Job Preparation
Get yourself noticed through creating a professional set of job application materials including a CV or resume and cover letter, prepare for a standard or case interview, learn how to network, or add marketable skills by using the resources below.
Create an Application that Stands Out
CV Writing
The CV (or resume) is a document that summarizes your education, experience, and skills in a concise manner for an employer. CVs can be formatted in a variety of ways but must be easy to read, consistent, and free of errors.
- Resume Templates
- Action Verbs
- Resume Worded templates– offering ATS friendly resumes
- Sample Resumes
- Prospects CV Guide has a number of example CVs for different scenarios along with guidance about Video and Creative CVs
- CoolFree CVs for creative industries
- Cultivated Culture Resume Design Templates, NovoResume
- Assess your resume before submitting using ResumeWorded
Writing Samples
A writing sample is a supplemental document for a job application often requested for jobs that include a significant amount of writing, like those in journalism, marketing, public relations and research.
A writing sample can be Written assignments, Research & narrative papers from a job or class, Blog posts, Press releases, Articles.
Writing Samples Guidelines
Guide to Submitting Writing Samples
Cover Letters
Cover letters describe how your experience, qualifications and competencies match the job for which you are applying, and distinguish you from other job seekers by highlighting what makes you the best match for the position. They are brief (3-4 paragraphs), targeted to the position, and focus on the most relevant parts of your background.
Employers use cover letters to determine your level of interest, writing ability, and suitability for the position. A well-written cover letter can help get you to the interview stage. A poorly written cover letter can severely damage your chances, even if you are highly qualified.
- Guidelines and Checklist for Cover Letter Writing
- Prospects Cover Letter Guide
- Sample Cover Letter
- Sample Cover Letter with Guidelines
- Download sample cover letter with guidelines
Interview Preparation
General Interview Preparation
A job interview is usually the final step in the application process and determines whether or not you will be hired. It is essential that you prepare and practice in advance! For example:
- Prepare answers to typical interview questions and rehearse your answers with the career counselor, colleagues, or friends
- Be prepared to discuss your skills and to provide specific, real-life examples of how these have been demonstrated.
- Dress professionally, arrive 10 minutes early, and turn your phone off
- Be positive; avoid making any negative statements during the entire interview
- After the interview: 1- Ask each interviewee for their business card; 2-Send a thank you note to the interviewers via email 48 hours after the interview thanking them for their time, expressing how excited you are about the opportunity, and expanding on anything you forgot to say during the interview.
Case Interview Preparation
Virtual Consulting Experience helps you prepare for case interviews, and understand what a career in consulting may look like.
Networking
Networking is the process of developing personal and professional contacts in order to give and receive information, advice, referrals, and support. Career Services hosts events to facilitate networking with local employers and alumni.
Adding Skills to Your CV
Linkedin Learning
Take advantage of a diverse learning platform to impress employers wth self-taught skills. Lynda.com is now upgraded to LinkedIn Learning and it is still free for all students at GU-Qatar.
Get Your Student Virtual Work Tour
Bite-sized 5-6 hour virtual work experience programs that give students a genuine career advantage. Forage virtual work experiences are always free for students.