Crafting an impressive MBA application resume is crucial for securing a spot in your desired MBA program.
Your resume serves as a platform to highlight your business expertise, educational background, professional achievements, and interpersonal skills.
It’s essential to invest time and effort into creating a compelling MBA resume, especially when applying to competitive programs at renowned business schools like Harvard and Stanford.
However, the task of determining what to include in your MBA resume can be daunting.
You might be questioning the ideal length for your resume, what information to include, or whether your resume for an MBA application should differ from a standard job application resume.
This guide will help you effectively showcase your abilities, gaining a competitive edge over other applicants and increasing your chances of being accepted into your desired MBA program.
Continue reading to discover the optimal MBA resume format and strategies to ensure your MBA application resume stands out, covering:
- Key elements to include in your MBA application resume
- Effective structuring of your MBA resume
- Crafting a compelling MBA resume objective
- Highlighting your work experience, education, and skills effectively
- Real-life example of an MBA resume
How an MBA Resume Differs from a Job Resume
If you’re wondering whether a resume for an MBA application is the same as one used for a job application, the answer is no.
While a job resume typically focuses on demonstrating how you meet specific job requirements and responsibilities, an MBA resume should showcase your potential impact on the business world, both presently and in the future.
Admissions committees look for candidates who demonstrate leadership, innovation, teamwork, and critical-thinking skills. They want to see that you can pave the way for new ideas and lead teams to success.
Understanding this difference should guide how you structure your MBA resume and what content to include, helping you allocate your time effectively to create a compelling application.
Why You Should Invest Time in Your MBA Resume
In the realm of MBA admissions, your MBA resume holds significant weight, ranking just below your academic transcripts and entrance exam scores in terms of importance during the MBA interview process.
What to Include in Your MBA Resume
Your MBA resume is your opportunity to showcase your qualifications and make a strong impression. Focus on including the most relevant information about your education and professional background. Xavier Arola Perez, head of career services and entrepreneurship at GBSB Global Business School, suggests including six key components:
1. Contact Information
2. Objective/Summary
3. Work Experience
4. Education
5. Technical Skills
6. Achievements/Awards
While you may have a diverse range of work and volunteer experiences, focus on selecting examples that highlight your business leadership, impact, and skills. Jerry Wang, associate director of career and leadership for MBA programs at the University of North Carolina (UNC) Kenan-Flagler Business School, advises including specific accomplishments and achievements that are transferable to the MBA program you are applying to.
Highlight examples that demonstrate your business leadership and growth to showcase the value you can bring to the MBA program and demonstrate your readiness for business school.
How to Structure Your MBA Application Resume
When structuring your MBA resume, aim for clarity, simplicity, and readability to make it easy for admissions committees to review.
Here’s a recommended structure:
1. Contact Information: Include your name, phone number, email address, and LinkedIn profile (if applicable) at the top of the resume.
2. Objective or Summary: A brief statement outlining your career goals and how an MBA aligns with them.
3. Education: List your degrees in reverse chronological order, including the institution, degree earned, and graduation date. You can also include relevant coursework or academic honors.
4. Work Experience: Detail your work history in reverse chronological order, including the job title, company name, location, and dates of employment. Use bullet points to highlight key achievements and responsibilities.
5. Skills: Highlight relevant skills, such as technical skills, language proficiency, or certifications.
6. Achievements/Awards: Include any relevant awards, honors, or recognitions you have received.
7. Additional Sections (Optional): Depending on your background, you may include sections such as extracurricular activities, leadership roles, or community involvement.
Use formatting elements like lines, headers, and bullet points to break up the text and make it easier to read. Avoid using excessive formatting or fonts that may distract from the content.
How to Write an Eye-Catching MBA Resume Objective
Your MBA resume objective is your chance to make a strong first impression. Here’s how to write one that grabs attention:
1. Keep it concise: Aim for 2-4 sentences that succinctly summarize your career history and what sets you apart.
2. Focus on value: Describe how your experience and skills will benefit an MBA program and contribute to its community.
3. Tailor it: Adapt your objective for each application, highlighting specific qualities or experiences that align with the program’s values and goals.
4. Use keywords: Incorporate relevant keywords from the program’s description to show alignment and improve your resume’s chances of passing through applicant tracking systems.
5. Differentiate yourself: Highlight what makes you unique and why you stand out among other applicants.
6. Be professional: Maintain a professional tone and avoid clichés or overly casual language.
By following these tips, you can create an eye-catching MBA resume objective that sets you apart and enhances your application.
Example MBA Resume Objective:
Accomplished finance professional with over six years of experience designing successful investment portfolios for top-tier clients. Recognized as a top account executive for the last three years, achieving an average return of 17 percent and maintaining a 100 percent client retention rate. Proven leader as a team lead and member of the negotiations committee, with a commitment to sustainability through founding a waste reduction and carbon offsetting initiative. Seeking to leverage this background and passion for sustainability to contribute to an MBA program focused on sustainable business practices and innovation.
How to Describe Work Experience on an MBA Resume
When detailing your work experience on an MBA resume, follow these guidelines to make your achievements stand out:
1. Organization and Job Title: Begin with the name of the organization and your job title, followed by the duration of your employment.
