How To Write A Great Resume When Applying To Business School

How To Write A Great Resume When Applying To Business School Guess what business schools look at first? Its not your GMAT, its not your GPA and its not even where you went to undergrad. At most schools, its your resume. And thats why your business school resume could be the most important factor in your admissions process. But, the GMAT is still crucial, and it is the most difficult part of the process. Your resume says who you are, but your GMAT says who you could be. If you want to send the right message, youll need proper GMAT prep to succeed. See more from Varsity Tutors on how to improve your GMAT score and contact us now for a GMAT tutor. Or see our complete GMAT blog. Format: Some business schools will post their preferred resume format, word count, page limit, style and even tips online. If you cant find it online, call the admissions office and ask for it. Those guidelines are your bible and must be followed. Most schools ask for an education section (dont include high school), relevant work section, skills section, hobbies/interests and possibly a personal statement (a one-sentence summary of who you are). Be an entrepreneur: Dont talk about how youd like to be, could beor even how you will be an entrepreneur talk about how you already are an entrepreneur. You need to prove this throughout your resume, and it starts with your personal statement. Example: Personal Statement: Leading entrepreneur in the Northeast Ohio Electronics Industry who will use The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania to create safer electronics Start your own company: Every student has an impressive experience on their resume. But, how many of them hold the title of CEO? Not many, and thats how you really impress business schools. Your business doesnt have to be big or even highly profitable. But, the fact that you turned an idea into a potential revenue stream will set you apart. Problem, action, resolution: When describing your professional experience, first state the problem, the action YOU took, and then finish with how YOU resolved it. Example: Companys online presence was quickly deteriorating (problem); led a team in finding a social media/online public relations firm (action) to increase web traffic 15% and social buzz 35% in six months (result) Exclude GPA/GMAT scores: If businesses schools need to see these, they will find them. Focus on your entrepreneurial and management skills. Gaps on your resume: Unemployment gaps of more than six months are like suffocating black holes. You need to do something during those gaps, such as: freelancing, exploring entrepreneurial opportunities, travelling or even prepping for the GMAT. But, most importantly, you have to be truthful. If you were laid off, its okay. Write about how it has made you a better employee, manager or even entrepreneur. Interests: Think about how your business school interview will start. If your interviewer can ask you about your playing the cello in a Les Misrablesproduction, it can really break the ice. Include one to two bullet points on your interests/hobbies. Write a new resume: If your resume reeks of the same one you used for a jobor even has the slightest scent of it, you will have no chance. Create an entirely different resume that thinks bigger than your industry-specific skills. Skills: In your skills section, include factors like: proficient in HTML coding, certified accountant, etc. But, you need to show larger skills of selling, networking, leading, managing, creativity skills, collaboration, quantitative abilities and intellect. Dont list these skills; no one will believe you. Instead, you have to prove them through relevant work examples. The business school application process starts with the GMAT, and for some students, thats right where it ends. Top programs only select a handful of students each year. And to compete, you need an elite GMAT score and resume. Varsity Tutors can help with some of the best private GMAT tutors. Contact us today and start your application off right with a GMAT tutor.