Alumni Application Tips: Tailored Resumes

Pimp up your old CV to make it more appealing

One of the biggest mistakes, in my opinion, is to rely on that tired CV you’ve been using for your job applications. It is imperative to tailor your CV for the respective MBA program, outlining your relevant experience and achievements. When speaking about your achievements, be precise, not vague and general. If you managed to enlarge your market outreach, mention by how far. I also find it difficult from time to time to separate your own personal achievements from the wider organizational achievements. In the worst case, it can look like gross exaggeration, so think carefully about how you express this.

Be careful with the details

Also, your CV should look good. No more than two pages presented in a clear font with no tables or gimmicks. Do not forget to enclose a nice portrait picture of you that supports the overall impression you would like to convey with your CV. Sometimes, it can also be your interests that make you stand out from the crowd. Listing reading, playing tennis and travelling is boring. Try to be more specific, more emotional and make them sound interesting with more detail, like “playing tennis—captain of the university alumni team”. But be truthful, as you may be tested on anything from your CV during the application interview.

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