MBA CV/Resume

Question

There doesn't seem to be many posts on this, but as its the first part of your application given a serious look I think it's well worth spending a little time fine-tuning. I especially note with the trend to shorter applications over recent years there are more references to your 'we've seen in your resume...' so it seems to be looked at more?

Some of the general advice I've picked up so far;

Keep it to 1 page - it's supported by a comprehensive application pack, so it's only an introduction to your background.
Running order - generally Education/Academics first, although for some older applicants where work experience is more significant you may want to put this first.

My main query at the moment is that my (very) condensed version of just academics and experience is around 2/3 page. With the remaining 1/3, should I allocate all that space to extra-curriculars or increase my work experience section (I'm relatively a bit older for an applicant, 6 years exp and plenty of good responsibilities to mention...)

Thoughts?

jumsumtak · Answer

I think in your case an 80-20 split makes sense. Allot 20% (or slightly lesser if you want) of your resume space to ECs. Obviously, if you have something spectacular on ECs you can go for a 75-25. But, almost always it is better to go work-heavy.

SGanguly · Answer

Hi Timbob,

For professional resumes, especially for people who have substantial experience like yourself, work experience should come first followed by a mention of your higher-end qualifications (graduate level and up - Bachelors onwards). Extracurriculars are important for MBA. So, that definitely will take the last slot in your resume. Another very important section is that of Awards & Achievements. This allows you to provide a snapshot of your major achievements in terms of work, academics, and extracurricular. You should quantify these wherever possible. Your achievements might get lost in the shuffle if you include them within your job description. So, consider this section seriously.

If you have the space and relevant points, then you can also consider something like Positions of Responsibility (outside work to showcase your all-round leadership skills), Training/Certifications/Professional Affiliations, and Community Service.

If space is too much of a constraint, I would suggest going with Work Ex, Education, Awards & Achievements, and ECA.

Hope this helps.

Good luck!

Best Regards,

careerzooom · Answer

As you mentioned your CV/resume is about MBA education and work experience. In the MBA stream, there are extra-curricular also very important than a technical resume. I think you can add the managerial skills and leadership skills that you have in your extracurriculars.

However, you should ad more about your experience. If you mentioned plenty of work in the CV then no doubt you should write down your hobbies and interests.

However, you should ad more about your experience. If you mentioned plenty of work in the CV then no doubt you should write down your hobbies and interests.

Admissionado · Answer

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ARINGO · Answer

Your MBA candidate resume should focus on your professional and educational background, and highlight your achievements in these areas. The MBA CV is quite different from a traditional business resume in that it should focus heavily on MBA skills and traits such as leadership, teamwork and international work experience.

For more MBA CV tips, please visit: https://www.aringo.com/mba-resume-tips- ... uirements/

or watch this video:

3Storms · Answer

The best approach to building/rebuilding your resume for an MBA application is

1) Brainstorm everything that can go in there
2) Label each for what it demonstrates that's relevant to AdCom's (leadership, expertise, international, diversity, collaboration, conflict management, cross functional experience, impact, promotions etc)
3) Prioritize them for importance and put them into each section
4) Aligning to core personal brand

Happy to look at yours and give you feedback in FREE Assessment Brainstorm Session.

MBA CV/Resume

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