Career resources
Practical guides for each stage of a job search — writing the resume, tailoring it, the cover letter, the interview and the offer — each linked to a free tool that does the work with you.
Start with these guides
- How to Write a Resume: A Section-by-Section GuideWrite a resume that gets read: what goes in each section, how to turn duties into achievements, length and format rules, and the mistakes recruiters reject first.Read the guide
- How to Choose a Resume TemplatePick a resume template by how you're applying, your field and your career stage — then customize it properly. ATS ratings, columns, photos and length explained.Read the guide
- Resume Formats: Chronological, Functional or Combination?Which resume format should you use? Chronological, functional and combination formats compared, with who each suits, what recruiters think and how to set them up.Read the guide
- How to Write a Cover Letter That Gets ReadA practical cover letter guide: the four-paragraph structure, how long it should be, how to tailor it to the advert in ten minutes, and what to leave out.Read the guide
- Interview Preparation: Questions, Answer Structures and a ChecklistPrepare for any interview: common, behavioural, HR and role-specific questions with what each tests, the STAR method, a week-by-week checklist and questions to ask.Read the guide
- How to Tailor Your Resume to a Job DescriptionTailor your resume to each job in 20 minutes: read the advert for requirements, match evidence, use the employer's wording honestly, and check it before you apply.Read the guide
- How to Download and Print Your ResumeDownload your resume as PDF or Word, choose A4 or US Letter, print it without cut-off margins, and name the file so recruiters can find it. Step by step.Read the guide
Resume writing guides
How to structure a resume for your level and write lines that prove what you can do.
- How to write a resume, section by sectionGuide · Structure by level, summaries, achievement bullets, skills and formatting.
- How to choose a resume templateGuide · ATS ratings, columns, length, photos — and customizing for your profession.
- Chronological, functional or combination?Guide · Which resume format suits your situation, and how to set it up.
- How to download and print a resumeGuide · PDF or Word, A4 or Letter, and printing without cut-off margins.
- How to make an ATS-friendly resumeGuide · What applicant tracking systems read, and the layouts that trip them up.
- Resume examples for 112 jobsTemplates · Complete examples at ten experience levels, plus a phrase library.
- Resume templatesTemplates · Templates rated for ATS from real PDF text tests.
Quick tips
- Write achievements, not duties: action, what you did, what changed.
- Keep a master resume and a tailored copy for each application.
- Use standard headings — Experience, Education, Skills — so parsers file them correctly.
Cover letter guides
Short, specific letters that answer what the advert asked for.
- How to write a cover letter that gets readGuide · The four-paragraph structure, tailoring in ten minutes, what to leave out.
- Cover letter templates and examplesTemplates · Eight designs and example letters for eight situations.
- Cover Letter BuilderTool · Draft from your resume and the advert, then design and download.
Quick tips
- Two strong examples beat five thin ones.
- One honest, specific sentence on why this employer.
- 250–400 words; 100–150 for an email application.
Interview preparation
Predict the questions, prepare your stories and practise out loud.
- Interview preparation: questions, structures and checklistGuide · Question bank by field, STAR and other structures, a question generator.
- Interview PracticeTool · A mock interview for a specific job, with feedback on each answer.
Quick tips
- Prepare five to eight STAR stories; they cover most behavioural questions.
- Say “I” for your actions, even in team stories.
- Prepare two or three questions to ask them.
Job application tips
Apply to fewer jobs, better: tailored, evidenced and tracked.
- How to tailor your resume to a job descriptionGuide · A 20-minute process for every application.
- ATS Resume CheckerTool · Requirement-by-requirement match against the advert.
- Job Application TrackerTool · Every application from wishlist to offer in one list.
Quick tips
- Apply when you can evidence most of the essential requirements.
- Name files clearly: “Firstname-Lastname-Resume.pdf”.
- Follow up once, politely, if you haven't heard by the date they gave.
Career development
Plan your next move and make yourself easy to find.
- Professional Profile GeneratorTool · Headline and About section for LinkedIn, from your resume.
- First 90 Days PlanTool · A 30-60-90 day plan with goals, people to meet and measures.
- Job Title OptimizerTool · Equivalent titles and level wording, without misrepresenting your role.
- Portfolio Website BuilderTool · A portfolio site you host and control.
Quick tips
- Keep a running list of results as they happen — it makes every resume update easy.
- Ask for feedback after rejections; one useful answer is worth the email.
- Write down the skill the jobs you want keep asking for, then build it with a project you can show.
Professional skills
Skills that show up in almost every advert, and how to prove them.
- CV Skills GeneratorTool · Skills for your job title, grouped, with what an advert names first.
- Resume Bullet ImproverTool · Show skills through results, in seven rewrite styles.
- Email Signature GeneratorTool · A professional signature for applications and follow-ups.
Quick tips
- Communication: cite an audience and an outcome — a report used by the board, a training session for 30 people.
- Leadership: you don't need the title; show a time you set direction or brought people with you.
- Tools: name versions and depth (“Excel — Power Query, pivot tables”), not just the brand.
Salary guides
Know your numbers before the first screening call.
- Salary CalculatorTool · Compare an offer with your current pay, including allowances.
- Take-Home Pay CalculatorTool · Gross to net, with the assumptions shown.
- Overtime CalculatorTool · What extra hours are really worth.
Quick tips
- Research a range from published bands and similar adverts before you're asked.
