Learn the exact reasons why you might not be getting job offers. Plus, explore signs that you didn’t get the job, how to follow up, and tips to improve your job search strategy to land a role that helps you thrive. 

There are multiple answers to the question “Why am I not getting hired?” It may be due to a lack of skills or experience, a resume that hasn’t been tailored to the role, a history of frequent job hopping, or simply not following up after the interview. Often, however, there are multiple factors at play. 

From polishing your resume to updating your skills to going through multiple interviews, the application process can be complex. As such, trying to get hired in this historically tough job market can be anxiety-provoking. Wondering why you didn’t land the role after multiple interviews—especially if those interviews went well—only adds to the pressure. 

Developing a sense of curiosity, however, about why you’re not getting job offers can help improve your job search strategies and, in turn, your odds of being hired. 

9 Reasons You’re Not Getting Hired 

Given how many things there are to consider when looking for a job, it’s understandable if you forget a key step or two. Maybe you didn’t tailor your resume to the position, didn’t ask for feedback or didn’t follow up. 

Yet, it’s a competitive job market, meaning each step is vital. AI is displacing certain jobs and companies are cutting costs. While factors like these may be beyond our control, there are steps that can help you move forward in the job-seeking process. 

Let’s look at some common reasons for not getting hired and cover tips for navigating these common issues. 

1. You Didn’t Tailor Your Resume to the Position 

Recruiters want to see applicants who have the skills mentioned in the job listing. As such, it’s important to tailor your resume to the role’s requirements. The only way to do that is to carefully read the job description—from top to bottom—ensuring you understand which of your skill set should be included or expanded upon in your application. 

When considering how to construct a resume, it’s all about adding those keyword skills from the job description throughout your resume. Not doing this may be a significant factor in why you’re not getting hired. 

2. Lack of Relevant Experience or Skills 

Not getting hired may come down to your current skill set or experience. Lacking the specific traits listed in the description itself may be why you didn’t get the job. 

So, what’s the fix? Consider your ideal role—and ask yourself whether your current skills and experience truly match. If they don’t, it can be helpful to explore taking online courses. Could volunteer work help you gain some of the necessary experience to show you can do the job? Do you need to take a refresher course to show your skills are current and relevant? Consider the various ways you can gain or update your skill sets and experience; acting on this can help ensure you’re a stronger candidate for the next role you apply for.  

3. You Didn’t Follow Up or Ask for Feedback 

Are you wondering why you didn’t get the job after a great interview? Some interviewers frown on applicants who don’t send a thank-you note within 24 hours of the interview. You may also be able to ask for feedback during the interviewing process, especially if there will be multiple interviews. 

If you’re interviewing for a job with multiple interview stages, Harvard Business Review recommends that you write a thank-you email after every stage. These are important to send to those you interviewed with, but also, the recruiter. Reaching out to the recruiter can also help open up opportunities for future roles and interviews. 

4. Too Much Job Hopping 

How long do you typically stay with one company? If it’s around a year, you’re not alone—especially if you’re a Millennial or Gen Zer. However, it’s important to remember that some employers view the practice of job hopping with suspicion. 

While changing careers or roles frequently isn’t viewed as negatively as it once was, it can still potentially be a red flag. Job hopping can be costly to companies, as they will need to find and train a new employee. As a result, some recruiters will avoid hiring job-hoppers unless they find information that could offset their cost and risk. 

It’s important to show a hiring manager your potential value to the business. Demonstrate what you will bring to the company, and how it will outweigh the cost you’ll generate. You can do that by adding quantifiable accomplishments to your resume, such as generating $5,000 in cost savings after negotiating a new contract with vendors, or increasing sales by 15 percent after implementing automated email campaigns. 

5. You’re Overqualified for the Position  

Let’s say you applied for a lower-ranking position to have a better work-life balance. You might not have gotten the job because your resume confused the recruiters. Why would you apply for a job that’s at a lower level than your current career path?

