mba professional resume format

MBA Resume Examples + Writing Guide for 2024

You’re a talented professional. You’re smart. You’re enthusiastic.

The time has come to get an MBA degree - one that really opens doors .

But to secure a place in that elusive MBA program, you need a resume that works.

The problem is that the best MBA programs attract thousands of talented professionals from all over the world.

The good news is that you’re about to beat them all .

All you have to do is follow the strategies in this guide!

• A job-winning MBA resume example
• How to create an MBA resume that hiring managers love
• MBA-specific tips and tricks to make your resume stand out

Now, before we get to the juicy details, here’s some inspiration.

An MBA resume example, created with our very own resume builder :

Follow the steps in this guide to create a job-winning MBA resume of your own!

Feel free to check out our related resume examples if you are interested in a specific job position:

• Business Analyst Resume
• Financial Analyst Resume
• Executive Assistant Resume
• Consultant Resume
• Administrative Assistant Resume
• Office Assistant Resume
• Accountant Resume
• Bookkeeper Resume
• Bank Teller Resume
• Banking Resume
• Career Change Resume

How to Format an MBA Resume

Admission committees receive thousands of applications every year.

As such, they tend to skim-read as they go through the pile of resumes.

To make their job easier, and to put the odds in your favour, you need to use the correct format.

Also, the hiring manager will think again before choosing an applicant whose resume lacks professionalism.

The most common resume format is “ reverse-chronological ”, so we’d recommend this format for your MBA resume:

There are two other popular formats that you could try:

• Functional Resume – This resume format design is for those who have a lot of valuable skills, but don’t have the professional experience. As such, this format is ideal for those who are transferring to a new industry or have gaps in their employment history.
• Combination Resume - As the name suggests, a combination resume is a combination of “Functional” and “Reverse-Chronological”. As such, this format is ideal for those who have both skills and experience.  

Once you’ve decided on the format, you need to get your resume layout right.

For a professional layout, here’s what we recommend:

• Margins - One-inch margins on all sides
• Font - Pick a font that stands out, but not too much. 
• Font Size - Use a font size of 11-12pt for normal text and 14-16pt for headers
• Line Spacing - Use 1.0 or 1.15 line spacing
• Resume Length - Don’t go over the 1-page limit. If you’re having trouble fitting everything into one page? You may want to view these one-page resume templates .

Use an MBA Resume Template

Word is great for a number of purposes, but as a resume builder is not one of them.

Imagine this: you create the perfect resume, make one change, and then the whole thing falls apart.

In fact, you’ll likely find yourself playing around with the formatting for longer than you take to write the contents.

To make your life easier, use an MBA resume template .

What to Include in an MBA Resume

The main sections in an MBA resume are:

• Contact Information
• Work Experience

For a resume that stands out even more, try adding these optional sections:

• Awards & Certification

Interests & Hobbies

It’s now time to go through each of those sections, and explain how to write them...

Not sure which sections to use for your MBA resume? Check out our guide to What to Put on a Resume .

• Certain schools have specific rules in place, which means that you read the application requirements before writing your resume or choosing a template. You may be forced to use the school’s predefined resume templates.

How to Correctly Write Your Contact Information

You could create the best resume in the world, but if you make mistakes in the contact section, you won’t be receiving any phone calls. 

For your contacts, include:

• Professional Title
• Phone Number - Quadruple check this! 
• Email Address - Make sure to use a professional email address ([email protected])
• Portfolio Link - Behance, Dribble, or your personal website
• (Optional) Location - Applying for a job/program abroad? Mention your location.
• Josh Fakenham - MBA Graduate. 101-358-6095. [email protected]
• Josh Fakenham - MBA Whiz Kid. 101-358-6095. [email protected]

How to Write an MBA Resume Summary or Objective

Did you know that recruiters spend less than 6 seconds reading each resume?

This means that you have only a few seconds to impress the reader.

You need a message that shows the value that you’ll bring, and fast!

The best place for this message is right at very top of the resume. 

This top paragraph is known as a resume summary or resume objective.

Although the two are very similar, there are a couple of differences:

A resume summary is a 2-4 sentence summary of your professional experiences and achievements.

• Professional Marketing Analyst with 5+ years of experience in creating ads, writing copy, and overseeing campaigns. Improved revenue by 34% for Company X in 2017. Looking to leverage my marketing expertise to contribute to School X’s knowledge exchange.

A resume objective is a 2-4 sentence snapshot of your professional goals and aspirations.

Enthusiastic Business Management graduate, with one year experience as a freelance marketing consultant. Created creative copy for Client X, which increased conversions by 65%. Skilled in SMM, SEO, copywriting, and web design. Seeking a chance to offer my unique insights on marketing, while developing my skills in management.

So, which one do you pick? 

A resume summary if the best option if you have any previous and relevant work experience, whereas an objective summary is the best option if you’re a graduate with little or no work experience. 

How to Make Your Work Experience Stand Out

To get into a competitive MBA program, you need to show that you mean business.

The easiest way to show this: your work experience . 

Sure, your core skills are important too, but professional experience always comes out on top. Start with your most recent/current job, and then follow it with your previous job, and so on. Here’s the general structure of your work experience section:

• Position name
• Company Name
• Responsibilities & Achievements

Business Development Associate

Fishing Tackle XYZ

03/2017 - 03/2020

• Upon hire, completed in-depth business analysis, which lead to a 28% profit increase that year (2017).
• Revamped UX for the website, which boosted revenue by 17%.
• Created an innovated fulfilment system that saved $200,000 in operational costs.

You may have noticed that the above example lists the top achievements , rather than daily tasks. 

So, instead of saying:

“Web design”

“Revamped UX for the website, which boosted revenue by 17%”

So, what’s the difference between the two?

The second statement goes into more depth about how your responsibilities were something that helped the company. Doing this allows your resume to stand out and reveals the value you bring. 

Remember, you need to keep reminding the reader that you are the best choice , compared with other applicants with the same work duties.

What if You Don’t Have Work Experience?

Maybe you’re a recent university graduate with no work experience?

Or maybe, you have a wealth of experience, but none relating to your MBA?

Whichever the reason, don’t worry!

The thing that really matters here is your portfolio.

If you already have some portfolio pieces, feel free to upload them and link to your resume (we’re going to explain how in a bit).

However, don’t worry if you don’t, you can act now.

Here are several ways you can get a portfolio (and get paid for it):

• Work on some freelance gigs.
• Offer your business knowledge to your friends & acquaintances.
• If the above doesn’t work, you can create your own mock-ups! Basically, anything that shows your skills and knowledge.

If you’re a recent graduate, you might want to check out our guide on how to make a student resume !

Use Action Words to Make Your MBA Resume POP!

• “Responsible for”
• “Worked in”

Flick through a bunch of MBA resumes, and you’ll notice one thing: they all include these same words. 

And since you want your resume to stand out, we recommend using power words instead.

Here is a list of power words that make your responsibilities and achievements stand out:

• Conceptualized
• Spearheaded

How to Add a Portfolio to Your Resume

Create a “Portfolio” header, and then link to your website (or Behance / Dribble), and list your relevant portfolio pieces. It should look like this:

www.mikebusiness.com

• E-Commerce – Created an online shop as part of a university competition
• Business Plan – Created a business plan for a local company that wanted to expand operations
• Web Design – Managed a Kickstarter campaign for an innovative cooking brand – successfully raised $400,982

Don’t want a dedicated portfolio section? Just link to your online portfolio in your contact information section.

How to List Your Education Correctly

Welcome to the education section!

If you’re lacking experience with a company or on your own projects, your education is the best chance to impress on an MBA resume .

Simply list out your education entries, like this:

• Degree Type & Major
• University Name
• Years Studied
• GPA, Honours, Courses, and anything else you might want to add

B.A. Finance 

University of Chicago

• Relevant Courses: International Macroeconomics and Financial markets, Introduction to Economics, Business Organisation and Management, Principles of Financial Accounting, Quantitative Methods in Accounting and Finance 

Before we conclude this section, here are some of the most frequent questions we get from MBA candidates (and their answers!):

What if I haven’t finished education?

• Whether you’re still a student, or you dropped out, you should still mention your best education achievements to date. Simply include the years/courses studied, and you’re good.

Should I include my high school education?

• Only if that is your highest education. The hiring manager doesn’t need to know about your high school education if you have a B.A.

What is more important, education or experience?

• Experiences come before education, always. 

Need more answers? Check out our guide on how to list education on a resume .

Top 8 Skills for an MBA Resume

When the recruiter is reviewing your resume, they want to see that you have the correct skills and abilities needed to complete an MBA. 

You see, the person reviewing the applications will have been briefed about a range of skills to look for. If you don’t include the skills they’re looking for, the hiring manager will likely put your resume straight into the “no” pile!

Need some inspiration?

It’ll depend on the specific MBA program you’re applying for, but here are some of the most common and desirable skills...

Hard Skills for MBA:

• Quantitative research
• Big data analysis
• Financial forecasting

Soft Skills for MBA:

• Communication
• Leadership 
• Strategic thinking
• Accept and learn from criticism

Looking for a more comprehensive list? Here’s a mega-list of 150+ must-have skills .

Other Resume Sections You Can Include

Now, the other candidates will all have similar job experiences. 

To stand out, you need to ensure that you’ve got something no other candidate has.

After all, if your resume looks exactly the same as everyone else’s, you’re not putting the odds in your favour.

Utilizing the following sections is the easiest way to give your resume that first-class treatment.

Awards & Certifications

Did you win an MBA award while studying?

Have you completed any MBA-relevant courses on Coursera?

In such a competitive marketplace, be sure to mention any awards and certifications in your resume!

Awards & Certificates

• “User Experience Research & Design” - Coursera Certificate
• Adobe Certified Expert
• “Best Business Pitch Award” - University of Chicago
• Google Analytics Certificate
• “Learning How to Learn” - Coursera Certificate

Are you passionate about business?

Well, that’s exactly what the hiring manager wants to know.

The easiest way to show your love of business is by showcasing the results of your own project.

Here are some ideas:

• Start your own e-commerce shop
• Giving business consultation to local businesses 
• Reviewing business plans of friends & family

The project section should look something like this…

Your resume is designed to impress the hiring manager. 

And what better way to make a lasting impression than by revealing that you speak multiple languages. 

Besides, being able to speak a second (or third) language can always come in handy, even if the MBA doesn’t specifically require it.

If this relates to you, and you have space in your resume, definitely include a languages section.

Make sure to split the languages by proficiency:

• Intermediate

With the rise in MBA popularity, employers are looking for more than just hard skills and qualifications. 

Your resume needs to stand out from the competition, and one of the easiest ways to do this is to become relatable.

The best way to become relatable is to talk about your hobbies and interests.  

If you’re not sure which hobbies & interests to mention, you can read our guide! 

Match Your Cover Letter with Your Resume

MBA programs are competitive. 

So competitive, that a resume and a list of references simply won’t cut it.

So what’s the answer?

Well, a cover letter!

Here’s the thing: a well-written cover letter tells the recruiter that you want a place in this exact MBA program, not just sending a generic resume to all programs. 

As such, a cover letter can significantly boost your chances of landing that prestigious MBA!

Here’s how to get the structure right:

And here’s what to write in each section:

Contact Details

Your personal contact information, including full name, profession, email, phone number, location, and website (or Behance / Dribble).

Hiring Manager’s Contact Information

Full name, position, location, email

Opening Paragraph

Your introduction should be very strong. If you don’t manage to hook the hiring manager here, chances are, they’re not going to read the rest of it. So, mention…

• The position you’re applying for
• Your experience summary and top achievement

Once you’ve got the hiring manager hooked, you can go through the rest of your background. Some of the points you can mention here are...

• Why you want to work for this specific company
• Anything you know about the company’s culture
• What are your top skills and how are they relevant for the job
• If you’ve worked in similar industries or positions

Closing Paragraph

This is where you:

• Wrap up any points you missed in the body paragraph
• Thank the hiring manager for their time
• End with a call to action. Something like, “I’d love to discuss further how my experience as an X can help the company with Y”

Formal Salutations

Use a formal closing, such as “Best regards” or “Sincerely”.

