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Why It Matters: Survivors often face employment gaps, career transitions, and non-traditional experience. Professional development resources help them navigate these challenges and present their skills effectively.
Common Mistakes to Avoid:
Using a generic cover letter for every job
Not addressing employment gaps proactively
Overloading resumes with personal details or irrelevant experience
Pro Tips for Survivors:
Focus on transferable skills gained through lived experience, advocacy, and training
Use a functional or hybrid resume format to minimize employment gaps
Highlight any community work
Cover Letter
Cover Letter
Why You Might Need It:
A cover letter introduces you to an employer and explains why you’re a great fit for the job. If you’re applying for a job, internship, or even a volunteer position, a strong cover letter can make a difference—especially if your resume has gaps or non-traditional experience.
Dos & Don’ts:
✅ Do:
Personalize each cover letter for the job you're applying for.
Highlight transferable skills if you don’t have direct experience.
Keep it concise—one page is enough!
Use professional language but let your personality shine.
❌ Don’t:
Repeat your entire resume—this is your chance to explain what the resume doesn’t.
Apologize for gaps in employment. Instead, focus on strengths and skills.
Use overly emotional language—keep it confident and professional.
Submit a generic letter without tailoring it to the role.
Ready to start your cover letter? Cover Letter Template
Reference Request
Reference Request
Why You Might Need It:
If an employer, school, or program asks for professional references, you need to reach out to past employers, mentors, teachers, or others who can vouch for you. A well-written request makes it easier for someone to say yes!
Dos & Don’ts:
✅ Do:
Ask people who know your work ethic, skills, or character.
Give them details about the job or opportunity you’re applying for.
Be polite and express gratitude for their time.
Offer to provide additional information if needed.
❌ Don’t:
Assume someone will be comfortable being your reference—always ask first.
Only ask people with big titles; what matters is someone who truly knows your strengths.
Forget to follow up with a thank-you after they provide a reference.
Resignation Letter
Resignation Letter
Why You Might Need It:
If you need to leave a job, giving proper notice with a resignation letter helps maintain professionalism. This can be important if you ever need a reference from that employer in the future.
Dos & Don’ts:
✅ Do:
Keep it professional and positive, even if you’re leaving due to negative circumstances.
Give at least two weeks’ notice if possible.
Offer to help with the transition if appropriate.
Thank your employer for the opportunity, even if it wasn’t perfect.
❌ Don’t:
Vent about workplace problems—this isn’t the place for it.
Be overly emotional or defensive.
Feel the need to explain every reason for leaving—keep it simple and professional.
Forget to check your contract for notice requirements.
Work Accommodation Request
Work Accommodation Request
Why You Might Need It:
If you need accommodations to perform your job due to health, trauma recovery, or other personal circumstances, a formal request ensures your rights are protected.
Dos & Don’ts:
✅ Do:
Be specific about what accommodations would help you do your job effectively.
Keep a copy of all communication for your records.
Stay professional—state the facts clearly and calmly.
Know your rights under laws like the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
❌ Don’t:
Feel like you have to disclose every detail about your personal history—just enough to justify the accommodation.
Wait until you’re struggling to ask for help—advocate for yourself early.
Assume your employer will deny it—many companies are legally required to accommodate reasonable requests.
Professional Bio
Professional Bio
Why You Might Need It:
A professional bio is useful when applying for speaking engagements, consulting work, networking, or creating a personal website. It highlights your skills, experiences, and what makes you unique.
Dos & Don’ts:
✅ Do:
Keep it short and impactful (usually a paragraph or two).
Focus on your strengths, expertise, and passion.
Use a professional tone but let your personality show.
Adjust it for different audiences (e.g., a formal bio for LinkedIn vs. a casual one for a website).
❌ Don’t:
Overload it with personal details unless they are relevant to your work.
Make it too long—bios should be engaging and to the point.
Downplay your experience—advocacy, lived experience, and community work count!
General Invoice Template
General Invoice Template
Why You Might Need It:
If you do freelance work, consulting, or contract work, you’ll need an invoice to request payment. Having a clear, professional invoice helps ensure you get paid on time and keeps your financial records in order.
Dos & Don’ts:
✅ Do:
Include your name, business name (if applicable), and contact info.
List the service provided, date of service, and amount due.
Clearly state payment terms (e.g., due in 14 or 30 days).
Keep copies of all invoices for tax and financial records.
❌ Don’t:
Forget to specify how you want to be paid (PayPal, direct deposit, etc.).
Send an invoice without confirming the payment agreement first.
Be afraid to follow up on unpaid invoices professionally.
Professional Fee Structure
Professional Fee Structure
Why You Might Need It:
If you are offering services as a consultant, speaker, or freelancer, a professional fee structure helps you set clear pricing for your work. It ensures you’re compensated fairly and helps clients understand your rates.
Dos & Don’ts:
✅ Do:
List different service options and pricing tiers.
Research industry standards to set fair, competitive rates.
Include policies on deposits, cancellations, and payment methods.
Be clear about what is included in each service tier.
❌ Don’t:
Undervalue your work—your time and expertise matter!
Be vague about pricing, as it can lead to misunderstandings.
Forget to update your fee sheet as your experience grows.
ALL Professional Development Templates are below:
Please remember to click "SAVE A COPY" and edit on your copy!
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