day 2: résumés, cover letters & linkedin profiles · pdf file......

2017 Consulting Summer Camp

Day 2: Résumés, Cover Letters

& LinkedIn Profiles

Summer Camp Agenda

Monday: The Landscape of Consulting

Tuesday: Résumés, Cover

Letters & LinkedIn Profiles Wednesday: The “Experience” Interview

Thursday: Case Interview Workshop

***Friday: Meet the Firms***Anderson Economic Group | Bain & Company | Boston

Consulting Group | Bronner Group | Chapin Hall | McKinsey

& Company | Navigant | West Monroe

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Session Overview

Part I: Introduction & Formatting

Part II: Résumé Content

Part III: Bullet Points: The Finer Details

Part IV: Resume Review Activity

Part V: Cover Letters

Part VI: LinkedIn Profiles

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Part I:

Introduction and

Formatting

Format: Fonts to Avoid

Arial

Times New Roman

CalibriCambria

Comic Sans

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Format: Fonts That Do Better

Serifs: Garamond

GeorgiaPalatino Linotype

Gotham Light/Bold

Helvetica Neue Light

Century GothicTrebuchet MS

Size: 11 - 12

Sans

Serif:

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Format: Margins of Error

.7’ – 1” all around for all docs

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Format that Aids Content2-line contacts

Education

Thesis?

GPA?

Study Abroad?

Headings

Bullets

Spacing

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Format that Aids Content

Vertical

Reverse

chronological

order in each

section

Under each

heading, most

relevant bullets

on top

• More bullets for

most recent

experiences,

fewer for past

grad.uchicago.edu

Format that Aids ContentHorizontal

Most important

information on

the left

Compound

bullets can get

lost

Strong action

verbs should

run down the

left-hand side:

• Managed

• Led

• Developed

• Communicated

• Mentored

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Part II: Résumé

Content

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What is the difference

between a C.V. and a

résumé?

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Curriculum Vitae Résumé

Length No page limit 1 PAGE

Scope Exhaustive summary Concise snapshot

Purpose Academic jobs Jobs outside research

Tailoring Somewhat tailored Acutely tailored

Summary Research-specific Can include

Publications Includes publications No publications

Bullet use Optional Yes

Brand Names & Pedigree

• Recognizable organizations lend credibility for consultants

• Universities

• Employers

• Clients/partners

• Assumption of vetting

• Human capital is what consulting companies sell to clients

• Snobbery exists

grad.uchicago.edu

Sections: Heading

Name at top, centered

Degree (if post-graduation)

Name slightly larger type (16 works well)

Contact info on one line to save space

UChicago email preferred (students)

Street address still appropriate

Work address acceptable

Communicates current location

Do not include apartment number

Personal website address (optional)

grad.uchicago.edu

Sections: Education

Top or bottom of page

Include only degree based programs

Awards/honors including brief explanation,

dollar amounts

GPA and GRE scores are appropriate for

many consulting firms

Relevant course work-3 max (ex: business

school classes)

Dissertation title/advisor (optional)

Study abroad experiences (optional)

This section should not exceed ¼ of page

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Sections: Experience

Tailored to each individual job

Can break up into more specific sectionso “Consulting Experience”

o “Research Experience”

o “Analytical Experience”

o “Management Experience”

o “Leadership Experience”

o “Additional Experience”

Includes graduate/postdoc experience (should

appear in both this and Education section)

Lead with name of employer/institution in bold

• “Teaching Experience” not always included

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Sections: Experience

Results-oriented experiences: Impact

Focus on innovation and creativity

Collaboration and teamwork

Analytical thinking and problem solving

Leadership and consistent involvement

Communication skills (oral and written)

Client service mentality

Demonstrate business acumen

Unique experiences that distinguish you

grad.uchicago.edu

Sections: Experience

Information must be properly balanced throughout

Most recent experience should have most detail

• Level of detail decreasing for experiences farther in past

• Exception for highly relevant experiences (consulting, business)

The proportion of information included for each

experience DOES NOT need to reflect work responsibilities

Actual Resume

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Diversify Competencies

Each bullet should represent a specific and unique

competency

Avoid redundancy: multiple bullets that only convey

technical ability are unnecessary

Think about what each bullet says about you and your

abilities

Sometimes minor responsibilities are highly relevant and

should be emphasized

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Transferrable Skills

• How does what you have done relate to the job of a

consultant?