An MBA is hard, but so is writing a convincing cover letter. For extra guidance, we’ve covered you with your step-by-step guide on writing a cover letter .

Key Takeaways

Followed everything in this guide? Then you’re in the best position to get that elusive MBA placement.

Before we finish up, let’s quickly go through everything we’ve learned:

• Select the right formatting for your MBA resume. Try the reverse-chronological format, and then follow the best practices in regard to the layout. Remember, keep everything looking professional
• Use a resume summary or objective to catch the hiring manager’s attention immediately
• For the work experience section, talk more about your achievements instead of your daily responsibilities
• Build a portfolio that shows examples of your skills
• Match your MBA resume with a convincing cover letter

Suggested Reading:

• How to Ace Interviews with the STAR Method [9+ Examples]
• Guide to Green Careers - All You Need to Know
• 26+ Biggest Interview Mistakes (To Avoid in 2024)

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12 MBA Resume Examples and Templates for 2024

MBA Resume Templates and Examples (Download in App)

Most popular mba resumes.

• MBA Student
• MBA Finance
• Marketing MBA
• MBA Graduate
• Business Development Manager
• Business Manager
• Graduate School
• Resume Text Examples

How To Write an MBA Resume

• Entry-Level
• Senior-Level

MBA Student Resume Example

MBA Finance Resume Example

Marketing MBA Resume Example

MBA Graduate Resume Example

Business Resume Example

Business Development Manager Resume Example

Business Manager Resume Example

Graduate School Resume Example

Internship Resume Example

MBA Text-Only Resume Templates and Examples

Haruto Ito (987) 654-3210 [email protected] 1012 Second Avenue, St. Louis, MO 43568

Results-driven technology entrepreneur with innovative ideas and a community focus. Experienced at managing projects to bring products from idea to market. Planned and developed a clothing line that grew to $1 million turnover in two years.

• Experience starting and running a business
• Business planning
• Networking and negotiation skills
• Risk assessment and management
• Project management

Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Entrepreneurship University of Missouri – St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, September 2014 – June 2018

Professional Experience

Founder and CEO, BetaWear, St. Louis, MO June 2018 – Present

• Manage all parts of running a business, including planning, product development, marketing, manufacturing and sales
• Lead a small team of passionate employees and work collaboratively to ensure the business gets the benefit of their diverse experience
• Negotiate with venture capitalists to secure $2 million funding to expand the business

Sales Manager, Gamma Clothing, St Louis, MO September 2014 – June 2018

• Implemented new training program to ensure each salesperson understood the products, leading to 28% increase in revenue
• Managed team of six people, including providing professional development opportunities to ensure staff could develop skills
• Responded to complaints and issues from customers

Kamilah Ahmad (890) 123-4567 [email protected] 6567 Third Boulevard, Charlotte, NC 76543

Experienced financial analyst with 7 years of global experience in the finance industry. Able to handle budgets of up to $2 billion and find innovative ways to save money and grow revenue. Strong communication skills and able to work with diverse teams.

Financial Analyst, Delta International, Charlotte, NC October 2017 – Present

• Lead team responsible for all financial analysis for international manufacturing firm
• Implemented new procedures that lead to 32% decrease in errors and increase in efficiency of 72%
• Identified inefficiencies in budget, leading to savings of 25%

Financial Advisor, Omega Banking, London, UK June 2013 – September 2017

• Collaborated with team from around the world to expand Omega Banking into new markets, including India, Brazil and Australia
• Created database to identify top-performing stocks

Bachelor of Science Business Administration in Finance University of North Carolina – Charlotte, Charlotte, NC, September 2009 – June 2013

• Financial modeling
• Data visualization
• Managing teams

Certifications

• Chartered Financial Analyst

Keahi Mahelona (876) 543-2109 [email protected] 9890 Fourth Road, Tampa, FL 87654

Dedicated project manager with proven track record of leading teams to successful implementations. More than 12 years of experience planning and managing multi-million dollar projects that pair business needs with technological solutions that drive improved processes and revenue growth. Looking to share project management expertise while developing new skills.

Project Leader, Kappa Consulting, Tampa, FL June 2012 – Present

• Guide implementation of new IT systems for variety of clients, including security systems, disaster recovery and data protection
• Manage budgets of up to $5 million and teams of 20 developers, programmers and network specialists
• Define and communicate processes best suited to each project

Information Technology Specialist, Otto Systems, Orlando, FL June 2008 – May 2012

• Created support documentation that enabled users to extend skills and find resolution to system issues without requiring support team intervention
• Analyzed network security to assess areas in need of improvement and developed solutions, leading to 22% decrease in network security infringements

Bachelor of Science in Information Technology University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, September 2004 – June 2008

• Analytical and critical thinking skills
• Expert in project management methodologies
• Business strategist
• Costing and budgeting
• ROI Analysis
• Project Management Professional (PMP), Project Management Institute, 2018

You’ve worked hard to earn an MBA, and now you can apply for jobs that let you use that knowledge and training. Crafting an MBA resume is about highlighting your business and leadership skills and experience in a way that targets the specific job you’re applying for. Learn how to do this with the tips and examples below.

1. Summarize your Master of Business Administration qualifications in a dynamic profile

The first section of your resume is the profile summary. Provide potential employers with a snapshot of who you are as a business professional and what you can do for their organization. The profile summary for an MBA resume will differ for each applicant, so customize it to where you want to go in your career while keeping the language focused on how you can help the employer. You may want to list your years of experience, specific management competencies, and key career highlights, such as growing a business into the seven-figure range.

Senior-Level Profile Example

Dedicated project manager with a track record of leading teams to successful implementations. More than 12 years of experience planning and managing multi-million-dollar projects that pair business needs with technological solutions that drive improved processes and revenue growth. Looking to share project management expertise while developing new skills.

Entry-Level Profile Example

Results-driven technology entrepreneur with innovative ideas and a community focus. Experienced at managing projects to bring products from ideas to market. Planned and developed a clothing line that grew to a $1 million turnover in two years.

2. Add a compelling section featuring your Master of Business Administration experience

When you’re writing the professional experience section of your resume, it’s important to focus on what results you’ve created in your previous positions. Hiring managers looking for MBA candidates often focus on growing the business, increasing profits, or moving a start-up into a mature business. Use the bullets in this section to show how you led your team, implemented more efficient systems, increased profits, and communicated with stakeholders.

Senior-Level Professional Experience Example

Project Leader Kappa Consulting, Tampa, FL | June 2012 – present

• Guide implementation of new IT systems for variety of clients, including security systems, disaster recovery, and data protection
• Manage budgets of up to $5 million and teams of 20 developers, programmers, and network specialists

Entry-Level Professional Experience Example

Founder and CEO BetaWear, St. Louis, MO | June 2018 – present

• Manage all parts of running a business, including planning, product development, marketing, manufacturing, and sales
• Negotiate with venture capitalists to secure $2 million in funding to expand the business

3. Include Master of Business Administration-related education and certifications

As an MBA graduate, your education is important to who you are as a candidate. It’s also likely that the position you’re applying to has specific education requirements, and listing your degrees on your resume lets a hiring manager quickly determine that you’re a good fit. Certifications and credentials, such as being a Six Sigma Black Belt, can help define who you are as an applicant and how this position fits into your career plan.

• [Certification Name], [Awarding Organization], [Completion Year]
• [Degree Name]
• [School Name], [City, State Abbreviation] – [Graduation Month and Year]
• Bachelor of Science in Business Administration
• University of North Carolina, Charlotte, NC – June 2013

4. List Master of Business Administration-related skills and proficiencies

Including related professional skills and competencies is a key part of creating your resume. Each job you’re applying for has a specific list of qualifications that outlines who would be a good candidate for the position. Look for your skills that are a direct or close match and create a list a hiring manager can easily skim to determine whether you should move on to the next round. Below, we’ve included some of the most common skills hiring managers are looking for in MBA candidates.

How To Pick the Best MBA Resume Template

MBA resume styles are extremely varied because of the wide range of careers and positions they apply to. When you’re choosing an MBA resume template, stick with simple and easy-to-read ones that use a clean format and plain text. Your resume should look like a professional business document, with clear organization, short sentences, and bullet points. Bolding and italics can also help you visually separate the sections and make it easier to skim.

Frequently Asked Questions: MBA Resume Examples and Advice

What are common action verbs for mba resumes -.

It can be challenging to describe your day-to-day responsibilities because they seem mundane and routine to you. However, a hiring manager needs to see how you’ve succeeded in previous roles and how that could translate to your work at their organization. Using specific action verbs can help you convey the duties and responsibilities of your last position more effectively. If you’re having trouble coming up with unique and powerful action verbs for your professional experience bullet points, this list can help.

How do you align your resume with a job description? -

MBA graduates often move into management positions, and this is good news for job seekers because the Bureau of Labor Statistics is anticipating an overall 8% job growth for management positions through 2031. More open positions mean more opportunities for applicants, but it can also mean you’re sending out more resumes. Aligning your resume with the job description by including keywords and qualifications from the posting can help you stand out and have a better chance of being called for an interview.

What is the best MBA resume format? -

The best MBA resume format depends on your professional background and what position you’re applying for, but a combination resume format works well for many MBA graduates. A combination format makes it easier to group skills, such as technical proficiencies, management competencies, and soft skills, for a more engaging and organized resume. This format also gives you room to include a shortened version of the traditional professional experience section, providing a hiring manager with a better idea of your background.

When applying for a new job, the cover letter can often be the difference in whether you move on to the next round or get put in the rejection pile. An MBA cover letter allows you to show a little more personality while expanding on the career highlights in your resume and explaining why you’d be a good fit for the organization.

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Frank Hackett

Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW)

Frank Hackett is a professional resume writer and career consultant with over eight years of experience. As the lead editor at a boutique career consulting firm, Frank developed an innovative approach to resume writing that empowers job seekers to tell their professional stories. His approach involves creating accomplishment-driven documents that balance keyword optimization with personal branding. Frank is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) with the Professional Association of Resume Writers and Career Coaches (PAWRCC).

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• MBA Candidate

MBA Candidate resume examples & templates

If you mean business, you’ll probably know that an MBA is one of the most useful qualifications you can equip yourself with. So if you’re ready to take the time and the effort to complete one, you’ll need a top-tier MBA resume for your application.

There are a number of excellent MBA courses across the globe. Each of them wants to make sure that they optimize the value of their course by having engaged and competent students in the classroom. That’s why a well-written resume can be one of the top tools in presenting yourself as a worthy candidate for the MBA of your choice. 

While your mind may be oriented to all sorts of business management tasks, it’s OK to admit that you need some extra help with committing your value to paper. Resume.io has a multitude of resume examples for 350+ professions and offers an easy-to-use resume builder. There’s no shame in asking for help.

This resume guide, along with the corresponding MBA resume example will cover the following topics:

What is an MBA?

• How to write an MBA resume (tips and tricks)
• The best format for an MBA resume
• Advice on each section of your resume (summary, work history, education, skills)
• Professional resume layout and design hints

Your Master of Business Administration is a big leg up on the career ladder if you’re pursuing a career in business management. In fact, think of it as swapping out the ladder altogether for a high-powered elevator. With an MBA, you’re planning on going places!

Often covering everything from operations management to communications, statistics, and even human resources, an MBA is a postgraduate qualification that demonstrates a wide variety of business management tasks. It’s a surefire way to tick many boxes of the challenges and skills you will need to face during your career. 

How much can an MBA help you to make?

If it’s a top salary you’re after, few career paths can compete with the opportunities available after achieving an MBA. In fact, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics , the median annual wage for management occupations in May 2021 was $102,450. That’s more than double the average wage for all occupations in the same month.

How to write an MBA resume

Just like any other resume, there are some basic criteria to adhere to when writing an MBA resume. In fact, the very first step is to understand how you are going to structure your resume. From there you can strategize how and where to include the experience, skills, and overall philosophy that make you the best fit for the course you’re applying for.

