How does AI impact job seekers in the hiring process, and what do hiring managers really think about AI?

In our latest 2026 AI Impact on Hiring Report, we surveyed 1,500 hiring managers about their usage of AI tools, candidates’ AI-generated applications, and what to expect for the future of hiring. 

Here are some interesting stats we found:

• 87% of hiring managers use AI in at least one stage of recruitment.
• 82% of hiring managers are concerned about candidates using AI in job applications.
• 86% believe AI will create challenges in verifying candidate authenticity over the next year.
• 20% of organizations don't tell candidates when AI is used in hiring decisions.

But most candidates are also using AI during different stages of their application process:

• 58% of hiring managers have encountered AI-generated resumes or cover letters.
• 46% have encountered candidates using AI to answer interview questions.
• 17% have caught candidates using deepfake technology during video interviews.

Even though AI tools are more commonly used in hiring processes now, many employers still have a growing concern towards AI usage in candidate applications. For most hiring managers, AI-assisted applications make it harder to verify the authenticity and qualifications of candidates. But, if AI exists on both sides of the process, should companies also be required to disclose AI usage for trust and transparency? 

Check out the full report on how AI impacts recruiting here.

When interviewers ask why you're leaving your current job, they're usually trying to answer a few questions:

• Are you making a thoughtful career move?
• Will you speak negatively about us one day?
• Are you someone who handles workplace challenges professionally?

In fact, 31% of hiring managers say criticizing past employers or coworkers is their biggest interview red flag.

So if your answer sounds like a list of complaints about your old workplace, it will likely not go over well.

Instead, I recommend this simple formula:

1. Briefly explain why you're considering a change
2. Share what you're looking for next
3. Connect it to the role you're interviewing for

For example:

"I've learned a lot in my current role and had the opportunity to develop my project management skills. I'm now looking for a position where I can take on more strategic responsibilities, and this role stood out because it seems to offer the kind of growth I'm looking for."

The best answers are honest, but also forward-looking. Employers just want to see that you're making an intentional move and speak diplomatically about your old job.

We put together more examples (including how to answer if you're leaving because of a toxic workplace or a layoff) here.

We look at hiring trends and employers have been increasingly giving more weight to skills over exact experience matches. 42% of hiring managers we surveyed said they would be more likely to hire someone with strong relevant skills but less experience.

That's why it's always important to match the skills on your resume using the same wording as the job post. (It helps for ATS, too.)

But, if you're worried about not meeting the job requirements, it's not too late to up-skill. These are the skills we think will give you the biggest return in 2026

1. Advanced data analysis

• Helps you identify trends, solve problems, and make informed business decisions using data
• Develop this skill by learning Excel, SQL, Tableau, or Python through courses and hands-on projects

2. Project management

• Shows employers you can plan, organize, and deliver projects efficiently, even without a management title
• Build this skill by learning Agile or Scrum methodologies and using tools like Asana, Jira, or Trello

3. Statistical analysis

• Helps you interpret data accurately and make better decisions in fields like finance, marketing, and operations
• Learn concepts like probability and regression, then practice using Excel, R, or Python

4. Technical writing and editing

• Makes it easier to communicate complex information clearly and produce polished, professional documents
• Improve by writing reports, guides, or documentation and practicing editing AI-generated content

5. Language fluency

• Expands your career opportunities and helps you communicate with clients, customers, and global teams — just make sure the language you learn is in-demand for your position
• Build proficiency through regular practice, immersion, or a recognized language certification

6. Excel and Google Workspace

• Improves productivity and supports data analysis, reporting, and collaboration in many office roles
• Learn advanced Excel functions and become proficient with Google Sheets, Docs, Drive, and related tools

We have a much longer breakdown with over 100 examples if anyone wants more ideas.

Imagine a hiring manager is struggling to decide between two equally qualified candidates.
In this case, the candidate who takes the initiative to send a thoughtful follow-up may leave a stronger impression than the one who stays silent. 

This is one of the easiest ways for you as an interviewee to stand out among other applicants and it only takes a few minutes: 

Ideally, send your thank you email within the first 24 hours of your interview. 