It’s best to anticipate such confusion. Tell the hiring manager that you know what you’re applying for and you have your reasons. You can do that in a well-written resume summary and cover letter.

That’s not to say you shouldn’t work as a barista after graduation. But consider taking on extra work that’s in line with your career path—even if it’s unpaid. This can include internships or volunteer, nonprofit, and freelance roles. Put that experience at the top of your resume to show that you’ve developed your primary skill set despite any setbacks.

6. You’re Unemployed or Have Gaps in Your Resume 

Another reason people may be bypassed for interviews or job offers is because of a lack of current employment or gaps in work history. These can sometimes be a red flag to recruiters or hiring managers. 

So what can you do? Consider leveraging contacts and connections. Give your resume to someone who knows that you’re worth it. Start by building a LinkedIn profile and leveraging your network to look for open positions and referrals. Around 40 percent of all hires come from job referrals, even though they make up only 7 percent of applications. If someone vouches for you from the inside, you’re much more likely to land the job.

If you don’t have an inside connection, consider contacting a hiring manager without a referral. Send a message via LinkedIn that offers something of value and provides a convincing reason to connect. Once you’ve made positive contact, you can send your resume directly to the hiring manager along with a personalized email.

You can also be prepared to be honest and transparent about the reasons for your unemployment, without going into unnecessary detail. Use the opportunity to talk about transferable skills you learned, such as adaptability or resilience.  

7. Timing  Can Play a Role

Although it can vary by industry and other factors, timing can play a role in why you didn’t get hired. According to recent Bureau of Labor Statistics data, January and February tend to be the months with the most job opportunities. However, keep in mind that there are a multitude of aspects that can impact the timing. Though the timing can be due to factors beyond your control, applying soon after you identify a job posting that fits your skills can be a smart step.  

8. AI Could Be Impacting Your Job Search

One possible answer to the question, “Why can’t I get hired?” could be AI. The impacts of AI on recruiting and hiring are widespread. AI displacement is playing a major role in people not getting hired. Along with fewer entry-level positions being available, jobs in certain industries and specific types of jobs are also dwindling. Fortune highlights the fact that tech jobs have been halved, leaving many new grads in this sector with fewer job opportunities. Many Fortune 500 companies are using AI in their screening process, impacting whether your resume and application even make it to the eyes of the hiring manager. 

To combat this, ensure your resume is AI-friendly. Learn new skills that cannot be replaced by AI, such as areas that require creativity and critical thinking. Build a personal brand and develop skills that can help set you apart from the competition. 

9. Disconnects Between Job Seekers and Employers Can Impact Hiring 

In today’s competitive and fast-paced job climate, there may be disconnects between employees and potential job seekers that make it harder for people to get hired. For example, unclear job descriptions could lead to applicants who aren’t quite the right fit. Employers are also raising the bar, requiring more experience and more skills, even where job seekers may not realize it, such as for entry-level roles.

To combat this, research roles and companies carefully to make sure you’re clear on roles and expectations when you apply. Build your skill set so you have a valuable mix of hard and soft skills to offer employers. Consider leveraging your network to gain insight into what the company is looking for, if possible. 

Signs You Didn’t Get the Job & What to Do Next 

While you shouldn’t jump to conclusions, there are certain signs that you may not be hired for a job you interviewed for. Here are some examples. 

• You don’t hear back for an extended period: If you don’t hear back from the company or interviewer within a couple of weeks, there is a strong chance you didn’t get the job. In some cases, the interviewer will tell you the date by which you should hear back. If you don’t hear from them by then, you probably won’t get hired. 
• The interview was unexpectedly short: If the interview seemed much shorter than you expected it to be, that could be a sign that another candidate is going to be chosen. 
• The interviewer didn’t seem interested:  Did the interviewer seem bored by your resume or what you had to say? This is often an indication that you’re unlikely to join the team. 

