Leland+ Content Library

Frequently Asked Questions About Resume Writing

Many people have asked me a set of questions frequently. These questions will answer some of your questions quickly!

How to Network Effectively for Competitive Finance Roles

Networking is a critical differentiator in competitive finance recruiting, but most candidates approach it inefficiently or inconsistently. This session breaks down how to build genuine relationships, conduct high-impact outreach, and turn conversations into real opportunities across investment banking, private equity, hedge funds, and related roles. You’ll learn how to prepare for networking conversations, follow up strategically, and avoid common mistakes that quietly hurt your chances.

Crafting a Winning Narrative: A Former Admissions Officer and Stanford Graduate Break Down Elite College Admissions

Elite college admissions are driven by story, not just stats, and knowing how admissions officers read applications can transform how you present yourself. In this session, a former admissions officer and Stanford graduate will break down how top schools evaluate candidates, what makes a narrative feel authentic and compelling, and how to connect your experiences, values, and goals into a cohesive story across essays, activities, and recommendations. You’ll learn how to avoid common pitfalls, highlight impact and growth, and position yourself in a way that resonates with highly selective admissions committees.

5 Mistakes That Tank Deferred MBA Applications

Deferred MBA applications are evaluated with a different lens, and small missteps can have an outsized impact on outcomes. This session breaks down the most common mistakes that weaken deferred MBA candidacies, from unclear career narratives to misaligned school fit and timing errors. You’ll learn how to avoid these pitfalls and strengthen your application by presenting a clear, credible, and forward-looking story.

Securing Excellent Recommendations for Your Law School Application

Strong letters of recommendation can significantly strengthen your law school application—but only if they’re done right. This session is designed to help you secure thoughtful, compelling recommendations that support your candidacy. In this event, you’ll learn who to ask for recommendations, how to approach potential recommenders, and how to provide them with the right materials and guidance. We’ll also cover timing, common mistakes to avoid, and how admissions committees evaluate recommendation letters. Whether you’re early in the process or finalizing your application, you’ll leave with clear next steps and greater confidence in your recommendations.

Recruiter-Approved Networking Templates

This blueprint provides a data-driven outreach framework designed to move you away from "charity-based" networking toward a high-impact "curiosity" model. Based on five years of recruiting experience and current analyst insights at JPMC, this guide reveals why technical and strategic queries are 4x more likely to get a response than a referral request. What’s Included: - The "Strategic Peer" Template: High-conversion scripts for reaching out to potential teammates. - The "Recruiter-First" Reach Out: Strategies for engaging with sourcers after a role has been posted to ensure your profile is seen. - The Follow-Up "Multiplier": Techniques for providing "Value Adds" to keep a professional conversation alive. - The "Andrew Cause" Checklist: Essential rules for mobile-optimized, data-backed messaging that bypasses spam filters.

AMCAS Example T20 Medical Student

Full AMCAS submission for medical student at T20 school. MCAT score was not available at the time of submission, but score was 510.

How to Vibecode Your First Project

Vibecoding is all about skipping the syntax stress and getting straight to the fun part: actually building something cool. In this session, we’ll show you how to use natural language to guide your code, iterate fast, and turn a "vibey" idea into a functional first project. You’ll learn how to prompt like a pro, troubleshoot when things feel off, and adopt the mindset needed to build apps even if you’ve never written a line of code. It’s the perfect way to bring your side projects to life without the usual technical headaches.

Sector Overview: Marketplaces

Learn about marketplaces, their key growth drivers, key players, metrics and benchmarks, and what VCs look for.

