Training · CO-1 · Lesson 05 of 06
The consulting resume
The rule
Consulting resumes read as a record of impact. Each line should show a problem, an action and a measurable result. Recruiters read for evidence that you moved a number, not for a list of tasks you were handed.
What screeners look for
Consulting resumes are screened for academic excellence, leadership, impact and analytical ability. Firms want evidence you have led people and delivered results, not just participated.
Writing impact bullets
Each bullet should show action and quantified result. Leadership roles should state team size and what changed under your leadership.
- Weak
- President of consulting club
- Strong
- Led 15-member club; grew membership 60% and launched 4 pro-bono projects for local businesses
Structure
One page: education, experience, leadership and activities, skills and interests. Place the most impressive and relevant items first in each section.
- ·Education with GPA and honours.
- ·Experience with quantified results.
- ·Leadership with team size and outcome.
- ·Interests that are specific and genuine.
Tailoring
Highlight analytical and problem-solving achievements. Projects that involved data analysis, strategy recommendations or process improvement translate directly to consulting.
Cover letters
Some firms and regions still request cover letters. Keep them short: why consulting, why this firm with specifics from conversations, and two achievements that show you fit.
Hold onto this
- ·Lead every bullet with the outcome and the number attached to it.
- ·Show leadership with people over you and people under you.
- ·Add a quantitative or analytical thread: modelling, research, a competition.
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Education, not financial advice. Figures may be simplified for illustration.