When you realize you didn’t get the job, it’s important to make a positive decision to move forward with the job search. Put your disappointment to one side and regain your sense of optimism in looking for other opportunities. 

How to Ask “Why I Didn’t Get the Job?” After an Interview

If you want to know why you didn’t get the job, here are some ways to ask while maintaining a professional and tactful tone.

• Wait for the right time: Did the interviewer mention when you would hear back after the interview? If so, you should wait until after that date before you contact them. Generally speaking, after you send your thank-you note (within 24 hours of the interview), you should wait about two weeks before you follow up. 
• Be professional: Maintain a friendly and professional tone when asking why you didn’t get the job. Being courteous and professional can go a long way, whether it’s through email, phone calls, or some other form of communication. 
• Ask for constructive feedback: Frame the question as a request for feedback, so that you can improve and have a better chance at future opportunities. 

How to Improve Your Job Search Strategy 

To improve your job search strategy and potential chances of getting hired, there are a few things you can do: 

• Apply for jobs that are the best fit for your skill set. 
• Make sure to tailor your resume and cover letter to the role. Your resume should be scannable, as well as  ATS and AI-friendly. 
• Don’t just use job boards. Try networking, leveraging connections, attending job fairs, or reaching out to companies directly. 
• Continue to grow current skills and develop new ones, especially those that can’t be replaced by AI. 
• Showcase your skills and talents by building a strong digital presence. Build your personal brand and consider joining professional networks or associations for visibility and connections.  

Moving Forward and Persevering in a Tough Job Market 

“Why am I not getting hired?” is a common question, especially in this historically challenging job market. Many factors play a part in your job search. But no matter when you find yourself navigating the job market, keep growing and keep moving forward. Adaptability, flexibility, and continuous improvement can help set yourself up for success in finding the right job. 

Photo from Golden Dayz/Shutterstock.com

In today’s rapidly evolving job market, employability skills are key stepping stones to building and sustaining a successful career. They play a critical role in improving your workplace performance, in addition to helping future-proof your career. Often referred to as soft skills, work-readiness skills or enterprise skills, they combine problem-solving, adaptability, interpersonal communication, teamwork and other transferable abilities that can help you thrive in any work environment.

As the global job market undergoes a rapid transformation driven by digital innovation, hybrid or remote work culture and artificial intelligence, employability skills are becoming even more valuable. In the coming years, thriving in your career will also demand portable skills such as digital literacy, remote collaboration, adaptability and AI proficiency. 

The job market and competition are evolving. This post highlights some of the top employability skills job seekers and professionals can develop to stay competitive and future-ready. 

What Are Employability Skills?

Employability skills are core skills most people need to succeed in their career, whether working independently or as part of a team. They include qualities such as effective communication, adaptability, leadership, critical thinking, collaboration, emotional intelligence, and self-motivation. These qualities are a blend of highly desirable and transferable skills that allow individuals to adapt to change and collaborate with others. 

Unlike technical skills, which are specific to a particular task, job role or sector, employability skills are transferable, remaining relevant regardless of the profession or industry. In today’s fast-evolving job market, these skills demonstrate resilience and flexibility. 

Moreover, employability skills are critical in the hiring process. As key differentiators, they can help recruiters shortlist well-rounded candidates who have the potential to become long-term assets to the company. 

When it comes to career advancement, technical skills might help you land your dream job. However, you will also need strong employability skills to thrive and progress in that role. Whether it’s tech, healthcare, education, or any other industry, core skills can help you get ahead. For instance, professionals who can communicate effectively and contribute to a sense of teamwork are more likely to attain leadership roles, promotions, and cross-functional opportunities. 

Related: Remote Leadership Skills Needed to Successfully Manage Distributed Teams

Why Are Employability Skills Important for the Future?

The future of work is being reshaped by rapid technological advancements, AI integration, automation, and the rise of hybrid and remote work culture. As such, employability skills are critical for staying future-ready and achieving long-term career success. 

