Placements are the most adrenalizing part of an MBA student’s life. There are a lot of factors at play - right from how your package information about yourself in a CV to how to present yourself in the interview.
Your CV is the first thing that reaches the interview panel even before you enter the room in most cases. However, CV making has for long been a black box. It is not something that has been professionally taught and so many of us end up hunting for templates on the internet and filling it up with information.
However, there is a small glitch. In most cases, your resume passes through an Application Tracker System before reaching the recruiter. The system filters out many CVs and only a handful make it to the final cut. Hence, it is important to neatly pack relevant information that not just passes the test but also creates an impact in the mind of the recruiter.
In this article, I am going to lay down important guidelines on how to make your resume shortlist ready. Let’s begin!
1. Prioritize Information to be added in a CV
Do not talk about anything and everything under the sun. Add information that is relevant based on the job description. Let’s say you are applying for a Finance role. In that case, make sure you highlight if you have pursued any certifications such as CFA, FRM, etc. which demonstrates your core competencies in that field.
This is not to say that other information such as the position of responsibility or extracurriculars is not important. The trick here is to represent information in such a way that it brings out the best version of yourself suited for the role.
2. Use Simple and Jargon-free Language
This is a no brainer yet many people end up using complex business lingos while creating their resume. Plain, clear language is much effective both for ATS and the hiring manager to process.
Also, always make sure that you check for any grammatical or spelling errors that might have crept in. Check for formatting, alignment, and indentation in your resume and make them consistent.
3. Always attach Numbers wherever possible
Let’s talk numbers, shall we? Attaching numbers to substantiate your achievements not only makes it more believable but also adds an additional layer of depth. Of course, not all achievements are quantifiable so make sure to identify the right cases first.
Also, make sure to highlight a specific timeline within which you have been able to achieve that task since numbers alone won’t tell the complete story. For example, you could say that you have been able to increase sales from Rs. 23 to 31 crores in a one-year duration.
4. Use Action Words
Using action words will make your resume stand out. Switch up common phrases with compelling verbs that catch the eye of the hiring manager. Honestly, it makes the resume a lot more exciting.
Here are some examples of action words: Led, Executed, Oversaw, Planned, Developed, etc. Find the best that suits your purpose and make sure you use them to convey your information.
5. Focus on the Impact and NOT your job description
If you are a candidate with experience do not just add your roles and responsibilities but focus more on the impact that you have created in your job. Talk about how many partners have you been able to onboard, how many conversions were you able to secure, etc. This shows your contribution as you worked in your job and not just run of the mill activities.