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Tools for job search, interviews and remote work.

Find a free starting option for your next task, understand its limits, and see how it fits a real role. Paid plans and trials are clearly labelled.

Find a tool for your taskChoose a role-based starter kit
Build an AI practice prompt ↗Compare HighLevel, Zoho, Slack & task tools ↗

34 researched tools · 33 free starting options · Plans checked

01 / FIND & APPLYKeep your search organized.

Track suitable roles, prepare a clear CV, and make your work samples easy to find.

02 / PREPARE & PRACTISEGo into the interview prepared.

Research the employer, rehearse real examples, and test the call platform the employer uses.

03 / DO THE WORKLearn tools that match the role.

Practise a useful task in CRM, teamwork, social media or automation, then review the result.

Choose a tool for the task ahead

Start with one task and a tool you can practise with. Check its free limits, see which roles use it, and make a small work sample.

Teal

Free plan

Free plan with unlimited job tracking and resume versions.

  • All job seekers
  • Students
  • Career changers
Open tool : Teal (opens in a new tab) Check current plan: Teal (opens in a new tab)
Limits & a practice task for Teal

Know the limits

Free keyword matching and resume analysis are basic. AI writing credits are limited; Teal+ unlocks more.

Where it fits

All job seekers · Students · Career changers

Try a small work sample

Save five suitable vacancies, record their location rules, and set the next follow-up for each application.

Before you use it

  • Choose one application tracker; you do not need Teal and Simplify to begin.
  • Edit generated resume text so every claim reflects your own experience.

Official sources

Plan information checked 2026-10-20.

Simplify Copilot

Free plan

Application autofill, application tracking, job matches and a basic resume builder are free.

  • All job seekers
  • Students applying for internships
Open tool : Simplify Copilot (opens in a new tab) Check current plan: Simplify Copilot (opens in a new tab)
Limits & a practice task for Simplify Copilot

Know the limits

Autofill works on supported application sites. Advanced AI tailoring and Autopilot are separate paid features.

Where it fits

All job seekers · Students applying for internships

Try a small work sample

Create an accurate profile, autofill a supported application, then review every field before submitting.

Before you use it

  • The extension uses your saved profile; keep dates, experience and work eligibility accurate.
  • A tool matching a vacancy does not establish permission to work from your country.

Official sources

Plan information checked 2026-10-20.

Europass CV builder

Free tool

The European Commission's CV and cover-letter tools are free, with downloadable CVs in 31 languages.

  • Students
  • Job seekers applying to European employers
Open tool : Europass CV builder (opens in a new tab) Check current plan: Europass CV builder (opens in a new tab)
Limits & a practice task for Europass CV builder

Know the limits

Designed around learning and working in Europe. Use the CV format and language requested by the employer.

Where it fits

Students · Job seekers applying to European employers

Try a small work sample

Turn education, projects and work experience into a tailored CV for a vacancy requesting the Europass format.

Before you use it

  • You can use the online editor without registering; an account adds a profile and document library.
  • A Europass CV is not a visa or work-permission document.

Official sources

Plan information checked 2026-10-20.

Canva

Free plan

Canva Free includes a design editor, free templates and assets, and resume creation.

  • Job seekers
  • Social media assistants
  • Marketing assistants
Open tool : Canva (opens in a new tab) Check current plan: Canva (opens in a new tab)
Limits & a practice task for Canva

Know the limits

Premium templates, assets, advanced design features and higher AI allowances require paid access. Keep your design within Free assets.

Where it fits

Job seekers · Social media assistants · Marketing assistants · Virtual assistants

Try a small work sample

Create a three-post campaign and a one-page results report as clearly labelled sample work for your portfolio.

Before you use it

  • For CVs, follow the employer's requested layout and file format.
  • Label practice projects honestly; do not present sample results as real client outcomes.

Official sources

Plan information checked 2026-10-20.

GitHub Pages

Free plan

Host a static portfolio from a public repository with GitHub Free.

  • Developers
  • Data analysts
  • Technical job seekers
Open tool : GitHub Pages (opens in a new tab) Check current plan: GitHub Pages (opens in a new tab)
Limits & a practice task for GitHub Pages

Know the limits

Requires basic repository and website skills. Free Pages uses public source repositories and hosts static sites; private-repository Pages requires an eligible paid plan.

Where it fits

Developers · Data analysts · Technical job seekers

Try a small work sample

Publish a portfolio with a project problem, your method, a working demo and a link to the source code.

