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Applying to top MBA programs (master’s of business administration) is a rigorous and competitive process that requires more than just good grades. To truly stand out, you need a comprehensive and polished application package highlighting your achievements, potential, and leadership abilities.
This includes your undergraduate transcript, standardized test score, essays, short answer questions, letters of recommendation, and just as importantly: your MBA application resume. Each element must work together seamlessly to tell a compelling story about who you are and why you belong at a top business school.
Your MBA resume is one of the most critical pieces of this puzzle. It’s not just a list of past jobs – it's your personal narrative showcasing your career growth, skills, and leadership potential. This document gives the MBA admissions committees a snapshot of your journey so far and hints at your trajectory as a future business leader.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to craft a standout MBA application resume – from formatting and content tips to common pitfalls to avoid. Get ready to make your resume a powerful asset in your MBA application.
What Is an MBA Resume?
The resume is one of the most essential parts of your MBA application and can make or break your chances of getting into your dream MBA program. But why is it so important? An MBA resume is a one-page document explicitly tailored for MBA applications. It summarizes your professional achievements, leadership experience, and potential as a future business leader. Unlike a standard job resume, which primarily focuses on skills and experiences relevant to specific roles, the MBA resume objective is to give the admissions committees insight into your professional career trajectory, impact, and qualities that align with an MBA program’s expectations.
1. It's the Backbone of Your Application
The MBA admissions committee reads the resume for a complete view of your career, professional achievements, skills, and hobbies. For them, it’s a window into who you are, what you might be like as a student if they admitted you, and what you’ll be like as a leader in the future. So you must nail it!
2. It's Critical to Your Interview
Your resume will also come into play when interviewing as a source of questions and discussion topics, especially in a blind interview, where an interviewer will only read your resume. Nailing the resume will set you up for success when you reach the interview, that final step in your application process. Each line should be intentional – you have limited space, and anything on there is fair game for interview questions.
Read: How to Ace Your MBA Interview: With Prep Questions & Answers
3. It's Your Chance to Show Off Your Professional Journey
Finally, the resume is your chance to highlight your career progression, the impact you’ve made in your roles, and the skills you’ve developed over time. By describing your accomplishments concretely and concisely, you’ll also be able to signal to the admissions committee that you’re mature, articulate, and knowledgeable about the impact you can make on an organization. Top MBA programs are looking for individuals who are not only accomplished but can speak about and record those accomplishments coherently. Show them you can do that with your resume!
"Your resume is more than a job application – it’s a strategic tool for showcasing your leadership and potential as an MBA candidate."
What Isn't an MBA Resume?
Before we dive into our tips and tricks, it's important to note that your business school resume is categorically different from other resumes you might have previously created, whether for internships, job applications, or other graduate school programs. An MBA resume is not a job resume and should be considered a more comprehensive resume focused on your accomplishments rather than your past roles or projects.
Many prospective MBAs focus on other parts of the business school application, like the GMAT/GRE or their essays, and think they can copy and paste the resume they have on file or the one they recently sent to a recruiter. This, however, won't work.
What Makes the MBA Resume Different?
An MBA application resume is a different animal. Its job is not to highlight industry knowledge, demonstrate skill proficiency, or even showcase professional experience. Instead, the MBA resume must be singly focused on illuminating business credentials, teamwork skills, and potential as future leaders. With an MBA resume, you’re not applying for a specific role; rather, you’re applying to join a cohesive, well-rounded class of other high-performing individuals.
Every bullet point on your resume must tell the admissions committee, "This is a stellar MBA applicant who will shine in the future and ultimately make your program look fantastic as a distinguished alum."
How to Use Your Resume to Stand Out
One last word: When you write a job application, you're generally competing with people whose experience and professional background match your own, so you're trying to stand out in a crowd of like applicants. This is why a professional resume can be easier to craft.
When you apply to an MBA program, every single candidate is different, coming from tons of different roles and areas within and without the business world. While you're competing against other applicants, you're not trying to outdo them; instead, you're trying to create a holistic snapshot of your career to date – one that fits on a single page, touches on all aspects of your personal and professional life, and demonstrates that you're a star candidate.