• Scientists: think of the lab as a small business

enterprise

• Humanists/Social Scientists: think of your dissertation

research planning as project management

• Extracurricular activities show management and

leadership skills- treat these like other jobs

• Important skills: communication (oral and written),

teamwork, leadership, management, innovation,

administration, accounting, customer service,

organizational skills, general business acumen

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Avoid Technical Language

Keep reader’s attention by avoiding words that may be unfamiliar

Remember different audiences: HR personnel, MBAs, other ADPs

Demonstrate ability to explain things in broadly accessible way

Think about explaining the results of complex analysis to a client

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Describing Grad Experience

• Include as Education AND Experience

• Employer- The University of Chicago

• Department name (advisor’s name

usually not necessary)

• Common Titles

• Graduate Student Researcher

• Graduate Research Scholar

• Graduate Researcher

• Communication experience

• Teaching, seminars

• Conference presentations

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Include Publications?

Publications can demonstrate academic achievement

and reflect favorably

Not a CV: Do not include a complete list

Two ways to handle publications

1. Reference publications as outcomes in context of

bullet point in “Experience” section

Recommended for most applicants

2. Create short “Selected Publications” section (2 out

of x total)

Good for highly recognizable journals

Limit to 2 top publications

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Sections: Skills/Interests

Skills section - optional

Computer skills- highlight most

impressive, less common competencies

Language skills- fluent, conversational,

basic

Interests - optional

Chance to “humanize” yourself

Make these specific and unique

Use only when space allows

Can lead to interview conversation

One line maximum

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Part III: Bullet Points

The Finer Details

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Resume Bullet ConventionsStructure

Begin with strong action verb: led, analyzed, organized,

etc.

Implied first person, no pronouns

Technically fragments, not sentences: no periods at end

1 or 2 lines

Tense

Present tense for ongoing experiences

Past tense for past experiences

Best Practices

Avoid passive verbs: assisted, observed, helped,

participated

Try not to repeat same verbs

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P.P.I. MethodIdeal bullet: What you did, Why you did it, and So What?

Project

• Define the problem or question

• What did YOU SPECIFICALLY do to address this?

• Include technical competency if relevant

Purpose

• Key objective or mission must be clear

Impact

• Tangible outcome from your involvement

• Academic: publications, successful grant applications,

recognition in popular media

• Business-like: increased revenue, reduced costs,

optimized efficiency, innovation, sustained growth

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Be Specific/Include Quantities

Always Quantify when possible Dollar amounts - Grants and scholarships awarded, budgets managed

Percentage changes - Growth, cost reduction, measurable workflow efficiency

Number of People - Attendees at presentations, students in classes

Honors and Awards - Specify level of selectivity or prestige

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Specificity helps the reader contextualize your experiences

Less Specific… Developed new sequencing method

More Specific… Developed novel amino acid sequencing method using fluorescent-tagged

antibody arrays; published in Nature Methods

Coordinated team and produced analytical reports from database of over 40,000

people: resulted in 52% increase in customer engagement

Collaborated with 2 research groups at Harvard University to commercialize new

technology; filed patent application with U.S. Patent and Trademark Office

Note: Fake science included for instructional purposes

Part IV: Resume

Review Activity

Part V:

Cover Letters

Expand on a few items in your resume

Discuss your motivation for seeking

employment in this field

Explain why you are a good fit for the

specific unit/team

Demonstrate written communication skills

Provides proof of legitimate interest in each

company

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Purpose of a Cover Letter

Cover Letter Basics

½ to ¾ of a page

Use examples with outcomes and avoid lists

Emphasize how you will help the company

Distinguish yourself by highlighting more than

one distinct competency

Consider including one example of an

accomplishment outside of research

Highlight leadership, communication, teamwork,

project management

Maintain a positive tone

Tailor to each company, unit, and job

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Tailoring

Do not submit the same cover letter for each job!

Research company and use language that

reflects how it describes itself and its mission

If you have time - try to speak with current or

former employees before applying to inform what

you write

Cite conversations with current or former

employees

Use the job description - that generic sounding

language about the company can help here!

Relate each example back to the company

Address actual recruiter/hiring manager by name

grad.uchicago.edu

Generic Cover LetterParagraph 1

Introduction

Specific reason(s) for interest in company• Conversations with current/past employees

• Info from website, publications, media, social media

Thesis: 2 distinct competencies, A & B

Paragraph 2

Example using competency A (research)

Relate example back to company and their research

Paragraph 3

Example using competency B (*non-research)

Relate example to different aspect of company

Paragraph 4

Thank you sentence - Look forward to interview

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Paragraph 1

grad.uchicago.edu

As a current PhD student at the University of Chicago with

experience in the field of monetary hygiene, I am applying for

the position of Sr. Money Launderer at Trustworthy Bank.

