MBA Resume: 5 Mistakes You Should Avoid

MBAConcierge

All MBA programs will require a resume, before you upload the resume you used for your previous job application read this! An MBA resume and a professional resume do not serve the same purpose: The later lists your previous positions and your roles as well as your ability to be successful in the job, MBA resumes, on the other hand need to highlight your skills and future potential as a business leader. Your resume should be concise and easy to read: The rule of thumb is that a resume should be limited to a page per decade of work experience.

Your resume will likely be the first thing AdComs will look into. Unlike job recruiters they will look for very specific skills that will make you a successful MBA candidate namely:

-Leadership skills

-Entrepreneurial skills

-Analytical skills

To help you with the process of crafting your resume for B-school (and putting aside the obvious such as formatting and spelling) I have compiled the top 5 mistakes I've seen on hundreds of resume I have reviewed as an AdCom:

1. Missing qualification summary

This section is critical, after all, this is the first thing AdComs will read in your resume, whether you choose to make it a short paragraph or bullet points make sure your summary highlights your most noteworthy accomplishments and experiences and more importantly but be sure this section is related to the program you are applying to.

2. Copy / pasting your job description

Don't waste space on resume focusing on your job description, this might be a good approach if you are applying for a specific job but Adcoms want to understand how you stand out from other consultants / product managers etc. with a similar job description. Instead focus on your accomplishments (see next bullet point)

3. No mention of results / achievements

It's critical to highlight the impact you had on the companies you worked for and provide specific examples. To make sure you focus on results start each bullet point with an action verb:

- Achieved 60% Increase in the WITHIN Department XYZ 12 months.

- Analyzed General Ledger and Accounts and Balance Sheet Provided Assistance in at Budget Development.

- Lead A Team Members to Develop. 5 Product of the prototype in. 6 months.

- Re-Negotiated Contracts with the Suppliers to Decrease Production's Costs by 15%

4. Too much jargon

If you are an expert in Tableau, SQL or SAS avoid falling into the pitfall of a too technical resume (be particularly vigilant if you come for a STEM background). Remember that AdComs want to see transferable skills, and instead of listing the technical expertise you have gained focus instead on how you have used these skills to impact the business you worked for.

5. No mention of achievements outside of professional field

Your MBA resume should highlight your activities outside of work, your community engagement will be particularly important, as well as any hobbies, languages ​​spoken or awards to show that you are a well-rounded person. Remember that schools admit people not “profiles”. Moreover, this section gives you an opportunity to highlight a skill that might be missing from the rest of your resume: For example, leading a team of volunteers, or using crowdfunding to support a cause can be good indications of your leadership and entrepreneurial skills.  

Additional tip: Adcoms like to see your GPA and GMAT scores listed in the education section add them in there, particularly if they are competitive stats!

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