Before you use it

  • Publish only work you may share. Keep passwords, API keys and private employer data out of the repository.
  • A custom domain is optional and may cost extra.

Official sources

Plan information checked 2026-10-20.

Forage

Free tool

Free, self-paced employer-designed job simulations, open to people who want to learn.

  • Students
  • First-job seekers
  • Career changers
Open tool : Forage (opens in a new tab) Check current plan: Forage (opens in a new tab)
Limits & a practice task for Forage

Know the limits

A job simulation is learning and practice; it is not employment or a paid internship.

Where it fits

Students · First-job seekers · Career changers

Try a small work sample

Complete a relevant project simulation, compare your approach with the example answer, and practise explaining what you learned.

Before you use it

  • Describe completion as a job simulation on your CV, not work experience employed by the company.
  • Follow each program's rules before sharing its task materials or answers.

Official sources

Plan information checked 2026-10-20.

Yoodli

5 free lifetime sessions

Starter includes up to five lifetime AI roleplays with no credit card required.

  • Job seekers
  • Customer support applicants
  • Sales applicants
Open tool : Yoodli (opens in a new tab) Check current plan: Yoodli (opens in a new tab)
Limits & a practice task for Yoodli

Know the limits

Five sessions total, not five each month. A practice session over 30 seconds counts. Further use requires a paid plan.

Where it fits

Job seekers · Customer support applicants · Sales applicants

Try a small work sample

Rehearse a concise introduction and one real example of solving a problem before your interview.

Before you use it

  • Use it for preparation. Follow the interviewer's rules during the actual assessment.
  • Starter session data may be used to improve Yoodli; practise without confidential employer or client information.

Official sources

Plan information checked 2026-10-20.

HackerRank

Free plan

Free developer sign-up, coding practice resources and selected skills certification tests.

  • Software developers
  • Data analysts
  • Technical students
Open tool : HackerRank (opens in a new tab) Check current plan: HackerRank (opens in a new tab)
Limits & a practice task for HackerRank

Know the limits

AI mock interview, mock test and tutor access are limited on Basic; larger allowances are paid. Do not assume all preparation features are unlimited or free.

Where it fits

Software developers · Data analysts · Technical students

Try a small work sample

Practise an SQL challenge, explain why your query works, then review mistakes before a technical interview.

Before you use it

  • Practise with assistance when helpful, then verify that you can explain and solve the task yourself.
  • Follow the employer's stated rules for AI and outside assistance in real tests.

Official sources

Plan information checked 2026-10-20.

Google Meet

Free plan

Basic video meetings with a personal Google account, for up to 100 participants.

  • All remote job seekers
  • Remote teams
  • Virtual assistants
Open tool : Google Meet (opens in a new tab) Check current plan: Google Meet (opens in a new tab)
Limits & a practice task for Google Meet

Know the limits

Basic one-to-one meetings allow up to 24 hours; meetings with three or more participants allow one hour. Recording and AI notes are not included in every account.

Where it fits

All remote job seekers · Remote teams · Virtual assistants

Try a small work sample

Test your camera, microphone, screen sharing and display name with a friend before the employer's interview call.

Before you use it

  • Use the meeting platform and invitation supplied by the employer.
  • Ask before recording or adding a note-taking bot; check the host's policies.

Official sources

Plan information checked 2026-10-20.

Zoom

Free plan

Zoom Basic hosts free meetings for up to 100 participants.

  • All remote job seekers
  • Remote teams
  • Virtual assistants
Open tool : Zoom (opens in a new tab) Check current plan: Zoom (opens in a new tab)
Limits & a practice task for Zoom

Know the limits

Meetings hosted on Basic have a 40-minute limit. The employer's host plan determines the limit when you join their meeting.

Where it fits

All remote job seekers · Remote teams · Virtual assistants

Try a small work sample

Practise joining a call, selecting the right microphone and sharing only the window containing your portfolio.

Before you use it

  • Use the employer's invitation; you do not need to buy a hosting plan just to attend an interview.
  • Recording or AI notes depend on the host's settings, plan and permission.

Official sources

Plan information checked 2026-10-20.

GoHighLevel (HighLevel)

Trial, then paid

Standard 14-day trial; there is no permanent free plan advertised on the main pricing page.

