Familiarize yourself with its history, mission statement, purpose and leadership.

Mention explicit parts of the company’s mission that you agree with, and how helping the company achieve that mission aligns with your overall career goals.

3. What do you know about the company?

Similar to the question above, you’ll need to research the company to answer this question. Spend some time on the company’s website and read the “About Us” page. You can also visit the company’s LinkedIn page and see if it’s recently been in the news.

You don’t need to memorize every part of the company’s history, but make sure you’re aware of any major events — such as mergers, acquisitions or product launches — and can speak confidently about the company’s main product or service.

4. What do you see as the biggest challenge coming into this role?

It can be tough to answer questions that require you to admit your vulnerabilities. But employers know that even the best employees inevitably struggle with one or more aspects of any job.

“The key is to be honest,” Livingston says.

There’s a fine line between being honest and undermining yourself as a candidate, though. Avoid mentioning challenges that relate to critical components of the job.

For example, if you struggle with time management, and the job requires you to manage multiple deadlines, sharing that struggle might give the hiring manager pause. Similarly, sharing that you aren’t detail oriented might not be a great idea if you’re interviewing for a data-focused role.

On that note: If several key parts of the job sound like significant challenges, do some soul searching and think about whether the job is a good fit for your skillset.

Also, offer solutions to any potential challenges you foresee, Livingston says. If you tell the interviewer you might find a particular software challenging, for example, share your plan for overcoming that challenge.

5. Why should we hire you?

This can be a tricky question to answer; you want to sell yourself, but don’t want to appear cocky or entitled. Write and practice an elevator pitch for yourself as a candidate, Jennifer Preston, an HR consultant, told U.S. News and World Report.

Highlight your work experience that most closely aligns with the role and your strongest skills related to the job. Talk about the job objectives you’re most excited to accomplish, and tell the interviewer how you’d achieve those goals.

You can also mention the little things that distinguish you from other candidates, too — whether that’s your passion for building relationships or your long-term career goals that make you a good fit for the company.

Behavioral questions

6. Tell me about a tough decision you’ve had to make in the past.

Behavioral questions are designed to predict a candidate’s future job performance, according to the Journal of Business Research. So, for this and the remaining behavioral questions, answer with a workplace anecdote that illustrates how you behave in certain situations.

Think about difficult decisions you’ve made on the job. Have you ever been asked to mislead a customer? Has a manager ever acted inappropriately, leaving you to decide whether to report them? Share a story that shows your integrity, work ethic or another quality that makes you a desirable employee.

7. Tell me about a time you failed.

This question isn’t meant to highlight your failures or mistakes. Instead, it’s a chance for the interviewer to see whether you learn from your mistakes, Livingston says.

“Failure is how we learn. And good employers, good bosses and good managers know this,” Livingston says. “Nobody’s perfect.”

Don’t be the candidate whose biggest failure is that they care too much. Be honest and candid, and talk about a genuine error you made on the job.

Avoid dwelling on the mistake itself — or the panic and consequences that followed — and instead emphasize the insights you gained, and how you grew from the experience, per the Harvard Business Review.

8. Tell me about a time you didn’t get along with a coworker or colleague.

The interviewer knows that nobody gets along with every person they encounter. They’re trying to see if you’re able to work with people you don’t particularly like, Livington says.

Don’t spend too much time explaining why you disliked a particular colleague. Focus on how you were able to put your differences aside and accomplish the task at hand.

9. Tell me about a time you had to work under pressure or stress.

Can you handle the heat, or do you collapse under pressure? That’s what the interviewer is trying to determine.

Talk about a time when you worked under tight deadlines or external stress. Specifically list the ways you handled that stress, whether it was by staying organized, building small mental health breaks into your day or eating well and getting plenty of sleep during busy weeks.

10. Tell me about a time when you took initiative.

Finally, an opportunity for a positive story! Share an instance in which you proactively completed a task or contributed to a project — ideally, without being instructed by your manager — that benefited your employer or made things easier for your team.

Work style questions

11. Do you prefer working on a team or alone?

There’s no right or wrong answer to this question. But given that most jobs involve some form of collaboration, your answer should make it clear that you’re able to work on teams, according to the Harvard Business Review.

You can also list the instances in which you prefer working alone or collaboratively, recommends the Harvard Business Review. For example, you could say that you love brainstorming ideas and developing sales pitches with your colleagues, but enjoy the freedom to work independently when on a deadline or during certain chunks of the day.

