Ironically there's been no dedicated thread to this. So I thought it would be a good idea to initiate one to discuss best practices about Font/Margins/Length/ECs/what to put and what not to. Please feel free to share your ideas and information. I am personally trying to bring mine to 12pt / 1.0" margin but it is getting extremely tough. This discussion has been retired. Please see this post instead: best-resume-cv-format-templates-117758.html For Resume Books (books created by each Business School for the Graduating MBA class), see these links: Wharton Resume book: resume-book-types-of-people-admitted-to-wharton-79018.html Tuck Resume Book: resume-format-for-schools-69568.html?view-post=513708#p513708 IMD Resume Book: resume-book-types-of-people-admitted-to-wharton-79018.html?view-post=595207#p595207 Comprehensive compilation of resumes from various schools (looks like class presidents from top BSchools: the-most-comprehensive-resume-book-i-have-ever-seen-67590.html (and discussion of their skills: the-most-comprehensive-resume-book-i-have-ever-seen-67590-20.html Also: Should you change/tailor resume for each school: changing-resume-format-for-each-school-87840.html How to note consulting role on the resume: how-to-note-consulting-role-on-resume-87797.html

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Best Resume/CV Format, Template, Tips

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DoorKnocker

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10 Aug 2010, 04:19

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Hello everyone,

I'm looking at my one-page resume with Times New Roman 10 and I'm wondering if the font is too small. I used Arial 10 before and it was fine because Arial is bigger than TNR for a given font size.

Are there any resume experts who can tell me what's the bottom limit for font size for TNR or Arial or any other font?

Thanks!

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10 Aug 2010, 05:27

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Thanks rao I find it very useful!

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18 Sep 2010, 01:03

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I'm struggling to put everything in one page.... do you think TNR 10 is too small?

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18 Sep 2010, 13:05

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rid82

I'm struggling to put everything in one page.... do you think TNR 10 is too small?

Probably, especially if it will be printed out
I have seen a few two-page résumés, but I think that's a little too much.

I would suggest to take out the least valuable items. If you can identify them :wink:

FYI: most companies now require you to enter your resume into their online system ( for a job that is)

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24 Sep 2010, 09:37

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lonewolf

can anyone provide a link to Tuck Resume? It seems the book is off already.
Also, some resume sample from HBS would also be helpful.

thanks in advance

Hi everybody,

You can see same topic at the side bar of this site. You can find out some thing same your questions or use search box or this site.

If you want to do more info, you also visit at:Resume templates
Best rgs

shadow

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27 Oct 2010, 17:52

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One tip I received regarding GMAT and GPA on a resume is (one that no doubt everyone's heard by now): if it's good, put it; if not, then don't.

What exactly does "good" mean though? The conventional wisdom is 700+ and 3.5+ is safe to put on the resume; however, I was told recently that even this may backfire unintentionally. For example, if you got a 700 and your school's GMAT average is 710, you are implicitly telling the recruiter that you got lower than 50% of your classmates.

Like most things, this isn't a hard rule, but you may want to think twice about GMAT and GPA on the resume if you're far below your school's posted average.

imkabob

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06 Dec 2010, 18:33

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Question: Do you think that what was essentially full time work for a church (though unpaid) should be included in the Experience section?

imkabob

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06 Dec 2010, 21:05

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also, is it overkill to list my SAT1 & 2 scores on my resume if I need to strengthen my case for quantitative competency? I was an English major who took Stats (B-) and two Econ classes (A-, B) in college. I scored a 1510 (800 on Math) on SAT1 and 790 and 780 on the two Math SAT2s.

imkabob

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06 Dec 2010, 21:20

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And is it necessary/how would you indicate an 8-month sabbatical from your job on a resume?

piggles

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14 Dec 2010, 17:04

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imkabob

I think it's fair to say a test you took in high school is "past the expiration date" as Ross's Admissions Director would say. I think I'd laugh out loud if I saw someone's SAT score on a resume. If you have time, take a calc class.

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01 Jan 2011, 08:53

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Quick question guys -

Is it OK to have tables in the MS Office Word document? I saw some resumes in Haas resume book and liked the format which has 'education', 'experience' etc aligned to the left (obviously in a table) and related info aligned to the right. I am attaching this sample resume that I downloaded from Microsoft.

Can anyone advice me if there are any issues using such a template or style. Will the word document be viewed as a Word doc or PDF or will the text be extracted from the document as basic text (which may be an issue if tables are used in Word doc)

Thanks for all the help.

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MS Office - Resume template.docx [20.83 KiB]
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01 Jan 2011, 11:59

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I don't see a reason why not.
I have used a resume with a table for the education section to save space...

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02 Jan 2011, 18:02

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If someone could please clarify:

I noticed on some resumes "MBA Candidate" is placed under the school name to which he or she is applying. Is this an admissions tactic? Where placing the school's name/MBA program with "Candidate" or "potential candidate" is placed under education info as a subversive resume tactic against admissions?

I would think it is only appropriate to place "MBA Candidate at XYZ University" only after you're enrolled in XYZ program. So the resume's I see doing this must be from individuals who are past the applicant stage and are post-acceptance/enrolled, correct?

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02 Jan 2011, 21:04

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you put it only AFTER admission, so the resumes you have seen may have been 2nd years or those who have enrolled.

forestbeauty

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04 Jan 2011, 04:23

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I am applying for a Master in International Management in Bocconi University. They want some proof of international experience. Do you think it is appropriate to mention my attendance at Salsa and Kizomba international festivals? Also, I participated in Work and Travel program in the USA. It lasted more than four months. I know they are not connected with management but they provide evidence for some international experience.

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04 Jan 2011, 11:13

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forestbeauty

Someone more knowledgable than I will hopefully reply, but my 2 cents: You can and should play-up your Work and Travel program in the USA. That's a solid international experience...it is work in another country--that's great. You could artfully spin it any number of ways. You don't necessarily have to 'sell it' as Work and Travel--could simply just explain it as work--you had a short internship abroad to broaden your international profile--while exploring opportunities.

In my opinion, the international Salsa and Kizomba festivals could be worth mentioning to help reinforce the 'international' theme you're ultimately trying to create. Perhaps best listed under "Other Interests, Hobbies, Experiences" as an afterthought...that seems best.

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05 Jan 2011, 00:42

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Thanks a lot.
I will go this summer again. I find it very useful to get not only international experience but also a sense for the language.

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13 Feb 2011, 12:34

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you put it only AFTER admission, so the resumes you have seen may have been 2nd years or those who have enrolled.

Just to clarify; adding "XYZ University, MBA (Prospective 2011)" under education--where "XYZ is name of MBA program/School you're applying--is not advisable? The keyword here being "Prospective"...as in, "hopeful" candidate (not yet candidate). My only reasoning is that having the schools name printed there, even if only to say "Prospective" and not "Candidate" would be viewed positively by admissions.

How wrong is my thinking on this?

heel289

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15 Feb 2011, 10:06

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What they forgot to tell you was that on MBA Focus there is a handling fee. I registered and selected 5 free resume books and then went to check out only to find a $100 handling fee. So if you are not prepared to pay a handling fee, don't waste your time.

mdavis46278

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09 Jun 2011, 07:48

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DoorKnocker

Thanks!

becarev

becarev,
You'll want to use Arial or Time New Roman with a 12 font. Most companies want that format. You can also use a resume service if you need help with what font to use and for helping you make the most of your resume. Good luck!