For more tips on crafting a standout MBA application, check out our Ultimate MBA Application Guide.
MBA Resume vs. Job Application Resume
Key Takeaways
- The MBA resume is the foundation of your application. It provides a complete view of your career, achievements, and skills, helping admissions officers evaluate your potential.
- The resume is critical in the MBA interview, guiding questions, and discussions, especially in blind interviews.
- The resume should tell the story of your career thus far. It should highlight your progression, impact, and skills developed, demonstrating maturity and articulation.
- An MBA application resume differs from job resumes, focusing on your business acumen, credentials, teamwork skills, and leadership potential.
- Your resume should present a comprehensive, one-page overview of your personal and professional life.
MBA Resume Format: What it Should Look Like
First and foremost, let’s talk about what a strong MBA resume actually looks like. It may seem like common sense, but you don't want to put effort into your application only to have your resume formatted incorrectly with an odd font size and disjointed sections.
1. Keep it to one page.
Get your MBA resume onto a single page — pure and simple. If you submit a resume that is too long, your application will go to the bottom of the admissions pile.
The only exception is if you are applying to executive MBA programs. This is the only instance where you might have enough work experience to warrant more than a one-page resume. We recommend working with a coach in this case to make sure you’re highlighting what you need to.
2. Use professional fonts and spacing.
When it comes to the best MBA resume format, simplicity is key. Use professional, easy-to-read fonts like Calibri, Arial, or Times New Roman. We recommend sticking with a font size of 11-12 points for the body text and 14 points for headings. Additionally, ensure one-inch margins on all sides to maintain a balanced and professional appearance.
Remember, admissions committees review thousands of resumes, and even small formatting errors can make your resume difficult to read. Avoid distractions and focus on presenting your qualifications clearly and concisely.
3. Stick to a clean, black-and-white design.
When formatting your MBA resume, stick to black and white. Adding colors or graphics can distract from the content and undermine the professional tone you're aiming for. Your goal is to communicate your qualifications clearly and professionally—so avoid unnecessary embellishments.
4. Submit it as a PDF.
Most MBA application portals will specify this, but typically the best
MBA resume file type is PDF. PDFs ensure your formatting stays consistent, presenting a clean and polished look no matter where or how it’s viewed.
Downloadable MBA Resume Template
MBA Resume Template
Craft the perfect MBA resume with our customizable template—download your free copy here.
MBA Resume Examples
Download this free resource to see resume examples from MBA admits to top programs.
MBA Resume Sections: What to Include
With the format established, it’s time to focus on what content to include. Your MBA resume should highlight your contact information, professional experience, educational background, and leadership or other relevant involvement.
We’ll walk you through each section to ensure your resume is comprehensive and impactful.
Contact Information
This is fairly intuitive, but make sure to include the following:
- Name
- Address
- Phone number
- LinkedIn profile
Separate the information by vertical lines, dashes, or bullets. It should look like this:
Professional Experience
Your professional experience section is the most critical part of your MBA resume, typically occupying about two-thirds of the document. This is where you highlight your career accomplishments in reverse chronological order, showcasing leadership and measurable results.
Focus on describing impactful achievements rather than listing job duties. For example, instead of stating responsibilities, frame your experience with actions and outcomes like: “Managed cross-functional teams to deliver a $10M project ahead of schedule, resulting in a 15% cost reduction.”
*If you’re a deferred MBA candidate, follow the same approach using your internships and other college experiences to demonstrate leadership and growth.
Here are a few tips and tricks for writing a solid professional experience section of your MBA resume:
1. Start With the Company, Role, and Dates
This sounds obvious, but you must first state where you worked, your role, and how long you were in that role.
If it's not a name-brand company, include a single line explaining what the company is and does, including some stats about it (number of offices, number of employees, annual revenue, etc).
- Company and Job Description Examples:
- Leading knowledge processing org in India, with operations in X countries and XX annual revenue
- VC firm started by HBS professor, X Name
- Series A startup making education more accessible
2. Nail Your Bullet Points
For each role you list, detail your most significant actions and achievements in bullet point format. These are not mere job descriptions; they're articulations of exact actions and specific skills you put in place to drive your company forward.
