Creating an Effective Resume for the Michigan Ross Executive MBA Program
The resume is perhaps one of the most important parts of your EMBA application because it provides our admissions committee members and interviewers with a valuable snapshot of who you are professionally. A strong resume helps our committee understand how you’ve progressed over the course of your career, what you’ve achieved, and the impact you’ve had on the organizations where you have worked.
Over the years, I have reviewed hundreds, if not thousands, of resumes and have truly seen the good, the bad, and yes, even the ugly. Hopefully, the following tips will help you avoid some of the “bad and ugly” when it comes to your resume.
Tell Us Your Professional “Story”
Make sure your resume provides a chronological listing of your education and all professional positions you’ve held during your career. Include the start and end dates for each position you have held, which, for some individuals, may include multiple positions held at the same company over a period of years. The key here is to demonstrate progression by highlighting each of the successive positions you’ve held and the relevant responsibilities (e.g. increase in staff, budget, etc.) that each has afforded you.
Provide (the right) Details
When it comes to your resume, the devil is truly in the details, and the most valuable ones will be those that highlight your managerial and strategic planning experience with progressive levels of responsibility.
A common mistake I often see is when candidates list “day-to-day” responsibilities under the various positions they’ve held during their career. Please know that our committee is very familiar with the roles and responsibilities of analysts, software developers, and business development professionals. What they don’t know is the specific impact you’ve had on the organization in each of your positions. Focus on demonstrating that impact and quantifying it where possible.
Another common mistake I see comes from candidates with experience in more technical fields. Their resumes are filled with industry-specific jargon, certifications, and technical proficiencies. While these details are meaningful to potential employers, they will be lost on our committee. The general rule here is: “less jargon, more impact.”
Say it Loud. Say it Proud.
If you’re considering an Executive MBA at a top-tier school like Ross, you’re likely a highly accomplished individual with a rich and rewarding professional history. While there is definitely a time and place for humility, that time is not during the EMBA application process, and that place is not your resume. Make sure it effectively highlights your achievements and don’t be afraid to “toot your own horn.”
Check out our App Tips Webinars, and other upcoming admissions events, for additional advice on submitting your best application possible.