Your CV should contain the following elements:

• The resume header
• The resume summary (aka profile or personal statement)
• The employment history section
• The resume skills section
• The education section

The tone and content of your resume needs to match the course you’re for. The official course description can be a great place to get inspiration for this.

Choosing the best resume format for your MBA resume

As an aspiring MBA candidate, the best format for your MBA resume could vary. Usually, it’s preferable to opt for the reverse chronological format. This prioritizes your work history, and includes details of your previous roles in - you guessed it - reverse chronological order.

However, soon-to-be postgraduate students come from a range of backgrounds. While a resume in the reverse chronological format may be preferred, there is no point in using it if it doesn’t communicate your experience effectively. You should consider a different option as the best resume format for you if you have limited professional experience. 

Regardless of your experience, you have an important perspective to offer on the course. Consider the best way to communicate that, whether it’s through a functional resume or a hybrid which will allow you to draw further attention to your skills. 

Resume summary example

Your resume summary is the elevator pitch of your resume. This is the section where you make it clear why you are a good match for this course in two to three sentences. With such little space, you really want to communicate your biggest wins and unique selling points only. 

Is there an accomplishment that makes you stand out from the crowd? While your professional experience may be limited, don’t hesitate to communicate points about your capacity to learn. Let’s not forget that when you join an academic institution, you are also becoming a part of its community. It’s likely the admissions committee will want to learn about you beyond the grades, so use strong action verbs to make this section more engaging than a bland list of facts.

Driven professional with a proven background in operational management, enabling exceptional business function through expert strategy, leadership, and continuous improvement. Known for unifying diverse cross-functional teams under a common corporate mission, steering operational change to meet current and projected challenges. Eager to expand existing skill set and knowledge to elevate operational leadership capabilities.

Employment history sample

Depending on your background, this section could look a little different for everyone. Your employment history may be in line with the business-related career you plan on pursuing after your postgraduate. On the other hand, it could even be non-existent.

If you are using the reverse chronological order, then remember to keep your most recent employment at the top of your resume. It should include mention of the place of employment, your job title, dates worked, and location. This will make up the subheading.

Underneath this, you can add bullet points that highlight the most notable responsibilities and behaviors you exhibited during your time in the role. If you are in need of some inspiration on the types of bullets to add here, then take a look at the resume sample content below.

It is acceptable to include internships in this section of your resume. Our student resume sample, internship resume sample, or first job resume sample should point you in the right direction, so you can highlight the best of these experiences when applying to your chosen MBA course. 

Numbers talk

You know that data is the key to backing up any good decision. So, why not share some stats to push the admissions committee in the right direction with your application? 

Quantifying your value through numbers such as time, money, or percentages can help to measure the value you’ve added to professional or academic settings in the past. Plus you’ll demonstrate your competence in measuring the economics behind a decision.

So add some stats onto those bullet points in your resume that illustrate the magnitude of your wins!

Operations Manager , Urban Logistics, Biloxi, MS July 2020 - Present

• Lead the design and implementation of key programs and program improvements, driving operational change to align with corporate vision.
• Manage a 20-person team, overseeing training, development, and performance.
• Establish program roadmaps, guiding execution across all phases of design and implementation.
• Partner with leadership to define goals,recommend strategic changes, and provide progress and performance updates to inform decision-making.  

Program Manager , Caesars Transportation, Biloxi, MS January 2015 - May 2020

• Collaborated cross-functionally to govern end-to-end program operations, ensuring timely execution of program stages for streamlined implementation.
• Oversaw multiple teams, coordinating diverse operational tasks in line with corporate priorities.
• Monitored program progress, ensuring achievement of key targets and milestones.

CV skills example

The qualities that are driving you to complete your MBA are sure to be interesting for the admissions committee, too. Since they will likely be interested in who you are as well as what you’ve done, make sure that your CV skills section includes a good mix of hard and soft skills examples.

While your soft skills are dedicated to the qualities that make you great, or rather how you carry out the things you do, hard skills are just as important. Hard skills refer to the technical or learned skills that allow you to carry out specific tasks. Both will be important in completing your MBA. For further advice on including specific skill sets on your resume via our guide, check out our blog on including special skills on your resume.

If you have additional language skills, this could be a huge asset to professional and academic settings. Don’t forget to list the language and the level of competency here. If you speak multiple languages to an advanced level, as is common or even necessary in some sectors of business, then you may consider adding a separate ‘languages’ subheading to your CV. Our guide on listing languages on your resume - with specific resume sample content - can help you to bridge the gaps. 

Strategize your content

Don’t forget to adjust your resume for each application you send. The language and examples you want to highlight in every section will differ slightly. Your strategy should be all about highlighting the points that make you a great match for this course in particular!

• Operational Leadership
• Program Management
• Team Leadership
• Cross-Functional Collaboration
• Solutions Development
• Executive Partnership
• Continuous Process Improvement

MBA resume education example

If you’re taking the initiative to carry out a tricky qualification like an MBA, then the education section of your MBA resume will be important. In this section, you will want to include both your undergraduate and your high school credentials.

Like the employment history section, remember to include the name of the qualification you carried out, the establishment it was carried out in, the dates attended, and the location. If you are already working on an MBA but are applying to switch to a course at another college or university, you can add a bullet point with the current month and year you’re expected to graduate. 

Make way for the MBA

Once you have started your course, if your MBA is the highest level of education you have carried out, then it should always be at the top of your education section. The same applies even if you have carried out a qualification more recently that is not as advanced as an MBA.

When the time comes, you’ll want to think about the other considerations of how to include an MBA on your resume in the best way possible.

Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Beach School College of Business, Waveland, MS May 2010 - May 2014

Resume layout and design

You wouldn’t go to an important business meeting in sweatpants, would you? Think of the layout and design of your resume as its business attire. Not only should it look smart, but its look needs to match the occasion - i.e. the course that you’re applying for. 

Regardless of the college’s culture, you want to communicate that one day you’ll make a trustworthy business associate. Therefore, a somber and clear resume design is recommended. Consider checking out some of our resume templates which have been professionally designed and field tested to find some interesting and professional options.

Key takeaways for an MBA resume

• Start your resume with a strong elevator pitch via your resume summary.
• Consider which resume format will best communicate your value proposition as a student in this particular MBA course.
• Quantify your achievements with figures! Help the admissions committee project what a valuable asset you will be to the course.
• Dress for the job - or rather MBA course - you want with a resume layout that means business.

Beautiful ready-to-use resume templates

Inspira Advantage

How to Write MBA Resume With Examples - The Complete Guide

Your resume has the potential to be the single most important page of your application. Do you want to know why? It is the only document that comprehensively reflects your professional and academic background. This snapshot is important for giving the Admissions Committee (AdCom) an idea of who you are before they dive deep into your story.

Most candidates applying to business school haven’t had to make a resume for at least three or four years. Also, they last made a resume when looking for a job. Here is what you need to look at to ensure your resume is business-school-ready.

MBA Resume Examples

Here are some examples of MBA resumes to help give you an idea of what to write.

Check out this MBA resume example : ESMIRANDA O'HARE, MBA

BUSINESS OPERATIONS MANAGER

San Diego, CA [email protected] (123) 456-7890 LinkedIn.com github.com

EDUCATION Master of Business Administration University of San Diego 2014 - 2016 San Diego, CA

Bachelor of Science, Business Administration Stanford University 2008 - 2012 Stanford, CA

• Presentations
• Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint)
• Negotiation
• Problem Solving

CAREER SUMMARY Adept and persistent business mind with 10 years of experience analyzing and streamlining processes. Searching for an advanced challenge as an operations manager where my problem-solving skills, project management knowledge, and financial expertise will revive Gucci's product line, automation, and bottom line.

WORK EXPERIENCE

Business Operations Analyst Instacart 2018 - current / San Diego, CA

• Led resource team to address ad hoc analytic needs, finding an additional $16K to revamp employee incentive program
• Supervised the retrieval and aggregate of data and compiled it into a digestible, actionable format for a leadership team of 18
• Observed processes and documented recommendations to save 325 manhours per month for grocery pickers
• Managed policies and procedures to improve KPI performance, meeting deadlines and goals 98.7% of the time

Operations Analyst IBM 2016 - 2018 / San Diego, CA

• Managed executive and stakeholder coordination and material, ensuring the operations department integrated across the global team of 2K employees
• Directed collaboration with the sales and engineering team to improve cost-effectiveness across all platforms, reducing costs by 7% in the first year of employment
• Headed policies and business process reviews for operations across the North American Northwest region, traveling 24% of the time for client meetings, presentations, and trainings
• Delivered 120+ reports 4 times per year regarding industry and market trends across all departments

Business Analyst Rokt 2012 - 2016 / San Diego, CA

• Managed the creation and maintenance of dashboards to report companywide metrics
• Supervised the evaluation, analysis, and communication system and delivered reports 3 times a week to all relevant staff
• Authored and updated internal and external documentation about hiring and training of a 6-person analytics team

Here is another example of a great MBA resume to draw inspiration from. 

EZEKIELLE CASSIAN Business Analyst Tallahassee, FL [email protected] | (123) 456-7890 LinkedIn

Policy Analyst Total Safety Consulting Group Inc. 2021 - Current Tallahassee, FL

• Conducted in-depth analysis of voting and policy data, facilitating informed decision-making among stakeholders
• Developed state-wide surveys to gauge voter concerns, implementing an algorithm to identify trends, resulting in a 12% increase in stakeholder engagement
• Managed a team of 6 analysts in reviewing, editing, and proposing solutions to policy drafts
• Led cost-benefit analyses and organized focus groups to predict policy outcomes, collaborating with academia and governing bodies

Marketing Analyst Glotel 2020 - 2021 Tallahassee, FL

• Directed forecasting models to ensure accurate reporting for finance, capital markets, and strategy teams
• Researched and collected data to address long-term strategic inquiries, implementing an algorithm to improve data collection speed by 22%
• Established a metrics-driven culture across departments, emphasizing data accessibility and frequent communication
• Developed training materials and supervised the onboarding of 14 interns, guiding them in handling marketing, pricing, and operational challenges

Marketing Analyst Intern NWF Health Network 2019 - 2020 Tallahassee, FL

• Assessed the impact of marketing initiatives and contributed to the development of a process that reduced information loss by 7%
• Co-created secondary metrics and dashboards to monitor customer acquisition and engagement, resulting in a 4% increase in retention
• Compiled best practices manual for non-technical marketing stakeholders

CAREER OBJECTIVE

Ambitious and discerning liaison, currently pursuing an MBA with excellent analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills backed by 3 years of relevant experience. Seeking a business analyst role at Path-Tec to leverage industry knowledge and drive operational efficiency.

Master of Business Administration Florida State University 2021 - Current Tallahassee, FL

Bachelor of Science, Business Administration Florida State University 2016 - 2020 Tallahassee, FL

• Collaboration

Finally, check out this MBA resume . 

SOPHIA BROWN MBA Candidate Charlottesville, VA [email protected] | (123) 456-7890 LinkedIn

CAREER OBJECTIVE Zealous bookstore clerk with aspirations to leverage team coordination, customer relations, and project leadership skills in an MBA program. Aiming to cultivate a robust background in business administration, positioning for future leadership roles.

Mudhouse Coffee - Bookstore Clerk 2022 - Current Charlottesville, VA

• Managed stock levels in Shopify, reducing out-of-stock incidents by 48% through quarterly updates
• Designed and administered customer satisfaction surveys via SurveyMonkey, achieving an average rating of 4.3 out of 5
• Implemented a software system for sorting and displaying new arrivals, contributing to a 17% increase in sales for featured books
• Received "Employee of the Month" award thrice in seven months for exceptional customer service and teamwork
• Trained 5 new employees on store tasks and systems, including Asana and Shopify, reducing overall onboarding time by 36%

Retail Renaissance - Project Leader

• Utilized Microsoft Excel to record research on local retail consumer trends, improving understanding of key buying decision factors by 22%
• Presented project updates to the team, securing a 97% approval rate for continued funding
• Managed project budget with QuickBooks, achieving an 11% cost-saving rate over 4 months without compromising quality or timelines
• Developed a multichannel marketing strategy increasing online sales by 29% and in-store sales by 14%
• Conducted post-implementation audits, revealing a 91% achievement rate on completing project milestones

University of Virginia - Darden School of Business Bachelor of Science, Business Administration 2020 - Current Charlottesville, VA

• Microsoft Excel
• Microsoft PowerPoint
• SurveyMonkey

Now that you’ve seen these MBA resume samples, make sure that yours looks similar to this format. It’s important that you use these MBA CV templates as inspiration and not copy directly from them! 