From my conversation with Tex E. Vader, Associate Director

of Cleanliness, I learned that Trustworthy not only launders

currency, but is developing a proprietary disinfectant to

create the world’s cleanliest money. Given my extensive

research on sanitary paper and my established record of

misdemeanor crime, I am confident I could quickly deliver

value for Trustworthy Bank and its clients.

Introduction

Specific reason(s) for interest in company• Conversations with current/past employees

Thesis: 2 distinct competencies, A & B

AB

Paragraph 2

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Restate Competency A

Example of applying Competency A

Link Competency explicitly to company/role

My doctoral research focused on ways to improve the

cleanliness of toilet paper. I sought to create a tissue that not

only cleaned but disinfected at the same time. By combining

household cleaners with industrial strength disinfectants, I

was able to create the first tissue that makes the skin 90%

more resistant to microbial infection than standard tissue. At

Trustworthy, I intend to use similarly innovative techniques to

maintain optimal money laundering conditions.

Paragraph 3

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Restate Competency B

Example of applying Competency B

Link Competency explicitly to company/role

Beyond my expertise in laundering, I also bring a uniquely

morally indifferent attitude that will serve Trustworthy

well. During my internship at the Maroon Bank, I routinely

embezzled office supplies. I amassed such a collection that

after one summer, I was able to sell it on eBay for $500.

This was enough to buy my first forgery kit. This

propensity toward white-collar crime will be an asset to

Trustworthy in its effort to defraud investors while also

providing them with the world’s cleanest currency.

Paragraph 4

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Thank you for your consideration. I look forward to

learning more about Trustworthy and elaborating on my

skills and experiences in an interview.

Thank you sentence - Look forward to interview

Formal Format

Their full

address

Date

Address it

to a real

person!

Physical

Signature

Your contact info

Part VI:

LinkedIn Profiles

Part VI Outline

Profile basics and

Making it stand out

Building relationships

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Turn off announcements

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Take control of privacy

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Take control of privacy

Avoid photos that are:• group shots (no friends)

• sexually suggestive (no cleavage)

• juvenile/cartoonish (no hello kitty)

• too personal (no babies)

• pretentious (no bling)

• too small, too large, too bizarre, too staged

http://www.stacyzapar.com/2011/06/oh-no-they-didnt-linkedin-avatars-gone.htmlgrad.uchicago.edu

Upload a professional photo

As you’re putting your profile

together…

–Revisit your goals

–Layer in keywords

–Strip out clutter

–Bring your personality

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Things to keep in mind

• LinkedIn is all about marketing

yourself

• What are your professional goals

as a future consultant?

• Turn those goals into keywords

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Revisit your goals

• Headlines are a key factor in

search results

o Should reflect your niche/speciality

• It’s fine to repeat in different

sections of your profile

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Keywords are…key!

Change your personal headline from

job title (default) to branding

statement

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Headline formula

• Innovative Entrepreneur | Middle Eastern Historian | Advocate for Immigrants

• Molecular biologist with a passion for neuroscience and cancer research; expertise in biopharmaceutical development

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Headline examples

• Social Scientist | Business

Strategist | PhD Candidate at

The University of Chicago

• Particle Physicist | Joint PhD at

UChicago and Fermilab |

Science Writer

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Headline examples

• Keep it simple

• Emphasize strengths

• Speak in first person

• Do some personal benchmarking with people who have the job you want

• Personal statement rather than your job description

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Next up: a summary

• Add in your personality! What do you love to do? What do you want to accomplish?

• Summary is a great space for this

• Also good in experience sections

• Keywords allow people to find you, but no one hires keywords

• They hire people

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Who are you?

“I’ve always been intrigued by the interplay between

business and research communities. This has driven me

to opportunities within the management consulting and

business strategy world. During my graduate studies,

I’ve taken on various leadership roles, including two

internships within the innovation center at my university,

coordinating institute-wide business of science events

for hundreds of people, and leading a local club

supporting entrepreneurial activities.

I strive to use analytical approaches to drive strategic

decision-making, and believe that the best results can

only be achieved by execution with a combination of in-

depth research and bringing teams/resources together.”(Modified) https://www.themuse.com/advice/5-templates-thatll-make-writing-the-perfect-linkedin-summary-a-breeze

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Strong summary

• A recognized expert in…

• Creative approaches to…

• Leadership abilities

gained through…

• Inventive approaches

such as…

• Collaborative team

member who…

• Transitioning to…

• Pursuing…

• Passionate about…

• Consistently earned

praise for…

• Effectively provide…

• Improved XYZ by…

• Special focus on…

• Enthusiasm for…

• Experience in

developing…

• Taken on…

• Built a new program

in…

• Established a new

model for…

• Can effectively work

in multidisciplinary

teams, evidenced by…

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Make your summary personal

and specific

• Analyzed, analysis

• Business development

• Client-driven management

• Coordinated

• Cross-functional team

• Efficiency improvement

• Implemented

• Increased or reduced

• Independent/ly

• Leadership development

• Lead, Led

• Manage/d

• Optimize/d

• Proposed

• Quantified

• Strategic, strategy, strategized

• Team, Teamwork

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Consulting keywords & verbs

• Keep relevant experiences

• What supports your professional

goals? What does not?

