As a consultant, your CV is one of the most important elements in your job search. It is your chance to make a good first impression on potential employers and to sell yourself as the best candidate for the assignment. Despite this fact, the majority of consultants do not put enough time and effort into their CVs.
A well-written consulting resume will give you a competitive edge over other candidates and help you secure the contract you want. Here are some tips for creating a successful CV:
1. Use a professional format and layout
Your consulting CV should be easy to read and should follow a standard format. Use clear headings and white space to break up sections of text. Avoid using fancy fonts or graphics, as these can be difficult to read on screen or in print.
Our consulting resume template was designed specifically for IT consultants and uses a clean and simple layout. Click here to download the Google Doc template.
2. Use persuasive language
Whether you are applying to companies as an independent consultant, or looking for a role within consulting firms, your CV is your chance to sell yourself to potential employers. Use persuasive language to present yourself as the best candidate for the project. Focus on your strengths and achievements, and be sure to back up claims with facts and figures where possible
Some examples include:
1. Demonstrated ability to increase sales/revenue by X% through effective consultation and implementation of innovative strategies.
2. Proven success in streamlining processes and improving efficiencies by X%.
3. Achieved cost savings of X% through expert analysis and implementation of process improvements.
4. Successfully increased customer satisfaction/retention by X% through targeted consultation and implementation of customer service initiatives.
5. Exemplary project management skills, completing projects on time and under budget.
3. Highlight key skills and experience.
Consulting resumes focus on the skills and experience that are most relevant to the consultant positions you are applying for. Start with your most recent experience and work backwards. Include a mix of professional and personal experiences, as well as any relevant volunteering or community work.
4. Tailor your CV to match the job requirements
If a company handles a large number of applications, it will likely be using some form of applicant tracking system (ATS). This software scans CVs for keywords matching the job requirements. If your CV does not include these keywords, it is less likely to be selected for further consideration. Even if the company or consulting firm doesn’t use an ATS, the hiring manager or recruiter will spend less than 30 seconds scanning it for specific skills and experience that match the job requirements.
Tailor your CV to each position you apply for, highlighting the skills and experience that are most relevant to that particular role, using the keywords in the job description.
6. Keep it concise.
Your CV should be no more than two pages in length. Recruiters do not have time to read lengthy documents, so stick to the essentials. Include only the most relevant information, and leave out or abbreviate anything that is not essential.
7. Include a career summary
A career summary is a brief overview of your skills and experience, used to give the reader a quick snapshot of who you are and what you can do.
If you have relevant experience and skills, a career summary can be a great way to immediately grab the attention of a recruiter or hiring manager and give them an overview of what you can bring to the table. Here are some examples of career summaries:
Example 1
Senior IT consultant with over 10 years of experience leading complex projects and initiatives. Proven ability to increase efficiency and optimize processes through the use of innovative technology solutions. Demonstrated leadership skills, with a track record of successful team management and mentorship.
Example 2
Project management consultant with over 5 years of experience leading and delivering complex projects on time and under budget. Proven ability to increase efficiency through effective project management techniques. Management consulting expertise in requirements gathering, stakeholder engagement, and risk management. Track record of successful delivery in fast-paced and ever-changing environments.
Example 3
SAP certified consultant with over 7 years of experience implementing and configuring SAP systems. Expertise in FI/CO, SD, and MM modules. Proven ability to streamline processes and improve efficiencies through effective consultation and implementation of innovative solutions. Track record of successful project delivery on time and under budget.
8. When writing about past projects on your CV
When writing about past projects on your CV, focus on the results and outcomes you achieved. Use persuasive language to demonstrate how you made a positive impact in your role. Be specific about what you did and the results you achieved. For example:
Focus on the positive outcomes of your actions, and use numbers where possible to quantify your achievements. This will make them more persuasive and easier for the reader to understand.
9. Tips for including references
Include the details of any clients or companies who are willing to provide a reference for you. Make sure to ask the person beforehand if they are happy for you to use them as a reference, and provide their contact details so that the person reading your CV can get in touch with them easily.
10. Make sure there are no errors.
Carefully proofread your CV for mistakes before sending it off. Errors can give the impression that you are careless, lack attention to detail, or that you are even dishonest, so it is important to get them fixed before submitting your CV. Check for:
- Spelling mistakes
- Incorrect grammar
- Inconsistent dates or job titles
- Missing information.
- Factual inaccuracies
You may decide to include a cover letter with your CV. If so, make sure to proofread it as well. Have a friend or family member read your CV and cover letter over to catch anything you might have missed. You could also use a resume review service to help you create the perfect consulting resume.
Summary
A well-written CV is an important part of the job search process and can make a big difference in whether or not you are successful in securing an interview. By following the tips above, you can make sure that your CV will stand out from the rest and give you the best chance of getting the consulting job you want.
