Application Materials

Professional Documents

Resumes and cover letters are critical documents in the employment search. As such, we have developed guidelines to help you write your resumes, cover letters, and other professional documents. 

  Professional Document Guidelines 

• Private Sector Resume Guidelines
• Federal Resume Guidelines
• CV Writing Guidelines
• Cover Letter Guidelines
• Professional References Document & Guidelines
• Thank You Notes Guidelines
• Composing Appreciative Emails and DM (Direct Message) Tips
• Essay, Statement of Interest, and Writing Sample Guidelines

Explore the Document Guidelines 

  SkillsFirst (Coming Soon!)

Career development platform designed to help students translate their academic and extracurricular experiences into professional opportunities.

• Resumes: Student-authored artifacts + quality scores
• Cover Letters: Role-fit analysis + structured feedback
• Pitches: Delivery and focus scoring
• Interviews: AI simulations + readiness scores
• LinkedIn: Profile optimization + quality scores

PhD Application Guidance

Are you considering pursuing a Ph.D. in international affairs? In this video, Elliott School faculty members Min Kim and Nicholas Anderson discuss the motivations for pursuing a Ph.D. and provide an overview of what to expect throughout the application process. They also share insights into the experience of being in a Ph.D. program, potential career pathways after completing the degree, and the advantages and challenges of doctoral study in international affairs.

Handshake Video: "So, You Want to Get a PhD in International Affairs?"

Additional Tips for Exploring and Applying to PhD Programs

  Scheduling 

Schedule a Resume or Cover Letter Appointment in Handshake