Getting your resume clean and prepared is going to be the first step to getting hired on as a consultant. Colleges usually offer resume writing help for current students, but if this is not an option for you, there are plenty of templates you can find online. The usual advice you will hear for resumes is to keep it to one page, but I have rarely seen a one-pager in a long time. There is no issue in having a resume that is two to three pages long if the experience you are listing is relevant. My personal one is pushing four pages and that is with a lot of less important roles trimmed off.
On the header, you will want to have all your basic information: Name, address and email. Please be sure to create a professional email if you do not have one. John.Smith@mail.com will read a lot better than dragonlord@mail.com.
In the summary section, the key bullets you will want to hit very quickly are your years of experience for anything valuable that will set you apart. Anything else in the summary section that contains phrases like “hard working, attention to detail, etc.” are often ignored or skimmed over as everyone uses them. Just avoid spelling errors and keep it brief.
In the next section, list out only your post high school education. No need to list your elementary school or high school. If your GPA was reputable (above 3.0), be sure to mention that next to your degree. Once you cross about 5 years’ experience, the education section can be bumped to the back of the resume.
The following section is the most important. Experience is where most recruiters and interviewers jump right into. Be sure to list these in chronological order, starting with the most recent going backwards. You are applying to a detail and task-oriented position when looking at consulting roles, so be sure to format your resume to fit such a mold where possible. Even if you have only worked in retail, there are key ways to highlight your task-based skills:
Retail Store (2012-2014)
- Responsible for daily inventory count and reconciliation
- Responsible for weekly scheduling
- Assisted with new hire training and mentoring
Let’s take a quick look at what messaging this conveys to a potential recruiter. The first thing the recruiter will notice is that you spent two years at the role. This shows you are willing to put in the time and stay committed to your job. No one likes a job hopper. Second, a lot of projects are detail-oriented and based on numbers, tallies and totals. Being able to demonstrate you have experience in seeing and adhering to a process is a big plus. The next bullet point focuses on creating structure and organization. This has tangents to many things you will be doing as an entry-level consultant. The last point demonstrates that you are a team player, and you show the willingness to invest in other employees and the company as a whole. It also shows that you have people skills and communication skills.
In any final section of your resume, choose between special projects you may have accomplished in school, certifications or both. Outside of these primary categories, the rest is a careful balance between valuable information and fluff. Remember that you are selling yourself to a complete stranger through writing. Use these basic tips and show it to as many friends and professionals in your network for proofreading prior to sending out.
Are you interested in starting a career in consulting? Be sure do read the full book Jack of all Trades Master of Some; An Introduction to Consulting available on Amazon.