In this rapidly evolving landscape, companies and hiring managers are shifting to prioritize candidates with strong employability skills over hard skills or technical expertise. Soft skills help individuals communicate effectively, learn new technologies, and thrive in a fast-paced work environment—and these abilities can help ensure long-term success. 

Beyond the hiring process, employability skills keep professionals relevant and prepared for new roles or challenges. They offer the mindset and flexibility to adapt to and succeed in a constantly changing workplace. 

Overall, employability skills are essential not just for gaining a competitive edge in the hiring process but also for adapting to evolving work models and staying relevant in the future workforce.

The Top 10 Skills Employers Will Look For in 2026

The job market changes quickly and demands employable skills that combine human, future-focused and timeless characteristics. Here are 10 must-have skills employers look for in 2026: 

1. Emotional Intelligence

Emotional Intelligence (EQ) enables understanding and managing emotions. Employers value EQ for teamwork, conflict resolution, adaptability, and inclusive leadership.

2. AI Literacy

AI is rapidly reshaping industries. Knowing how to use AI tools or technologies and understanding their limits is a top skill for tech-driven roles or a future shaped by AI. 

3. Data Storytelling

The ability to turn data into captivating storytelling is a highly sought-after quality. Employers look for professionals who can analyze intricate data and effectively communicate their insights. This skill can also lead to improved communication, better decision-making, and increased engagement.

4. Problem-Solving

Creative and efficient problem-solving remains vital across industries, from finance to healthcare. This timeless skill involves analyzing issues, generating solutions, and effectively implementing them.

5. Adaptability

Adaptable workers embrace change and resilience, thriving in dynamic workplaces. Employers reward workers who embrace new technologies and work efficiently in uncertain situations.

6. Effective Communication

Clear communication encourages collaboration and conveys ideas effectively to diverse audiences. All forms, whether written, verbal or visual, are important. Employers look for individuals who can articulate ideas, actively listen and tailor effective messages. This helps to meet the needs of clients or end-users.

7. Digital Collaboration

With the rise of hybrid and remote work models, proficiency with digital tools is also important. Platforms such as  Slack ensure seamless virtual teamwork across different time zones. Employers prefer candidates with strong digital collaboration skills; these traits help promote efficiency and innovation in modern, tech-driven workplaces. 

8. Critical Thinking 

Critical thinkers evaluate information carefully and make sound decisions. Employers value professionals with this timeless skill. It often shows that an individual can address complex situations and contribute to improved organizational efficiency and performance. 

9. Sustainability Mindset

A focus on sustainability aligns with corporate responsibility. Employers may prioritize those who can introduce eco-friendly practices into everyday operations. Ultimately, this can lead to a responsible, sustainable future for the company and the world. 

10. Creativity and Innovation

Creativity sparks innovation, from product design to problem-solving. Employers seek fresh thinkers who can generate new ideas and drive growth. These skills blend human connection, tech fluency and timeless competencies, ensuring success in today’s job market.

Related: How AI in the Metaverse Is Changing the World

How to Build Strong Employability Skills

Employability skills are in high demand among organizations and hiring managers in today’s fast-changing job market. Whether you’re just entering the industry or a professional looking for opportunities to advance in your career, having a set of key employability skills can help you achieve your goals.

While some employability skills come naturally through experience, there are a few you may develop or refine over time with the right strategies. Here are some tips you may follow to build or strengthen your employability skills:

1. Join Online Courses

Regardless of your experience or industry, online courses can be helpful. They offer a flexible way to build and polish high-demand employability skills. Several online platforms, including LinkedIn Learning, Skillshare, and Coursera are available. They can develop essential skills like communication, problem-solving, digital literacy, and leadership. 

These courses can also help you stay updated with emerging workplace or industry trends, enabling you to thrive in every role and sector. You may also explore JimRohn.com for timeless personal development insights and tools for long-term success.