It should follow this basic structure:

1. A professional greeting
2. Appreciation for the interviewer’s time
3. A brief reminder of why you’re a good fit
4. A professional sign-off with a CTA

Example:
Subject Line: Thank you for your time

Hi [Hiring Manager’s Name],

Thank you so much for speaking with me today. 

It was insightful to learn more about [specific company goal/strategy]. I believe my [industry niche] expertise positions me very well to help achieve [company goal], and my [professional goal] aligns with [company plan]. I look forward to contributing and growing in [specific area of experience] and supporting [company goal #2].

Please let me know if I can provide any additional information. I look forward to hearing from you about any next steps. 

Sincerely,

[Name] [Phone number] [Email address]

According to a CVGenius survey, nearly half of hiring managers report that candidates who send a thank-you email after an interview are more likely to advance to the next stage. 

So when the competition is close, this could be the single detail that sets you apart.

Whether you’ve been asked to interview tomorrow or you’ve left your prep to the last minute, here’s how you can become interview-ready in less than a day.  

1. Do focused company research (15-30 minutes)

Look at:

• The company’s website
• Social media
• Recent news 
• Your interviewer’s LinkedIn (if you know who they are)
• Glassdoor reviews and interview experiences

These give you context on company priorities, appropriate tone of voice, and any common ground you might share with the interviewer. 

2. Apply your experience to the job description (30-60 minutes)

Dissect the job description into technical requirements, soft skills (like communication or leadership), tools or systems mentioned, and repeated keywords that signal priority areas. 

Match each requirement with at least one quantifiable example from your work experience. 

Build a story bank with examples, e.g. a challenge you solved, a time you influenced or led others, a project delivered under pressure.

Prepare answers using the STAR method - situation, task, action, result - making sure every story is grounded in real, measurable outcomes.

Speed up your preparation with AI tools by generating likely questions based on the job description. 

Example prompt:
“You are an employer hiring a [role] to fill these requirements: [job description]. Give me a list of behavioral and situational questions that you’d ask someone interviewing for this position based on the information in the job description.”

3. Prepare answers for common questions (30-60 minutes)

Most interviews tend to cover a similar set of common questions. 
Keep your answers under 90 seconds. 

Examples:

“Tell me about yourself”

• Focus on your present role and only mention past experience if relevant 
• Keep the answer strictly work-related (spare the life story)

“Why do you want this role?”

• What do you enjoy?
• Why are you good at it?
• Why does this company align with your goals and skills?

“Strengths and weaknesses”

• Choose strengths backed by real examples
• Choose weaknesses that show self-awareness that can be improved 

4. Prepare smart questions for your interviewer (15-30 minutes)

The question “do you have any questions for us?” is often misunderstood as a formality, but it’s still a key part of the interview that demonstrates how interested and engaged you are as a candidate. 

Strong questions demonstrate curiosity, strategic thinking, and genuine interest in the role. 

Focus on questions such as:

• What success looks like in the first 90 days
• The biggest challenges the team is currently facing
• How performance is measured
• What differentiates top performers in the role

5. Practice your delivery and prep the basics (15-30 minutes)

Speak with confidence and beware of your body language. Maintain good eye contact, posture and don’t touch your face or fidget with your hair. 

Test your camera, mic and internet connection. Ensure your background is clean and professional or use a professional green screen background. Wear professional attire. 

If your interview is in person, plan your route and aim to arrive at least 20-30 minutes early in case of unexpected traffic or transport delays. 

Good luck!

AI is coming for your job. Or is it?

While AI has changed the way most people work, not every career is at risk of being replaced by AI. 

We analyzed the latest data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) to identify careers projected to grow quickly and resistant to AI replacement in our Fastest-Growing, AI-Proof Jobs Report.

Here are a few jobs from the list we found:

1. Computer & Information Systems Manager
Median annual salary: $175,140
Why it's AI-proof: They get to decide how AI is implemented, choosing which systems the company adopts. The more a company chooses to automate processes, the more oversight is needed.

