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bestyat
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RESUME GUIDANCE - WHAT TO INCLUDE/EXCLUDE 07 Jul 2016, 04:27
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Hi There,

hoping for some advice on what to include on my CV.

I studied a bachelor of applied science in physiotherapy. 3years through my 4 year degree i recognized Physiotherapy was not the job for me and started pursuing other interests however I did finish the degree with the intention i would later take on some post graduate study.

I have been working as a sales and stock purchasing analyst for the last 7-8 years in both Sydney and London - focussing heavily on business development within the middle east and far east.

I now have 7 years experience in this one very specific and technical field within the fashion retail industry however have had 3 jobs (plus 1 6 month contract after i relocated to london)

I am concerned it looks patchy

On one hand, the science background and interaction with patients has afforded me a lot of knowledge and skills that i know i draw upon every day. On the other i;m concerned i appear to jump around a lot, (although i have been in this industry for 7 years now)

Should I include physiotherapy on my application? or just put 'bachelor of applied science' on my cv?

Next question - the title of my job is not very well known.
Should I use my existing job title "i.e. merchandiser" - which not many people really knows what that means or does
or should I translate that to layman terms 'sales analyst', inventory planner etc

any advice welcome

thanks
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candylovessunny
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RESUME GUIDANCE - WHAT TO INCLUDE/EXCLUDE 07 Jul 2016, 05:07
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I was a merchandiser too for 8 years . Indeed not many people understood or heard of this job but I must say it is the most challenging job & high pressure environment. Good luck with your application


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RESUME GUIDANCE - WHAT TO INCLUDE/EXCLUDE 07 Jul 2016, 07:55
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bestyat
Hi There,
Hi @Bestyat- Will provide some CV advice from an admissions perspective- I spent the last 15 years reviewing applicants from the MBA admissions side so I can give you some general info that will be helpful although every school looks at things slightly differently. Will make comments in blue below.
hoping for some advice on what to include on my CV.

I studied a bachelor of applied science in physiotherapy. 3years through my 4 year degree i recognized Physiotherapy was not the job for me and started pursuing other interests however I did finish the degree with the intention i would later take on some post graduate study.

I have been working as a sales and stock purchasing analyst for the last 7-8 years in both Sydney and London - focussing heavily on business development within the middle east and far east. I'd build upon the results in this 7 yrs- try to keep that together as a story- and the fact that you moved a few times within that field was to learn more and gain both $ and experience.

I now have 7 years experience in this one very specific and technical field within the fashion retail industry however have had 3 jobs (plus 1 6 month contract after i relocated to london)

I am concerned it looks patchy It is what it is- you just have to make sure you can explain why each move made sense and gets you closer to your long term post MBA goal.

On one hand, the science background and interaction with patients has afforded me a lot of knowledge and skills that i know i draw upon every day. On the other i;m concerned i appear to jump around a lot, (although i have been in this industry for 7 years now)

Should I include physiotherapy on my application? or just put 'bachelor of applied science' on my cv? I would not overthink this- put what the degree was called. Lots of people do work that is not directly related to their major.

Next question - the title of my job is not very well known. You can put a description or put the exact title and then describe a bit more after (Merchandiser: (sales analyst/inventory planner)
Should I use my existing job title "i.e. merchandiser" - which not many people really knows what that means or does
or should I translate that to layman terms 'sales analyst', inventory planner etc

any advice welcome
Use a standard MBA resume format and keep it to one or 2 pages- some schools really want 1; others are fine with 2. But after more than one page (2 sides)- it just gets too complicated and no one wants to read that level of detail. With 7 yrs work you should have some really good accomplishments- focus on your specific results like saving money or time and also year over year improvements. Working in merchandising field will set you apart a bit so you can use that to your advantage- especially if you want to build on this experience and plan to work in brand or product management. We at StratusPrep consider the resume in the overall application and if you want guidance in how to best identify your key themes- we do a lot of work in this area. Reach out at our website at StratusPrep.com or pm me if you want to learn more. I will say- the resume is the calling card of an MBA candidate so you are wise to spend time thinking about how to best position yourself on this document! Best wishes!
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RESUME GUIDANCE - WHAT TO INCLUDE/EXCLUDE 07 Jul 2016, 18:14
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Thanks for sharing.

Identifying Physiotherapy is not a concern. In your essays, you would be able to explain the logic and motivation for your decisions and goals. It would also help to share both the qualities and skills you have leveraged as you moved across jobs, while also sharing what you have learned. These should all present how these will help you towards your post-MBA goal.

Lastly, share the excitement and passion you have for your role and industry, sharing some anecdotes rather than just focusing on numbers and processes would also add more energy and life into your application essays. This would complement your essays well.

All the best!