2. Achievement-Oriented Bullet Points: Use 2-6 bullet points for each position to highlight your accomplishments rather than listing job duties. Focus on the impact you made and key moments in your career.
3. Quantify Achievements: Use metrics and numbers to quantify your accomplishments, such as percentage growth, revenue generated, or cost savings.
4. Leadership and Business Administration: Emphasize your leadership skills and contributions to the organization’s growth and success.
5. Action-Oriented Language: Use strong action verbs to describe your actions and outcomes. Begin each bullet point with an action verb to make your achievements more impactful.
6. Use the PAR Method: Consider using the PAR method (Problem, Action, Result) to structure your bullet points. This helps to clearly outline the situation, your actions, and the results achieved.
7. Avoid Common Mistakes: Avoid using vague descriptions or jargon that may not clearly convey your achievements. Be specific and highlight transferable skills and relevant keywords.
By following these tips, you can effectively showcase your work experience on your MBA resume and demonstrate your value to potential employers.
Example Work Experience Entry:
Oracle – Austin, TX | Sales Marketing Manager | January 2016-Present
– Achieved a 10% increase in annual product sales by designing, executing, and measuring integrated, multichannel marketing strategies.
– Led initiatives to increase brand awareness, generate new leads, and nurture existing client relationships.
How to Write the Education Section of an MBA Resume
Highlight your education in a way that showcases your readiness for an MBA program. Include the following details:
1. School: Name of the institution where you earned your degree.
2. Degree: The degree you earned (e.g., Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science).
3. Major/Concentration: Your area of focus within your degree program.
4. Minor (if applicable): Any minor you pursued alongside your major.
5. Graduation Date: The date you completed or will complete your degree.
6. GPA: Your grade point average, if it’s strong and relevant (e.g., 3.5 or higher).
7. Awards/Honors: Any academic awards or honors you received.
8. Extracurricular Activities: Include relevant extracurricular activities, college societies, or study abroad experiences that demonstrate your leadership skills and interests.
Discuss your academic studies and how they have prepared you for leadership roles in the business world. Highlight any coursework, projects, or experiences that are relevant to your MBA application.
Example Education Section:
University of Virginia | Charlottesville, VA | Graduated May 2015
– B.A. Economics, GPA: 4.0, summa cum laude
– Study Abroad: London, United Kingdom, January-May 2014
How to Showcase Your Skills and Awards on an MBA Resume
Highlight your skills and accolades to make your MBA resume stand out:
1. Awards: Describe any awards you have received and how you earned them. Highlighting these achievements demonstrates your commitment and excellence in your field.
2. Certifications: List any relevant certifications you have obtained and indicate your mastery level of the systems or skills you have certified in.
3. Publications: If you have been published or quoted in publications for your expertise, mention these in your resume. This showcases your thought leadership and industry knowledge.
4. Skills: Highlight specific skills that are relevant to the MBA program or position you are applying for. This can include technical skills, soft skills, or specialized knowledge.
5. Use examples: Use examples from your education or work experience to illustrate your skills and accomplishments. This gives the admissions committee a tangible sense of your abilities.
6. Prepare for interviews: Ensure that the details you include in this section are topics you are prepared to discuss in more detail during your MBA interviews.
Example Skills and Awards Section:
– Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA)
– Fluent in English, Spanish, and French
– Certified Mindfulness Meditation Teacher
How to Best Format Your MBA Resume
To ensure your MBA resume is effective and easy to read, follow these formatting guidelines:
1. Length: Keep your resume to 1-2 pages, with one page typically suitable for applicants with less than 10 years of experience and two pages for those with more experience.
2. Font: Use a professional, easy-to-read font such as Times New Roman, Calibri, or Arial in 11 or 12 point size.
3. Margins: Set one-inch margins on all sides to ensure your resume looks clean and well-organized.
4. Line Height: Use approximately 1.0 line spacing to improve readability.
5. Avoid Complex Elements: Avoid using complex charts or graphics that may distract or confuse the reader.
6. Consider ATS: If the business school uses Applicant Tracking Software (ATS), ensure your resume is formatted in a way that the software can easily read.
7. Use Color Wisely: If you choose to add color, ensure it is subtle and does not distract from the content of your resume.
Remember, the goal is to create a clean, professional-looking resume that highlights your qualifications and experiences effectively.
Differentiating Your MBA Resume for Each Business School
To increase your chances of impressing the MBA admissions committee, tailor your resume to each business school you apply to. Here’s how:
1. Research the School: Understand the values and specialties of each business school you’re applying to.
2. Highlight Relevant Experience: Focus on experiences and skills that align with the strengths of the business school. For example, if applying to a school known for marketing, emphasize your marketing experience.
3. Customize Your Objective: Tailor your resume objective to each school, highlighting how your background aligns with their program.
4. Use Specific Examples: Provide specific examples of your achievements that demonstrate your fit for the program.
5. Be Concise: Keep your resume concise and relevant, focusing on the most important information for each application.
By customizing your MBA resume for each business school, you can demonstrate your fit for the program and increase your chances of being accepted.
To sum it up,
Your MBA resume is a crucial part of your application, offering a chance to distinguish yourself from other applicants. View it as an opportunity to persuade admissions committees that you’re the ideal candidate for their program. Carefully craft a narrative that showcases your exceptional skills and experiences to make a lasting impression.
Leave a Reply