  • Marketing automation assistant
  • CRM assistant
  • Agency virtual assistant
Open tool : GoHighLevel (HighLevel) (opens in a new tab) Check current plan: GoHighLevel (HighLevel) (opens in a new tab)
Limits & a practice task for GoHighLevel (HighLevel)

Know the limits

Paid plans start at US$97/month after the trial. Email, SMS, calls and some AI features can have additional usage charges. For learning, use a free CRM first or an employer-provided account.

Where it fits

Marketing automation assistant · CRM assistant · Agency virtual assistant · Appointment setter

Try a small work sample

In a permitted practice account, build a lead pipeline with New enquiry, Contacted and Appointment booked stages; connect a booking calendar and document a follow-up workflow.

Official sources

Plan information checked 2026-10-20.

Zoho CRM

Free plan

A permanent Free edition for up to 3 users, with contact management, follow-up reminders and sales activities.

  • Sales assistant
  • CRM assistant
  • Virtual assistant
Open tool : Zoho CRM (opens in a new tab) Check current plan: Zoho CRM (opens in a new tab)
Limits & a practice task for Zoho CRM

Know the limits

The free offer is for Zoho CRM. Other Zoho products and bundles have their own plans; advanced features and many integrations require paid editions.

Where it fits

Sales assistant · CRM assistant · Virtual assistant · Customer operations assistant

Try a small work sample

Enter 10 fictional leads, record their enquiry source, schedule follow-up tasks and write a handover explaining which leads need attention next.

Official sources

Plan information checked 2026-10-20.

HubSpot CRM

Free plan

Free CRM tools with no time limit for up to 2 users and 1,000 contacts.

  • Sales assistant
  • CRM assistant
  • Marketing assistant
Open tool : HubSpot CRM (opens in a new tab) Check current plan: HubSpot CRM (opens in a new tab)
Limits & a practice task for HubSpot CRM

Know the limits

Advanced sales, marketing, automation and reporting functions are paid. A free CRM account does not include every HubSpot Hub feature.

Where it fits

Sales assistant · CRM assistant · Marketing assistant · Customer support assistant

Try a small work sample

Create a small fictional contact list and deal pipeline, add notes from a mock sales call and plan the next follow-up task.

Official sources

Plan information checked 2026-10-20.

Trello

Free plan

Free plan with unlimited cards, up to 10 boards and 10 collaborators per Workspace.

  • Virtual assistant
  • Project coordinator
  • Content assistant
Open tool : Trello (opens in a new tab) Check current plan: Trello (opens in a new tab)
Limits & a practice task for Trello

Know the limits

10MB per attachment and 250 Workspace automation command runs per month. Some Power-Ups can require a separate paid account.

Where it fits

Virtual assistant · Project coordinator · Content assistant · Job seeker

Try a small work sample

Make a board with To do, In progress, Waiting and Done. Add owners, due dates and checklists for a sample client launch, or use it to track job applications.

Official sources

Plan information checked 2026-10-20.

Notion

Free plan

Free notes, pages and databases with unlimited blocks for an individual, plus basic public sites and forms. Eligible students and educators can apply for a one-member Education Plus plan.

  • Virtual assistant
  • Operations assistant
  • Project coordinator
Open tool : Notion (opens in a new tab) Check current plan: Notion (opens in a new tab)
Limits & a practice task for Notion

Know the limits

Free workspaces have 5MB uploads, 7-day page history and 10 external guests; blocks are limited with 2 or more members. Notion AI and AI Meeting Notes are limited trials on Free, not unlimited free AI.

Where it fits

Virtual assistant · Operations assistant · Project coordinator · Job seeker

Try a small work sample

Build a sample client workspace containing a project tracker, meeting agenda and step-by-step procedure. Publish only the non-confidential portfolio copy.

Official sources

Plan information checked 2026-10-20.

Slack

Free plan

Free team messaging, channels and one-to-one audio/video huddles.

  • Virtual assistant
  • Customer support assistant
  • Project coordinator
Open tool : Slack (opens in a new tab) Check current plan: Slack (opens in a new tab)
Limits & a practice task for Slack

Know the limits

Only the latest 90 days of messages and files are visible/searchable, with up to 10 apps. Free data older than one year is deleted. Group huddles and Slack AI features require paid plans.

Where it fits

Virtual assistant · Customer support assistant · Project coordinator · Remote team member

Try a small work sample

Practice writing a short daily update with work completed, the next task and blockers; use threads to keep a project discussion together.

Official sources

Plan information checked 2026-10-20.

