Emails
CVS
Cover Letters
Essays
Potpourri
100

What are the key components of a professional email?

Subject line

Greeting/salutation

Clear, concise body text

Closing statement

Signature with contact information

100

What basic information should be included in a CV?

What basic information should be included in a CV?

  • Full name
  • Contact information (email, phone number)
  • Professional summary or objective
  • Work experience (reverse chronological order)
  • Education and certifications
  • Relevant skills (both hard and soft)
  • Additional sections (e.g., languages, volunteer experience)
100

What is the main purpose of a cover letter?


  • To introduce yourself professionally
  • Explain why you’re the best fit for the role
  • Highlight relevant skills and experiences not fully detailed in your CV
100

What are the basic components of a well-structured essay?


  • Introduction with a thesis statement
  • Body paragraphs with supporting points and evidence
  • Conclusion that summarizes key points and restates the thesis
100

What city am I From?

*BONUS* WHAT IS IT KNOWN FOR? 

Saint Louis, Missouri.

  • Gateway Arch: Iconic 630-foot monument symbolizing the "Gateway to the West."
  • Blues and Jazz Music: Rich history in blues and jazz; birthplace of famous musicians like Miles Davis.
  • St. Louis Cardinals: Home to a passionate baseball fan base and the successful MLB team, the St. Louis Cardinals.
  • St. Louis-style BBQ: Known for its unique BBQ style, featuring grilled pork ribs and a tangy, tomato-based sauce.
  • Anheuser-Busch Brewery: Historic brewery where Budweiser was born, offering tours and tastings.
  • Forest Park: Large urban park that hosted the 1904 World’s Fair; now houses a zoo, art museum, and other attractions.
  • Cultural Institutions: Notable for free attractions like the St. Louis Zoo, Art Museum, and Science Center.
  • The Mississippi River: Key river location, offering riverfront views and historical significance.
  • Historic Architecture: Features neighborhoods with unique 19th-century and early 20th-century architecture, like Soulard and Lafayette Square.
200

What are some common closing phrases for a professional email? Give me at least 5.

Best regards

Kind regards

Sincerely

Thank you

Warm regards

200

Why is it recommended to include both hard and soft skills on a CV?

Hard skills: Show your technical abilities and job-specific knowledge.

Soft skills: Highlight qualities like communication and teamwork, which are valuable in any role.

Together, they provide a well-rounded view of your capabilities.

200

Why should a cover letter be tailored to each job application?


  • Shows you’ve researched the company and position
  • Aligns your skills and experience directly with job requirements
  • Demonstrates genuine interest in the specific role
200

What are some effective ways to transition between paragraphs?


  • Use transitional phrases (e.g., “Furthermore,” “In contrast”)
  • Relate the last idea of one paragraph to the first idea of the next
  • Keep the flow logical and connected to the overall argument
200

What strategies can you use to create a strong opening sentence in an essay?

  • Start with a surprising fact or statistic
  • Pose a thought-provoking question
  • Begin with a relevant quote or anecdote related to the topic
300

What are some strategies for addressing multiple points or topics in a single email?

  • Use bullet points or numbered lists for clarity
  • Separate topics by paragraph
  • Use headings or bold text to highlight key points
  • Keep each point concise and to the point
300

Explain the importance of using action verbs in job descriptions on a CV.

Makes achievements sound more dynamic and impactful

Highlights responsibility, initiative, and results

Examples: "Led," "developed," "managed," "implemented"

300

How can you demonstrate your knowledge of the company in a cover letter?


  • Mention the company’s goals, values, or recent projects
  • Explain how your skills can support their mission or goals
  • Show that you’re interested in their specific culture or industry focus
300

How can you determine the main idea of a text?


  • Look for the thesis statement or key argument
  • Identify recurring themes or points
  • Summarize the text in one or two sentences to capture the main idea
300

What’s the difference between summarizing and paraphrasing?