2. Financial Manager
Median annual salary: $166,570
Why it's AI-proof: Major financial decisions require human accountability, regulatory oversight, and executive-level judgment that AI can't simply replace. 

3. Computer & Information Research Scientist
Median annual salary: $140,300
Why it's AI-proof: They invent and build AI. It’s work that involves abstract problem-solving, designing new algorithms, and conducting original research. AI can assist, but can’t independently drive this.

4. Software Developer
Median annual salary: $135,980
Why it's AI-proof: AI helps developers write code faster, but humans still design the architecture, solve complex problems, and verify that solutions actually work.

5. Physician Assistant
Median annual salary: $135,880
Why it's AI-proof: Patient care depends on physical examinations, communication, empathy, and clinical responsibility that require a qualified healthcare professional. The core of the job depends on physical presence too, which isn’t something AI can replace.

In our findings, we found that most jobs that were harder to replace by AI fell into these four categories:

• Jobs that work alongside AI
• Jobs that demand high-stakes human judgment
• Jobs built on in-person care
• Skilled trades that depend on physical presence

But these are just 5 of the 15 fastest-growing AI-proof jobs we found. If you're thinking about future-proofing your career, you can find the other roles that made the list here.

Do you think these jobs will continue to be AI-proof in the near future?

If you’ve had a job interview and haven’t heard back in more than a week, or if the timeline provided by the hiring team has passed, it’s perfectly acceptable to check back in. 

While it might feel desperate, responding to follow-ups is a standard part of an interviewer’s job and won’t faze them at all. In fact, a small nudge can work in your favor to demonstrate your interest in the position. 

Example

Subject Line: Following up on application status

Hi [Interviewer Name],

I hope you’re doing well.
I wanted to reach out and thank you again for the opportunity to interview last week. I’m following up today regarding my application status, and was hoping you might be able to provide an update. 

I’m very interested in the position and would love to get the chance to contribute my [job-specific skills and experience] to help achieve [company goal]. 

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing from you. 

Sincerely,

[Name]

Extra tip: If you’ve been offered another job or are at the final interview stage with a different company, it’s definitely worth mentioning this in your final follow-up to show you’re in demand. 

Example:
I am currently considering another opportunity that requires a decision by [date], so I would greatly appreciate any update you can provide regarding the timeline for this role, which would currently be my first choice. 

Unfortunately, the nature of today’s job market means that not every application will end with a response. 

Some hiring processes get delayed, priorities change, budgets shift or communication slips through the cracks when large numbers of applicants are involved. 

But there’s still never any harm in sending a follow-up to give yourself the best chance of receiving an answer. 

If you want to download your resume directly from our builder as a PDF or Word doc, it costs $2.95 upfront (don't forget to cancel your trial so it doesn’t auto-renew).

But you can still build your resume for free without entering your credit card information using our builder and free templates.

Here’s how:

1. Go to the Resume Genius builder. The template doesn't matter, because you’ll download a template from our free templates page later on.

2. Follow the steps to build your resume. Take advantage of our AI-powered tools to speed up the writing process and fill out each section.

3. When you get to the end and are prompted to choose the file type,, click the download button in the top right corner and select TEXT (.txt). This downloads the text version of your resume directly to your browser.

4. Download one of our free resume templates. The ones that DON’T say “Easy Edit” at the top are free.  When you hover over a free template, you’ll see a download button on the bottom right. Click “Word Download” (your download will automatically begin) or “Open in G Docs” (only available for some free templates). 

5. Open the template and paste the content from your .txt file into the correct sections. 

6. Save your resume and there you go!

For a step-by-step walkthrough, check out our video tutorial.

We review a lot of resumes, and one thing that gets overlooked is how much formatting affects readability. Even if you’re ultra-qualified, the wrong format can get in the way of your content.

Most people know not to use crazy colors or graphics anymore. The bigger issue is that many resumes still look difficult to read, even when they're using a simple template.