2. Seek Out Mentorship

Seeking mentorship is an effective way for personal and professional growth. A good mentor can help you build confidence, improve communication and enhance interpersonal skills. They can also help you develop strategic thinking by offering regular feedback and encouragement. People often find their mentors in the workplace or within professional networks.

Volunteering is one of the best ways to develop organizational, teamwork and leadership skills. No matter the type or size of event, volunteering offers real-world, hands-on opportunities to learn and enhance your abilities. 

4. Learn from Real-World Experiences

Whether through an internship, a full-time role or freelancing, real-world experience is vital. It can play a key role in refining your employability skills such as communication, collaboration with the team, taking initiative in completing tasks and managing time and responsibilities. Regardless of the work or industry, your hands-on experience teaches you how to implement those skills practically in real-world situations. 

Stay Ahead With Future-Proof Skills

There’s no doubt that employability skills are crucial to standing out, getting hired and staying relevant. They can also help future-proof your career as industries, tools, technologies, marketing trends and job roles continue to evolve. 

Keep developing or polishing key skills such as adaptability, emotional intelligence, problem-solving, AI literacy, and creativity. Continuing to hone your soft skills will allow you to navigate new challenges, explore emerging career paths and move your career or business forward. 

Photo from TippaPatt/Shutterstock.com

In a world that prizes both personal fulfillment and professional achievement, many people find themselves searching for support that bridges the gap between mental wellness and personal development. That’s where personal growth therapy comes in. It’s a specialized form of therapy focused on helping individuals identify their goals, overcome inner obstacles and thrive in all areas of life.

Whether you’re navigating a career transition, seeking deeper emotional intelligence or striving for a more meaningful existence, personal growth counseling can offer the clarity and support you need.

What is Personal Growth Counseling?

Personal growth counseling is a therapeutic approach aimed at helping individuals unlock their potential through guided self-discovery, emotional healing and intentional goal setting. Unlike traditional therapy, which may focus on treating clinical issues such as depression or anxiety, personal growth counseling emphasizes self-improvement and purpose-driven change.

This form of counseling supports individuals who want to:

• Improve their self-awareness

• Strengthen their emotional intelligence

• Overcome limiting beliefs or behavioral patterns

• Clarify and pursue personal or professional goals

While traditional therapy may explore past trauma, personal growth counseling often blends therapeutic techniques with coaching principles to foster present and future growth.

Benefits of Personal Growth Counseling

Whether you’re seeking transformation in your relationships, mindset or career, personal growth counseling can be a powerful tool. Here are some of the top benefits.

1. Enhanced Self-Confidence

Counseling can help you recognize your strengths, reframe negative thinking and develop a deeper sense of self-worth. These are all key traits for thriving in both personal and professional settings.

2. Improved Emotional Regulation

By learning to manage emotions like stress and anger, you can respond more constructively to challenges and communicate more effectively.

3. Greater Leadership Skills

Through self-reflection and skill-building, counseling can strengthen your leadership capabilities such as decisive decision-making, empathy and influence.

4. Clearer Purpose and Direction

Many people enter counseling feeling as though they are “stuck.” A counselor can help you clarify your values, define goals and map out a plan to get you there.

5. Better Relationships

As you become more self-aware and emotionally grounded, your relationships with everyone around you—partners, friends and colleagues—often improve.

6. Greater Resilience

Develop tools to bounce back from setbacks with a growth mindset and optimism. Learning how to improve your resilience will help you approach things more positively, and will likely boost outcomes.

7. Stress Reduction

Counseling can teach relaxation and mindfulness techniques that improve your ability to cope with life’s pressures.

8. Improved Work-Life Balance

Learning to set boundaries and prioritize your well-being without sacrificing productivity is critical. It helps you balance tasks, obligations and stressors more smoothly when everything gets the right amount of attention.