12. How do you manage stress to avoid burnout?

The interviewer isn’t looking for a specific method of stress management; they’re just making sure you know how to handle stress and won’t crumble under tight deadlines.

Share a work experience that illustrates how you effectively manage stress, recommends the Harvard Business Review. Feel free to get specific: If you utilize tools like meditation, journaling or morning runs to manage day-to-day stresses, say that.

13. How would people you’ve worked with describe you?

To effectively answer this question, first consider the qualities that might make someone successful in the role you’re interviewing for.

If the job requires a lot of collaboration, for example, say that your coworkers would describe you as communicative, accountable and a team player. If the job involves number-crunching, you could say that your colleagues would call you detail-oriented and conscientious. Think of past experiences you can mention that illustrate those qualities in action.

You can also use this question to highlight a few of your unique characteristics that aren’t directly tied to the role. Knowing that your coworkers would describe you as personable or funny, for example, can paint a more well-rounded picture of you as an employee.

14. What kind of management style works well for you?

Like many of these questions, you’ll want to answer honestly while keeping things relatively broad. Make it clear that you can work effectively under any manager, according to multiple career experts.

For example, instead of saying, “I prefer to work under managers with a hands-off leadership style, and can’t work well if my boss is always looking over my shoulder,” you could say, “While I prefer a hands-off managerial style, I’ve worked well with plenty of supervisors who prefer frequent check-ins and close collaboration.”

15. What are you passionate about? What motivates you?

Are you externally motivated by rewards, growth opportunities or bonuses? Or are you intrinsically motivated by doing work you believe in? Reflect on what motivates you in the workplace and honestly answer the question. You want your employer to understand what motivates you, according to BetterUp, a behavioral career coaching company.

To kickstart your reflecting, here are some potential motivators:

  • Promotions and leadership opportunities.

  • Contributing to a team.

  • Solving problems for customers and clients.

  • Learning new things.

  • Developing certain professional skills.

  • Making a difference.

“You can be passionate about things in your personal life, but whatever this answer is should show relevance to how it will enhance your success at this position in this company,” Livingston says.

16. What is your experience with remote work?

This question may not be relevant to you, depending on the job you’re interviewing for. But if you’re interviewing for a remote role, the employer may want to know if you can effectively manage your time and responsibilities.

Describe your experience with remote work — or lack of experience, if you’ve never worked from home — and make it clear that you can perform the job’s functions without reporting to an office or workplace.

Logistical questions

17. Are you currently employed, and why are you thinking about leaving your current job (or why did you leave your previous job)?

This can feel like a tricky question to answer. The key is to answer honestly without getting into too much detail. Saying that you’re looking for a job that better aligns with your goals, values and growth plans is typically a safe bet, Livingston says. Be prepared to talk about those goals and values, as the interviewer may ask follow-up questions about them.

Don’t badmouth anyone from your previous employer, though. It’s an unprofessional look. If you quit your job (or are planning to leave) because you don’t get along with your manager or another coworker, keep things broad, Livingston says.

“Say something very general to the effect of having different values and different goals,” Livingston says. “That way, you’re not saying something bad about the previous employer or manager. You never want to do that.”

18. Are you interviewing with other companies?

Most candidates in the job market are applying for and interviewing with multiple companies. If you’re interviewing with other companies, you should feel comfortable sharing that, Livingston says. You don’t need to mention which companies or roles you’re interviewing for, though.

Also, be sure to emphasize your excitement for the role you’re discussing with the interviewer. You can say something like, “At this time, I am interviewing for other positions, but this is the role that best aligns with my interests and career goals.”

19. What salary range are you looking for?

There are a few ways you can answer this question.

First, you can provide an ideal salary range. To avoid giving a range that’s unrealistically high (or lower than you could get), research salaries for similar positions in your industry and city. Then, provide a salary range with around $10,000 of wiggle room, Livingston says. If your ideal salary is $75,000, tell the interviewer you’re looking for compensation between $75,000 and $85,000.

If you’d like to buy some time before sharing an ideal salary, another option is telling the interviewer that you’d like more information on the role, according to U.S. News & World Report.

You could say something like this: “Until I learn more about the job and its responsibilities, I’d rather not decide on a fair salary range. Could we discuss compensation at a later date, perhaps after I’ve spoken with other members of the team?”

When you do share an ideal salary range, ask for more money than you’re currently making. Changing jobs is often an effective way to significantly increase your salary.