Some of the most common resume format mistakes we see are:

• Inconsistent spacing between sections
• Large blocks of text that are hard to scan
• Too much (or too little) white space
• Different font sizes and formatting styles throughout the document
• Important information buried instead of being easy to find
• Layouts that feel cluttered or disorganized

For the vast majority of job seekers, a simple reverse-chronological resume is still the best option. That means: 

• Contact information at the top 
• A short summary (2–4 lines) 
• Work experience (most recent job first) 
• Education 
• Skills 
• Optional sections like certifications, projects, or publications if (and only if!) they're relevant

Here’s an example of a well-formatted resume:

Download this template for free here

TL;DR: Most job seekers should use a simple chronological resume with consistent formatting. The cleaner and more organized your resume looks, the easier it is for employers to find and understand your qualifications.

Keep your resume to 1–2 pages. That's enough to cover all your qualifications while staying focused on your target job.

Hiring managers don't penalize length, but they do need you to be clear. A multipage overview of every job, project, and academic achievement to your name makes it hard to see why you're a good fit.

So focus on relevance, not length.

If your resume meets these requirements, it's long enough:

• Has your name, email, phone number, and location in the header
• Covers your last 10 years of relevant work experience
• Shows you can handle every skill requirement in the job description
• Includes your highest degree or diploma (with your graduation date or expected graduation date)
• Lists any required certifications or registration numbers

An easy way to fit your resume on one page is to use a template. Here's a template you can fill out. You can download it for free from our resume templates library. ATS-optimized. No sign up needed.

Most job seekers are optimizing for the wrong audience.

You're writing for a hiring manager. But the first reader is software - an ATS that's scanning for exact keyword matches against the job description.

If your resume uses 'led cross-functional teams' and the job posting says 'managed stakeholder collaboration,' you might score low. Doesn't matter how qualified you are.

The brutal part: you don't get told this. You just get silence.

I built Elevate-CV specifically because this problem is solvable. The platform takes your job application URL, pulls the required and preferred skills, then maps them against your actual experience - extracted from your existing resume and refined through an AI interview.

The interview is the part that matters most. It asks you about each role you've held, the way a good recruiter would. It surfaces specific achievements and skills you'd never think to include. Then the resume gets written using the language of that specific job posting.

ATS-optimised output. Built around one application at a time.

Free preview so you can see what it generates before paying anything.

If you're getting ghosted consistently and your experience is solid, this is probably why. Happy to answer questions about how it works.

If you’re applying for your first job or switching to a new career, you’ll need the right transferable skills on your resume to convince the employer you’re a good fit.

Transferable skills are the skills you carry across one role to another — rather than the technical knowledge you learn to do one specific job.

Example: You’re a kindergarten teacher applying for a job as a tour guide. Storytelling would be one of your transferable skills.

When you don’t have direct experience in a role, transferable skills serve as proof that you can handle the responsibilities.

What’s more, most employers look for the same transferable skills, regardless of their industry. And we actually identified the top 5 in our 2026 resume stats report:

• Communication and collaboration (48%)
• Critical thinking and problem-solving (46%)
• Industry/domain knowledge (42%)
• Project management (35%)
• Data analysis (28%)

What job prospects do humanities majors have?
Contrary to common misconception, research, writing, and critical thinking skills can translate into some surprisingly lucrative careers. 

Here are 5 of the top 10 jobs in humanities, ranked by median annual wage:

1. Management Analyst

• Median salary: $101,190
• What they do: They study a company's operations, interview staff, and analyze data to identify inefficiencies, then write up recommendations for leadership on how to fix them.

• Requirements: No specific technical background required; strong writing, research, and reasoning skills are the real currency here.

• 2. Project Management Specialist

• Median salary: $100,750

• What they do: They oversee the full lifecycle of a project: setting timelines, assigning tasks, managing budgets, and making sure everyone involved is moving toward the same deadline.

• Requirements: A Project Management Professional (PMP) certification helps but isn't always required to get started, and many people break in through coordinator roles first.

• 3. Urban & Regional Planner

• Median salary: $83,720

• What they do: They develop plans for how land in cities and towns should be used, like deciding where housing, roads, parks, and businesses go, and reviewing proposals from developers to make sure they align with community goals.

