How To Write an MBA Resume
You’ve worked hard to earn an MBA, and now, it’s time to start applying for jobs that let you put that knowledge and training to use. Crafting an MBA resume is about highlighting your skills and experience in a way that targets the specific job you’re applying for. Learn how to do this with the tips and examples below.
1. Write a compelling profile summarizing your qualifications
The first section of your resume is the profile summary. This is where you provide potential employers with a snapshot of who you are as a business professional and what you can do for their organization. The profile summary for an MBA resume will be different for each applicant, so customize it to where you want to go in your career while keeping the language focused on how you can help the employer. Things you may want to list include your years of experience, specific management competencies, and key career highlights, such as growing a business into the 7-figure range.
Senior-Level Profile Example
Dedicated project manager with a proven track record of leading teams to successful implementations. More than 12 years of experience planning and managing multi-million-dollar projects that pair business needs with technological solutions that drive improved processes and revenue growth. Looking to share project management expertise while developing new skills.
Entry-Level Profile Example
Results-driven technology entrepreneur with innovative ideas and a community focus. Experienced at managing projects to bring products from ideas to market. Planned and developed a clothing line that grew to a $1 million turnover in two years.
2. Add a results-driven professional experience section
When you’re writing the professional experience section of your resume, it’s important to focus on what results you’ve been able to bring about in your previous positions. Hiring managers looking for MBA candidates often focus on growing the business, increasing profits, or moving a start-up into a mature business. Use the bullets in this section to show how you have been able to lead your team, implement more efficient systems, increase profits, and communicate with stakeholders.
Senior-Level Professional Experience Example
Project Leader
Kappa Consulting, Tampa, FL | June 2012-Present
- Guide implementation of new IT systems for variety of clients, including security systems, disaster recovery, and data protection
- Manage budgets of up to $5 million and teams of 20 developers, programmers, and network specialists
- Define and communicate processes best suited to each project
Entry-Level Professional Experience Example
Founder and CEO
BetaWear, St. Louis, MO | June 2018 – Present
- Manage all parts of running a business, including planning, product development, marketing, manufacturing, and sales
- Lead a small team of passionate employees and work collaboratively to ensure the business gets the benefit of their diverse experience
- Negotiate with venture capitalists to secure $2 million in funding to expand the business
3. Include relevant education and certifications
As an MBA graduate, your education is an important part of who you are as a candidate. It’s also likely that the position you’re applying to has specific education requirements, and listing your degrees on your resume lets a hiring manager quickly determine that you’re a good fit. Certifications and other credentials, such as being a Six Sigma Black Belt, can help define who you are as an applicant and how this position fits into your career plan.
Certifications
Template:
- [Certification Name], [Awarding Organization], [Completion Year]
Example:
- Project Management Professional (PMP), Project Management Institute, 2018
Education
Template:
- [Degree Name]
- [School Name], [City, State Abbreviation] – [Graduation Month and Year]
Example:
- Bachelor of Science in Business Administration
- University of North Carolina, Charlotte, NC – June 2013
4. List relevant key skills and proficiencies
Including relevant professional skills and competencies is a key part of creating your resume. Each job you’re applying for has a specific list of qualifications that outlines who would be a good candidate for the position. Look for skills you have that are a direct or close match and create a list that a hiring manager can easily skim to determine whether you should move on to the next round. Below, we’ve included some of the most common skills hiring managers are looking for in MBA candidates.
| Key Skills and Proficiencies | |
|---|---|
| Business communication | Conflict resolution |
| Critical thinking skills | Data analysis |
| Decision-making | Entrepreneurship |
| Global business | Leadership |
| Management | Market Analysis |
| Marketing | Negotiation |
| Problem-solving skills | Strategic thinking |
How To Pick the Best MBA Resume Template
MBA resume styles are extremely varied because of the wide range of careers and positions they apply to. When you’re choosing an MBA resume template, stick with those that are simple and easy to read, and that use a clean format and plain text. Your resume should look like a professional business document, with clear organization, short sentences, and bullet points. Bolding and italics can also help you visually separate the sections and make it easier to skim.
MBA Text-Only Resume Templates and Examples
Years of Experience
- Entry-level
- Mid-career
- Senior-level
Haruto Ito
(987) 654-3210
[email protected]
1012 Second Avenue, St. Louis, MO 43568
Profile
Results-driven technology entrepreneur with innovative ideas and a community focus. Experienced at managing projects to bring products from idea to market. Planned and developed a clothing line that grew to $1 million turnover in two years.
