Although a consulting CV may look similar to a standard CV, the expectations differ considerably. A standard CV summarises professional experiences, while a consulting CV must highlight specific skills and achievements, supported by measurable outcomes. It should be concise, results-oriented, and include quantifiable successes in the following areas:
Academics: Include the degree title and years of study. Emphasise analytical courses (with grades, if applicable), publications, scholarships, prizes, or awards.
Professional Experience: Focus on your role and contributions. Be sure to quantify your achievements.
Leadership Roles: Highlight leadership and entrepreneurial activities, such as founding a society, fundraising, or consulting projects (e.g., CapitOx).
A strong consulting CV should have three main sections, along with a concluding skills section: 1) Education, 2) Professional Experience, 3) Analytical Experience, 4) Skills, Languages & Interests: Divide this into IT skills, languages, and hobbies.
Ensure the CV is no longer than one page. Keep bullet points brief and clear. Start each point in the experience and leadership sections with an action verb (e.g., conducted, analysed, led). Include descriptions for specific activities, like student societies. Ensure everything is properly aligned and consistent.
Cover letters provide context for the achievements mentioned in your CV, showcasing your core skills and enthusiasm for both the consulting sector and the specific company you're applying to. The aim is to convince the employer that you are the best candidate for the role in terms of both skills and passion.
Opening: State which role you are applying for and briefly describe your current position.
Fit Section (Part One): Highlight your academic experiences that are relevant to the role. For example, problem-solving is a key skill consultancies look for. You could mention how you developed these skills by navigating challenges like primary data collection or choosing appropriate data analysis models. Also, mention relevant skills gained through university extracurricular activities. For instance, if you've been involved in CapitOx, use it to demonstrate problem-solving, leadership, and communication skills.
Fit Section (Part Two): Discuss how your professional experience has helped you acquire the skills necessary for the role.
Why Consulting?: Share your passion for consulting and explain why this field excites you.
Why This Firm?: Explain why you want to work for this specific firm. Research the company and, if possible, attend career events or speak with current employees to get a sense of the firm’s culture and values. Include insights from this research to demonstrate your commitment.
1) Keep it to one page. 2) Tailor the letter to the specific job requirements. 3) Focus primarily on your professional experiences. 4) Research the organisation before applying, attend career events, and build a network. Reference any interactions or insights from these events to show engagement and dedication.
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