Format and Layout for an MBA Resume

Before you start your MBA admission resume, you should look at the format and layout of one. Here is what you should expect your resume to look like. 

MBA Resume Formatting

Ensure your resume is one page long. The admission committee has little time to read a lengthy two-page resume. You might have something interesting and impactful buried away on the second page. It’ll be a shame if the AdCom never gets to it.

Don’t focus on internships and college experiences unless you apply for deferred admission.

Unless there is an extremely impactful college experience, don’t mention it in your resume. There is a premium on real estate when you are drafting your resume. You are already listing the name of your institution and degree. Beyond this, make sure the college experiences you list are extraordinary. 

This does not hold for college seniors or graduate students applying to deferred MBA programs. Don’t worry about focusing on college experiences if you are a college senior or graduate student – you will be evaluated on a different set of criteria.

Font and Spacing

Choose a simple template that is easy to read, has enough space between lines, and uses a clean font. You should choose Times New Roman, Calibri, or Arial font style and size in 11 or 12-point size. Also, don’t use elaborate or over-designed templates that might be appropriate for marketing or design professions.

For an MBA program resume, opt for a professional and understated color palette. Use classic neutral tones such as black for text and headings and shades of gray for depth. Maintain a clean and readable look with a white or light background. 

Consider sparingly adding deep, rich colors like burgundy or navy for elegance. Consistency in the color scheme is vital for a polished appearance. Avoid overly bright or distracting colors, focusing on presenting qualifications and achievements clearly and cohesively.

It's recommended to use the PDF file type. PDFs maintain formatting consistency across devices and are universally accepted. They are secure and less prone to alterations, providing a professional, standardized presentation for print and digital submissions.

Cover Letter Format

Use a professional format for an MBA cover letter. Begin with a formal greeting and a brief introduction. Explain your motivation for pursuing an MBA, linking it to your career goals and the specific program. Highlight relevant experiences and skills in the body paragraphs. Close with a strong conclusion expressing gratitude. 

The letter should be well-formatted, error-free, and tailored to the program or job requirements. Maintain a professional tone and aim for a concise one-page length.

MBA Resume Layout and Sections

Depending on how many years of experience, your resume may look different, but not by a lot. Here are the resume layout and sections for experienced applicants and applicants with less than two years of experience. 

Experienced Applicants

For experienced MBA applicants, a well-structured resume begins with a clear header and a concise summary stating career goals. Prioritize the professional experience section, detailing roles in reverse chronological order, focusing on achievements. Include a skills section showcasing key competencies, followed by education details and relevant honors. 

Optionally, incorporate sections for certifications, affiliations, and community involvement. Maintain a clean and organized design, tailoring the resume to align with the specific MBA program's criteria.

Applicants With Less Than 2 Years of Experience

For MBA applicants with less than two years of experience, the resume layout should prioritize academic achievements and potential. Begin with a clear header and an impactful objective statement outlining career goals within the MBA context. Emphasize the education section detailing degrees and honors. 

Include internships, part-time roles, or relevant projects under the experience section, focusing on skills gained. Highlight key competencies in a skills section and showcase extracurricular activities, certifications, or volunteer work. Maintain a clean design, using bullet points for readability, and tailor the resume to connect with the specific criteria of the MBA program.

MBA Resume Writing Style 

For an MBA resume, adopt a clear, concise writing style focused on achievements and skills. Start with a strong summary statement. Use action verbs to emphasize accomplishments and quantify achievements in professional experience. Clearly articulate transferable skills relevant to an MBA program, maintaining a formal and professional tone. 

Organize information logically with bullet points for readability and tailor the content to align with program or industry requirements. Proofread diligently for accuracy and coherence.

Language to Incorporate in Your MBA Resume

Here are what you should incorporate in your resume. 

Punchy and Accessible

Your resume should be direct. Don’t over explain or provide unnecessary detail about your background and experiences. For example, if you are listing language skills in your resume, English doesn’t need to be there.

Your entire application is in English, so the AdCom knows that you speak the language. However, it’s worth adding a language skills section if you have extraordinary language skills and are fluent in say six different languages.

Use Metrics‍

Quantify the impact of your work as much as possible. Numbers speak louder than just words. For example, saying that you ‘grew the revenue of a business line’ is not as impactful as saying your ‘strategy led to a $15M increase in revenue in 6 months’.

Don’t Use Industry Jargon ‍

You never know what the background of your AdCom member will be. They might not be familiar with your industry. Writing a resume that anyone with a general business background can understand is always good practice.

Content to Include in Your MBA Resume

Here is what you should include in your resume. 

Contact Information 

Include your full name, phone number, email address, and, if relevant, a link to your LinkedIn profile. This section is essential for prospective admissions committees to reach you.

Resume Summary or Profile

Begin your resume with a concise summary or profile discussing your career goals and key strengths. This section provides a quick overview of what you bring to the table.

Work Experience 

In the work experience section, outline your professional journey. Emphasize achievements, responsibilities, and quantifiable results from each role, showcasing your practical skills and contributions.

Present details about your academic background, including degrees earned, institutions attended, graduation dates, and any academic honors or awards. This section helps establish your educational qualifications.

Additional Information and Achievements 

Use this section to highlight additional relevant information, such as certifications, languages spoken, or any notable accomplishments that contribute to your overall profile.

Conclude your resume with a dedicated skills section. Highlight key competencies that align with the MBA program or industry requirements. This provides a quick reference to your abilities and strengths.

If you still have questions, check out these frequently asked questions. 

1. How Do You List an MBA on a Resume?

Include the university or business school name, dates of study or graduation, and the official course title.

2. What Makes a Good MBA Resume?

A compelling summary emphasizing achievements, relevant work experience, clear education details, and additional skills aligned with program or industry requirements.

3. How Do I Write a CV for an MBA Graduate?

Create an MBA graduate CV by summarizing your academic achievements, skills, and work experience tailored to your industry, and end with a strong summary showing you're ready to make a valuable contribution.

4. How Many Pages Should an MBA Resume Be?

Your MBA resume should be one page, prioritizing concise content highlighting achievements for busy admission committees.

Final Conclusion

Now that you better understand how to write an MBA resume, ensure you implement the tips we’ve provided. You must create an impactful resume because admission committees will reference this when deciding whether you’ll get accepted. 

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MBA Resume Examples & Analysis [With Template]

Looking for inspiration to create a standout MBA resume? This article features comprehensive MBA resume examples and analysis, along with a downloadable template to help you craft a winning resume that showcases your skills and experience in the competitive business world.

Posted January 23, 2024

Featuring Matt P.

Planning Your MBA Application

Starting friday, september 6.

12:00 AM UTC · 45 minutes

Table of Contents

In the competitive world of business, having a well-crafted resume is essential, especially for those pursuing a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree. An MBA resume serves as a crucial component of your application, showcasing your qualifications, achievements, and skills. In this article, we will explore the importance of a well-crafted MBA resume and provide you with practical examples and analysis.

How Important is a Well-Crafted MBA Resume?

A well-crafted MBA resume can make a lasting impression on recruiters and admissions committees. It goes beyond a traditional resume, highlighting your educational background, professional experiences, and unique qualifications. By strategically organizing and presenting your information, you can effectively convey your suitability for MBA programs and potential future roles in business leadership.

When it comes to MBA applications, the resume plays a crucial role in showcasing your abilities and potential. It serves as a comprehensive snapshot of your qualifications, acting as a bridge between your achievements and the admissions committee's evaluation criteria. While other application components, such as essays and recommendation letters, provide a holistic view of your profile, the resume allows you to showcase your academic and professional accomplishments concisely.

One key aspect of the MBA resume is its ability to highlight your unique strengths and illustrate how your experiences align with the objectives of an MBA program. It is not just a list of your educational and professional background; it is an opportunity to demonstrate your potential as a future business leader.

The Role of an MBA Resume in Your Application

The MBA resume serves as a comprehensive snapshot of your qualifications, acting as a bridge between your achievements and the admissions committee's evaluation criteria. While other application components, such as essays and recommendation letters, provide a holistic view of your profile, the resume allows you to showcase your academic and professional accomplishments concisely. It is an opportunity to highlight your unique strengths and illustrate how your experiences align with the objectives of an MBA program.

When crafting your MBA resume, it is essential to consider the specific requirements and expectations of the programs you are applying to. Each school may have its own preferences and guidelines for resume format and content. Researching the target schools and understanding their values and priorities can help you tailor your resume to make it more impactful and relevant .

Furthermore, the MBA resume should not be seen as a mere summary of your academic and professional history. It should be viewed as a marketing tool that showcases your potential and demonstrates why you are a strong candidate for an MBA program. It is your chance to make a compelling case for yourself and convince the admissions committee that you have what it takes to succeed in the program and make a significant impact in the business world.

Key Elements of a Successful MBA Resume

A successful MBA resume incorporates various key elements that not only demonstrate your academic credentials but also reflect your potential as a future business leader. These elements include:

• Clear and concise contact information and objective statement.

Providing accurate and up-to-date contact information is essential for recruiters and admissions committees to reach out to you. Additionally, including a well-crafted objective statement can help convey your career aspirations and align them with the objectives of the MBA program you are applying to.

• Highlighting your educational background and MBA qualifications.

Your educational background, including your undergraduate degree and any relevant coursework, should be clearly stated in your MBA resume. Additionally, highlighting any MBA-related qualifications, such as certifications or specialized training, can further enhance your candidacy.

• Detailing your professional experiences and accomplishments.

Your professional experiences play a crucial role in demonstrating your skills, leadership abilities, and industry knowledge. It is important to provide detailed information about your roles, responsibilities, and accomplishments in each position, showcasing your impact and contributions.

• Showcasing your relevant skills and certifications.

In addition to your educational and professional background, it is important to highlight any relevant skills and certifications that are valuable in the business world. This may include proficiency in specific software or programming languages, project management certifications, or language fluency.

By incorporating these key elements into your MBA resume, you can create a comprehensive and compelling document that effectively showcases your qualifications and potential as a future business leader.

Start with the Basics: Contact Information and Objective

Creating a professional impression begins with a clear and concise contact section. Include your full name, phone number, email address, and LinkedIn profile link. Providing this information ensures that recruiters or admissions committees can easily reach you for further evaluation.

When it comes to crafting the contact section, attention to detail is key. You want to present yourself in the best possible light, so consider using a clean and professional format. Choose a font style and size that is easy to read and consistent throughout your application. This will give your contact section a polished and cohesive look.

Additionally, it's important to pay attention to the details of your email address. Make sure it is professional and does not contain any informal or inappropriate language. Your email address should reflect your professionalism and be something that you would feel comfortable sharing with potential employers or admissions committees.

Crafting a Professional Contact Section

When crafting the contact section, use a clean and professional format. Consider using a consistent font style and size. Additionally, ensure that your email address is professional and does not contain any informal or inappropriate language.

Another important aspect to consider is the placement of your contact information. It should be easily visible and located at the top of your resume or application. This ensures that recruiters or admissions committees can quickly find your contact details without having to search through the entire document.

Furthermore, including your LinkedIn profile link is a great way to showcase your professional network and online presence. Make sure your LinkedIn profile is up-to-date and reflects your current skills, experiences, and achievements. This will provide recruiters or admissions committees with additional information about you and allow them to further evaluate your qualifications.