Google Sheets

Free plan

Anyone with a Google Account can create and collaborate on spreadsheets without a paid Workspace subscription.

  • Virtual assistant
  • Data entry assistant
  • Operations assistant
Open tool : Google Sheets (opens in a new tab) Check current plan: Google Sheets (opens in a new tab)
Limits & a practice task for Google Sheets

Know the limits

Personal accounts have up to 15GB of storage shared across Google services. Some Gemini and business features require paid plans; the basic spreadsheet does not require AI.

Where it fits

Virtual assistant · Data entry assistant · Operations assistant · Marketing assistant · Job seeker

Try a small work sample

Make a fictional enquiry tracker, remove duplicates, use filters and a formula to total weekly enquiries, then create a small chart. You can also track applications and follow-up dates.

Official sources

Plan information checked 2026-10-20.

Google Docs

Free plan

Anyone with a Google Account can create and collaborate on documents without a paid Workspace subscription.

  • Virtual assistant
  • Content assistant
  • Operations assistant
Open tool : Google Docs (opens in a new tab) Check current plan: Google Docs (opens in a new tab)
Limits & a practice task for Google Docs

Know the limits

Personal accounts have up to 15GB of storage shared across Google services. Some business and AI functions require an eligible paid plan.

Where it fits

Virtual assistant · Content assistant · Operations assistant · Customer support assistant · Job seeker

Try a small work sample

Write a one-page client procedure or a mock meeting summary with decisions, action owners and deadlines. Share a view-only sample as evidence of clear writing.

Official sources

Plan information checked 2026-10-20.

ClickUp

Free plan

Free Forever plan includes unlimited tasks, unlimited Free-plan members, collaborative Docs, Kanban boards and calendar view.

  • Project coordinator
  • Operations assistant
  • Virtual assistant
Open tool : ClickUp (opens in a new tab) Check current plan: ClickUp (opens in a new tab)
Limits & a practice task for ClickUp

Know the limits

Only 60MB of Workspace storage and one Form on Free. Advanced project, time-tracking and integration functions depend on the paid plan.

Where it fits

Project coordinator · Operations assistant · Virtual assistant

Try a small work sample

Set up a mock onboarding project with task owners and deadlines, attach a checklist in a Doc, and send a short progress report from the board.

Official sources

Plan information checked 2026-10-20.

Asana

Free plan

Personal plan is free for 2 users, with unlimited tasks and projects plus list, board and calendar views.

  • Project coordinator
  • Marketing assistant
  • Operations assistant
Open tool : Asana (opens in a new tab) Check current plan: Asana (opens in a new tab)
Limits & a practice task for Asana

Know the limits

Free collaboration is for 2 users. Timeline/Gantt, advanced reporting, automation and Asana AI are in paid plans. Free attachment limit is 100MB per file.

Where it fits

Project coordinator · Marketing assistant · Operations assistant

Try a small work sample

Plan a sample campaign with an owner and due date for each deliverable, then write a status update covering progress, risks and next actions.

Official sources

Plan information checked 2026-10-20.

Airtable

Free plan

Free plan for lightweight databases, forms and views, with up to 1,000 records per base and up to 5 collaborators with editing or higher permissions.

  • Operations assistant
  • Virtual assistant
  • Content operations assistant
Open tool : Airtable (opens in a new tab) Check current plan: Airtable (opens in a new tab)
Limits & a practice task for Airtable

Know the limits

1GB attachments per base and 100 automation runs per Workspace each month. The first Workspace starts with a 14-day Team trial, so practice within Free limits for a project you can keep using.

Where it fits

Operations assistant · Virtual assistant · Content operations assistant · No-code assistant

Try a small work sample

Create a sample content database linking articles to writers and publication dates; add a submission form and filtered views for work due this week.

Official sources

Plan information checked 2026-10-20.

Buffer

Free plan

Free plan for one user with up to 3 social channels, 10 queued posts per channel, 100 saved ideas and an AI Assistant.

  • Social media assistant
  • Content assistant
  • Marketing assistant
Open tool : Buffer (opens in a new tab) Check current plan: Buffer (opens in a new tab)
Limits & a practice task for Buffer

Know the limits

The 10-post limit is the queue size per channel at one time; a slot is freed after publication. Team access and approval workflows are paid.

Where it fits

Social media assistant · Content assistant · Marketing assistant

Try a small work sample

Draft a one-week content calendar for a fictional brand and prepare captions and a posting schedule. Use your own account or a practice brand if publishing; never connect a client account without permission.