Key Skills
- Experience starting and running a business
- Business planning
- Networking and negotiation skills
- Risk assessment and management
- Project management
Education
Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Entrepreneurship
University of Missouri – St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, September 2014 – June 2018
Professional Experience
Founder and CEO, BetaWear, St. Louis, MO
June 2018 – Present
- Manage all parts of running a business, including planning, product development, marketing, manufacturing and sales
- Lead a small team of passionate employees and work collaboratively to ensure the business gets the benefit of their diverse experience
- Negotiate with venture capitalists to secure $2 million funding to expand the business
Sales Manager, Gamma Clothing, St Louis, MO
September 2014 – June 2018
- Implemented new training program to ensure each salesperson understood the products, leading to 28% increase in revenue
- Managed team of six people, including providing professional development opportunities to ensure staff could develop skills
- Responded to complaints and issues from customers
Kamilah Ahmad
(890) 123-4567
[email protected]
6567 Third Boulevard, Charlotte, NC 76543
Profile
Experienced financial analyst with 7 years of global experience in the finance industry. Able to handle budgets of up to $2 billion and find innovative ways to save money and grow revenue. Strong communication skills and able to work with diverse teams.
Professional Experience
Financial Analyst, Delta International, Charlotte, NC
October 2017 – Present
- Lead team responsible for all financial analysis for international manufacturing firm
- Implemented new procedures that lead to 32% decrease in errors and increase in efficiency of 72%
- Identified inefficiencies in budget, leading to savings of 25%
Financial Advisor, Omega Banking, London, UK
June 2013 – September 2017
- Collaborated with team from around the world to expand Omega Banking into new markets, including India, Brazil and Australia
- Created database to identify top-performing stocks
Education
Bachelor of Science Business Administration in Finance
University of North Carolina – Charlotte, Charlotte, NC, September 2009 – June 2013
Key Skills
- Accounting
- Financial modeling
- Data visualization
- Budgeting
- Managing teams
Certifications
- Chartered Financial Analyst
Keahi Mahelona
(876) 543-2109
[email protected]
9890 Fourth Road, Tampa, FL 87654
Profile
Dedicated project manager with proven track record of leading teams to successful implementations. More than 12 years of experience planning and managing multi-million dollar projects that pair business needs with technological solutions that drive improved processes and revenue growth. Looking to share project management expertise while developing new skills.
Professional Experience
Project Leader, Kappa Consulting, Tampa, FL
June 2012 – Present
- Guide implementation of new IT systems for variety of clients, including security systems, disaster recovery and data protection
- Manage budgets of up to $5 million and teams of 20 developers, programmers and network specialists
- Define and communicate processes best suited to each project
Information Technology Specialist, Otto Systems, Orlando, FL
June 2008 – May 2012
- Created support documentation that enabled users to extend skills and find resolution to system issues without requiring support team intervention
- Analyzed network security to assess areas in need of improvement and developed solutions, leading to 22% decrease in network security infringements
Education
Bachelor of Science in Information Technology
University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, September 2004 – June 2008
Key Skills
- Analytical and critical thinking skills
- Expert in project management methodologies
- Business strategist
- Costing and budgeting
- ROI Analysis
Certifications
- Project Management Professional (PMP), Project Management Institute, 2018
Frequently Asked Questions: MBA Resume Examples and Advice
What are common action verbs for MBA resumes?+
It can be challenging to describe your day-to-day responsibilities because they seem mundane and routine to you. But a hiring manager needs to be able to see how you’ve succeeded in previous roles and how that could translate to your work at their organization. Using specific action verbs can help you convey the duties and responsibilities of your last position more effectively. If you’re having trouble coming up with unique and powerful action verbs for your professional experience bullet points, this list can help.
| Action Verbs | |
|---|---|
| Achieved | Allocated |
| Analyzed | Devised |
| Established | Evaluated |
| Executed | Facilitated |
| Forecasted | Formulated |
| Generated | Identified |
| Initiated | Negotiated |
| Optimized | Orchestrated |
| Planned | Presented |
| Resolved | Spearheaded |
How do you align your resume with a job description?+
MBA graduates often move into management positions, and this is good news for job seekers because the Bureau of Labor Statistics is anticipating an overall 8% job growth for management positions through 2031. More open positions mean more opportunities for applicants, but it can also mean you’re sending out more resumes. Aligning your resume with the job description by including keywords and qualifications from the posting can help you stand out and have a better chance of being called for an interview.
What is the best MBA resume format?+
The best MBA resume format depends on your professional background and what position you’re applying for, but a combination resume format works well for many MBA graduates. A combination format makes it easier to group skills, such as technical proficiencies, management competencies, and soft skills, for a more engaging and organized resume. A combination format also gives you room to include a shortened version of the traditional professional experience section, giving a hiring manager a better idea of your background.
Expert Advice: Include a cover letter with your resume
When applying for a new job, the cover letter can often be the difference in whether you move on to the next round or get put in the rejection pile. An MBA cover letter allows you to show a little more personality while expanding on the career highlights in your resume and explaining why you’d be a good fit for the organization.
