How to create a standout MBA resume

Today numerous MBA aspirants appear for various competitive exams like CAT, MAT, XAT, SNAP etc. and try and make it to a top B-School. Once the MBA programme is over, the next focus is on impressing the recruiters of a top-notch organisation. Every year numerous companies conduct a placement drive in the B-Schools. Furthermore, numerous working professionals choose to opt for MBA after gaining some work experience. It is then that the candidate needs to showcase his/her strengths in limited time. The best possible way of doing the same is by presenting a standout resume. 

To begin with, let us first understand what an MBA resume is. It is the first document that a recruiter will view when reviewing an application. This document gives a candidate’s first impression – keeping in mind the same, the resume must be created in such a way that it receives good amount of attention. Let us have a look at how one can create a standout MBA resume: 

Provide a summary/target a job title

Always mention a job title at the top of the resume. Also, include a summary that highlights your achievements that can make the recruiter believe that you will be able to handle the job well. People who already have a work experience can put in a nutshell their experience and can also mention about what they are looking forward to in the next step.  

Tell the reader about yourself in a line or two. It is advisable to keep the summary free from familiar phrases like, ‘quick learner’, ‘out-of-the-box thinker’, and ‘hardworking’.  

Make use of bullets

Reading paragraphs is generally annoying for the recruiters. Instead, they prefer information provided in bullets as that information is easier to read and grasp. Make sure that the bullet pointers are crisp and meaningful. At the same time, do not put in unnecessary points/ information that might seem unrealistic. 

Stick to one page resume

More number of pages in a resume will not impress the recruiters. Always remember that recruiters do not have the time to sit and turn pages of a resume. Since they have a huge stack of application forms lying in front of them, a single page resume having all the relevant information concisely is what they appreciate. 

Every information should be authentic

Always remember that everything put on the resume should be accurate and up-to-date, most importantly the contact details like e-mail and phone number. Also, other details like professional experience and educational background should be correct. Deceitful MBA applicants caught are rejected and those who get hired falsely are expelled as soon as their lie is detected. 

Show leadership skills

Showcasing leadership skills is imperative on an MBA resume. Recruiters look for MBA candidates who possess strong leadership skills. The leadership skills of an MBA candidate grooms with time i.e. when one starts working in an organisation, but the recruiters what to know that the foundation is already there. 

Mention your accomplishments

The recruiter does not know you personally thus, will judge you on the basis of the achievements that you mention on your resume. Since accomplishments are exclusive, it will personalise your resume. Make an impact by adding all your accomplishments. However, do not just mention all the activities that you have participated in till date. Instead, choose activities that made a meaningful impact on the organisation or community. 

Do not provide personal details

Recruiters are not interested in knowing about your personal life. Personal details like height, weight, age when you got married, number of children you have etc. are of no interest to the recruiter. Instead, mention your skills that can grab the attention of the recruiter. 

Highlight your soft skills

Best MBA resumes are those that focus on soft skills as these are useful in numerous jobs. Always highlight your skill of being a team player here. Also, put in examples of situations where you might have united people in your college or workplace to eradicate a problem. 

Keeping in mind all the above points, one can create an MBA resume that is sure to create a great impression at the very first glance.