How to get a Search Fund internship with no PE background

Most candidates aiming for a search fund internship are not underqualified. They’re mis-targeted. They chase prestige instead of fit, spend weeks reaching out to the wrong searchers, and then wonder why nothing moves. I’m Reuben, founder of Parceros Capital. I’ve raised money, built operating plans, and run internship cohorts where I review work, coach output, and decide who’s ready to be trusted with real responsibility. I’ve also helped people land internships at other search funds when it was clear the fit was better elsewhere. That’s part of how I think about this ecosystem: reputation matters, and you never know where one strong reference can take you. This webinar is for undergrads and MBAs who want a real shot or professionals desiring a career switch without a private equity background. I’ll walk you through how search fund internship hiring actually works, what “fit” really means (stage, thesis, geography, working style), and how to position yourself as valuable on day one. The mindset shift is simple: stop leading with what you want to get out of it and start leading with what you can contribute. We’ll also get clear on what interns should do that doesn’t replace paid contractors. Contractors handle specialized execution. Interns create leverage and trust. If you understand that difference, your outreach lands differently. I’ll share a Fit Scorecard you can use to build a smarter target list, plus a practical outreach structure that earns replies. I’ll also do a quick teardown of a common outreach message and show you what I’d change to make it credible. At the end, I’ll share an optional next step for anyone who wants hands-on help: a short 1:1 sprint where we build your best-fit target list, tighten your narrative, and leave you with outreach copy and a proof-of-work plan you can run immediately. If you want to move fast, RSVP and come ready to work.

How to Create a Standout Deferred MBA Application

Deferred MBA programs look for future leaders with clarity of purpose, strong trajectory, and long-term potential, not just impressive internships or grades. This session breaks down what top programs actually evaluate in deferred candidates and how to position yourself early in your career. You’ll learn how to craft a compelling narrative, articulate credible goals, choose recommenders strategically, and avoid common mistakes that hold applicants back. Whether you’re just starting to explore deferred programs or actively preparing to apply, this workshop will help you build a focused, competitive application strategy.

Harvard Essay 2 Example

Harvard Essay 2 example, female from a CPG start-up, accepted into the class of 2028.

MIT Sloan Interview Series

MIT Sloan interviews are a key step in the admissions process—and strong preparation can make all the difference. This interview series is designed to help you approach your interviews with confidence and clarity. You’ll learn how to structure strong answers, communicate your goals effectively, and handle common behavioral and fit questions. Whether you’re preparing for your first interview or refining your approach, you’ll leave with practical strategies and greater confidence.

Harvard Essay 1 Example

Harvard Essay 1 example of a female from a CPG start-up accepted into the class of 2028.

Ask Me Anything: Medical School Applications with a Current Adcom

The medical school application process can feel opaque, and many applicants have questions that aren’t easily answered by guides or forums. This session is for prospective students who want direct insight from someone evaluating applications every day. You’ll learn what admissions committees prioritize, how to frame your experiences effectively, and what common mistakes to avoid when preparing your application.

How to Stand Out in IB Recruiting

Investment banking recruiting is intensely competitive, and standing out requires more than strong grades and technical skills. This session breaks down how banks actually evaluate candidates, what differentiates top applicants, and how to position your background to signal readiness from day one. You’ll learn how to refine your resume, tell a compelling story, network strategically, and avoid common mistakes that quietly hurt your chances.

How to Stand Out in Private Equity Recruiting

Private equity recruiting is highly competitive—and standing out takes strategy. This session is designed to help you understand what PE firms look for and how to differentiate yourself in the process. In this event, you’ll learn how to position your experience, prepare effectively for interviews, and build a compelling narrative that highlights your impact. We’ll also cover common mistakes and what top firms value most. Whether you’re early in recruiting or preparing for final rounds, you’ll leave with practical strategies and a stronger edge.

Law School Comparison Worksheet

The Law School Comparison Worksheet is a practical, decision-focused spreadsheet designed to help applicants compare up to 10 law schools side-by-side. It automatically calculates total 3-year tuition, cost of living, scholarship impact, and estimated debt at graduation, so you can see the true financial picture. This resource is ideal for law school applicants who have multiple acceptances (or are building a target list) and want a clear, data-driven way to choose the smartest option for their goals and budget.

Time GRE Verbal Timing & Pacing Strategy

This guide presents a structured approach to managing time during the GRE Verbal sections. It explains how to maintain consistent pacing, prioritize question types strategically, and make effective decisions when encountering difficult questions. Students will learn how to use timing checkpoints, implement a skip-and-return strategy, and allocate time efficiently across Text Completion, Sentence Equivalence, and Reading Comprehension questions. The guide also outlines a practical system for reviewing flagged questions and maintaining control of the section under timed conditions. This framework is designed to help students maximize accuracy while avoiding common timing traps, ensuring they reach every question and make the most of the available time during the GRE Verbal section.

How to Write an MBA Resume

A quick, step-by-step guide to writing the perfect MBA résumé.