State what you did, add any leadership elements, and the accompanying result to the business to show the admissions committee that you have a track record of positive impact in your past professional roles.
Make sure you are showing organizational-level impact. Ask yourself, “Would the CEO of this company care about what I’m writing in these bullet points?” If the answer is “No,” they’re probably not good enough.
“Each bullet should communicate tangible proof of your actions, as well as the significance of those actions to the company.”
Expert Tip: Write all bullets in the past tense for professionalism and consistency.
3. Highlight Leadership
Business school is primarily about leadership, so highlight this actively. Shout instances where you led groups, teams, and projects whenever possible. Even small things, like organizing a company-wide social event, matter.
- Leadership Examples:
- Managed three marketing interns; oversaw three summer-long intern projects, resulting in 47% customer acquisition growth
- Led global IT team of 5 to automate semiconductor design; reduced cycle cost by 15%
4. Quantify/Specify
For every bullet, be as specific about what you accomplished as possible. What numeric results did your actions drive? How much money did you make or save for your company? What did YOU, personally, do (as opposed to the team)?
Each bullet should communicate tangible proof of your actions, as well as the significance of those actions to the company. The goal is to highlight to the admissions committee that you’re a change agent who can bring about significant, measurable outcomes.
Consider this – everyone does things, so why is what you did important? Why does it matter to the organization?
- Quantifiable Results Examples:
- Oversaw $171M annual R&D budget; provided data analytics for 5 R&D Vice Presidents
- Acquired $2M+ in real estate, realizing an average portfolio ROI of 35%
- 1 of 25 students admitted to the selective non-degree program for post-undergraduate students
5. Use Strong Action Verbs
When describing your accomplishments, don’t settle for non-descriptive words like “worked” and “did.” Aim for more punchy verbs like “executed,” “spearheaded,” and “drove.” (Try not to use the same verb twice.)
It may seem inconsequential, but how you describe your actions matters. When you’re competing against thousands of other applicants, every word counts!
- Action Verb Examples:
- Spearheaded a group of 10 to produce a 2015 Super Bowl TV campaign
- Trained 15 new caregivers on COVID-19 protocols, reducing patient incidence by 34%
- Evaluated asset packages and built net asset value models to forecast production
6. Show Growth
Each of the roles you list should indicate an upward professional trajectory. If you started your career as an Analyst but were advanced to Associate and then Director, show that in separate headings within that company — admissions committees are looking for up-and-coming stars and quick risers.
Promotions are a visible signal of growth, of course, but taking on more challenging projects within a role and driving impressive results is just as important.
7. Include Your Soft Skills
While hard skills and technical expertise (i.e., financial forecasting, market research, etc.) are essential, admissions committees also look for soft skills such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Some applicants may simply list these skills at the bottom of their resume, but it’s far better for you to provide concrete examples of how you’ve successfully demonstrated them in your past roles. For instance, rather than saying you have good communication skills, highlight them in one of your specific achievements.
- Soft Skills Example:
- Completed project on time and within budget by bringing the team together through clear communication of goals and deadlines.
Education
Now that you've nailed the professional experience section, you can tackle the education section.
For each degree, mention the university, degree/major, date of graduation, GPA, and any honors and distinctions (including impressive athletic or extracurricular involvement). As with your work experience, choose your bullets to showcase outstanding achievements and leadership skills.
Add a new entry for every degree and include the name of the degree, university, graduation date, major, minor (if applicable), GPA, honors, and achievements.
For applicants with more work experience, you can keep each entry brief and highlight only the key achievements (if any) along with any research work, projects, etc., that show your leadership skills or exemplary business qualifications.
When done right, the education section should look like this:
Leadership, Extracurriculars, and Other Involvement
This last section is where you can detail any other leadership qualities, extracurricular involvement, volunteer experience, and personal accomplishments that might distinguish you from other MBA candidates.
