Thanks for joining us for our live call on crafting a winning consulting resume! We had a dynamic conversation, and many of you came loaded with fantastic questions about your consulting resume. With application deadlines right around the corner, it's time to get your resume in tip-top shape. Scroll down to see editing packages.
In addition, download a free Resume Template for an example of what a killer MBB-standard resume looks like.
If you missed the conversation or just want a recap, access the recording below. Have questions after listening? Read through common resume questions below, and if your question still hasn't been answered, write us!
Editing Packages
Q&A: How to Craft a Winning Consulting Resume
Q: If I have two years of work experience after my undergrad, should I apply as a student or experienced professional?
A: It depends on the firm and practice area you are applying for. Network and ask which path will be more appropriate for you in that specific firm. If it’s relevant experience, most firms will treat you like an experienced hire.
Q: Would you put your GMAT score in the MBA education section?
A: If you are applying to MBB, include if above 700. For other firms, include if above 680.
Q: Does participating in MBB's networking events count as experience? Does that mean that my resume is good enough?
A: Participating in networking events is valuable, but it does not count as resume-worthy experience.
Q: Is the education section important for an MBA grad with 5 years post-MBA experience? I only have two lines for my schools and GPA
A: It’s important, but not as important as your professional experience. Include high-level achievements (ex: large scholarships), but save most of your space to build out your professional experience - like you are already doing!
Q: Is accounting a "quant" major?
A: Yes.
Q: Should you add context for brand name companies, and if so, how?
A: Add context for the division/team you are working in. Who do you report to? How big is your team? What is the revenue contribution of your division to the overall org?
Q: I am an Executive MBA with a Major in Strategy, Entrepreneurship & Finance (Analytics); will this be counted as Analytical qualification?
A: Yes, but it’s not enough on it’s own. SHOW your analytical ability through your bullet points as well.
Q: Is working for a large family business seen as less because it's within family?
A: It depends on your definition of “large.” But it is not an automatic downgrade.
Q: What does attending a non-target school mean in terms of opportunities as compared to target schools for firms like Bain?
A: It means you have to initiate the networking process; the firms aren't coming to you. ~20% of total seats are held for students from non-core schools - you have a chance, but must network and have a killer resume to be invited to interviews!
Q: If we've worked in a diverse team, should we list the number of nationalities (e.g: worked in a 10 member multinational team from 5 different nations) or is this too sensitive?
A: Not necessarily too sensitive, but definitely too wordy! “Led cross-cultural team” or “Worked in multinational team of 10” is enough.
Q: What if you have worked in politics? Do you want to emphasize "political" achievements (e.g., national fundraising committee for a candidate), or is this too controversial?
A: Yes - but display transferable skills. Did you lead a team? Manage a budget? Negotiate with vendors or key stakeholders? How much in money did you raise? Was it a record for the amount of time you were fundraising?
Q: Is describing a less known company another bullet point?
A: No, it should be the beginning of your 1st bullet point under that experience.
Q: What should be the max number of bullet points under a company?
A: Aim for 5 bullet points max.
Q: Can we have our professional photographs in the resume?
A: If you are applying in the US, the answer is always no. Some international firms accept resumes with your headshots – check with each firm before including it.
Q: How would we show experience for a client that we cannot disclose?
A: Write about the client in general terms, i.e. “$100M healthcare provider”
Q: How would you include dropping out after 3 years of medical education at a T20 med school?
A: We would include it as a bullet point under your last completed degree. “Post-degree, accepted to [name brand med school] and attended from [year - year].
Q: I attained my AA from a college with unique credentials (certificates in web development, JavaScript) for a Business/Finance major – should I get rid of transfer colleges under education (I later transferred after my AA to UW for my Business BA)?
A: Yes.
Q: Is a resume review possible for someone who has never been in the consulting world?
A: Yes! Book a Power Half Hour.
Q: Is it recommended to write down the company revenue or employee numbers for a brand name?
A: Not necessarily - only if it helps enhance understanding of your work.
Q: Any particular advice for mid-career changers (e.g., law to consulting)?
A: Emphasize skills in your resume, not expertise. And network!
Q: Since Covid-19 hit this summer, and many of us may have had our brand name internships canceled, should we put previous brand names above what we did this summer?
A: No - keep your resume in chronological order.
Q: If you graduated 8 months ago, would you still be considered a university hire for recruiting purposes?
A: Most likely, yes.
Q: If you are graduating with an MBA this week and want to get an internship, do they count you as an MBA intern or do they strictly want people in a program?
A: You are ineligible for an internship. You must apply for a full-time role.
Q: I'm a military veteran, but I am also in business school. Would I be considered an experienced hire?
A: Not if you are applying through your school. For firms that are not coming to campus, you could be considered an experienced hire or MBA hire. Network and ask which path gives you the best chance to obtain an interview.
Q: My undergrad does not have letter grades, and did not give a GPA. Will that hurt me? What can I do to reconcile it?
A: It might - emphasize standardized test scores and scholarships/awards.
Q: What about gaps in employment due to medical reasons?
A: Don’t bring it up on the resume.
Q: Do recommendation letters help after you get in the interview, or only to get you to the first round interview?
A: Only to get you to the interview round.
Q: If I have worked at both EY in the Valuations Team & EY-Parthenon in TMT Strategy, should I list them separately?
A: Yes.
Q: After the MBA, if we do not get an offer in the MBB, will it be possible to move there one year later?
A: Yes.
Q: Is startup senior leadership experience relevant in terms of improving revenue and customer LTV and retention rate?
A: Yes.
Q: How important is it to have an MBA? With no MBA degree, what is the minimum experience required for those applying as experienced hires with a non-business degree?
A: It’s not necessary to have an MBA to break into consulting! Firms consider folks with as little as 1 year of experience: “Experienced Hires.” The term really refers to anyone not being recruited out of an academic program.
Q: If you had a family/health issue during undergrad that impacted GPA, is there a way to call that out? Such as an asterisk to discuss after or just leave it alone?
A: Leave it alone on the resume - you can mention during networking.
Q: What should virtual internships have as their location?
A: Not really important - you can put virtual, the city you were based in, or the firm’s HQ
Q: Is it worth applying online to the large consulting companies, or will you get lost in the black hole?
A: Don’t apply online without first networking.
Q: Should we include our skill level? E.g: Excel (advanced), French (elementary), etc.
A: Yes.
Q: Does “emphasize with bold” apply to things in the bullet point?
A: Bolding the company name is okay. Don’t bold words inside of your bullet points.
Q: Does the recommended fonts differ by resume types (e.g. tech/consulting resume)?
A: No.