  • Summarizing: Condensing the main ideas into a brief overview
  • Paraphrasing: Rewriting specific information in your own words, usually more detailed than a summary
400

How can you adapt the tone of an email for different recipients (e.g., clients vs. colleagues)?


  • Clients: Maintain a formal, polite tone; be respectful and customer-focused.
  • Colleagues: Use a professional but more conversational tone; adjust based on familiarity.
400

Explain how to incorporate keywords like friendly, fast learner, organised, and pays attention to detail  from a job description into your CV effectively.


  • Friendly: "Built strong customer relationships through friendly service."
  • Fast Learner: "Quickly adapted to new software, reducing training time."
  • Organised: "Created an organised system to improve team efficiency."
  • Pays Attention to Detail: "Ensured high accuracy in data entry and reporting."
400

What tone should a cover letter convey, and how can you achieve it?

Tone: Professional, enthusiastic, and polite

How to achieve: Use positive language, express interest in the role, and avoid overly formal or informal language

400

In the hotel industry, sustainability has become a primary focus, and recent initiatives underscore a significant shift toward eco-friendly practices. As travelers become more environmentally conscious, hotels are adapting by incorporating sustainable measures, from energy-efficient systems to eco-friendly building materials. For example, major hotel chains like Marriott and Hilton have announced new “green” policies aimed at reducing their carbon footprints by implementing solar panels, using biodegradable materials, and minimizing water waste through advanced technology. This trend is also growing in boutique hotels and independent properties, which are incorporating green practices to appeal to eco-conscious guests.

In addition to environmental impact, sustainability practices are expanding to include local economic contributions and social responsibility. Many hotels are now working with local communities to source products and staff, emphasizing local culture and benefiting the surrounding economy. Some properties have also introduced programs that allow guests to participate in green initiatives, such as planting trees or using carbon-offset services. As sustainability becomes a competitive differentiator, it’s expected that more hotels will prioritize eco-friendly practices, viewing them as essential to both brand loyalty and long-term profitability. Sustainability in the hotel industry not only responds to consumer preferences but also positions hotels as leaders in the movement towards responsible tourism.


  • Sustainability as a Focus: Hotels are increasingly adopting eco-friendly practices due to consumer demand for sustainability.
  • Eco-Friendly Initiatives: Major hotel chains (e.g., Marriott, Hilton) have introduced green policies, including:
    • Solar panels
    • Biodegradable materials
    • Advanced water-saving technologies
  • Broader Adoption: Boutique hotels and independent properties are also incorporating sustainable practices to attract eco-conscious guests.
  • Beyond Environment: Sustainability now also covers:
    • Local economic support (sourcing products and staff locally)
    • Social responsibility (supporting local culture and communities)
  • Guest Involvement: Some hotels offer programs where guests can engage in green activities like tree planting or carbon-offset options.
  • Competitive Advantage: Eco-friendly practices help hotels build brand loyalty and profitability.
  • Positioning for the Future: Sustainability strengthens the hotel industry’s role in responsible tourism and aligns with evolving consumer preferences.
400

What role does food play in different cultures?

  • Reflects cultural identity and traditions
  • Often used in celebrations and rituals
  • Can represent history, geography, and local ingredients of a culture
500

What are some techniques for writing an apology email to a client or colleague after a misunderstanding?


  • Start with a clear and sincere apology
  • Take responsibility for the error
  • Offer a brief explanation (if necessary) without making excuses
  • Outline steps to resolve the issue
  • End on a positive note, expressing commitment to improvement
500

How should recent graduates showcase their skills if they have limited work experience?


  • Highlight relevant coursework and academic projects
  • Describe internships or volunteer work with transferable skills
  • Emphasize achievements in extracurricular activities
  • Focus on skills gained, like teamwork, communication, or problem-solving
500

How can you close a cover letter in a way that prompts the hiring manager to take action?