Official sources

Plan information checked 2026-10-20.

Google Gemini

Free plan

Chat without a Google AI subscription; Gemini Live on supported devices can help rehearse conversational interviews.

  • All job seekers: rehearse answers
  • Students: identify examples from projects
  • Remote assistants: draft follow-up emails
Open tool : Google Gemini (opens in a new tab) Check current plan: Google Gemini (opens in a new tab)
Limits & a practice task for Google Gemini

Know the limits

Compute-based standard usage limits vary with the task; five-hour refreshes stop at the weekly limit. Some features, countries, languages and account types have different availability. Paid Google AI plans raise limits.

Where it fits

All job seekers: rehearse answers · Students: identify examples from projects · Remote assistants: draft follow-up emails

Try a small work sample

Before an interview, ask for one customer-support question at a time and feedback on clarity, using only your real experience.

Official sources

Plan information checked 2026-10-20.

Perplexity

Free plan

Standard plan offers basic web searches and search history without a subscription.

  • All job seekers: research employers
  • Marketing assistants: research an industry
  • Students: explore unfamiliar role terms
Open tool : Perplexity (opens in a new tab) Check current plan: Perplexity (opens in a new tab)
Limits & a practice task for Perplexity

Know the limits

Pro searches and file uploads are limited. Free users do not choose advanced models or receive premium image generation. Open and verify the original sources before using facts in an application.

Where it fits

All job seekers: research employers · Marketing assistants: research an industry · Students: explore unfamiliar role terms

Try a small work sample

Research an employer's products and recent announcements, then check its own website and prepare three specific interview questions.

Official sources

Plan information checked 2026-10-20.

Gemini Notebook (formerly NotebookLM)

Free plan

Standard access is free with an eligible Google account. Organize sources into notebooks and ask questions about the material you supply.

  • Students: study role-related material
  • Job seekers: prepare from a job description
  • New remote workers: learn approved onboarding documents
Open tool : Gemini Notebook (formerly NotebookLM) (opens in a new tab) Check current plan: Gemini Notebook (formerly NotebookLM) (opens in a new tab)
Limits & a practice task for Gemini Notebook (formerly NotebookLM)

Know the limits

Standard allows 100 notebooks per user and 50 sources per notebook; generation quotas also apply and may change. Work or school access can depend on the administrator. Check important answers against the source material.

Where it fits

Students: study role-related material · Job seekers: prepare from a job description · New remote workers: learn approved onboarding documents

Try a small work sample

Add a public job description and your own project notes, then create a revision sheet connecting each requirement to evidence you can discuss.

Official sources

Plan information checked 2026-10-20.

Fathom

Free plan

Individual Free includes unlimited meeting recordings, transcripts and instant call summaries.

  • Virtual assistants: review client briefs
  • Customer success: document agreed next steps
  • Project coordinators: review decisions
Open tool : Fathom (opens in a new tab) Check current plan: Fathom (opens in a new tab)
Limits & a practice task for Fathom

Know the limits

Advanced summaries, action items, meeting-assistant and team features have limits or require paid plans. Standard meeting capture supports Zoom, Google Meet and Microsoft Teams; bot-free capture is a Mac beta. Ask participants before recording and follow the host's rules.

Where it fits

Virtual assistants: review client briefs · Customer success: document agreed next steps · Project coordinators: review decisions

Try a small work sample

With everyone's permission, capture a client briefing; check the transcript and turn confirmed deliverables into your task list.

Official sources

Plan information checked 2026-10-20.

Otter.ai

Free plan

Basic includes live transcription and 300 transcription minutes per month, with Zoom, Google Meet and Microsoft Teams support.

  • Students: review permitted study discussions
  • Job seekers: review a mock interview
  • Remote assistants: capture short meetings
Open tool : Otter.ai (opens in a new tab) Check current plan: Otter.ai (opens in a new tab)
Limits & a practice task for Otter.ai

Know the limits

30 minutes per conversation; three audio/video file imports over the account's lifetime; access to the 25 most recent conversations. Ask permission before recording; the cap makes it a better fit for short sessions than long meetings.

Where it fits

Students: review permitted study discussions · Job seekers: review a mock interview · Remote assistants: capture short meetings

Try a small work sample

Record a 20-minute practice interview with a willing partner, then read your answers and identify where you need a clearer example.

