---
title: Career Preparation Resources
---

:::caution[Programme Sunset]
The open Mentorship Programme has been sunset and is no longer accepting new participants. These pages remain available as reference material.

I'm now running a private, personalised professional development programme on an invite-only basis - hand-selecting a small number of participants so the shape of each journey can be built around them. There is no application process; participation is by direct invitation only.

Being active in my [Discord community](https://chat.nhcarrigan.com/) increases your chances of being invited.
:::

**RESUME TEMPLATES, LINKEDIN GUIDES, APPLICATION GUIDES, INTERVIEW RESOURCES, AND JOB SEARCH STRATEGIES**

## Resume Templates

### Developer Resume Template

```markdown
[Your Name]
[Email] | [Phone] | [LinkedIn] | [GitHub] | [Portfolio]

## Summary
[2-3 sentences describing your experience, skills, and career goals]

## Technical Skills
- **Languages:** [List languages]
- **Frameworks/Libraries:** [List frameworks]
- **Tools:** [List tools]
- **Databases:** [List databases]
- **Other:** [List other relevant skills]

## Projects

### [Project Name]
[Brief description] | [Technologies Used] | [GitHub Link] | [Live Demo]
- [Key achievement or feature]
- [Key achievement or feature]

### [Project Name]
[Brief description] | [Technologies Used] | [GitHub Link] | [Live Demo]
- [Key achievement or feature]
- [Key achievement or feature]

## Experience (if applicable)

### [Job Title]
[Company Name] | [Dates]
- [Achievement or responsibility]
- [Achievement or responsibility]

## Education

[Degree] in [Field]
[Institution] | [Dates]
- [Relevant coursework or achievement]

## Additional Information
- [Certifications, awards, or other relevant information]
```

### Resume Best Practices

**Formatting:**
- Keep it to 1-2 pages
- Use clear, readable fonts
- Use consistent formatting
- Save as PDF for applications

**Content:**
- Tailor resume to each job
- Use action verbs
- Quantify achievements when possible
- Highlight relevant skills and projects
- Include links to GitHub and portfolio

**Flagship Project:**
- Include your mentorship programme flagship project
- Describe technologies used
- Highlight key features
- Include links to code and live demo

## LinkedIn Profile Optimization

### Profile Sections

**Headline:**
- Include your role/title
- Mention key technologies
- Keep it concise and professional
- Example: "Full-Stack Developer | React, Node.js, TypeScript"

**Summary:**
- Write in first person
- Highlight your skills and experience
- Mention your career goals
- Include relevant keywords
- Keep it engaging and authentic

**Experience:**
- List relevant work experience
- Use bullet points for achievements
- Quantify results when possible
- Include technologies used

**Projects:**
- Add your flagship project
- Include project descriptions
- Link to GitHub and live demos
- Highlight technologies and achievements

**Skills:**
- Add relevant technical skills
- Get endorsements from connections
- Keep skills up to date
- Remove outdated skills

**Recommendations:**
- Request recommendations from mentors, colleagues, or collaborators
- Provide recommendations for others
- Keep recommendations relevant and recent

### LinkedIn Best Practices

**Profile:**
- Use professional profile photo
- Customize your LinkedIn URL
- Keep profile updated
- Engage with content regularly

**Networking:**
- Connect with industry professionals
- Join relevant groups
- Engage with posts and discussions
- Share your own content

**Content:**
- Share project updates
- Write articles about your learning journey
- Comment on others' posts
- Build your professional brand

## Application Writing Guides

### Cover Letter Template

```markdown
[Your Name]
[Email] | [Phone] | [LinkedIn]

[Date]

[Hiring Manager Name]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]

Dear [Hiring Manager Name],

I am writing to express my interest in the [Position Title] position at [Company Name]. [1-2 sentences about why you're interested in the company/role].

[Paragraph about your relevant experience and skills, specifically mentioning your flagship project and technologies used].

[Paragraph about what you can contribute to the company and why you're a good fit].

I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to [Company Name] and would welcome the chance to discuss how my skills and experience align with your needs.

Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]
```

### Application Best Practices

**Tailoring:**
- Customize each application
- Match keywords from job description
- Highlight relevant experience
- Show enthusiasm for the role

**Research:**
- Research the company
- Understand the role
- Learn about company culture
- Find connections at the company

**Follow-Up:**
- Send thank-you emails after interviews
- Follow up if you don't hear back
- Be professional and respectful
- Don't be pushy

## Interview Preparation Resources

### Common Interview Questions

**Technical Questions:**
- Explain [technology/concept]
- How would you implement [feature]?
- What's the difference between [X] and [Y]?
- How do you handle [scenario]?

**Behavioural Questions:**
- Tell me about yourself
- Why do you want to work here?
- Describe a challenging project
- How do you handle conflict?
- Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

**Project Questions:**
- Walk me through your flagship project
- What challenges did you face?
- What would you do differently?
- How did you approach [specific aspect]?

### Interview Preparation Tips

**Before the Interview:**
- Research the company and role
- Review your resume and projects
- Prepare questions to ask
- Practice common questions
- Prepare examples of your work

**During the Interview:**
- Be confident and authentic
- Listen carefully to questions
- Think before answering
- Ask clarifying questions
- Show enthusiasm

**After the Interview:**
- Send thank-you email
- Reflect on the experience
- Follow up if appropriate
- Continue applying to other positions

### Mock Interview Questions

**Technical:**
- Explain how the internet works
- What is REST?
- Explain authentication vs authorization
- How do you debug code?
- What is your approach to testing?

**Behavioural:**
- Tell me about a time you overcame a challenge
- Describe a project you're proud of
- How do you handle tight deadlines?
- Tell me about a time you worked in a team
- How do you stay current with technology?

## Job Search Strategy Guides

### Job Search Platforms

**General Platforms:**
- LinkedIn Jobs
- Indeed
- Glassdoor
- Monster
- ZipRecruiter

**Tech-Specific Platforms:**
- GitHub Jobs
- Stack Overflow Jobs
- AngelList
- Hacker News "Who's Hiring"
- Remote-specific: Remote.co, We Work Remotely

### Job Search Strategy

**Networking:**
- Attend meetups and conferences
- Join online communities
- Connect with industry professionals
- Reach out to people at target companies

**Application Strategy:**
- Apply to multiple positions
- Tailor each application
- Follow up appropriately
- Track your applications

**Portfolio:**
- Keep portfolio updated
- Showcase your best work
- Include your flagship project
- Make it easy to navigate

**Continuous Learning:**
- Keep learning new technologies
- Build new projects
- Contribute to open source
- Stay current with industry trends

### Job Search Timeline

**Week 1-2:**
- Update resume and LinkedIn
- Prepare portfolio
- Research target companies
- Start applying

**Week 3-4:**
- Continue applying
- Network actively
- Prepare for interviews
- Practice interview questions

**Ongoing:**
- Maintain application pipeline
- Continue learning
- Build new projects
- Stay positive and persistent

---

*Career preparation is an ongoing process. Use these resources to build a strong professional presence and prepare for job opportunities.*

