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Joined: 24 Jul 2019
Posts: 1671
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Location: India
Concentration: Operations, Marketing
What No One Tells You About Crafting a Stellar MBA Resume
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28 Feb 2023, 07:50
Are you a talented individual seeking admission to a top MBA program? If so, you may feel intimidated by the stiff competition and wonder how you can differentiate yourself to get noticed. Fear not, for we have compiled a list of the five most important things that schools look for in your MBA resume.
First, a clear career progression is key. Schools view your promotions and increasing job responsibilities with your current or former employer as a sign of your potential
What should you do?
You want to show your development over the years. Therefore, list your accomplishments and job responsibilities in reverse chronology, giving appropriate space to achievements under each role. Point out what additional responsibilities, larger teams, larger regions, P&Ls, or budgets you have taken on over the years.
Second, proof of leadership is critical. Your resume should serve as a reminder of your accomplishments, breakthroughs, and challenges at each stage of your career to demonstrate your leadership potential. Highlight evidence of uniting people behind a common goal, utilizing the talents of others, developing a vision, challenging the status quo, identifying new problems, or prioritizing the organization's needs over personal needs.
Third, show your business acumen by relating your position to a larger corporate goal.
While you may have been an individual contributor at your employer, you must show your business acumen by relating your positioning to a larger corporate goal –
for example, if you were a technical manager focused on aligning the product with the market you basically enabled levers for market penetration,
or,
if you were an assembly line engineer supporting production, you directly impacted the supply chain, and working capital efficiency. You have had an impact on the bottom line. Quantify your accomplishments. Structure each bullet point as an accomplishment following the Problem Action Result (or STAR) approach.
Fourth, look for unusual themes in Extracurricular that schools do not automatically associate with your profession. For example you may have eclectic interests such as your interest in basket weaving, social influence (e.g., training farmers in subsistence agriculture), or unusual professional experiences (e.g., your first career as a teacher). Look for unique childhood or family experiences, distinctive hobbies, or international experiences that balance the predictability of your professional profile.
Last but most importantly, showcase your academic Pedigree and academic potential. Some schools have built substantial brand equity. As a graduate of a highly competitive school, you’ll get a few eyeballs from anyone who reads your CV. Irrespective of whether you are from a target or non-target school, you should highlight accomplishments or participations during your undergraduate years that identify you as an academically focused individual. Mention scholarships, exceptional GPAs, awards such as hackathons or case competitions, and leadership positions you held during your time.
In a B-school application, you are not only selling your current skills and accomplishments but also your vision for the future. It is essential to show how your career goals intersect with your past experiences to make a lasting impression. So, follow these tips, and may you have a successful application season!