A Therapeutic Approach to Growth in Personal and Professional Life

Personal growth counseling often integrates proven psychological methods to create meaningful progress. Some of the most common approaches include:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Helps identify and challenge negative thought patterns
• Solution-Focused Therapy: Emphasizes finding practical solutions and building on strengths
• Motivational Interviewing: Encourages internal motivation for change by exploring ambivalence
• Mindfulness-Based Practices: Promotes present-moment awareness and emotional clarity
• Goal-Setting Frameworks: Such as SMART goals or GROW models, which break down aspirations into achievable actions

These approaches can support sustainable change personally and professionally by examining one’s thoughts and feelings and combining this inward reflection with actionable strategies.

What to Expect During Psychological Counseling for Personal Development

Many people are curious about what actually happens during a personal growth counseling session. Here’s what to expect:

Initial Assessment

Similar to standard therapy, your first session typically includes a thorough examination of your current challenges, background, and what you hope to achieve through counseling.

Goal-Oriented Discussions

Subsequent sessions focus on identifying obstacles, setting short- and long-term goals, and determining the best ways to achieve them.

Skill-Building Activities

You may engage in journaling exercises, practicing your communication skills, visualization techniques or through guided meditations.

Progress Tracking

A good counselor will help track your progress over time and adapt the approach as needed to keep you moving forward and on the right path. Consistency is key to ensuring improved growth.

Ongoing Support

Sessions also provide a confidential, judgment-free space to explore emotions and reflect on growth. The whole process should be tailored to you: Your needs, your pace and your aspirations.

How to Find a Personal Growth Counselor

Choosing the right counselor is key to your success. Here are some factors to consider:

• Credentials: Look for licensed therapists or counselors with training in personal development therapy or coaching.
• Specialization: Ensure they have experience helping clients with goals similar to yours, such as career development, self-confidence or emotional growth.
• Therapeutic Style: Some clients prefer a structured, goal-oriented approach, while others seek more open-ended exploration. Figure out what you need and ask how the counselor typically works.
• Comfort and Rapport: A strong therapeutic relationship is critical. You should feel heard, understood and most importantly, respected.
• Practical Considerations: Availability, pricing, location and session format all matter.

Many counselors offer a free first-time consultation to see if they’re a good fit. Take advantage of it. Sometimes, it can take time to find someone you gel well with and who can really help you achieve what you need.

Focus on Your Personal Growth

Personal growth counseling is more than just therapy; it’s a transformative partnership that helps you evolve into the person you’re capable of becoming. Focusing on emotional wellness, mindset shifts and practical strategies gives you the tools you need to overcome inner blocks and pursue meaningful life and career goals that matter to you.

Whether you’re striving to become a better leader, improve your relationships or simply feel more fulfilled in yourself, counseling can be a powerful step forward.

Photo by Ilona Kozhevnikova/Shutterstock

One of the most bittersweet aspects of parenthood is teaching your children to fly from the nest and become independent, but still longing for their daily presence in your life. So, imagine if you got to work at the same company office as your adult child and your relationship continued to blossom in totally unexpected ways.

Father-daughter duo Peter and Nicole Wen get to experience this ideal scenario. In addition to their parent-child relationship, the two are colleagues at AT&T, where Peter Wen is director of technical sales and Nicole Wen is principal project program manager. Peter has worked at the company for over 26 years, and Nicole started working there in 2019. Although they report to different departments at AT&T, the two have “lunch-ins” together to share advice with each other, and Peter says his daughter has helped bring him out of his shell and taught him the importance and value of networking.

Q&A with Peter and Nicole Wen

We spoke with Peter and Nicole Wen about how carpooling to work together and meeting for lunch dates has helped them both evolve personally and professionally.

(This conversation has been edited for clarity and length.)

SUCCESS: What prompted the idea for you to start meeting for “lunch-ins” together during your workday?

Nicole Wen: We started having casual “lunch-ins” early on when I first started at AT&T. At first, it was just to check in to ensure I was getting my footing at the company and share what we were working on, but as they continued it became a meaningful way to connect and learn from each other professionally.

