Ex-Bain Consultant Reviews Resumes in 5 Minutes!

Summary

In this video, the host launches a new series called 'The Five Minute Resume Review,' where they review a resume in just five minutes. Drawing from their experience with top consulting firms, they provide insights on how to make a resume stand out, emphasizing the importance of quantifying achievements, answering the 'so what' question, and maintaining consistency in formatting.

Takeaways

• 😀 The video introduces a new series called 'The Five Minute Resume Review', where the host reviews a resume in five minutes using their experience from consulting firms.
• 📚 The host has experience applying to and working in consulting firms, as well as assisting others in getting into the big three consulting firms.
• 🌈 The resume reviewed in the video has an unconventional format with colors and bolding, making it visually appealing and readable.
• 🧩 The resume is organized with sections for experience, leadership experience, and education, which is noted as somewhat unconventional for a student still in school.
• 📈 The resume effectively uses plain English, quantifies achievements, and is concise, which are all positive attributes according to the host.
• 🤔 The host suggests that the resume could improve by better answering the 'so what' question, emphasizing the results and value added from the candidate's experiences.
• 🔍 The host points out the importance of consistency in resume formatting, including punctuation, bullet points, and dates.
• 💡 The resume includes impressive metrics like an 80% open rate for a newsletter, demonstrating initiative and results.
• 🛠️ The host advises on the importance of conveying the impact of one's work, not just the tasks performed, to align with the value consultants provide.
• 🔗 The host reminds viewers to check out a related video on the top three resume mistakes, which can be found in the description.
• ❓ The host emphasizes the need for candidates to have a clear answer for why they want to do consulting, which should be reflected in their resume and interview.

Q & A

What is the main purpose of the 'Five Minute Resume Review' series?

The main purpose of the 'Five Minute Resume Review' series is to provide a condensed critique of resumes, specifically targeting those applying to the big three consulting firms, by leveraging the host's experience in the industry.

What are the qualifications of the host in reviewing resumes for consulting firms?

The host has successfully applied to the big three consulting firms, worked in one, assisted in recruiting, and helped approximately 50-60 people get into these firms, thus accumulating substantial relevant experience.

What is the first impression the host has of the resume being reviewed?

The host's first impression is that the resume looks nice with an unconventional format, using colors and bolding effectively, making it visually appealing and readable.

What type of roles does the resume's design suggest the applicant might be targeting?

The resume's design, with its use of colors and creative formatting, suggests that the applicant might be targeting roles in software, marketing, advertising, or other creative fields, not just consulting.

What is the significance of the applicant's GPA being mentioned in the review?

The mention of the applicant's 4.0 GPA is significant as it counters the assumption that an unconventional placement of the education section might be used to hide a low GPA, which is not the case here.

What is the key content-related advice the host provides for improving resumes?

The key advice is to not only describe what one has done but also to answer the 'so what' question by explaining the results and value added by one's actions.

How does the host evaluate the applicant's use of numbers in their resume?

The host appreciates the applicant's use of numbers, such as 'three million users', as it quantifies achievements and makes the resume more impactful.

What is the importance of consistency in resume formatting according to the host?

Consistency in resume formatting, including punctuation, font style, bullet points, and date formats, is crucial for maintaining a professional appearance and ensuring readability.

What additional aspect does the host consider important for a consulting resume?

The host considers it important for a consulting resume to convey a candidate's ability to undertake and accomplish challenging tasks, such as founding or significantly improving a project.

What question does the host suggest the applicant be prepared to answer in relation to their resume?

The host suggests that the applicant should be prepared to answer why they want to pursue a career in consulting, especially given the resume's strong indication of product management interests.

What is the host's final recommendation for those looking to improve their resumes?

The host's final recommendation is to always tailor the resume to answer the question of why one wants to do consulting, ensuring that the resume and the candidate's interview performance align with this goal.