Resume Tips For Getting Into Top Consulting Firms

At consulting firms like McKinsey, the pandemic is changing how they recruit for MBAs.

With virtual recruiting becoming the new normal, how you position yourself on paper is becoming increasingly important.

Experts at MBA Crystal Ball recently outlined a few resume tips for consulting firms like McKinsey, Deloitte, BCG, and Bain.

UNDERSTAND HOW IT’S READ

Experts say it’s important to have a scannable resume with keywords that are quick to read.

“In six seconds, a recruiter will see your name, scan your intro for keywords, jump to education, quickly move on to experience (scan employers, read the first entry), and decide whether to call you for an interview or not,” Sameer Kamat, of MBA Crystal Ball, writes.

Additionally, Kamat says, applicants should know the order in which a resume is read once it’s submitted.

“Recruiting staff are your first line of resistance,” Kamat writes. “You need to pass their scrutiny to get to the next stage, where a committee, no less, reviews your resume.”

FOCUS ON PRESENTATION

Little details matter in the long run.

When it comes to your resume, experts say, it’s important to pay attention to details in the presentation.

“Presentation should be of high caliber with standard font style and size, consistent margins and formatting, good grammar and punctuation, correct spelling, and clarity & flow,” Kamat writes. “Your resume will probably end up in a bin if you come across as careless or casual or go overboard with creativity. Limit your resume to a maximum of two pages.”

SHOW YOUR FIT

At the end of the day, consulting firms want to find the perfect fit for their organizations.

Kamat says applicants should prove their fit by emphasizing certain skills or traits.

“Highlight your communication skills, which is important since you will be spending most of your work day interacting with team members, management representatives, and clients,” Kamat writes. “Show off your soft skills. Don’t forget to throw some light on the fun part of your personality. You will be spending a good part of your week with colleagues, so showing that you have a lighter side won’t hurt you.”

Sources: MBA Crystal Ball, P&Q