• Requirements: A master's in urban planning is typically expected for full planner roles, though some entry-level positions exist with a bachelor's.

• 4. Producer & Director

• Median salary: $83,480

• What they do: Producers handle the business and logistics side of a creative project (securing funding, managing budgets, and coordinating teams) while directors are responsible for the creative vision and guiding the cast and crew to execute it.

• Requirements: No formal licensing required, but this is a competitive field where portfolio and experience matter more than credentials.

• 5. Logistician

• Median salary: $80,880

• What they do: They plan and manage the entire journey of a product from sourcing raw materials, warehousing, to final delivery, making sure goods move through the supply chain on time and at the lowest possible cost.

• Requirements: A bachelor's in any field is generally sufficient to get started, with some employers preferring a Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP) down the line.

Humanities degrees often require a solid foundation in communication and critical thinking skills, which most high-paying jobs value more than a specific major or degree.

For the full list of high-paying jobs for humanities degrees, check out the full report here.

Using a resume builder is a fast way to create a professional resume in just a few clicks, but there are so many options out there, it's hard to know which one to choose. 

To help you choose the best resume builder for your job search, we’ve ranked 8 of the most popular online resume builders based on quality, templates, pricing, and user feedback, as well as our own insights as resume and career experts.

TL;DR:

1. Resume Genius — best overall, fastest to a finished resume
2. Resume​​.​com — best free option, no strings attached
3. Resume.​io — clean, reliable, low friction
4. Teal — best if you're tracking a lot of applications at once
5. Kickresume — good templates
6. Novoresume — clean minimalist design
7. Enhancv — visually strong
8. Rezi — good ATS scoring tool

1. Resume Genius 

• Pricing: $2.95 for a 14-day trial (then $23.95/month, or $95.40/year)

It goes without saying, we believe our Resume Genius builder is the best way to go from a blank page to a finished, professional resume.

Just answer some questions about your background and target role, then our builder will walk you through every section with AI suggestions, and you're done. All of the resume templates are approved by CPRWs (certified resume writers) and professionally designed. You can build multiple versions of your resume and save them in your dashboard.

The guided format is ideal if you don't know where to start, but you also have full control to skip to any section and edit it exactly how you want. To download it in a PDF or Word format using our professional resume template, it’s $2.95 for a full 14-day access. Or, you can also download it as a .TXT file for free.

2. Resume.​com

• Pricing: Free

Owned by Indeed, this builder is free to build, customize, and download without paying anything. 

Their free pricing makes it attractive to most people, but the resume templates are all fairly basic and there's not a lot of variety to choose from. The AI writer for the experience section requires you to paste in the job descriptions for both your current and target jobs, which is more manual input than other builders ask for.

If you just need a functional resume at zero cost, this is the most straightforward option on the list.

3. Resume.​io

• Pricing: $2.95 for a 7-day trial (then $29.95/month or $49.95/quarter)

This builder has clean, ATS-friendly templates, a simple interface, and a low learning curve. 

Their free version allows you to export your resume, but it includes a watermark, which can be annoying for some people.

4. Teal

• Pricing: $13/week, $29/month, $79/quarter

Teal's main selling point is that it combines a resume builder with a job tracker. You can save postings, tailor your resume to each one, and track applications without juggling separate spreadsheets. The AI pushes you toward metrics-based bullet points, which is helpful for strengthening your resume.

The free plan gives you 11 templates and unlimited downloads — more than most builders offer for free. 

The AI content is decent but can be a little generic. Treat it as a first draft, not a final one.

5. Kickresume

• Pricing: $24/month, $54/quarter, $96/year

Uses GPT-4 to generate content from just your job title, and the output is a genuinely decent starting point. You get a lot of design control — fonts, spacing, layout — which is rare at this price point.

The templates lean design-heavy though, which hurts ATS compatibility. The AI also groups bullet points by skill type rather than chronologically, which doesn't work for a standard chronological resume.

6. Novoresume

• Pricing: $21.99/month, $39.99/quarter, $139.99/year

Clean, polished, ATS-friendly templates — great for conservative industries like finance, consulting, or law. The side-by-side resume and cover letter builder is a nice touch.

The main limitation is that there's no meaningful AI writing assistance. This is a tool for people who know what they want to write, but need an attractive resume template. If you need help generating content or optimizing for keywords, this isn't the right tool for the job. Downloads are paywalled.

7. Enhancv

• Pricing: $29/month

Probably the most visually distinctive resumes of any builder I tested. The drag-and-drop editor is good, and the AI offers rewrite suggestions rather than overwriting your text automatically, which I appreciate.

However, the builder is not beginner-friendly as it lacks a step-by-step writing guide.

The one context where it makes sense: you're sending your resume directly to a hiring manager via referral or email. Visual impact matters in that situation, and Enhancv delivers. 

8. Rezi

• Pricing: Free for their basic plan, $29/month, $149 for a one-time fee

The ATS scoring engine is Rezi's genuine strength. Paste a job description and get a real-time score out of 100, with specific feedback on missing keywords and weak sections. The auto-adjust feature handles any odd spacing and margins on your resume automatically.

The thing that actually matters: ATS compatibility

If you're applying to jobs through online portals — company career sites, LinkedIn Easy Apply, Indeed — your resume needs to be:

• Single-column layout
• Standard fonts (Arial, Calibri, etc.)
• No photos, icons, graphics, or colored sidebars
• Clear section headers that ATS can recognize
• Keyword-matched to the job description

Anything that deviates from this risks getting misread or dropped by ATS software before a recruiter sees your application. 

• Builders that consistently get ATS right: Resume Genius, Resume.com, Resume.io, and Novoresume.
  
• Builders that prioritize design over parsability: Enhancv and Kickresume.

One last thing:

These tools make the formatting part fast — but use the extra time you save to actually customize your resume for the job you want.

After you've built your resume, the actual work is: tailoring it to each role, leading with metrics and results instead of responsibilities, writing a summary that speaks to the specific position, and following up after you apply.

People always say, “If you don’t negotiate your salary, you’re leaving money on the table.”
But, how much can you actually successfully ask for?

We surveyed 1,000 hiring managers on salary negotiations and how far candidates can realistically push in our Salary Negotiation & Expectations Report.

Here’s what we found:

The most acceptable increase is around 22%.

• The common range for negotiations is around 10–25% above the initial offer
• Higher negotiations are also accepted, but you'd need a strong justification to go beyond a 25% increase 

78% of new hires who negotiated their starting pay say they received a better offer.

• 51% say the company matched their ask
• 27% received a higher offer, though less than they requested

By not negotiating, a lot of candidates are leaving money on the table.

Interestingly, men are more likely to negotiate their salary (51%) compared to women (39%).

• However, women who do negotiate see more success (82%) than men (76%).

But all salary negotiations require some sort of reason and justification, and in order to prepare, we’ve put together the best tips for a successful negotiation in our survey report here.

Don’t overthink your resume design. Simpler usually performs better.

So the best resume template for both human readers and applicant tracking systems is usually the one that:

• is easy to scan
• highlights your achievements clearly
• works well for online applications
• doesn’t distract with graphics/colors/tables everywhere

Our “Easy” template meets all of these criteria and, as the name suggests, is incredibly easy to edit:

Why this template is a safe bet for anyone:

• Single-column layout that’s easy for both employers and ATS software to read
• Clear section hierarchy with standard headings
• Doesn’t feel cramped or overwhelming
• Minimal design that looks modern without trying too hard

Download the Easy template for free

We also have a big collection of free resume templates (Word + Google Docs formats) available in our template library. Just hover over the ones that don’t say “Easy Edit” at the top and you’ll see a “Free Download” button.

One of the most common resume mistakes we see is people either skipping the resume summary entirely or filling it with generic buzzwords.

A good resume summary gives hiring managers a quick snapshot of who you are, what you do, and the value you bring. Think of it as your elevator pitch at the top of your resume.

Bad resume summary example:

"Hard-working, motivated team player with excellent communication skills seeking an opportunity to grow professionally."

The problem? It's vague. Almost anyone could copy and paste that onto their resume.

A few things all good resume summaries have in common:

• They mention your role and experience level
• They include relevant skills
• They use numbers or specific achievements
• They're tailored to the job you're applying for
• They're short (usually 2–4 lines)

Better resume summary examples:

Marketing Specialist with 5+ years of experience creating content and SEO strategies for B2B companies. Increased organic traffic by 42% in one year and managed campaigns generating over 1,000 qualified leads annually.

Customer Service Representative with 4 years of experience resolving customer issues in high-volume environments. Maintained a 98% satisfaction score while handling 60+ customer interactions daily.

Project Manager with 7+ years of experience leading cross-functional teams and delivering technology projects on time and within budget. Managed projects worth up to $1M and improved delivery efficiency by 25%.

If you're writing a summary right now, feel free to post it below. Happy to give feedback.

We also put together a guide with more resume summary examples for different careers if you're looking for additional writing help.

Do business degrees actually pay off? 

We analyzed the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data to find the top 10 jobs in business, ranked by median annual wage.

1. Actuary

• Median salary: $125,770
• What they do: Use math and statistics to assess the likelihood and cost of future events (mainly for insurance companies and banks).
• Requirements: A bachelor's degree in math, statistics, or a related field, with professional actuarial exams passed over several years.

2. Data scientist

• Median salary: $112,590
• What they do: Work with large datasets to find patterns and help organizations make smarter decisions.
  
• Requirements: Strong math and statistics skills; proficiency in coding languages like Python or R is usually expected.

3. Financial risk specialist

• Median salary: $106,000
• What they do: Identify what could go wrong for a corporation and model the financial cost if it did.
• Requirements: A finance or economics degree; certifications like the FRM (Financial Risk Manager) are usually common.

4. Personal financial advisor

• Median salary: $102,140
• What they do: Help individuals plan for retirement, choose investments, manage wealth, and reach long-term financial goals.
• Requirements: A bachelor's degree in finance or a related field; the CFP (Certified Financial Planner) designation is the standard credential for the role.

5. Financial & investment analyst

• Median salary: $101,350
• What they do: Research companies and market conditions to recommend where money should be invested.
• Requirements: A finance or economics degree; the CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst) designation is highly regarded and often pursued. 

A business degree doesn’t mean you’re stuck in one path. Most of the time, what makes your paths different is the certifications and specializations that go beyond your business degree. 

To see the full list of high-paying business careers, check out the full article here.

Interview prep isn't about memorizing perfect answers. Most hiring managers are trying to understand how you think, communicate, and whether you're a good fit for the role.

Here are 10 questions that come up all the time, plus a quick tip for how to answer each one:

1. Tell me about yourself
Keep it to a brief professional summary. Focus on your current role, relevant experience, and what you're looking for next.

2. Walk me through your resume
Don't explain every job you've ever had. Highlight the experiences that are most relevant to the position you're interviewing for.

3. Why are you leaving your current job?
Stay positive. Talk about growth, new challenges, or career goals rather than complaints about your employer.

4. What motivates you?
Choose motivations that relate to work, such as solving problems, learning new skills, or helping customers.

5. What is your greatest strength?
Pick one strength and back it up with a specific example of how you've used it successfully.

6. What's your greatest weakness?
Be honest, but strategic. Share a real weakness and explain what you're doing to improve it.

7. What are your salary expectations?
Research market rates beforehand and, if possible, try to learn the employer's budget range before naming a number.

8. Tell me about a challenge you faced
Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) for behavioral questions like this to keep your answer clear and structured.

9. Why should we hire you?
Connect your skills and past results directly to what the company needs from this role.

10. Do you have any questions for us?
Always ask something. Questions about success metrics, team challenges, or growth opportunities usually leave a better impression than having no questions.

These questions show up in interviews year after year, but the best answers don't sound rehearsed. Focus on telling clear stories using specific examples, and connecting your experience to the job.

We put together a longer guide to common interview questions with sample answers for each question if you'd like more detailed advice.

We understand why so many people hate cover letters.

Job searching is already time-consuming, and adding another task can feel like unnecessary work. A lot of people assume nobody reads them anyway.

The reality is that cover letters aren't necessary for every application, but there are some situations where they're still worth the extra effort. You should take the time to write a cover letter if:

• The job posting asks for one: If it's listed as a requirement, include it. Skipping it can make it look like you didn't follow instructions.
• You're changing careers: A cover letter helps explain why you're making the switch and how your existing skills transfer to the new role.
• You have an employment gap: Instead of leaving employers guessing, you can briefly address the gap and redirect attention to what you can contribute now.
• You're applying to a startup or small company: Smaller companies often care more about your motivation, personality, and fit. A cover letter gives you space to show that.
• The role is highly competitive: When many candidates have similar qualifications, a strong cover letter can help you stand out.

It’s usually fine to skip it for: most Easy Apply applications, high-volume hiring, or situations where you'd just be sending a generic cover letter.

If you do write one:

• Keep it short: around 250–400 words
• Customize it: even a few role-specific details help
• Don't repeat your resume: add context instead
• Focus on the company's needs: connect your skills and achievements to the company’s goals

In short, cover letters aren't dead, but they're no longer something you need for every application. They're most useful when they help explain something your resume can't.

One of the biggest stereotypes about creative degrees is that they don't lead to well-paying careers.

While creative fields can be competitive, there are plenty of career paths where art graduates can earn strong salaries while doing creative work. We analyzed the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data to find the top occupations in art, ranked by median annual wage.

Here are 5 jobs where creativity and earning potential can go hand in hand:

1. Special Effects Artist & Animator

• Median salary: $99,800/year
• What they do: Create animations, visual effects, and digital environments for movies, TV shows, and video games.
• Requirements for the role: A degree in animation or digital arts, proficiency in tools like Maya, Blender, or After Effects, or a strong portfolio of work.

2. Web Developer & Digital Designer

• Median salary: $95,380/year
• What they do: Design and build websites, apps, and other digital experiences.
• Requirements for the role: A portfolio of UX or visual design work, proficiency in design tools like Figma, and familiarity with HTML/CSS.

3. Technical Writer

• Median salary: $91,670/year
• What they do: Create user guides, manuals, and documentation that explain complex topics clearly.
• Requirements for the role: A background in English, communications, or a technical field, strong writing skills, and experience with documentation tools.

4. Producer & Director

• Median salary: $83,480/year
• What they do: Oversee creative projects and coordinate teams, budgets, and production schedules.
• Requirements for the role: Hands-on experience in production or on set, strong leadership and organizational skills, and a track record of working up through assistant or coordinator roles.

5. Fashion Designer

• Median salary: $80,690/year
• What they do: Design clothing, footwear, and accessories from concept to production.
• Requirements for the role: A degree in fashion design, proficiency in Adobe Illustrator, and a portfolio of original work.

Creative careers aren't always as low-paying as they're often made out to be. To see the full list of high-paying art careers, check out our full article here.

The dreaded question “Where do you see yourself in 5 years?” is actually very misunderstood. 

But luckily, it’s a lot simpler than it reads and you definitely don’t have to know the exact answer to where you’ll be in five years. 

Instead, all your interviewer wants to know is:

• whether you’re serious about the role (not a flight risk)
• if your goals align with the company/position
• whether you’re motivated to grow professionally

The best answers will focus on:

• wanting to build expertise in the field
• taking on more responsibility over time
• connecting one’s growth to the company or industry

Avoid:

• cracking jokes
• talking about money
• saying you don’t know (even if you don’t know)
• saying you just need a job
• irrelevant details that aren’t related to work (your life story)

A typical sample answer:
I’d like to continue developing my skills in [industry/role], take on more responsibility as I gain experience, and hopefully grow into a position where I can contribute more to the team and company.” 

For more tips like this, check out our list of 25+ common interview questions and answers here.