Peter Wen: When Nicole joined the company, I was thrilled—it’s rare to get this kind of overlap with your adult child. We make time to connect whenever our schedules align to talk about work and life. Being able to speak the same “work language” even though we work in different departments on different projects has made us so much closer, and I’ve learned so much from Nicole since she started at AT&T.

S: Nicole, what advice has your dad given you during one of your lunch-ins that has helped or inspired you? 

NW: Professionally, my dad has shown me the importance of staying focused on building your expertise in your career. Our approaches might differ, but we share that same core value. During our lunch-ins and carpool rides together, I’ll often ask, “How would you approach this?” and he gives practical, balanced advice I can apply in my own way.

Personally, I’ve learned from his calm, thoughtful approach. He told me to never say no to an opportunity, big or small. This is something that has stayed with me and I remind myself from time to time when new opportunities arise.

S: Peter, as the parent of an adult child you may not get to see as often, I imagine it’s so special getting to spend your lunches with Nicole. Please share how Nicole has helped bring you out of your shell.

PW: Lunch-ins with Nicole have made us so much closer and it’s been incredible to see all of her success in such a short amount of time at the company. She’s masterful at connecting with people from all backgrounds.

Her personality has always let her branch out easily, and seeing this at work has really inspired me to come out of my shell. When Nicole joined and eventually took a leadership position in our employee group InspirASIAN, she encouraged me to participate more and get involved. I had been a member but never really participated before she joined. I started going to the meetings and engaging with other members— even mentoring some—and this has really shown me the value of connecting with colleagues at work. 

S: Peter, please discuss how Nicole has energized your focus on networking. What networking tips has she taught you that you could share with us?

PW: Nicole’s generation really understands networking in a way mine didn’t. Back when I was building my career, you stayed in your role for many years, kept your head down, and let your work speak for itself. I was so focused on becoming a subject matter expert, and networking was less of a priority then. But Nicole showed me that building relationships is just as important and can even help you hone your craft.

She’s intentional about connecting with people—understanding what they do, finding ways to collaborate and creating space for mutual support. This is something I wish I did more of earlier in my own career.

S: Nicole, what do you think we can learn from your dad’s generation about work and life?

NW: His generation has a lot of valuable advice for those who are just starting their careers. I think my generation should learn to connect with tenured professionals they work with more often to gain this perspective and new insights. They’ve navigated the corporate world and have decades of experience problem-solving different challenges and working with all different kinds of personalities. He’s taught me the value of being thoughtful and intentional, even when everything around you moves quickly.

S: Peter, what do you think we can learn from Nicole’s generation about how they navigate work and life?

PW: They’re incredibly open to change. Nicole has already held several roles in just a few years, and she embraces each one with curiosity and confidence. When I was just starting my career, there was less of a priority placed on networking. Her generation isn’t afraid to speak up, explore new paths or ask for what they need—which is a real strength.

S: Peter and Nicole, what do you each feel is the best thing about getting to work together?

NW: It made joining a large company like AT&T much less intimidating. Just knowing he was a hallway or a call away gave me confidence. And it’s fun—we talk about work, bounce ideas around and even used to carpool karaoke on occasion!

In addition to my day job, I also support our AT&T employee resource group, InspirASIAN, as the vice president for the Dallas–Fort Worth chapter. Prior to me joining the company, my dad wasn’t too involved in any extracurriculars. I joined to make friends outside my organization. I mentioned to my dad how awesome the group is, all the charity work and scholarship fundraising, and encouraged him to join. And now it’s another thing we do together. Our favorite event is the Lunar New Year event, a big celebration with food, music and dragon dancing, and it’s very special to do together.

PW: Watching Nicole thrive in her own career is the best part. I get to see her in action, building relationships, solving problems and growing into a leader. And I get little moments—lunches, quick chats—that I wouldn’t otherwise have now that she’s out of the house. It’s a gift.

Photo from Nicole and Peter Wen