Official sources

Plan information checked 2026-10-20.

tl;dv

Free plan

Free plan provides unlimited meeting recordings, transcripts and manual timestamped notes for Google Meet, Zoom and Microsoft Teams.

  • Project coordinators: timestamp decisions
  • Virtual assistants: revisit client instructions
  • Remote teams: share permitted meeting context
Open tool : tl;dv (opens in a new tab) Check current plan: tl;dv (opens in a new tab)
Limits & a practice task for tl;dv

Know the limits

Full AI notes for the first 10 meetings; afterward AI notes cover only the first 10 minutes of each meeting. Free recordings last three months, with archive/download restrictions. Extra AI and integrations have lifetime allowances. Obtain permission before recording.

Where it fits

Project coordinators: timestamp decisions · Virtual assistants: revisit client instructions · Remote teams: share permitted meeting context

Try a small work sample

Timestamp agreed decisions in a project call and send colleagues the relevant approved section instead of an unreviewed AI summary.

Official sources

Plan information checked 2026-10-20.

Make

Free plan

Build visual workflows on the Free plan with 1,000 credits per month.

  • Marketing assistants: move approved lead data
  • Operations assistants: reduce repeated admin
  • Automation learners: build a portfolio workflow
Open tool : Make (opens in a new tab) Check current plan: Make (opens in a new tab)
Limits & a practice task for Make

Know the limits

Two active scenarios and a 15-minute minimum scheduled interval. Each workflow step can consume credits; AI steps may cost more. Connected services and AI providers may require separate paid accounts.

Where it fits

Marketing assistants: move approved lead data · Operations assistants: reduce repeated admin · Automation learners: build a portfolio workflow

Try a small work sample

Build a small form-to-spreadsheet workflow with dummy data and document how it saves manual copying for a portfolio sample.

Official sources

Plan information checked 2026-10-20.

Zapier

Free plan

Free plan includes 100 tasks per month and two-step Zaps: one trigger followed by one action.

  • Virtual assistants: simple admin handoffs
  • Marketing assistants: learn lead workflows
  • Operations learners: demonstrate a small automation
Open tool : Zapier (opens in a new tab) Check current plan: Zapier (opens in a new tab)
Limits & a practice task for Zapier

Know the limits

Free polling can take 15 minutes. Multi-step Zaps, premium apps and webhooks require paid plans. App connections can carry separate charges; a free automation account does not make every connected tool free.

Where it fits

Virtual assistants: simple admin handoffs · Marketing assistants: learn lead workflows · Operations learners: demonstrate a small automation

Try a small work sample

Connect a practice form to a task list using dummy data; explain the trigger, action and monthly task usage in your portfolio.

Official sources

Plan information checked 2026-10-20.

ChatGPT

Free plan

A Free plan is available for getting started with AI assistance; use clear prompts for drafting, learning and practice conversations.

  • Job seekers: rehearse answers and improve drafts
  • Students: explain projects clearly
  • Remote workers: structure updates
Open tool : ChatGPT (opens in a new tab) Check current plan: ChatGPT (opens in a new tab)
Limits & a practice task for ChatGPT

Know the limits

Usage allowances and available tools depend on the plan and task. Review the response yourself and keep application examples grounded in your real experience.

Where it fits

Job seekers: rehearse answers and improve drafts · Students: explain projects clearly · Remote workers: structure updates

Try a small work sample

Provide the job requirements and three true examples from your work or studies. Ask for one practice interview question at a time, then feedback on relevance and evidence.

Official sources

Plan information checked 2026-10-20.

LinkedIn profile & Featured work

Free plan

Use a Basic profile to present your experience and share work. Featured samples can include posts, articles, documents or links.

  • Job seekers: present relevant work samples
  • Career changers: explain transferable evidence
  • Freelancers: show completed work
Open tool : LinkedIn profile & Featured work (opens in a new tab) Check current plan: LinkedIn profile & Featured work (opens in a new tab)
Limits & a practice task for LinkedIn profile & Featured work

Know the limits

Featured samples follow profile visibility and require viewers to be signed in. Some profile-section pinning features require Premium; showcasing a sample does not guarantee reach or a job.

Where it fits

Job seekers: present relevant work samples · Career changers: explain transferable evidence · Freelancers: show completed work

Try a small work sample

Write a short case study about a clearly labelled practice project and feature its link or document on your profile.

Official sources

Plan information checked 2026-10-20.