  • Express eagerness to discuss your application further
  • Thank them for their time and consideration
  • Include a call to action, like “I look forward to the opportunity to discuss my qualifications with you.”
500

The tourism industry has experienced a surge in “workcation” destinations, as remote work transforms the way people approach travel. Many destinations worldwide, from the beaches of the Caribbean to European cities like Lisbon and Amsterdam, have launched initiatives to attract remote workers looking for an extended stay that combines work and leisure. Countries like Barbados, Bermuda, and Dubai were among the first to introduce remote work visas, providing travelers with the opportunity to live and work in a new location for extended periods, typically up to a year.

This trend has proven advantageous for both tourists and host countries. For travelers, workcations offer a chance to experience new cultures, climates, and lifestyles while maintaining their careers. For destinations that experienced a decline in tourism during the pandemic, remote work visas are helping to boost the economy by encouraging longer stays and higher spending. Luxury resorts, budget hotels, and even hostels are adapting to accommodate this shift by offering amenities like co-working spaces, high-speed internet, and networking events for remote professionals. Workcation tourism is projected to grow, with more destinations recognizing the potential of this trend and adjusting their infrastructures and marketing strategies to attract remote workers in search of a change of scenery.


  • Rise of Workcation Destinations: Remote work has fueled the popularity of travel destinations that offer both work and leisure.
  • Global Initiatives: Many destinations, including the Caribbean, Lisbon, and Amsterdam, are creating programs to attract remote workers for extended stays.
  • Remote Work Visas: Countries like Barbados, Bermuda, and Dubai offer visas for remote workers to live and work in their countries for up to a year.
  • Benefits for Travelers: Workcations allow people to experience new cultures and lifestyles while maintaining their jobs.
  • Economic Boost for Host Countries: Destinations benefit from increased tourism, longer stays, and higher spending, helping them recover from pandemic-related declines.
  • Accommodation Adaptations: Resorts, hotels, and hostels are adding features like co-working spaces, high-speed internet, and networking events for remote workers.
  • Growth Potential: Workcation tourism is expected to continue growing, with more destinations adapting their infrastructure and marketing to attract remote professionals.
500

The restaurant industry is seeing a notable shift as plant-based dining becomes increasingly popular worldwide. Recently, many major restaurant chains and fine dining establishments have introduced innovative plant-based menus to meet rising consumer demand for sustainable and health-conscious options. A recent study showed that over 40% of consumers actively seek plant-based options, influenced by concerns over health, environmental sustainability, and animal welfare. Restaurants are not only offering traditional meat substitutes but are also expanding into creative plant-based dishes that appeal to a broader audience, including flexitarians and those looking for lighter options.

This shift is also driven by industry trends such as the use of locally sourced ingredients, seasonality, and culinary experimentation. Leading the charge, some high-end restaurants have introduced tasting menus entirely composed of plant-based ingredients, showcasing the creativity and versatility of vegetables, legumes, and grains. As plant-based diets gain popularity, restaurants are investing more in training chefs and kitchen staff to work with these new ingredients. The plant-based trend is expected to grow significantly in the next few years, influencing both fast-casual and fine dining sectors, as well as food supply chains globally. With the demand for sustainable practices rising, plant-based menus are likely to become a permanent fixture in the restaurant industry.

  • Rise of Plant-Based Dining: Plant-based dining is gaining popularity in the restaurant industry worldwide.
  • Consumer Demand: Over 40% of consumers seek plant-based options, driven by health, sustainability, and animal welfare concerns.
  • Menu Expansion: Restaurants are offering creative plant-based dishes that attract a wide audience, including flexitarians.
  • Industry Trends: The trend aligns with the use of local ingredients, seasonal offerings, and culinary innovation.
  • High-End Adaptation: Some fine dining restaurants now offer fully plant-based tasting menus to showcase ingredient versatility.
  • Chef Training: Restaurants are investing in training chefs and staff to work with plant-based ingredients.
  • Growing Influence: The trend is expected to impact both fast-casual and fine dining sectors, as well as food supply chains.
  • Sustainability as a Mainstay: Demand for sustainable practices is making plant-based menus a likely permanent feature in the industry.