• For what doesn’t limit to job

title, company, and a very short

description

• Put experience into more business-

minded language

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Declutter

• Don’t pester

• Ask in person, if possible

• Offer to provide bullet points

• Supervisors’ recommendations

are usually most highly valued

• Recommend others, too

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Seek out recommendations

Hello Professor Brown,

As you know, I’m currently exploring career possibilities in management consulting. If you feel comfortable with it, I would greatly appreciate just a few short words of recommendation via LinkedIn when you have some downtime. In particular, I was hoping you could highlight my team and project management contributions to our recent collaboration on oncogenes and tumor suppressor gene regulation. I would be happy to forward you a few bullet points if it would help. No hard feelings if you feel we need more professional interaction to make this a possibility.

Thank you for your consideration and support, Joe Postdoc

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Make the request personal

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Recommendations

Workshop outline

Profile basics and Making it stand out

Building relationships

• Seek out alumni networks from

your undergrad college, graduate

school, and postdoc experiences

• Join UChicago groups: The

University of Chicago Alumni,

UChicago myCHOICE, University

of Chicago Postdoc Association

• Find professional societies

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Join groups on LinkedIn

Group Members

Big Four Consulting 380,000+

Strategy Consulting 195,000+

Environmental Consulting Professionals 90,000+

Business Consulting Group 59,000+

Social Media Marketing Consulting 46,000+

Management Consulting Jobs 74,000+

Life Sciences/Pharmaceuticals/Biotechnology

Consulting

4,000+

Financial Executive Way Forward – Leaders in

Banking, Consulting, IT, & Recruiting

144,000+

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Find specialty groups

• Ask and answer questions

• Listen first, then participate in

discussions

• Connect with others directly

• Learn about job opportunities

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Engage people in groups

Be helpful

grad.uchicago.edu

Hello Katrina,

I recently saw your posting on the Environmental Consulting Professionals LinkedIn group seeking input on a new approach to measuring lead levels in city water sources. A former colleague of mine, Jessica James, is an expert in this area and recently published a paper, “Lead testing in Flint, Michigan Years After Discovery” in Science 6 months ago:

[link]. If you think her input would be helpful, I’m happy to make an introduction.

Best, Natalie

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Offer to make a connection

1. Connect directly– Limited to 300 characters

– Customize so it isn’t spam!

2. Introduction– Find a common connection

– Strongest way to connect

3. InMails– Not accessible with free

account

– Unlimited characters

4. Messaging within a group– 15, 1:1 messages each month

Only capable

through

mobile app

right now

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Reaching out to connect

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“Get Introduced” App Feature

• Tailor your request; make it specific

• Use phrases that demonstrate you’ve done your homework:

“You mention...”

“I noticed that…”

“I’m curious about…”

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Strategically reach out

Hi, I’m a PhD candidate at University of Chicago and am looking to transition to a career in management consulting. Do you have some time to answer a few questions I have? Also, does your firm have any open positions for PhDs? Thanks, Alberto

Hi, I’m a PhD candidate at University of Chicago and am looking to transition to a career in management consulting. Do you have some time to answer a few questions I have? Also, does your firm have any open positions for Ph.D.s? Thanks, Alberto

Hello David, I noticed you received your PhD in social sciences from UChicago in 2015. I’m a 5th year psych graduate student exploring my career options and I recently read an article on management consulting [link] that sparked my interest. Since you’ve made the transition to a consulting so successfully, I was hoping I could take 30 minutes of your time, at your convenience, to ask you a few questions about your career path. Thank you for your consideration and I look forward to hearing from you. Alberto

1. Have a reason to connect

2. Share what you have in common

3. Mention a mutual acquaintance

4. Don’t ask for a job on first contact

5. Congratulate and give recognition

Courtesy Careerealism.comgrad.uchicago.edu

When reaching out to

connect…

Questions?tessel@uchicago.edu

bkonnick@uchicago.edu

Add us on LinkedIn!

Advising Appointments:

Gradgargoyle.uchicago.edu