Half of the American workers who switched jobs between April 2021 and March 2022 saw their wages increase 9.7%, according to a July 2022 Pew Research Center report. Meanwhile, the median worker who stayed in their job over that same period saw their wages fall 1.7%.

20. When can you start working?

Ideally, you want to give your interviewer a firm date. But if you’d have to submit a two weeks’ notice at your current job, simply tell the interviewer that.

Say that, out of respect for your employer, you’d like to help transition your responsibilities and complete any outstanding tasks before your departure. In most cases, the new employer will be fine with figuring out a start date later in the interview process.

Source: nerdwallet.com

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Working with a recruiter can speed up a sluggish job search and help you find roles that aren’t listed publicly.

Here we’ll discuss, with templates, how to reach out to a recruiter on LinkedIn. We’ll also cover how to find a promising recruiter on LinkedIn and in other ways.

1. Prepare to pitch a recruiter

Before contacting a recruiter, update your resume, cover letter and LinkedIn profile. Also practice articulating your accomplishments and certifications, suggests Jauné Little, director of recruiting services at Insperity, which sells human resources services to companies.

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Depending on their industry, recruiters are often managing dozens of candidates and open positions, and sifting through hundreds of job applications. So Little also suggests identifying skills or experience you have that other candidates don’t. That might look like experience at a massive company in your industry, a unique degree or an unconventional work history.

Practice spelling out that distinction, and think about how you’d talk about those attributes to a recruiter.

“You really have one shot at making a lasting impression,” Little says. “So make it a good one.”

2. Find a recruiter on LinkedIn

To find recruiters on LinkedIn, search “recruiter” alongside your desired industry or job in the search bar. If you can, get specific; a search for “medical devices sales recruiter” will offer better results than “sales recruiter.”

You can also search for recruiters by city and company; for example “Dell recruiter” or “Oklahoma City recruiter.”

To filter your search results to only people’s profiles, click the “People” button at the top of the search results. Scan the results carefully; if you search “Lyft recruiter,” for example, some of the profiles in your search results will belong to former employees who list Lyft on their profiles.

3. Reach out to the recruiter on LinkedIn

Once you find a recruiter, request to connect. LinkedIn doesn’t allow users to directly message people they aren’t connected with, but you can include a message in your connection request.

Keep your message short and simple. Recruiters are busy people; if your message is too long, they’ll often skip it entirely.

“I heard a recruiter from Google say that the worst thing he sees on a resume is a text brick,” says Lisa Severy, a career advisor at University of Phoenix.

Here’s an example of what you could include in a LinkedIn connection request:

Hi, [name]. I hope this finds you well. I’m a [position] with [X years] experience in the industry, and am based in [city]. I’m searching for opportunities to [get specific; list what jobs you’re interested in, or what industry you’d like to work in]. I’d love to connect and discuss this further with you. Thank you!

4. Follow up with your resume and another message

If the recruiter accepts your connection, you’re then able to directly message the recruiter. If you included a message in your LinkedIn connection request, wait a day before sending them a direct message.

Attach your resume to your message. Keep your message straightforward and to the point. It should look something like this:

Hi [name],

Good to connect with you! My name is [name], and I’m a [position] in [city] looking for new opportunities [in industry or at a specific company].

I have [X] years of experience in [your industry]. [Include 1-2 sentences listing your accomplishments, certifications or unique job responsibilities that distinguish you from other candidates.]

I’d love to chat with you about any open positions for which I may be a good fit. Are you available on [date] for a phone call?

Thank you,

[your name]

Once you’ve sent your message, give the recruiter a few days before following up with another message. If your second message goes unanswered, it’s probably best not to follow up again.

There’s a good chance that’ll happen to you, and it’s not personal — Severy warns candidates that a lot of messages to recruiters will go unread. That’s why it’s a good idea to reach out to several recruiters. It’s a numbers game. Eventually, you’ll find your match.

Other ways to reach out to recruiters

Experts agree that, in most cases, the easiest way to find a recruiter is on LinkedIn. If you don’t have a LinkedIn profile, get one, and use these tips to make a compelling page.

Not having a LinkedIn profile these days is “questionable,” Little says.

If you don’t want to use LinkedIn, search online for recruiting agencies that focus on your industry. It may be harder to find an individual recruiter’s contact information that way, though.

Additionally, check a company’s job listings to see if a recruiter’s contact information is listed on the postings.