Writing a Clear and Concise Objective

Your objective statement serves as a brief summary of your career goals and aspirations. Keep it concise, focused, and tailored to your specific MBA program. Highlight your motivations and how the program aligns with your professional aspirations. Avoid generic statements and instead focus on showcasing your unique value proposition.

When writing your objective statement, it's important to be specific and targeted. Research the MBA program you are applying to and understand their values, mission, and goals. This will allow you to tailor your objective statement to align with what the program is looking for in a candidate.

Furthermore, make sure your objective statement is realistic and achievable. It should reflect your genuine passion and interest in pursuing an MBA, while also demonstrating that you have a clear understanding of what you hope to achieve through the program. This will show recruiters or admissions committees that you have carefully thought about your goals and are committed to your professional development.

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Highlight Your Education and MBA Qualifications

When presenting your educational background and MBA qualifications, it is crucial to highlight your accomplishments and convey the relevance of your learnings to the MBA program.

How to Effectively List Your Education

List your educational qualifications in reverse chronological order, starting with your most recent degree. Include the school name, degree earned, major or specialization, and graduation date. Additionally, highlight any academic recognition or honors you received.

Showcasing Your MBA Achievements

While presenting your MBA qualifications, emphasize your academic accomplishments, such as relevant coursework, research projects, or leadership roles. Highlighting these achievements indicates your commitment to academic excellence and your ability to contribute to the MBA program's intellectual environment.

How to Detail Your Professional Experience

One of the key aspects of an MBA resume is showcasing your professional experiences, as they demonstrate your practical application of business skills and knowledge.

Choose the Right Job Experiences to Include

Select job experiences that align with your MBA program's objectives and emphasize transferable skills. Include positions that highlight your leadership abilities, project management, problem-solving skills, and industry knowledge. Be selective and focus on the experiences that best showcase your growth and impact.

Use Action Verbs and Quantifiable Achievements

To effectively communicate your professional experiences, use action verbs to describe your accomplishments. Quantify your achievements whenever possible, whether it's financial results, project deliverables, or process improvements. This not only provides context but also demonstrates your ability to drive tangible outcomes.

Showcasing Your Skills and Certifications

In addition to your education and professional experiences, emphasizing your skills and certifications can further enrich your MBA resume.

Identifying Relevant Skills for an MBA Graduate

Identify key skills sought after in the business world, such as leadership, teamwork, analytical abilities, communication, and problem-solving. Tailor your skills section to reflect these competencies, and provide concrete examples of how you've demonstrated them in your academic or professional experiences.

Listing Certifications and Additional Training

If you possess relevant certifications or have completed additional training, include them in this section. These credentials can further demonstrate your commitment to professional development and highlight your readiness to excel in an MBA program.

In conclusion, a well-crafted MBA resume is crucial in showcasing your qualifications, experiences, and skills to admissions committees and potential employers. By understanding the importance of a well-crafted resume, organizing your information effectively, and tailoring your content to highlight your unique value proposition, you can maximize the impact of your MBA application. Use the above examples and analysis to create a standout resume that sets you on the path to success in the competitive world of business.

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• • Led 15 cross-functional team members to manage a $500 million portfolio
• • Developed new budgeting process saving 15 hours per week
• • Streamlined reporting processes resulting in 30% time savings
• • Assisted with quarterly and annual closings, reducing process time by 20%
• • Improved forecast accuracy by implementing new financial techniques
• • Managed a portfolio exceeding $200 million while exceeding goals for risk and return
• • Supported a 10% reduction in operational costs by identifying inefficiencies
• • Improved financial reporting speed by 25% by implementing new software
• • Assisted with quarterly and annual reports to investors and regulatory agencies

10 MBA Application Resume Examples & Guide for 2024

The MBA Application plays a crucial role in evaluating candidates for business school. On your resume, emphasize leadership experiences, relevant work history, and academic achievements. Highlight skills such as strategic thinking, data analysis, and effective communication. Additionally, mentioning your contributions to team projects and any measurable results can effectively demonstrate the impact you bring to potential employers.

All resume examples in this guide

Single Column

Resume Guide

Tips for refining your mba application resume format, the experience section of your mba application resume: your professional journey, essential mba application hard and soft skills for your resume, choosing the right certifications and education for your mba application resume, should you add a summary or objective to your mba application resume, additional sections to amplify your mba application resume, key takeaways.

One specific resume challenge faced by MBA applicants is effectively showcasing their diverse experiences and transferable skills from various sectors on a one-page document. Our guide can assist in addressing this issue by providing step-by-step instructions on how to succinctly yet powerfully capture relevant experiences, prioritize information based on relevance to the applied program, and highlight transferable skills that resonate with business schools.

Enhance your application for the mba application role with our concise guide on how to:

• Format your mba application resume, ensuring a balance between professionalism and creativity, in line with best practices.
• Align your resume with the mba application job requirements by incorporating relevant industry keywords.
• Utilize distinct resume sections to highlight your skills and achievements, making a case for why you're the top pick for the mba application role.
• Draw from leading mba application resume examples to effectively tailor your experience.

Recommended reads:

• MBA Student resume
• Nursing Student Clinical Experience resume
• MBA Graduate resume
• Physical Therapy Student resume
• Graphic Design Student resume

The resume format sets the stage for your professional narrative. Ensure it:

• Adopts the reverse-chronological format , placing your most recent experiences at the forefront. This format is ideal for those with relevant and up-to-date experience.
• Features a clear headline, making it straightforward for recruiters to access your contact details, portfolio, or current role.
• Stays concise, ideally spanning no more than two pages, focusing on relevant experiences and skills.
• Maintains its layout by being saved as a PDF, ensuring compatibility with Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS).

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Your resume will likely be processed by an Applicant Tracking System (ATS). Ensure your header, summary, or objective incorporates essential skills required for the role.

The five (plus) definite sections your resume for a personal injury legal assistant job should include are:

• Header with your headline, contact details, and/or a preview of your work
• Summary (or objective) to pinpoint how your success aligns with the role
• Experience with bullets of your most relevant achievements in the field
• Skills to integrate vital job requirements (both technical and personal)
• Your further dedication to the field, showcased via relevant higher education and/or certifications

What recruiters want to see on your resume:

• Leadership Experience: Evidence of having led teams or projects, particularly those that had a significant impact on an organization.
• Quantifiable Achievements: Specifics about what you have accomplished at work or during your academic career, ideally expressed in numbers or percentages.
• Relevant Skills: Hard and soft skills relevant to the business world (like analytical thinking, project management, financial acumen) and demonstrated ability to apply them.
• Academic Excellence: High grades, particularly in courses related to business, as well as any other academic accolades.
• International Exposure: Experience working or studying in diverse cultural environments, demonstrating adaptability and global mindset.
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The experience section is your platform to narrate your professional story. Recruiters scrutinize this section to gauge your unique value proposition.

Here are five steps to craft a compelling experience section:

• Highlight relevant roles, including the company, role description, and tenure, supported by up to six bullet points per role.
• Emphasize tangible outcomes of your contributions, using quantifiable metrics where possible.
• Integrate positive feedback or endorsements to bolster your claims.
• Ensure verb tense consistency when detailing responsibilities.
• Summarize significant achievements relevant to each role.

Explore how seasoned mba application professionals have crafted their experience sections to secure roles at industry-leading firms.

• Implemented data-driven marketing strategies resulting in a 20% increase in customer acquisition for a leading e-commerce company.
• Led cross-functional teams to successfully launch three new product lines, driving a revenue growth of $2 million annually.
• Developed and executed a comprehensive market research study, providing actionable insights that led to a 15% improvement in customer satisfaction.
• Optimized supply chain processes, reducing inventory costs by 25% and improving delivery reliability by 15%.
• Managed vendor relationships and negotiated contracts resulting in $500,000 in annual cost savings.
• Implemented a lean manufacturing system, increasing production efficiency by 30% and reducing waste by 20%.
• Led a team of sales representatives, achieving a 40% increase in regional sales within two years.
• Developed and executed a strategic business development plan, resulting in a 25% expansion of the customer base.
• Implemented CRM software and trained sales team members, improving customer relationship management and increasing customer retention by 15%.
• Managed a portfolio of high-net-worth clients, achieving an average annual return of 12% on investments.
• Developed and implemented customized financial plans, resulting in $2 million in new assets under management.
• Conducted market research and analyzed investment opportunities for clients, resulting in a 15% increase in portfolio diversification.
• Led a team of software engineers in developing and launching a mobile app that reached 1 million downloads within six months.
• Managed agile development processes, delivering high-quality software products on time and within budget.
• Collaborated with product managers and designers to create user-friendly interfaces and improved user experience, resulting in a 20% increase in app engagement.
• Implemented digital marketing campaigns using SEO and SEM strategies, resulting in a 30% increase in website traffic.
• Developed and executed social media marketing campaigns that generated $500,000 in revenue within one year.
• Utilized data analytics to optimize online advertising campaigns, achieving a 20% lower cost per acquisition.
• Managed a team of engineers in the design and development of innovative software solutions for clients.
• Led the successful implementation of a cloud-based enterprise resource planning (ERP) system, improving operational efficiency by 25%.
• Collaborated with cross-functional teams to deliver complex projects, consistently meeting deadlines and exceeding client expectations.
• Led the product management team in launching a new SaaS platform, resulting in a 50% increase in user adoption.
• Conducted market analysis and competitor research to identify market trends and opportunities for product expansion.
• Collaborated with engineering teams to prioritize product features and enhancements, resulting in a 20% decrease in customer churn rate.
• Developed and executed strategic marketing campaigns for global brands, resulting in a 15% increase in brand awareness.
• Managed cross-functional teams to deliver integrated marketing campaigns across multiple channels.
• Analyzed market data and consumer insights to drive product positioning and messaging strategies.
• Implemented process improvements and automation initiatives, reducing operational costs by 20%.
• Managed a team of business analysts in analyzing market trends and developing pricing strategies.
• Collaborated with executive leadership to develop and execute a growth strategy resulting in a 30% increase in revenue.

Quantifying impact on your resume

• Include quantitative achievements: This demonstrates your ability to drive results and meet goals.
• Highlight financial management skills: Showcasing any experience managing budgets or resources proves your ability to handle business finances responsibly.
• List any data analysis experience: This indicates your proficiency in making data-driven decisions, crucial in modern business environments.
• Showcase project or team leadership roles: Providing the number of people or scale of projects managed is evidence of your leadership skills.
• Document sales or revenue increases: If you contributed to significant financial growth, it highlights your potential as a profit generator.
• Specify any process improvements: Quantifying efficiency gains or cost savings shows your strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities.
• Detail any operational scale-ups: Expressing numbers related to expansion efforts demonstrates your capacity for managing growth and change.
• Mention experience with metrics/KPIs: If you've used specific metrics to track and improve performance, it displays your focus on measurable outcomes.

Strategies for candidates with limited or no experience

Even if you're light on experience, other facets of your mba application resume can resonate with job requirements:

• Education: Detail skills acquired that dovetail with job expectations.
• Internships & Temporary Roles: Spotlight roles that underscore your relevant expertise.
• Skills: Address both foundational and nuanced job qualifications.
• Strengths & Achievements: Illuminate the distinct value you bring, even if you're newer to the industry.
• Job Shadowing on Resume
• Can I Leave a Job I was Fired From Off my Resume

Your experience section should be a testament to your professional growth. If your career journey isn't particularly linear or impressive, focus on detailing specific skills and the tangible outcomes of your responsibilities.

Recruiters evaluate not just your professional history, but also how your skills resonate with the job's requirements.

Your skills are categorized into:

• Hard or technical skills : These reflect your proficiency in specific tasks or technologies.
• Soft skills : These pertain to your interpersonal abilities and how you adapt to various situations.

When crafting your resume, ensure you:

• Highlight five to six skills that directly align with the job description.
• Integrate industry-specific keywords while also emphasizing your unique strengths.
• Support your skills with an achievements section, detailing tangible outcomes.
• Quantify your proficiency wherever possible, rather than merely listing skills.

To help you, we've curated a list of the most sought-after hard and soft skills for mba application roles.