- Compare total packages, not base salary: allowances, bonus, pension or gratuity, leave.
- Give a range, say you're flexible on structure, and ask what the full package includes.
Industry-specific career advice
What recruiters in each field look for first on a resume. Open a field for its advice and example roles.
Business & OperationsOperations, admin, analysis and project delivery6 roles
- Lead with measurable efficiency gains: time saved, cost cut, error rates.
- Name the systems you use (SAP, Salesforce, Excel, Jira) — recruiters search for them.
- Certifications such as PMP, PRINCE2 or Lean Six Sigma deserve their own section.
Example resumes
TechnologyEngineering, data, AI, security, product and design21 roles
- Put a skills section near the top — group it (Languages, Frameworks, Cloud).
- Every project bullet should name the tech and the impact: latency, users, cost.
- Link GitHub, a portfolio or published work — reviewers check them.
- Single-column, text-based templates parse best in applicant tracking systems.
Example resumes
Finance & AccountingAccounting, analysis, banking, audit, risk and insurance8 roles
- Quantify everything: budgets owned, savings found, close time cut.
- List qualifications (ACCA, CPA, CFA, CIMA) prominently — often a hard filter.
- Conservative, single-column templates are the norm in finance and banking.
Example resumes
MarketingDigital, SEO, social, brand and content6 roles
- Show results in numbers: traffic, leads, CAC, ROAS, revenue influenced.
- Name your tools: GA4, HubSpot, Google Ads, Semrush.
- Link a portfolio or case studies for creative and content roles.
Example resumes
HealthcareDoctors, nurses, pharmacists and healthcare admin6 roles
- Put licences and registrations (NMC, GMC, DHA, NCLEX) near the top.
- Show patient volume, specialties and quality outcomes.
- Clean, readable templates suit healthcare — avoid heavy design.
Example resumes
Sales & Customer SuccessSelling, business development and account growth7 roles
- Lead with quota attainment, revenue and rankings.
- A Key Achievements section near the top works brilliantly for sales.
- Mention your CRM and methodology (Salesforce, MEDDIC, Challenger).
Example resumes
Education & ResearchTeachers, lecturers, researchers and school leaders5 roles
- Teachers: show pupil outcomes, subjects, age groups and qualifications.
- Academics: a longer CV is normal — list publications, grants and teaching.
- Use consistent citation style for publications.
Example resumes
Legal & ComplianceLawyers, paralegals and compliance professionals4 roles
- Lead with your admission (bar, SRA) and practice areas.
- Use a traditional, highly readable template — legal is conservative.
- Name notable matters and outcomes without breaching confidentiality.
Example resumes
Creative & MediaDesign, photography, video, writing and creative direction6 roles
- Your portfolio link matters more than anything — put it in the header.
- Name the brands and audiences you've worked for.
- A distinctive template is welcome — but keep it readable.
Example resumes
Engineering & TradesCivil, mechanical, electrical, architecture and skilled trades6 roles
- Licences, chartership and safety certifications go near the top.
- Show project scale: value, size, team, and safety record.
- Name the software and standards you work with.
Example resumes
Hospitality & ServiceHotels, restaurants, events and customer service5 roles
- Highlight guest satisfaction scores and revenue results.
- Languages are a real advantage — list them with levels.
- In the Gulf, a professional photo is expected.
Example resumes
Executive & LeadershipC-suite, directors and consultants5 roles
- Open with an executive summary and 3–5 headline achievements.
- Show scale: revenue, P&L, headcount, markets.
- Board, advisory and non-executive roles deserve a section.
- Two pages is expected at this level.
Example resumes
People & HRHR, recruitment, talent acquisition and learning6 roles
- Show people outcomes with numbers: time-to-hire, retention, engagement scores.
- Name the HR systems you know (Workday, SAP SuccessFactors, BambooHR, Greenhouse).
- CIPD, SHRM or local HR qualifications belong near the top.
Example resumes
Logistics & Supply ChainProcurement, supply chain, warehousing and transport5 roles
- Quantify everything: on-time delivery, inventory turns, cost per unit, savings.
- Name your systems (SAP, Oracle, Manhattan WMS) and certifications (CIPS, APICS CSCP).
- Show scale: SKUs, sites, suppliers, fleet size, spend under management.
Example resumes
Real Estate & FacilitiesSales, leasing, property and facilities management4 roles
- Lead with transaction value, occupancy, rent roll or portfolio size.
- Include licences and registrations (e.g. RERA in Dubai, state licences in the US).
- Facilities roles: show uptime, compliance and cost savings.
Example resumes
Manufacturing & QualityProduction, quality, process and safety5 roles
- Show measurable improvements: OEE, scrap, defects (ppm), downtime, safety.
- List methods and standards: Lean, Six Sigma, ISO 9001, IATF 16949, GMP.
- Name the products, lines and equipment you've worked with.
Example resumes
Freelance, Consulting & FoundersFreelancers, consultants, founders and business owners4 roles
- Group freelance work under one entry with selected clients and projects, not dozens of tiny roles.
- Show business results: revenue, clients, growth, funding, team size.
- Moving to employment? Say what you want next and show you can work in a team.
Example resumes
Students & GraduatesFirst jobs, internships and graduate schemes3 roles
- Put education first and include grades if they're strong.
- Projects, societies, volunteering and part-time jobs all count.
- Keep it to one page.
Example resumes