When choosing these bullets, prioritize the ones with the most significant impact: where you led teams at your local charity, implemented a change at your alma mater, spearheaded the fundraising committee for your high school's 5th-year reunion, raised several hundred thousand dollars, etc.
As with the rest of the resume, your goal is to depict business leadership potential, the ability to drive results, and a knack for collaboration.
Finally, it’s a good general practice to select those bullets that no other candidates could list on their resume: the book you wrote with your State Senator, the community garden you helped plant whose proceeds went to benefit HIV research, the Six Sigma Black Belt certification you earned in your spare time. Languages, sports, and hobbies make great bullets here.
Make sure to quantify and specify these bullets as you did in the professional and education sections!
Here's how your section might look:
See our MBA resume samples below for instances of well-done leadership bullets. You'll have to consider which bullets you should or shouldn't include.
Key Takeaways
- Include your name, address, phone number, and LinkedIn profile in the header.
- In your professional experience, detail your career achievements, use strong action verbs, and quantify your impact.
- Highlight leadership wherever possible, including instances where you've led teams, projects, or initiatives.
- For your education history, show degrees, institutions, graduation dates, GPAs, and notable honors or achievements.
- Detail extracurricular activities, any volunteer experience, and unique personal accomplishments in the other sections.
Expert Tips for Crafting a Winning MBA Resume
With the main components in place, let’s wrap up with some final tips to ensure your MBA resume stands out for all the right reasons.
- Don’t ExaggerateWhile it may be tempting to inflate your achievements, honesty is essential. Admissions teams will verify your claims, so ensure every accomplishment accurately reflects your experience. Exaggerations can lead to issues during the interview stage or later in the process—keep it real!
- Focus on Your Individual ImpactFocus on your personal contributions and the outcomes you achieved rather than general team or company-wide results. Business schools want to know your unique impact, so be ready with specific examples to discuss in the interview.
- Don’t Use Industry JargonAdmissions committee members may not be familiar with technical terms in your industry. Prioritize clarity by explaining your achievements in straightforward language. The focus should be on the impact and value of your actions rather than the technical specifics.
- Proofread CarefullyA polished resume is critical. Double-check for grammar, punctuation, and formatting errors, which can detract from your professionalism. A clean, error-free resume shows your attention to detail and dedication.
- Add a Personal Touch (Don’t Be a Robot)Admissions officers review countless MBA applications, so a hint of personality can make yours memorable. Use the final section of your resume to share unique hobbies or interests that reflect who you are beyond your professional life.
Examples:
- Avid reader of Asian American novels and films (particularly romantic comedies)
- Enthusiastic cyclist and whitewater rafting guide
- Mastered banana bread baking during COVID-19
Other Considerations for an MBA Resume
Should I Include Certifications Like Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA)?
Yes, certifications like the CFA are highly relevant and should be included if they strengthen your profile. Certifications demonstrate expertise, commitment, and technical skills in a specific field, making them particularly valuable for MBA applicants targeting careers in finance or consulting. List these in a dedicated “Certifications” section or incorporate them within your work experience if they are tied to your job responsibilities.
Do I Need an MBA Resume Summary?
No, an MBA resume summary is typically not necessary. Admissions committees focus more on specific achievements and experiences rather than a general overview. Use the space for detailed accomplishments, quantifiable results, and leadership roles. If you feel a summary is essential, make it concise (1-2 sentences) and use it to highlight your career trajectory and MBA goals.
What Should I Not Include on the MBA Application Resume?
Avoid including unnecessary personal information like your photo, marital status, or address (beyond city and state). Do not list outdated skills, irrelevant work experience, or generic responsibilities without impact. Steer clear of buzzwords or vague descriptions; instead, focus on quantifiable results and leadership examples. And again, keep the resume to one page, as MBA programs prioritize clarity and relevance over length.
Real MBA Resume Examples
Resume Example #1
What makes this a good resume?
- The resume is structured with clear sections, making it easy to navigate and quickly identify key qualifications.
- Quantifiable accomplishments, such as leading teams and publishing research, demonstrate measurable impact and leadership ability.