Top skills for your MBA Application resume:

Data Analysis

Financial Modeling

Market Research Tools

CRM Software (e.g., Salesforce)

Microsoft Excel

Project Management Software (e.g., Asana)

Statistical Analysis Software (e.g., SPSS)

Presentation Software (e.g., PowerPoint)

Business Intelligence Tools (e.g., Tableau)

Database Management (e.g., SQL)

Communication

Critical Thinking

Team Collaboration

Problem-Solving

Time Management

Adaptability

Negotiation

Decision Making

Consider dedicating a separate skills section on your mba application resume to showcase your technical proficiencies, especially if you want to highlight specific software expertise.

Your education section can highlight skills and experiences perfect for the job.

• List college or university degrees with the school name and dates.
• If you're still studying, mention your expected graduation date.
• Think twice before adding unrelated degrees. Space on your resume is precious.
• Discuss educational achievements if they boost your job relevance.

There are many certifications out there. Which ones should you include?

• List your main degree in a separate section with the school name and dates.
• Only add certifications that highlight your skills and experience.
• Place unique or recent certifications near the top.
• Add a brief description to certifications if it helps show your skills.

Remember, it's not about quantity but relevance.

Best certifications to list on your resume

• EFMD Programme Accreditation System (EPAS) - EFMD Global
• Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) - CFA Institute
• Supply Chain Operations Reference (SCOR-P) - APICS
• Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) - ISACA

If a particular certification is highly valued in the industry or by the company, consider highlighting it in your resume's headline.

• Cum Laude on Resume
• Continuing Education on Resume

Choose between:

• Resume summary to match job needs with your top wins.
• Resume objective to share your career goals.

Both should tell recruiters about your best moments. Keep them short, around five sentences. Check out our sample structures for guidance.

Resume summary and objective examples for a mba application resume

• Accomplished business development executive with 15 years of experience specializing in E-commerce, particularly in the fashion industry. Proven track record of improving sales figures by 30% overall through strategic decision-making and customer acquisition strategies. Skilled in SEO, SEM, and CRM systems.
• Senior Strategy Consultant with a decade's worth of experience advising Fortune 500 companies. Effectively led teams to devise efficient operational processes, resulting in cost savings of up to 20%. Exceptionally proficient in data analysis, strategic planning, and project management.
• Globally conscious Project Manager transitioning from an established career in international diplomacy to business administration. Armed with 12 years of experience in developing strategic partnerships and overseeing large-scale initiatives. Proficient in negotiation, cross-cultural communication, and conflict resolution.
• Dynamic Mechanical Engineer eager to pivot into business administration after 8 years of experience in the automotive sector. Demonstrated ability to lead interdisciplinary teams and manage complex projects while adhering to budget constraints. Fluent in CAD software, project management tools, and lean manufacturing principles.
• Eager to apply my strong analytical skills and passion for problem-solving to a dynamic MBA program. This combined with my proven leadership capabilities make me particularly suited to effectively manage multidimensional business challenges and drive successful outcomes.
• Driven by a keen interest in business strategy and a desire to leverage my strong interpersonal skills, I aim to excel in an MBA program that fosters intellectual curiosity and practical application. My foundation in quantitative reasoning and problem-solving will be instrumental in this journey.

To further personalize your resume and showcase a broader spectrum of your professional journey, consider adding:

• Projects that highlight your hands-on experience.
• Awards that recognize your industry contributions.
• Volunteer work that underscores your community involvement and soft skills.
• Hobbies that offer a glimpse into your personality and passions.
• Format your mba application resume for clarity and coherence, ensuring it aligns with the role.
• Highlight key sections (header, summary/objective, experience, skills, certifications) within your mba application resume.
• Quantify achievements and align them with skills and job requirements.
• Feature both technical and personal skills across your resume for a balanced portrayal.

Looking to build your own MBA Application resume?

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Looking for an MBA resume guide?

Writing the perfect MBA resume can be complicated with the changing industry standards, but if you put effort into it, you can get a step closer to your dream job. Modern technology and recruiting policies won't get easier, but this guide will help you land yourself the shortlist for your desired job.

Given below is a summary of our MBA Resume 2023 guide:

• List down your information in the reverse chronological resume format to reflect on your most recent and relevant professional undertakings.
• Mention your work experience in one-liners to make your points brief and specific.
• Include your contact details such as contact number, email address, personal website links, etc.
• Summarize your resume in 3-4 lines maximum for giving an insight into your entire B school resume.

By the end of this guide, you will also be able to write a job-winning MBA application resume and have answers to the following questions:

• What is an MBA resume?
• What is a good resume for MBA?
• How do you write MBA on resume?
• How to list your MBA resume skills in the best manner?
• What to add to the education section of your MBA resume?
• How to summarize your B school resume?

You can also go through our other existing blogs that can help you get a better understanding of making an impression in the job market as a professional:

What Is an MBA Resume & Why Do You Need It?

An MBA application resume is the first official means of communication through which you can either be recognized or go unnoticed by the recruiters.

Since most recruiters rely on the ATS (Applicant Tracking System) to filter through hundreds of resumes, you need to rank high on the ATS.

You need an ATS-targeted resume that consists of the keywords used by the recruiters to describe the job profile that you are applying for.

MBA Professionals Average Salary

The given graph highlights the comparison of average annual salaries offered in various regions of the globe:

SOURCE: Collegedunia

How to Write Your MBA Resume

The following stages can help you to write a flawless resume:

Before you start drafting your MBA application resume, create a master folder wherein you can stack all your pieces of information.

Do not worry about any unclear details and information that you are not sure about because this folder can be used in the present timeline as well as for any possible updates of your MBA resumes in the coming future.

Creating this master folder can save you time by gathering all your required details in one place and help you to avoid collecting scattered pieces of information.

B school resume Sections

A resume is ideally divided into different sections . Given below are the standard sections that need to be curated in your MBA application resume at all times:

You can make use of the optional sections if you are a fresher or if you think it will provide anything of value. Make sure you do not let your resume be longer than one page.

Also read: How to contain your resume within one page?

Resume Format for MBA

There are three types of resume format for MBA that you can use depending on your expertise level.

• Reverse chronological format: By listing your work experience in reverse chronological order, it is one of the most recruiter and industry-friendly resume formats
• Functional format: If you are a fresher or do not have much experience, functional resume format for MBA is the best way to focus on your skills instead of work experience.
• Hybrid/Combination format: As the name suggests, it is the resume format for MBA that ensures you get the best of both.

Also read: Which resume format for MBA should I choose?

MBA Resume: Professional Experience

In a resume, the professional experience section is one of the most important sections and can make or break your candidacy.

Use the following three factors while framing your professional section to raise your chances of being shortlisted:

• Frame one-liner points
• STAR format
• Group & Highlight

STAR Format

The STAR format can help you create the cause-effect relationship between your contributions and the achievements in your professional experience section.

STAR stands for the following points:

• S stands for the situation /backdrop/context of your contributions to an organization.
• T stands for the actual task that was assigned to you as part of your roles and responsibilities.
• A stands for the action and the strategy that you used to execute any task assigned to you.
• R stands for the result /outcome of your action in the form of an achievement figure.

Frame One-Liner Points

Let us look at the two of the best MBA resume examples given below to discuss and understand the importance of framing your professional experience:

MBA Resume Example 1:

"Successfully redesigned the strategy of communicating with the customers to increase the revenue of the organization by 20% within a year by assisting the Head Accountant. Reduced the requests for refunds of customers by 20% and labor costs by $1 million by implementing a customer service process. Settled an analysis of a business optimization project to decrease the monthly expenses by 10%. Analyzed accurate documentation of finances for all departments of the organization to decrease 20% errors. Recorded costs for every month to create a suitable pricing scheme that led to the achievement of 100% customer loyalty."

MBA Resume Example 2:

• Redesigned customer communication to increase 20% revenue within a year by assisting the Head Accountant
• Reduced 20% refund requests & labor costs by $1 million by implementing customer service process
• Settled an analysis of business optimization project to decrease monthly 10% expenses
• Analyzed accurate documentation of finances for all departments to decrease 20% errors
• Recorded costs every month to create a suitable pricing scheme for 100% customer loyalty

In conclusion, always write one-liners to state your professional experience and avoid bulky and lengthy paragraphs.

Also read: Best sample resumes for business school

Group and Highlight

Now let us look at the two of the best resumes for business school to discuss and understand the importance of grouping and highlighting:

• Felicitated for creating 10+ marketing campaigns to raise brand awareness

Strategic & Financial Planning

Financial Documentation & Analysis

In conclusion, grouping & highlighting (example 2) can make your resumes more organized for the recruiters to read and comprehend your professional experience section.

Here's a resume sample showcasing what an ideal professional experience section looks like:

Find out more: Craft a perfect professional experience section

MBA Graduate Resume Skills Section

You should frame your key skills section as the second to last step of your MBA application resume writing.

Some of the common skills that an MBA professional needs to possess and highlight on a resume are listed below for reference:

Scan through your resume and pick out the most significant highlights of your career in the form of keywords that have been used by the recruiters to describe the job profile that you are applying for.

Doing so can also help you rank high on the ATS which can help you get the required shortlist from the recruiters for the targeted job.

Picking the most suitable keyword can be complicated at times but you need not worry because the experts at Hiration can help you pick the perfect keywords to frame the perfect key skills section.

Look at the given MBA resume samples showcasing the perfect key skills section:

Also read: What skills should I add to my resume?

MBA Resume: Header

The resume header of your MBA application resume is what appears at the very top, and here's what you need to know about it:

• Your full real name should be written at the topmost part of your resume.
• The header of your MBA application resume should be written in the largest range of 16-20 font-size .
• If you have a middle name, write only the initial of your middle name, e.g: Faith Hugh Logan should be written as "Faith H. Logan".

Refer to the example given below showcasing the ideal resume header for your MBA application resume:

MBA Resume: Personal Information

An ideal personal information section should contain:

Contact Number

Email address, current location.

• Website Links (if any)

Hiration Pro Tip : Try to avoid giving details of your marital status, religious affiliation, or political inclination in your resume unless explicitly asked for. Most countries have forbidden it by law to mention these things as it may lead to biased hiring.

You need to provide your contact number because there may be times when the recruiters would want to interview you over the phone or get a verbal confirmation for any likely shortlist.

Always provide only the functional and active contact number by using the correct resume format for MBA given below:

• Use your country’s ISD code as a prefix before your phone number
• Put a plus sign (+) before the ISD code
• Eg: +1 37648 21511

Emails can be considered a convenient means of communication between you and the recruiters. Provide your email address that has your real name for any official or professional purposes.

Example: [email protected] or [email protected]

Strictly avoid fancy and childish made-up names in your official email IDs as it can make you seem like an immature applicant who is not serious about one's career.

Example: [email protected] or [email protected]

If you do not have an official email ID with your real name, create one right away.

Follow the given resume rules while writing your location in your resumes for MBA application:

• If you are looking for a job in your country, mention the city and state of your residence. On the contrary, simply write your city and country of residence if you are looking for a job outside the country.
• Avoid giving your house number, street number, and locality name as they are of no use to the recruiters.

Keep in mind that you should give out only the required information and strictly avoid any unnecessary pieces of information on a resume.

To know what an ideal personal information section should ideally look like, take a look at the resume sample below:

MBA Resume: Profile Title

Profile titles can be regarded as your level of professional identity and status in a resume.

It ideally communicates the following facts to the recruiter:

• Your current designation.
• Your functional industry.
• Your level of seniority in your line of work.

Write it as the second-largest text in your MBA application resume after your resume header in the font range of 14-16 font size .

Exaggerating your profile title will pass off as intentionally cheating the recruiters; hence you need to compose it accurately.

Given below is a resume sample showcasing the ideal profile title for your MBA application resume:

MBA Resume: Education

"Should I include high school on resume?"

Well, any MBA-related job profile requires you to possess a certain level of degree in the relevant field of study and so it is necessary for you to mention your educational qualification on your MBA resumes accordingly.