Figma

Free plan

Starter offers free limited access to Figma products, including unlimited drafts and UI kits/templates.

  • UI/UX designers
  • Product designers
  • Marketing designers
Open tool : Figma (opens in a new tab) Check current plan: Figma (opens in a new tab)
Limits & a practice task for Figma

Know the limits

Shared team files, advanced collaboration, developer features and AI allowances depend on the product and plan. Check the Starter comparison before choosing a paid seat.

Where it fits

UI/UX designers · Product designers · Marketing designers · Frontend collaborators

Try a small work sample

Design two screens for a simple application tracker and explain the layout, accessibility and interaction choices in a portfolio case study.

Official sources

Plan information checked 2026-10-20.

Visual Studio Code

Free tool

The code editor is free for private and commercial use on supported Windows, macOS and Linux systems.

  • Web developers
  • Software engineers
  • Data analysts writing scripts
Open tool : Visual Studio Code (opens in a new tab) Check current plan: Visual Studio Code (opens in a new tab)
Limits & a practice task for Visual Studio Code

Know the limits

The editor is separate from Visual Studio IDE. Optional extensions, hosted services and AI assistants can have their own pricing and terms.

Where it fits

Web developers · Software engineers · Data analysts writing scripts · Students learning code

Try a small work sample

Create a small accessible portfolio page, preview it locally and keep a short README describing how to run and review it.

Official sources

Plan information checked 2026-10-20.

Use AI to prepare, then review the work.

Keep CV claims and interview examples based on what you have actually done. Check important facts against the source, and remove private client or employer information before using a personal AI account.

For a real interview or meeting, ask before recording, transcribing or using a live assistant. Follow the host’s rules and review notes before sharing them. You can use a meeting platform without enabling a recording tool.

Choose a role. Make something useful.

A practical tool kit for your next step

Start with a task from a job description, then learn the tools that help you complete it. Each route below is one possible kit: choose an option where alternatives are shown. You do not need to install everything.

New to the role? Build a small sample with fictional information. Already experienced? Use the same route to document a more demanding workflow and explain your decisions.

Student or first-job applicantTurn learning into evidence you can discuss.
  1. Task: Choose one role and identify three skills the vacancies ask for.
  2. Starter tools: Teal or Simplify for applications; Google Docs for your CV; Forage for a relevant practice simulation.
  3. Practice output: A tailored CV, one clearly labelled sample project and a short explanation of what you did and learned.
  4. Next step: Choose a skill to practise, then build your first portfolio example.
See free tools for first-job applicants
Virtual assistance and administrationKeep information, deadlines and handovers clear.
  1. Task: Organize a week's enquiries and prepare a client handover.
  2. Starter tools: Google Sheets for the tracker; Google Docs for a procedure; Trello for deadlines if the task needs a board.
  3. Practice output: A tidy enquiry sheet, a one-page procedure and a handover listing the next action and owner.
  4. Next step: Follow the virtual assistant practice project and add your reviewed sample to your portfolio.
See free tools for VA and admin work
Customer support and successPractise helpful replies and reliable follow-up.
  1. Task: Respond to a customer problem and explain when to escalate it.
  2. Starter tools: Google Docs for sample replies; HubSpot CRM for a fictional contact's history; Gemini for interview practice before the real call.
  3. Practice output: Three clear replies, an escalation note and a follow-up record. These demonstrate the workflow; actual jobs may use a dedicated help desk.
  4. Next step: Choose the support skills to strengthen and present your sample work.
See free tools for customer support
Marketing, content and social mediaConnect audience, message and a publishing plan.
  1. Task: Plan a one-week campaign for a fictional business and a defined audience.
  2. Starter tools: Canva for designs; Google Sheets for the content calendar; Buffer if you want to practise scheduling.
  3. Practice output: Three posts, captions and a calendar, with a short note explaining the audience and what you would measure.
  4. Next step: Use the Meta ads practice brief or review a page for search visibility.
See free tools for marketing and social media
Sales, CRM and marketing automationMove an enquiry toward a clear next action.
  1. Task: Keep prospect details accurate and organize follow-ups.
  2. Starter tools: Choose Zoho CRM or HubSpot CRM. Learn HighLevel later if a target role uses it; HighLevel has a paid plan after its trial.
  3. Practice output: Ten fictional leads, a simple sales pipeline and a handover showing who needs a follow-up and why.
  4. Next step: Learn the difference between CRM, chat and task tools, then try the first automation practice project.
See free tools for sales and CRM
Projects and operationsMake ownership, progress and decisions visible.
  1. Task: Coordinate a small launch or onboarding project with deadlines.
  2. Starter tools: Choose Trello, ClickUp or Asana for tasks. Use Notion or Google Docs for instructions, and the team's chosen chat tool for updates.
  3. Practice output: A project board with owners and due dates, a checklist and a concise progress report. If you record a practice meeting, ask participants first.
  4. Next step: Automate one repeated handoff and explain the process in your portfolio.
See free tools for projects and operations
Technology and dataShow your method alongside the finished result.
  1. Task: Solve a small coding or data problem relevant to the role.
  2. Starter tools: HackerRank for coding or SQL practice; Google Sheets for a small analysis; GitHub Pages if you want a technical portfolio site.
  3. Practice output: A working solution or analysis with a readable explanation, limitations and evidence that you tested it.
  4. Next step: Write a project case study, then practise explaining your choices before the interview.
See free tools for technology and data

