Free application tools

A more considered way to prepare.

Practical prompts for refining your application, writing with relevance, and walking into conversations prepared. Print any resource or save it as a PDF from your browser.

These resources are designed to support clear, thoughtful preparation. Adapt the prompts to your experience, the role, and the employer's instructions.

01 / Resume review

ATS Resume Polish Checklist

Use this final pass to make your resume easier to follow for both people and common application systems. It focuses on clear structure, relevant evidence, and a careful file review—not shortcuts or guarantees.

Final review

Check each item before you submit.

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Use one standard font family, clear section labels, and consistent spacing throughout.
Put your name, phone, email, city or region, and a professional profile link in plain text at the top.
Match the job title and priority skills to the role only when they accurately reflect your experience.
Lead each experience entry with an action verb and explain the scope, outcome, or contribution.
Replace broad claims with specific evidence such as scale, time saved, quality improved, or work delivered.
Keep dates, employer names, titles, and education details easy to scan and consistently formatted.
Avoid tables, text boxes, graphics, and decorative columns if you want a straightforward document structure.
Save a clean PDF or follow the employer's requested format, then review the final file before sending.

Final note: compare the content with the job description for accuracy and prioritize the experience that is most relevant.

02 / Written introduction

Cover Letter Framework

A four-part structure for a letter that feels specific without repeating your resume. Keep it concise: one page is usually more than enough room to make a focused case.

A clear four-part letter

Open with context

Name the role, show why the work interests you, and offer one relevant point of connection to the organization or team.

Offer two proof points

Choose examples that closely relate to the role. Briefly describe the situation, your contribution, and the result or lesson.

Connect your approach

Explain how your strengths, working style, or perspective would help you contribute to the priorities you have identified.

Close with intention

Thank the reader, express interest in discussing the role, and keep the closing direct and professional.

Before sending

Address the letter to a named contact when you can verify one. Otherwise, use a simple greeting and proofread names, company details, and the attachment name.

03 / Conversation prep

Interview Preparation Planner

Use this planner the day before or week before an interview. It gives you a place to gather context, shape your examples, and handle the small details that help you arrive settled.

Interview notes

Role: ____________________ Date: ____________________

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Role research

What are the role's likely priorities, core responsibilities, and first few problems to understand?

Company context

What can you learn from the organization’s site, recent public work, values, and the job description?

Evidence bank

Prepare 4–6 short examples that show how you solve problems, collaborate, learn, and deliver work.

Your introduction

Draft a 60-second overview that links your current experience to the role you are pursuing.

Questions to ask

Write 3 thoughtful questions about expectations, collaboration, priorities, or how success is evaluated.

Practical details

Confirm the interview format, time zone, location or link, interviewer names, and materials to bring.

A steady finish

Re-read the job description, bring your questions, and leave room to listen. Thoughtful preparation supports a more useful conversation.

Build your next version

Continue with a clear foundation.

Explore CareerMint templates and guides when you're ready for editable tools to support your process.

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