The education section of your resumes for MBA application should ideally consist of:

• Name of the school/university you have attended.
• Name of the courses you have pursued.
• The location of your school/university.
• Enrollment and graduation dates in the mm/yy format .

Here is a resume sample showcasing the ideal education section for your MBA application resume:

Also read: How to list education on your resume

MBA Resume: Additional Information

Additional sections should be created when you have to add any information related to any productive hobby you keep or language(s) that you can speak/write.

Speaking more than one language can help you communicate with your colleagues or customers/clients, which can help you manage better and broader communication with others.

The resume sample that we have attached below shows what a perfectly composed additional information section of your resume should look like:

MBA Resume Summary

Do you need a summary on a resume?

Well, it depends on the years of work experience that you possess.

Here is a list of what you should follow and keep in mind if you have to write a great resume summary :

• Write your MBA resume summary at the end of your resume-making process, making it easy to decide what to put in your summary.
• Pick the highlights of your career from your work experience section.
• Try to include the keywords that the recruiter has used in the job listing.
• Do not write a resume summary that exceeds 4 lines.
• Write your MBA resume summary only if you have worked for over 3 years.
• If you have worked for less than 3 years, write an MBA resume objective instead.

Attached below is a resume sample showcasing the ideal resume objective for your MBA application resume:

MBA Resume Objective

As per the ideal resume rules, write an MBA resume objective if you:

• Have limited work experience of fewer than 3 years.
• Are a fresh graduate writing an entry-level resume.

Instead of writing a list of things you are looking for, mention all you can deliver to your next organization.

The role of your resume objective is to sell your skills as a professional and to convince the recruiter that you are the perfect candidate for the targeted job profile.

MBA Resume Sample

Given that you followed all of the tips, here is what an industry-friendly MBA resume looks like:

• Assisted the Head Accountant in redesigning strategy for customer communication boosting revenue by 20% within a year
• Implemented a customer service process to reduce 20% refund requests & direct labour costs by USD 1 million
• Settled an in-depth analysis of business optimization project to decrease monthly expenses by 10%
• Analyzed financial documents accurately for all departments and decreased errors by 25%
• Recorded standard monthly costs to create a suitable pricing scheme that increased customer loyalty to 100%
• Felicitated for creating 5+ online marketing campaigns to raise brand awareness in the market
• Top 5 percentile of the class
• Top 15 percentile of the class

Key Takeaways

• Your resume header should be framed in the range of 16-20 font size, and your profile title should be framed in the range of 14-16 font size.
• Use the mm/yy format throughout your resume to provide your education and work experience.
• Provide your personal information specifically and avoid any unnecessary information that the recruiters do not require.
• Use one-liner points to state your roles & responsibilities while using the STAR format to curate each point.
• Organize similar points under unique groups and bold your key achievements to highlight them under each point.
• Start every point with a power verb to give an impactful start your work experience.
• Keep your resume objective/summary limited to only 3-5 lines and avoid making a resume of more than one page.

Go to Hiration resume builder and create a professional resume for yourself. Additionally, reach out to us at [email protected] and you can get 24/7 professional assistance with all your job & career-related queries.

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• Career Blog

MBA on Your Resume: How to List it with Examples in 2024

In today’s highly competitive job market, having a master of business administration (MBA) degree can give you a significant advantage when it comes to landing a job or advancing your career. An MBA offers a broad range of learning opportunities, from finance and accounting to marketing and strategy, giving graduates a comprehensive understanding of the intricacies of running a successful business.

This is why it is important to highlight your MBA degree on your resume. Including your MBA in your resume not only shows your academic achievements, but also your skills and expertise in various fields. Moreover, it demonstrates to potential employers that you have the drive and dedication to pursue advanced education, which is highly valued in today’s workforce.

However, knowing how to properly list your MBA on your resume can be a daunting task. In this article, we will provide you with valuable tips and insights on how to showcase your MBA on your resume, along with examples that you can use to guide you in crafting an effective resume.

In this article, we will cover the following topics:

• Why having an MBA on your resume is important
• The benefits of an MBA degree
• How to list your MBA on your resume
• Examples of effective ways to highlight your MBA on your resume
• What to avoid when listing your MBA on your resume

By the end of this article, you will have a clear understanding of how to best present your MBA on your resume in order to differentiate yourself from other job candidates and increase your chances of landing your dream job.

How to Format MBA on Your Resume

When it comes to including your Master of Business Administration on your resume, it’s important to consider the best formatting options. This will ensure that hiring managers can quickly and easily see your credentials, increasing your chances of being selected for an interview.

Where to Include Your MBA

Your MBA should be included in the education section of your resume, alongside any other degrees or certifications you may have obtained. This section typically includes the name of the institution you attended, the degree you earned, and the date of graduation.

Which Part of Your Resume Your MBA Should Go On

If you have minimal work experience, it’s best to list your education section near the top of your resume. This will allow hiring managers to quickly see your education and evaluate your qualifications for the position. If you have more extensive work experience, you may choose to list your education section after your work experience.

MBA Abbreviations to Know

There are several MBA abbreviations that you should be familiar with when listing your degree on your resume:

• MBA: Master of Business Administration
• EMBA: Executive Master of Business Administration
• PMBA: Professional Master of Business Administration
• DBA: Doctor of Business Administration

It’s important to note that while these abbreviations may differ depending on the type of MBA program you completed, they all indicate that you have earned a degree in business administration.

Formatting your MBA on your resume can greatly impact your chances of being selected for an interview. By including it in the education section, choosing the appropriate placement based on your work experience, and using the correct abbreviations, you can showcase your qualifications and credentials in a clear and professional manner.

Writing Your MBA on Your Resume: Best Practices

When it comes to listing your Master of Business Administration (MBA) on your resume, there are certain best practices that you should follow in order to make the most of this impressive qualification. In this section of the article, we will explore some of the key considerations that you should keep in mind.

Using Proper Grammar and Capitalization

One of the biggest mistakes that job seekers make when listing their MBA on their resume is failing to use proper grammar and capitalization. It is important to remember that MBA is an acronym and should therefore be capitalized in all instances. Additionally, you should always use proper grammar and spelling when describing your MBA on your resume. Avoid errors such as misspellings, incomplete sentences, and using incorrect vocabulary.

Be Precise About Your MBA Program

Another important consideration when listing your MBA on your resume is being precise about the program you completed. This means including the full name of the institution where you received your MBA, as well as any additional information about the program, such as the year of graduation and any specializations or concentrations you pursued. For instance, if you attended a prestigious business school such as Harvard Business School, include this information to elevate your credentials.

Be Specific About Your MBA Discipline

In addition to being precise about the program itself, it is important to be specific about the discipline in which you specialized as part of your MBA program. This will help potential employers to understand your skills and expertise, particularly if your specialization aligns with the job you are applying for. For example, if you pursued a specialization in finance, include this information prominently in your resume, particularly if you are applying for a finance-related job.

Listing your MBA on your resume can be a powerful way to demonstrate your skills and expertise to potential employers. However, it is important to follow these best practices in order to make the most of your qualification and stand out from other candidates. By using proper grammar and capitalization, being precise about your program, and being specific about your discipline, you can make sure that your MBA is a valuable asset on your resume.

When to Include Your MBA on Your Resume

If you hold an MBA degree, it’s natural to want to showcase it on your resume. However, knowing when to include it can be a bit confusing. Here are a few scenarios where including your MBA on your resume makes sense:

1. New to the Workforce:

If you’re fresh out of college and just starting out in the workforce, including your MBA on your resume may not be necessary. In this case, your focus should be on highlighting your relevant skills, internships, and coursework that show your potential for the job you’re applying for. Employers understand that you don’t have much work experience yet, so your academic achievements may not be as significant at this point.

2. Career Pivot:

If you’re changing careers or industries, your MBA can be a powerful tool to demonstrate your transferable skills and show potential employers your ability to learn and grow. Highlighting your MBA on your resume can signal to employers that you’re serious about making a change and have invested time and effort into learning about the new field.

3. Career Progression:

If you’re looking to move up the career ladder in your current industry, including your MBA on your resume can demonstrate your commitment to professional development and highlight your advanced skill set. This can be especially helpful if you’re targeting higher-level positions where an MBA is often preferred or required.

4. Specific Jobs or Industries:

In some cases, certain jobs or industries may require or highly value an MBA degree. For example, roles in management consulting or investment banking often require an MBA, and including it on your resume can help you stand out as a qualified candidate. Similarly, if you’re targeting a specific industry such as healthcare or finance, including your MBA on your resume can show your specialization in that area.

Including your MBA on your resume depends on your individual situation and career goals. However, if you’re a recent graduate, changing careers, looking to advance in your current industry, or targeting specific jobs or industries, showcasing your MBA can help you qualify as a top candidate.

How Much Detail to Include About Your MBA

When it comes to listing your MBA on your resume, it’s important to strike the right balance between showcasing your accomplishments and overwhelming the reader with unnecessary details. Here are three areas to consider including when listing your MBA, along with tips for how much detail to provide.

If you have a high GPA (3.5 or above), it’s definitely worth including on your resume. This can demonstrate your academic achievements and highlight your ability to handle challenging coursework. However, if your GPA is lower or you don’t want to include it for personal reasons, that’s totally fine. Don’t feel pressured to share this information if you don’t want to.

Tip:  If you choose to include your GPA, make sure to specify whether it’s on a 4.0 or 5.0 scale (depending on your school’s grading system).

Specializations, Emphases, or Focus Areas

Many MBA programs offer specializations or focus areas that allow students to deepen their knowledge in a particular field. If you pursued one of these options during your MBA, it’s definitely worth mentioning on your resume. This can show potential employers that you have specialized knowledge that could be valuable to their organization.

Tip:  When listing your specialization, make sure to provide a brief explanation of what it entails. This can help readers understand why it’s relevant to the job you’re applying for.

Study Abroad or International Exposure

If you had the opportunity to study abroad or gain international exposure during your MBA, this can be a great addition to your resume. It can demonstrate your ability to adapt to new cultures and work effectively in a global environment.

Tip:  When listing your international experience, make sure to highlight any specific skills or knowledge you gained as a result. For example, if you became fluent in a new language or gained experience working with a particular culture, make sure to mention it.

When determining how much detail to include about your MBA on your resume, consider the relevance of the information to the job you’re applying for, as well as the overall length and layout of your resume. Including the above details can be valuable, but be careful not to overwhelm the reader with too much information.

Highlighting the Value of Your MBA on Your Resume

Your MBA degree can be a valuable asset when trying to land your dream job, but it is not enough to just list it on your resume. It is important to highlight the impact of your MBA on your career, the skills and knowledge you gained, as well as the leadership development you received.

Impact of MBA on Your Career

Your MBA can have a significant impact on your career. It shows that you have completed advanced academic coursework and have gained a deeper understanding of business operations. Employers look for candidates who have the ability to apply theories to real-world problems, and an MBA helps demonstrate this.

Additionally, having an MBA can make you a more attractive candidate for management and executive-level positions. It shows that you have the skills and knowledge necessary to lead a team and make strategic business decisions.

MBA Skills and Knowledge

Your MBA coursework has provided you with a wide range of skills and knowledge that can be valuable in any industry. You have studied topics such as accounting, finance, marketing, operations, and strategy, among others.

In addition to gaining knowledge in these areas, an MBA program teaches you critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills. These valuable soft skills can set you apart from other candidates and demonstrate your ability to thrive in a fast-paced business environment.

Leadership Development

One of the most valuable aspects of an MBA program is the leadership development it provides. You have had the opportunity to work in teams, lead projects, and develop your own leadership style.

Be sure to highlight any leadership roles you had in school, such as serving as a team leader, club president, or program ambassador. These experiences demonstrate your ability to motivate and inspire others, and are highly desirable qualities for many employers.

Highlighting the value of your MBA on your resume requires more than just listing the degree. You need to convey the impact it has had on your career, the skills and knowledge you have gained, and the leadership development you have received. By doing so, you can stand out from other candidates and increase your chances of landing your dream job.

