Application Materials and Assessments

Preparing Your Application

Most job applications require more than uploading a résumé. Depending on the employer and position, you may also be asked to submit additional documents, complete assessments, answer written questions, or provide professional references. Knowing what materials you may need ahead of time can help you complete your applications more efficiently, avoid last-minute stress, and submit a stronger application.

Application Materials – What Do You Need to Prepare?

The exact requirements vary by employer, but these are the most common materials requested for internships and full-time positions.

Résumé vs. CV

For most internships and entry-level positions, you'll submit a résumé, not a curriculum vitae (CV).

A CV is a longer document typically used for:

  • Graduate or professional school applications 
  • Academic or research positions 
  • Some opportunities outside the United States 

If you're applying for a typical business internship or full-time role, a résumé is the document employers expect.

Cover Letter

Some employers require a cover letter, while others make it optional.

A strong cover letter should:

  • Be tailored to the specific position 
  • Explain why you're interested in the organization 
  • Highlight experiences that connect directly to the job description 

There is no such thing as a universal cover letter. Each one should be customized for the position you're applying for. For more information on how to write a cover letter, view the Crafting an Effective Cover Letter resource. 

Transcripts

Some employers request a transcript as part of the application. Typically, an unofficial transcript downloaded from MyRED is sufficient.

Before submitting:

  • Verify your GPA matches what's listed on your résumé.  
  • Make sure you're uploading the correct transcript.

Portfolios, Writing Samples & Personal Statements

Some positions require additional materials that showcase your knowledge, skills, or creativity.

Depending on the opportunity, you may be asked to submit:

  • A portfolio 
  • Writing samples 
  • A personal statement 

Portfolios and writing samples are common for marketing, communications, design, and other creative roles. Personal statements are more common for graduate school but are occasionally requested by employers.

Always review the instructions carefully and submit only the materials requested.

Professional References

Many applications ask for professional references. Depending on the employer, you may:

  • Enter reference information directly into the application, or 
  • Upload a separate reference page, using the same heading as your résumé and include the following:
    • Name
    • Title
    • Organization
    • Work Address 
    • Work Phone Number (unless the referral recommends their personal phone)
    • Work Email Address (unless the referral recommends their personal email)
    • Relationship to You (Supervisor, Manager, Coworker, Colleague, Coach, Advisor)

Choosing References

Select people who can speak positively about your work, skills, or character, such as:

  • Professors 
  • Supervisors 
  • Internship managers 
  • Coworkers 

Friends and family members are generally not appropriate professional references.

Before Listing Someone as a Reference

Always ask permission before listing someone as a reference whenever possible. To help them provide a stronger recommendation, share:

  • Your résumé 
  • The job description 
  • Information about the position 
  • Why you’re interested and the skills or experiences you feel they could best speak to as it relates to the role. 

If your current supervisor would normally be your best reference but doesn't know you're job searching, talk with a Business Career Center coach about how to navigate the situation.

Letters of Recommendation

Some employers and graduate programs require recommendation letters rather than a reference list.

Ask your recommender:

  • At least two weeks before the deadline (one month is even better) 
  • Provide submission instructions and deadlines
  • Share the opportunity description 
  • Include your résumé and any required prompts 

After your search concludes, thank your recommenders and let them know the outcome.

Pro Tip: Name Your Files Professionally

Employers often download hundreds of application documents.

Instead of generic filenames like:

❌ Resume.pdf

Use descriptive filenames such as:

✅ John Smith Resume - Nelnet Pathways Internship

Do the same for cover letters, portfolios, and other documents.

Written Application Responses – What If They Ask You to Write Something?

Many employers now include written questions as part of the application itself. These responses help employers learn more about your communication skills, experiences, and approach to solving problems. Questions may be short or require more detailed responses.

Common examples include:

  • "Why are you interested in this position?" 
  • "Describe yourself in a tweet." 
  • "Tell us about a time you solved a problem." 
  • "How would you respond to this workplace scenario?" 
  • Diversity or personal reflection statements 

Tips for Strong Responses

Before answering application questions:

  • Research the organization's mission and values. 
  • Review the job description for the skills and qualities they're seeking. 
  • Connect your experiences to what the employer values.  
  • Answer every part of the question. 
  • Follow any stated word or character limits. 

Don't treat application questions like an afterthought. Employers often use these responses to decide who advances to the next stage of the hiring process. In some cases, essay questions serve a similar purpose as a cover letter (or even replace it entirely).

Let your voice come through. Because these responses are meant to reflect you, avoid relying on AI to write them. Generic or AI-generated responses are often easy for recruiters to recognize and can make your application feel less authentic. Instead, use your own voice, share specific examples from your experiences, and let your personality come through. If you use AI at all, limit it to brainstorming ideas, checking grammar, or improving clarity after you've written your own response.

Show how you think. When answering scenario-based questions or writing instructions, organize your response logically, explain your reasoning, and use specific examples from your own experiences whenever possible.

Hand holding a pen, filling out a form on a desk beside a cup of coffee.

Application Assessments – What Else Might You Have to Complete?

Some employers include assessments as part of the hiring process. These may be completed before an interview, after submitting your application, or at another point during the hiring process.

Assessments help employers evaluate skills, identify candidates who are a good fit for the role, and learn more about how applicants approach work.

Skills Assessments

Skills assessments evaluate your knowledge or abilities needed for the position.

Examples include:

  • Excel 
  • Accounting 
  • Coding 
  • Writing 
  • Math or numerical reasoning 
  • Data interpretation 

Many business employers, especially in finance and consulting, include technical or quantitative assessments during the hiring process.

How to Prepare

Before taking an assessment:

  • Review the employer's career website. 
  • Look for practice information on Glassdoor or YouTube. 
  • Ask your recruiter if preparation resources are available. 
  • Plan enough uninterrupted time to complete the assessment.

Psychometric Assessments

Psychometric assessments measure behavioral traits rather than technical knowledge.

They may evaluate:

  • Personality 
  • Integrity 
  • Emotional intelligence 
  • Cognitive reasoning 
  • Decision-making style 

These assessments help employers understand how you approach work and whether your style aligns with the position and organization.

Tips for Success

  • Answer honestly. 
  • Don't overthink every question. 
  • Understand the organization's values and the role. 
  • Stay relaxed and consistent.

Before You Submit

Before clicking submit, take a few minutes to review everything carefully.

✓ Follow every application instruction exactly.
✓ Complete all required documents and assessments.
✓ Allow enough time for assessments before starting.
✓ Proofread for spelling, grammar, and formatting.
✓ Double-check file names before uploading.

Need Help?

Not sure what an application is asking for or whether your materials are ready?

A Business Career Center career coach can help you review application requirements, prepare your documents, and navigate every stage of the application process.

Schedule an Appointment