How can you impress consulting recruiters with your resume?

1 Tailor your resume to the firm and role

Don't send the same resume to every consulting firm you apply to. Instead, research the firm's values, culture, and areas of expertise, and tailor your resume to match their expectations and needs. Highlight the skills and experiences that are most relevant to the role you are applying for, and use keywords and phrases that reflect the firm's language and terminology. For example, if you are applying to a strategy consulting firm, emphasize your strategic thinking and analytical skills, and use terms like "market analysis", "competitive advantage", and "business model".

2 Use the STAR method to describe your achievements

Recruiters want to see not only what you did, but also how you did it and what impact you had. To do this, use the STAR method to describe your achievements in each of your roles. STAR stands for Situation, Task, Action, and Result. For each bullet point, briefly explain the situation or context of your work, the task or goal you had, the action or steps you took, and the result or outcome you achieved. Quantify your results whenever possible, using numbers, percentages, or metrics to show your impact. For example, instead of writing "Led a team of five analysts", write "Led a team of five analysts to conduct a market research project for a Fortune 500 client, resulting in a 15% increase in sales".

3 Highlight your skills and education

Your resume should also include a section that showcases your skills and education. For skills, list the ones that are most relevant and valuable for consulting, such as data analysis, presentation, project management, and teamwork. You can also include any certifications, languages, or software tools that you have proficiency in. For education, list your degree, major, institution, and graduation date, as well as any honors, awards, or scholarships you received. You can also mention any relevant coursework, extracurricular activities, or academic projects that demonstrate your skills and interests.

4 Format your resume professionally

Your resume should be easy to read, scan, and follow. Use a clear and consistent font, size, and style throughout your resume, and avoid any fancy or distracting elements. Use bullet points, headings, and white space to organize your information and highlight your key points. Keep your resume to one or two pages, depending on your level of experience and the role you are applying for. Proofread your resume carefully and check for any spelling, grammar, or formatting errors. You can also ask someone else to review your resume and give you feedback.

5 Write a compelling cover letter

Your resume is not complete without a cover letter. Your cover letter is your opportunity to introduce yourself, explain your motivation and fit for the role and the firm, and showcase your personality and communication skills. Your cover letter should be tailored to the specific firm and role you are applying for, and address the following questions: Why do you want to work in consulting? Why do you want to work for this firm? Why are you qualified and suitable for this role? How can you add value to the firm and its clients? Your cover letter should be concise, engaging, and professional, and complement your resume without repeating it.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?