These are practice examples, not required software lists. Match your learning to the tasks in each vacancy, check its location rules, and use the remote job safety guide before sharing personal information.

Understand the job before choosing the software

CRM, team chat and task boards do different jobs

A CRM keeps customer and prospect records, sales stages and follow-ups. A task board organizes who does what by when. Team chat carries the discussion. Notes and procedures explain how the work is done.

  1. Enquiry arrivesRecord the person and their need in the CRM.
  2. Next action is agreedAssign a task, an owner and a due date.
  3. Team stays informedSend a clear update in chat and keep the procedure in a document.
One example workflow. A small business may use fewer tools, and an employer may combine these functions in its own system.
What each tool helps you do, which roles use it, and a sample you can build
ToolMain purposeRelevant rolesPractice evidenceAccess
HighLevel
(GoHighLevel)		A CRM with sales pipelines, booking calendars and marketing follow-up automation.CRM assistant, agency VA, marketing automation assistant, appointment setter.A fictional lead pipeline and a documented booking or follow-up workflow.Paid platform with a standard 14-day trial; some usage and add-ons cost extra. It is a CRM itself.
Zoho CRMContact and prospect records, sales activities and follow-up reminders.Sales assistant, CRM assistant, customer operations assistant.Ten fictional leads with their source, next task and follow-up date.Free core CRM edition for up to three users. Other Zoho apps and advanced editions have separate plans.
HubSpot CRMContact management, sales pipelines and customer follow-up.Sales assistant, marketing assistant, CRM assistant, customer support assistant.A small contact list, a deal pipeline and notes from a mock call.Free core tools have user and contact limits. Advanced marketing and automation are paid.
SlackTeam communication through channels, threads and short updates.Remote team member, support assistant, VA, project coordinator.A clear daily update: completed work, next action and blocker.Free team messaging has history and feature limits. Use the employer's workspace for real work.
TrelloTask boards, checklists, owners and due dates.VA, project coordinator, content assistant.A launch board with To do, In progress, Waiting and Done stages.Free plan has board, collaborator and automation limits.
NotionNotes, procedures, knowledge pages and lightweight task databases.Operations assistant, VA, project coordinator.A sample client workspace with a procedure, agenda and project tracker.Free individual workspace available. AI and AI Meeting Notes are limited trials on Free.

For a free CRM learning route, choose Zoho CRM or HubSpot CRM first. If a role specifically asks for HighLevel, use an authorized trial or employer-provided account to practise that platform.

Access checked 20 October 2026: HighLevel, Zoho CRM, HubSpot, Slack, Trello, Notion.

A useful starting point

Build your AI practice prompt

Build a prompt, then paste it into your AI tool. This helper sends no request to an AI service.

Use real examples from work, study, volunteering or personal projects. Leave out private contact details and confidential information. Interview prompts are for practice before the actual interview.

Keep the path connected

Tool → task → work sample → application.

Choose a tool because a role needs the task it supports. Practise with fictional information, save a reviewed sample, and explain your decisions.

Explore skill paths ↗Build a portfolio sample ↗Find places to search ↗

How this list was researched

We reviewed FutureTools by Matt Wolfe for discovery and checked the official product and plan pages linked on the cards. This is a focused selection for career tasks. Role mappings and practice samples are our editorial suggestions.

Free plans can have user, storage, time or AI limits. A trial can require payment details and become paid. Region, account, age and organization rules may affect access; check the current official terms before signing up.