- Showcases a range of experiences across research, entrepreneurship, and consulting, highlighting adaptability and versatility.
- Features leadership roles in professional settings, mentoring programs, and extracurricular activities, emphasizing influence and initiative.
- Academic achievements, including a prestigious scholarship and multiple publications, reflect strong intellectual ability and dedication.
- Includes international education and work experience, showcasing a global mindset and cross-cultural expertise.
- Incorporates extracurricular achievements, adding depth and showing a well-rounded candidate profile.
Resume Example #2
What makes this a good resume?
- The resume is well-structured with clear sections for education, experience, leadership, and skills, ensuring easy readability.
- Academic achievements such as a high GPA, full academic scholarship, and case competition win highlight strong intellectual and leadership abilities.
- Professional experience demonstrates a mix of prestigious roles at top firms, including Google, Lyft, and venture capital, showcasing versatility and high-impact contributions.
- Leadership roles in startups and community programs emphasize entrepreneurial drive and commitment to social impact.
- Quantifiable results, such as leading growth to $200,000+ in revenue or improving ride safety by 6.5%, illustrate measurable accomplishments.
- Technical skills, multilingual abilities, and extracurricular interests add depth and showcase a well-rounded and dynamic candidate profile.
- Global experience through roles like the Peace Corps Volunteer Representative highlights a commitment to service and cross-cultural collaboration.
Write a Top-Notch Business School Resume with the Help of an Expert
Writing a resume for MBA admission can quickly get difficult and stressful. If you prefer to work one-on-one for personalized resume feedback, schedule an intro call with one of our top MBA coaches who has experience as a certified professional resume writer with tons of successful admits to the best MBA programs.
Below are some of our highest-rated MBA admissions experts who have successfully helped MBA candidates gain admission to top business schools nationwide.
MBA Resume FAQs
How long should my MBA resume be?
- MBA resumes should be a single page. Admissions committees prefer concise, well-organized resumes that provide a clear snapshot of your professional journey without overloading them with information.
What format and font should I use for my MBA resume?
- Stick to classic fonts like Times New Roman, Calibri, or Arial in 11-12 point size, with 14-point font for headings. Ensure the document is in black and white, with one-inch margins, and save it as a PDF to maintain formatting.
How should I structure the professional experience section of my resume?
- List your professional experience in reverse chronological order, detailing your most significant actions and achievements in bullet points. Start with the company name, role, and dates, and use strong action verbs to highlight leadership, quantify results, and demonstrate your impact.
How can I effectively include soft skills in my resume?
- Instead of merely listing soft skills, integrate them into your professional accomplishments with concrete examples, especially any transferable skills to business school. For instance, demonstrate communication skills by highlighting how clear communication helped achieve on-time project completion. Also, highlight hard skills like financial analysis and coding languages.
What should I include in the education section of my MBA resume?
- For each degree, mention the university, degree/major, date of graduation, GPA, and any honors or distinctions. Highlight any research, projects, or extracurricular involvement that showcase leadership and business qualifications.
What should I highlight in the leadership and other involvement section?
- Detail any leadership roles, volunteer experiences, and personal accomplishments that set you apart from other candidates to focus on your competitive advantage. Focus on the greatest impact you had and include unique experiences or certifications that showcase your leadership potential and collaborative skills.
Can I use my current job application resume for my MBA application?
- No, it’s important to remember that a resume for MBA admission functions differently than something you’d submit in a job application. It should focus on your business credentials, teamwork skills, and leadership potential rather than industry knowledge and professional experience. Tailor it specifically for the MBA admissions process and, even better, for the school you’re applying to.
What are some final tips for perfecting my MBA resume?
- To make your resume stand out, avoid exaggerations, focus on your impact, avoid technical jargon, double-check for errors, and add a human touch. Personal interests and hobbies can help provide a fuller picture of who you are.
For more resume tips, read this article by a GSB MBA with years of experience reviewing resumes: An Expert’s Guide to Resumes: Five Tips to Make You Stand Out.
Finally, be sure to check out these articles for more tips on how to master the MBA application process:
