Making yourself approachable in the workplace can help a lot. Try not to be closed off or your co-workers might be hesitant to interact with you. If you work in an office, try to have an open-door policy to let your team know that you’re available to talk. To improve communication at work, try to keep your conversations positive. Certain topics— like politics—can lead to heated, uncomfortable exchanges. Do not engage in gossip, especially about your co-workers—or anyone for that matter. It comes across as negative and can also discourage people from wanting to communicate with you about work topics. Try to approach your co-workers in a positive way, even if you aren’t having the best day. Try not to play the blame game. In a team environment, there will be times when some people will fail to live up to their responsibilities. It’s best not to make an issue of it or throw them under the bus. Be respectful. One of the best ways to get along with your co-workers is to treat them how you want to be treated. Being respectful also means showing respect for others’ opinions, even if you don’t agree with them.

Going back to school can be a big commitment, both in terms of time and cost. Luckily, there are some great ways to advance in your career without getting a degree. The first thing you can do is network with people in your industry and try to make connections that can lead to new career opportunities. Another option is to take advantage of professional development opportunities at your current job. Attend workshops, conferences, and seminars that are related to your field that will expand your knowledge and job skills. Another great way to advance in your career without going back to school is to take on new projects or assignments at your current job that will allow you to gain more experience and showcase your abilities. Don't forget, you can always expand your knowledge and gain new job skills by learning on your own through online courses and industry-related podcasts, and other sites. The important thing is to be proactive and stay on the lookout for job openings and promotions within your organization. With hard work and determination, you can advance in your career without a degree!

Researching a company can be like researching a new city. It’s going to have its own unique history, culture, and ups and downs. And you’ll probably be shocked to learn how much you can find out by doing some simple research. With so many criteria, what are the most important? There are certain things you need to look for when you’re researching a company. Does the company have the free-flowing feel of a startup, or does it have a more rigid corporate structure? Are employees treated with respect, or viewed as just numbers? Understanding the company culture and what will be expected of you is critical to your assessment of the company. Does the company have a great track record? Knowing the company’s history is important. Was the company connected to scandals or bankruptcy? You want to make sure that any problems the company had in the past are not in play today. Who will you be working with? Is there a certain team or individual at the company that you can relate to? It’s important, the people you work with can significantly impact your job satisfaction and overall well-being!

Even when you enjoy your job, burnout can occur due to stressful situations at the workplace. It can also happen when you have an excessive workload or too many extra work hours. Ironically, passionate employees who are deeply invested in their jobs are at a higher risk of burnout. Luckily, there are some things you can do to help you avoid burning out at work. Get some rest. Try to get at least 6 hours of sleep every night. Sleep plays a crucial role in managing stressful situations, making you better equipped to handle your daily work assignments. Get some exercise. Try to workout 3 to 5 times during the work week. Exercise helps you deal with stress by boosting the release of endorphins, which are natural brain chemicals that improve mood and reduce feelings of stress. Clean up your diet. A clean diet can be an effective tool to fight stress, it provides the extra energy you need to cope with stressful events. It can also regulate blood sugar levels and provide essential nutrients for managing stressful situations. Make time for your interests. Make time during the week for activities that you enjoy and help you recharge and relax. Keep in mind that while your job is important, it shouldn’t consume your entire life. Strive for a healthy balance between work and your other interests!

Deciding whether to move to a new city for a job opportunity can be an important decision, and a pivotal moment in your career, especially if the new job offers significant advancements. However, this decision comes with many questions you should ask yourself before taking the big leap. One of the questions you should ask yourself is: Am I comfortable being away from friends and family, and the city I’m familiar with? You need to ask yourself if you’re ready for the emotional side of a big move. Another question is: Can I afford the city I’m relocating to? You’re going to need new housing and possibly transporting many of your belongings to another state. The costs can increase quickly, you need to ask yourself if the move is in your budget? Another important question you should ask yourself is: Are you moving to a city with a healthy job market? It’s great to be positive but you must also consider the different outcomes of relocating. What if the new job isn’t a great fit? Will you be able to quickly find a new job? These are important questions you must ask yourself. Many people have received career advancements and increased opportunities by being willing to relocate, you just want to make sure you’ve done your research before making the leap!

When pursuing a new job, sometimes it’s easy to get caught up in the perks of the job instead of focusing on other important factors. One of the most important things to consider before accepting a new job is the level of happiness you’ll achieve from doing your job. It’s important that you enjoy your work. It doesn’t mean there won’t be highs and lows but it’s best to pursue a career that you’re passionate about. It’s best to choose a career that motivates you. The more you enjoy your work the happier you’ll be, and the better you’ll be at your job. Many job seekers prioritize things like job titles and benefits but remember, you can’t put a price tag on your happiness. If you take a job for perks but you dread your job every day, it won’t last anyway. Do your homework and due diligence before changing careers or accepting a new job, especially if you’re relocating. Take the time to find a career that you enjoy, it will be worth it at the end of the day!

When writing a resume with limited or no former work experience you must emphasize other aspects of your life that bring attention to your skills and abilities. It’s a good idea to start with a strong objective statement that emphasizes your career ambitions. If possible, add reasons why you're interested in working for a specific company. Do your research on the company to show your genuine interest and knowledge, that alone can help you stand out from other applicants. Include a section for your education. Prominently display your educational background, including any degrees, relevant coursework and any honors or awards you received. Include a section for your skills. List both hard and soft skills that align with the job requirements of the role you’re seeking. Be sure to include any relevant experience you do have, especially things that a potential employer can consider important. You can include volunteer work, part-time jobs, even extracurricular activities. It’s a great way to show that you’ve had hands-on experience, it also shows the employer your interests. Finally, make sure confidence comes through in your resume, every employer wants to know that you’re confident in your skills and abilities!

Although most U.S. employers are more likely to choose job applicants with bachelor’s degrees, workers with associate degrees are still an important part of the workforce. According to data from just a few years ago the median annual salary for employees with associate degrees was about $15,000 less than employees with a bachelor's degree but still higher than workers with some college and no degree and was significantly higher than workers with only a high school diploma. However, it’s estimated that almost 30% of workers with an associate degree earn more than half of workers with a bachelor's degree. Even though associate degrees have some disadvantages when compared to bachelor's degrees they have some great advantages and benefits as well. Associate degrees can be completed in two years compared to a four-year bachelor's degree. This allows associate degree earners to begin their careers much faster. An associate degree can lead to a job that pays more than $62,000 annually—and a few over $90,000. An associate degree isn’t a bachelor's degree but it’s a legitimate degree that is recognized by colleges and universities. It opens doors. It tells a potential employer that you can complete something, and that your career is important to you!

You’re near the end of your interview and you feel it’s going great, then the interviewer asks, “do you have any questions for me?” To increase your chances of landing the job you should always say yes! Having some questions prepared to ask the interviewer at the end of your interview makes you look enthusiastic about the job; it also makes you look engaged—all great qualities an employer will be looking for. It also gives you a final chance to highlight your skillset and experience. Try to come up with at least two or three thought-provoking questions to ask the interviewer. That way, you’ll have several opportunities to show your enthusiasm for the job and convince the interviewer that you’re the right person for the role. Here are some great questions to ask during your interview: What would a typical workday be like for someone in this role? This question enables you to learn more about the daily workflow. It also gives insight into what skills and experience are needed for the job. The interviewer’s response will help you decide if the role is the right fit for you. Can you tell me about the team I will be working with? This can help you learn more about how your job will be structured and who you’ll report to. This can also give you an idea of the work culture at the company and what would be expected of you. This is another great question to find out if the role is right for you. Are there opportunities for training and advancement in this role? This question demonstrates to the interviewer that you’re serious about your career and that you’re thinking long-term. It also shows that you’re serious about a future with the organization!