Source: nerdwallet.com

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There’s no universally right or wrong way to dress for an interview. It’s all about wearing crisp, clean clothing that matches the employer’s dress code and expectations, experts say.

Below, we’ll discuss how to pick your interview attire, the different types of professional dress codes and what to avoid wearing to an interview.

What to wear to an interview

Check the company’s dress code when deciding what to wear to an interview, recommends Purdue Global, an online university in the Purdue University system.

Look for photos of employees, either in the office or in a company photo, on the company’s website or LinkedIn page. Note how they’re dressed and whether they’re posing formally or casually.

Unless its employees wear a uniform, most companies adhere to one of these three dress codes: smart casual, business casual or business professional.

Consider the industry you’re interviewing in. Companies in law, finance or politics tend to adhere to more traditional dress codes. Tech or media companies tend to have more casual dress codes.

If you’re interviewing for a job that would require a uniform, including in a retail, restaurant, gym or medical setting, opt for business casual for those job interviews, recommends Coursera, a company that hosts open courses from universities and organizations online.

Dress for a position one level higher than the job you’re interviewing for, experts recommend. So, if most employees wear chinos and a casual button-down shirt, for example, go for slacks, a tucked-in shirt and a blazer.

Ask your interviewer about the company’s dress code if you’re still unsure of what to wear. If you’re working with a recruiter, you can plainly ask for advice on what to wear to an interview.

If you’d be asking the company’s hiring manager, consider asking, “How do employees dress in the office?” or “What kind of clothing is appropriate for this workplace?”

What is a smart casual dress code?

Smart casual is the most informal of the three professional dress codes. It emerged in recent years as more companies loosened their dress codes, per the Society for Human Resource Management.

Smart casual is relaxed but polished. You could wear trendier clothing and accessories from your personal wardrobe as long as they’re fit for a professional environment.

Companies in newer or creative industries — such as tech, media or advertising — may adhere to this dress code. Examples of smart casual workwear include:

  • Well-fitting pants — chinos, pleated pants or linen pants.

  • Dark blue or black jeans.

  • Sweaters, henleys, button-up shirts, or trendy blouses.

  • Loafers, flats or clean tennis shoes.

  • A clean, ironed T-shirt under a blazer.

  • Solid colors or stylish patterns.

What is a business casual dress code?

Business casual is more formal and conservative than smart casual but still doesn’t require you to wear a full suit.

Businesses across many different industries adhere to this dress code. It’s a popular dress code among employers and is considered appropriate for job fairs, networking events or professional meetings.

Business casual workwear can look like:

  • Chinos, khakis or dress pants and a belt. 

  • A clean button-up, dress shirt, formal blouse or tucked-in polo shirt.

  • Closed-toe shoes, like Oxfords, brogues, loafers or flats.

  • A blazer. 

  • Solid, neutral colors with minimal patterns.

What is a business professional dress code?

Business professional is the dressiest of the professional dress codes.

Older, more traditional industries — such as law, finance, professional services or politics — tend to adopt a business professional dress code. Executives and other high-ranking employees may also adhere to this dress code.

Some examples of business professional workwear include:

  • A suit and dress shirt.

  • Tailored pants, a dress shirt and a tie.

  • A dressy business skirt and formal blouse.

  • Heels, dress shoes or formal loafers.

  • Conservative, non-distracting jewelry and accessories.

  • Dark, solid colors, such as blue, black or gray. 

What not to wear to an interview

Unless you’re interviewing at a beachside surf shop, avoid these items of clothing, according to Zippia, an online recruiting and careers platform:

  • Graphic T-shirts. 

  • Casual sandals or flip flops.

  • Tank tops or sleeveless shirts.

  • Athleisure, sweats or pajamas.

  • Ripped jeans or pants.

The quality of your clothing is also important. Don’t wear items that:

  • Are stained or soiled.

  • Have holes or tears. 

  • Are unwashed or dirty. 

  • Are visibly old, faded or worn.

Outside of your clothing, pay close attention to your personal grooming. Career experts recommend you run through this checklist list before you leave for the interview:

  • Hair is brushed or neatly combed and styled.

  • Fingernails are clean.

  • Deodorant has been applied. 

  • Shoes are clean and free of mud or dirt.

One more tip

It’s important to wear clothing that aligns with the employer’s dress code, but that’s not the only thing that matters.

What you wear can help you feel comfortable and confident. And wearing clothing that shows off your personality can help people at the company get to know you.