Tips for MBA Resume Writing

If you have a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree, you have a valuable credential that can help distinguish you from other job candidates. However, just listing your MBA on your resume may not be enough to impress a potential employer. Here are some tips for making the most of your MBA on your resume:

Use Metrics and Numbers

Employers love to see concrete evidence of your accomplishments, and using metrics and numbers is an effective way to showcase your value. For example, if you improved a company’s profit margins, include the percentage increase on your resume. If you managed a budget, mention the total dollar amount you oversaw. By quantifying your achievements, you make it easier for employers to understand the impact you can have on their business.

Tailor Your MBA Resume for Each Job

While having a general MBA resume is useful, it’s important to tailor your resume for each job you apply for. This means carefully reading the job description and making sure your resume highlights the skills and experience that match the job requirements. You may need to tweak your resume for each application so that it emphasizes different aspects of your background that are most relevant to the specific job.

Use MBA Keywords and Phrases

Finally, using MBA-specific keywords and phrases can help your resume get noticed by employers in the business world. Some examples of keywords include “financial analysis,” “project management,” “leadership,” and “market research.” Be sure to pepper these words throughout your resume, especially in the summary statement, skills section, and work experience descriptions.

Your MBA is a valuable asset in your job search, but it’s up to you to make it stand out on your resume. By using metrics, tailoring your resume for each job, and incorporating MBA-specific keywords and phrases, you can impress potential employers and improve your chances of landing the job you want.

MBA Resume Example

Obtaining an MBA degree is a significant accomplishment that can significantly enhance your career prospects. Whether you are a recent graduate or already have some experience, listing your MBA on your resume can help you stand out from the crowd. The following MBA resume examples demonstrate how to effectively highlight your MBA experience depending on your level of experience:

MBA Resume Example with No Experience

If you are a recent MBA graduate with no prior work experience, your resume should focus on highlighting your education and any relevant projects or internships you completed during your degree program. This example shows how a recent graduate without work experience can effectively highlight their educational achievements:

[Insert Name]  Address | Phone | Email

Objective  To obtain a challenging entry-level position in [Insert Industry], leveraging my MBA degree and academic qualifications to contribute towards the growth and success of the organization.

Education  Master of Business Administration, [Insert University Name], [Insert Graduation Date] Bachelor of Science in [Insert Major], [Insert University Name], [Insert Graduation Date]

• Proficient in [Insert relevant skills]
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Ability to work well under pressure and meet deadlines

MBA Resume Example for Career Changer

If you are changing careers and transitioning to a new industry, your MBA can help demonstrate your transferable skills and showcase your ability to adapt to new environments. This example shows how an MBA graduate transitioning to a new industry can effectively highlight their relevant skills and experience:

Objective  To obtain a challenging position in [Insert New Industry], leveraging my MBA degree and previous experience to contribute towards the growth and success of the organization.

Education  Master of Business Administration, [Insert University Name], [Insert Graduation Date] Bachelor of [Insert Previous Major], [Insert University Name], [Insert Graduation Date]

Professional Experience  [Insert Previous Job Title], [Insert Previous Company], [Insert Employment Date]

• Key achievement/accomplishment of previous job

MBA Resume Example for Experienced Professionals

If you are an experienced professional with several years of work experience, your MBA can help demonstrate your leadership abilities and business acumen. This example shows how an MBA graduate with extensive work experience can effectively highlight their achievements and leadership skills:

Objective  To secure a senior leadership role in [Insert Industry], leveraging my extensive experience and MBA degree to drive growth and success for the organization.

Frequently Asked Questions about MBA on a Resume

As you prepare your resume, you may have some questions regarding your MBA degree. Here are some frequently asked questions to help guide you in listing your MBA on your resume.

Should I Include My MBA if I Didn’t Graduate?

If you didn’t graduate from your MBA program, you might be hesitant to include it on your resume. However, it’s important to remember that even if you didn’t complete the program, you still received valuable education and experience that is worth mentioning. If you completed a significant portion of the coursework, you can still include your MBA on your resume, but be sure to specify the amount of coursework you completed and the dates you attended. If you only completed a few classes or attended the program for a short period, it might be best to omit it from your resume.

What If I Have Multiple MBAs or Degrees?

If you have earned multiple MBAs or degrees, it’s important to list them in the most relevant order. Consider which degree is most relevant to the job you are applying for, and list that one first. You can also consider formatting your resume in a way that highlights your most relevant education and experience first, followed by your other degrees and certifications. Be sure to include the name, location, and date(s) of each degree earned, as well as any relevant honors or distinctions.

Can I Include My MBA If I Don’t Have Any Work Experience Yet?

If you are a recent graduate without much work experience, you might be wondering if you should include your MBA on your resume. The answer is yes! Your MBA is a valuable credential that sets you apart from other candidates. It showcases your dedication to your education and your knowledge in business management, even if you don’t have much professional experience yet. When listing your MBA on your resume, be sure to include any relevant coursework or projects you completed during your program. This will give potential employers an idea of the skills and knowledge you have gained.

The way you list your MBA on your resume can have a significant impact on your job search. By answering these frequently asked questions, you can ensure that you are showcasing your MBA education and experience in the best possible way. Remember to always highlight the most relevant information and tailor your resume to the specific job you are applying for.

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5 MBA Student Resume Examples Proven to Work in 2024

MBA Student Resume

Mba student 2 resume, mba student 3 resume, mba student 4 resume, mba student 5 resume.

• MBA Student Resume Writing 101

You’re a motivated business professional geared toward helping businesses optimize their financial, promotional, and logistical strategies. That’s why you’re getting out ahead of things and looking to grow your career while studying for your MBA. 

Is your resume optimized for success as you’re growing your career? 

Coming up with the right skills for a resume can seem confusing when you’re still in the process of completing an MBA program. We have the resources you need with our cover letter generator and MBA student resume examples that are proven to be successful in 2024. 

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What Matters Most: Your MBA Student Skills & Work Experience

Many MBA students wonder what skills they can put on their resumes while still in school. Fortunately, you have a lot to choose from here. 

You’ve already completed a bachelor’s degree in a business field, so you have many core competencies down. Aim for a mix of those key skills and the position’s needs. For example, skills in financial modeling would be great if you’re applying to be a financial analyst. 

Here are some of the top MBA student resume skills in today’s job market.

9 top MBA student skills

• Microsoft Office
• Collaboration
• Financial Analysis
• Process Improvement
• Monday.com 
• Negotiation
• Project Management
• Team Leadership

Sample MBA student work experience bullet points

Your top skills in process improvement and project management will catch a hiring manager’s attention. Now bring things full circle with detailed examples of past success on the job. 

With your background in business, you’ve studied tons of metrics like lead conversion rates and net promoter scores. Aim to include examples showcasing those popular metrics that will wow hiring managers while reviewing your abilities. 

If you don’t have much work experience, you can include examples from education, hobbies & interests , or work in other fields. For instance, placing first in a competition in your school’s investor’s club would still show a great deal of skill.     

Here are a few samples:

• Adjusted the pricing structure for luxury product offerings to boost return on ad spend by 73%. 
• Implemented Netsuite to track promotional KPIs to reduce data loss by 27%. 
• Created new post-purchase surveys to identify customer needs and concerns resulting in new consumer experience measures that boosted satisfaction scores by 58%. 
• Performed market analysis during a re-branding campaign to identify 5 untapped markets that could be targeted, boosting overall sales by 76%. 

Top 5 Tips for Your MBA Student Resume

• MBA students’ skills are constantly evolving. Therefore, you should list your most recent experiences first on your resume. It’ll give hiring managers a better overview of your current business strategy and analysis abilities. 
• Your attention to detail must be top-notch to understand complex financial documents and performance metrics. Show hiring managers you have the necessary skills with an accurate resume free of grammatical errors. 
• When every dollar spent can make or break the bottom line, hiring managers will want to see a detailed overview of the impact your skills can have. Therefore, using numbers whenever possible is a great idea to emphasize metrics like improved profit margins and cost savings.  
• A one-page resume provides a concise and relevant outline of your key business skills for easy review by hiring managers. Try optimizing what you include for the position. For example, you could include more information about your process improvement abilities if you’re applying to be a business analyst. 
• You must take action and make quick decisions in the fast-paced business environment. Using action words like “improved” or “performed” will make your examples stand out. For instance, you could say you “performed strategic analysis to improve product descriptions, boosting sales by 43%.” 

Try to fill in gaps on your resume or get more personal about your passion for the position you’re applying to. For instance, you could explain how you connect with the company’s mission statement or how you use market analysis to your advantage in decision-making. 

MBA students without much work experience can benefit from a resume objective . For example, a few sentences about how you have three years of experience using Netsuite to manage KPIs and are eager to apply your technical skills as a product manager would work well as an objective. 

Try to fill in with educational experience, hobbies & interests , or an objective to fill out a full page of relevant information. Even other work experiences like performing accurate data entry or providing customer service can still show the ability to make accurate and customer-focused business decisions. 

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MBA Resume Format: The PAR Method

Hung-Le - VietAccepted

Hung-Le is an mba.com Featured Contributor and founder of VietAccepted.

When it comes to standing out in competitive applicant pools, your MBA resume is one of the most important parts of your whole application. A powerful MBA resume can help applicants grab the attention of the admission committee and convey an overview of your potential to succeed not only in the business school classroom, but in your future career as well.

MBA resume best practices

When I have conversations with candidates in webinars or information sessions at VietAccepted , I notice that most have a tendency to think of MBA resumes as the same as job resumes. However, they are totally different.

While there might be some overlaps, the job resume and MBA resume target different audiences. While employers look for your professional skills to handle certain problems in the workplace, MBA resumes look for your leadership skills and your potential to succeed.

MBA resume example: The P-A-R Method

How do you demonstrate your leadership in the MBA resume?

One technique I often use to edit my clients’ resumes to make it more impactful and powerful in the eyes of the admission committee is to use the P-A-R method.

The P-A-R method (Project - Action - Result) is a guide to help candidates devise more result-oriented bullets for their resumes. When building their resume, many MBA candidates tend to outline their job descriptions, making the bullets vague and overly general. By using P-A-R framework, you can quantify your impacts and achievements in the workplace. 

Crafting your best MBA resume: Why you need the P-A-R Method

The P-A-R method focuses on the most important thing that admissions committees are looking for in a resume: your impact.

Because your goal for writing a bullet should be geared towards the result, you would need to frame your mindset to quantify everything in the bullet as much as possible. If you fail to cultivate a sense of impact in your resume, admissions committees will have no insight as to how successful you were and they may assume that you are inflating the results.

Your Complete Full-Time MBA Application Guide

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For example, if you simply write in the resume that you manage a project, that is vague and would be a challenge for admissions committees to understand you on a more personal level. They expect to see your MBA skills such as leadership, teamwork, or communication so that they can benchmark you against other competing candidates.

By providing more context on specific projects and elaborating more on your actions that drove impact, you would help strengthen your candidacy.

Effective MBA resumes quantify impact

The next thing you need to do is quantify your results in terms of numbers and relevant metrics. When the results are difficult to quantify, you can use descriptive numbers or values to help your readers better understand the circumstances.

For example, here’s an example of how you could leverage the P-A-R Method to the statement “I managed a team of three people.”

P-A-R Method:

• P (Project): Revise and execute go-to-market strategy.
• A (Action): Managed a team of three analysts to conduct market analysis to identify X, Y, and Z.
• R (Results): Findings leveraged by the organization and increased market share X percent and brand awareness X percent.

And now your final version will be:

• Managed three analysts in conducting market analysis to revise and execute go-to-market strategy, resulting in X percent increase in market share and X percent increase in brand awareness.

I hope you can recognize the difference and how impactful the “after” bullet as compared to your “before” bullet.

Hung-Le is an mba.com Featured Contributor and founder of  VietAccepted .

VietAccepted is a leading test prep center (GMAT, IELTS) and MBA admission consulting for Vietnamese candidates. Its past clients went to many schools in M7, S10 and T15 programs in the US, INSEAD, Oxford, Cambridge, LBS, etc.