Application Part 4: The Resume

So, we’re all working on our resumes…. the LFM09s are getting theirs ready for full-time interviews, while the LFM10s (you can call us the X class… go on try it, its fun) are getting ours ready for our resume book that is distributed to the partner companies for internships.

I remembered that last year right around this time I was also getting my resume together for LFM (and other b-school) applications, and I recalled what a chore it was – mainly because I hadn’t updated it since college. I don’t think my resume was awesome them, and its definitely still a work in progress now, but I thought I’d include the things I did when I prepped my resume for applications, in case it makes the process easier for you:

1. Think about what sort of picture you want to paint of yourself. I focused on leadership and pharmaceutical expertise. I’d done some stuff other stuff too, but to keep it focused (and on one page) I didn’t include things that were way outside my focus. Also, don’t just tell us your job description…. tell us what the problem was, what youd did to solve it, and what the results were.(”Installed new vision system” becomes “Managed team to install and qualify new vision system to improve defect detection, leading to a 20% reduction in customer complaints”. Also, quantify things with numbers when possible, it makes you more credible.

2. Dumb it down – B-schools don’t know (or care) about a lot of engineering-y jargon…. really read through it and try to break down your responsibilities into things that someone with a poli sci undergrad could relate to. I had my mom, who can hardly work the VCR, proofread mine, as well as some friends from a not-for-profit (they really were poli sci undergrads) to help me identify and remove super-technical concepts.

3. Format – Make it simple, clean, easy to read. Max one page, unless you’ve got 10+ yrs experience. I’d suggest using a consistant sized font throughout, and don’t over do it on the bold and italics. White space is good, not bad. Use a serifed font (its easier to read). Spell check. Proofread, and have others proofread for errors. Make sure your contact info is correct. Little mistakes leave a big impact.

4. Showcase yourself. Nearly everyone applying to LFM will be smart, with a good GPA and relevant experience. How are you different? I used the “Activities” section at the bottom to add a solid dose of “I’m fun, if we got stuck in an elevator together, you wouldn’t want to gouge your eyes out” to my resume. I think I even added that I played a zombie in a low-budget horror film. Hey, its a conversation starter. I’d rather talk about that instead of work junk any day ;)

5. Don’t lie. Karma will get you. I’m serious.

Feel free to leave me a comment if you have any questions about resumes or other aspects of the LFM application process! Or feel free to check out my previous posts on recommendations, essays, and taking the gmat.