So, if you feel a yellow blouse mirrors your sunny disposition, go for a shade that’s cheery but not neon. Striking that right balance can be tricky but it’s worth the effort. It’s like the old saying goes: look good, feel good.

Source: nerdwallet.com

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Severance pay is a lump sum that an employer might offer to employees who are terminated from their jobs, which may be due to a layoff or by being fired.

In exchange for severance pay, an employee typically has to agree to waive their right to sue their employer for wrongful termination, discrimination or other employment-related claims.

The amount of severance pay an employee is offered varies by person and employer, and it’s often just one part of a larger severance package. Here’s a deeper look at what severance pay is and how it works.

Are employers required to pay severance?

Employers in the U.S. aren’t required to pay severance. There aren’t any federal laws guaranteeing that employees will be offered additional pay or benefits when they suddenly lose their jobs.

Exceptions exist where employment contracts, such as a bargaining agreement between an employer and a union, are in place, says Denise Clark, an employment and employee benefits attorney who founded Clark Law Group in Washington D.C. Those contracts can include provisions requiring the employer to pay severance to terminated employees.

Who gets severance pay?

Some companies offer severance only to workers with certain types of jobs or levels of responsibility in the company or who have been employed a certain number of years. Generally, people ranked higher in a company’s hierarchy are more likely to be offered severance, according to the 2021 Guide to Severance and Workforce Transition survey conducted by Randstad RiseSmart, a careers development services company.

But the survey found that severance may be becoming more common. A growing share of companies included in the report — 64% in 2021 compared to 44% in 2019 — offer severance to all employees, regardless of how many years they’ve been on the job and their role in the company.

Do you get severance if you’re fired?

If you’re fired, you could still be offered severance pay. Under those circumstances, the employer still wants assurances the employee that’s leaving won’t come back with a lawsuit, Clark says.

However, if you’re fired for another, more serious reason, “the offer of severance is unlikely,” Clark says. She listed absenteeism and failing a drug test among the discipline issues that could prevent someone who is fired from being offered severance.

The Randstad RiseSmart survey indicated receiving severance when you’re fired could be more rare. About a third (31%) of human resource professionals included in the Randstad RiseSmart survey said severance pay is offered to someone who is fired because of poor performance.

What’s included in a severance package

The Randstad RiseSmart survey found benefits in a severance package most commonly include:

  • A cash payout.

  • Bonuses that the employee was previously eligible for.

  • Outplacement services.

Outplacement services are meant to help laid off or terminated employees get a new job by helping them craft resumes and cover letters, look for jobs and prepare for interviews.

A severance package should go above and beyond any benefits you’re entitled to any time you leave your job. For example, some states require employers to payout unused vacation time.

Additionally, employees who were covered by their employer’s group insurance are eligible for COBRA when they resign or are terminated.

How much is severance pay?

Most employers offer severance pay that equals between one and six months’ salary, according to the Randstad RiseSmart survey. The amount can vary between individuals at the same company, depending on how severance pay is calculated.

How is severance pay calculated?

Typically, severance pay is calculated based on the employee’s current salary and the number of years they’ve worked at the organization, according to the Randstad RiseSmart survey.

Here’s an example: Let’s say a company offers one week of pay at the employee’s basic salary rate for each year they’ve worked for the company.

An employee who has been with the company for five years would be offered severance pay totaling five weeks of earnings — or a little more than a month’s pay. So, if they earn $2,000 per week (which is an annual salary of about $104,000), they would be offered $10,000 in severance pay.

Though it’s less common, some companies base severance pay on a person’s earnings or tenure alone. Here’s how that severance would be calculated.

Earnings only: Returning to the example above, let’s say the company offers three months (about 13 weeks) of pay to all employees who are let go during a layoff. The employee earning $2,000 per week would be offered $26,000 in severance pay.

Tenure only: Rather than referencing an individual workers’ salary to calculate severance pay, a company could decide to pay a fixed amount to its workers based on years of service, such as $15,000 to anyone who has worked at the company for two to seven years.

Can you negotiate severance?

Clark says some companies will follow a “take it or leave it” approach to severance and won’t negotiate the terms. But others will be more open.

“Not every employer will necessarily know what employee might walk out the door and file a lawsuit,” Clark says.

That means an employer that’s motivated to ensure a departing employee won’t bring a lawsuit against the company could be open to increasing the payout as the employee exits.

Source: nerdwallet.com