Which do's and don'ts should I follow when I format my MBA resume?
For an MBA resume, keep it to one A4 page, avoid text boxes, tables and borders, list sections in reverse chronological order, start bullets with action verbs, and skip personal pronouns, abbreviations and school-level details. Lead with work experience, and follow any format the university provides.
A good MBA resume is simple, one page and focused on what matters to the program. Work experience is given more importance for MBA applicants, so it usually comes first.
Formatting Do's and Don'ts
| Do | Don't |
|---|---|
| Create a simple one-page document covering only important details | Use special formatting such as text boxes, tables or borders |
| List every section in reverse chronological order | Include school-level details |
| Start each bullet with an action verb | Use personal pronouns such as I, me, us or we |
| Keep bullets concise, with supporting evidence | Use abbreviations such as etc. or i.e. |
| Mention what, where, when and your role, with clear dates and duration | Let the resume run beyond one A4 page |
Layout and Work Experience
- Suggested layout: A4 page, normal margins, justified alignment, single spacing, and a serif font such as Times New Roman in 11 to 12 point size.
- List your current or most recent experience first, with designation, department, company, location and joining and ending month and year.
- Add roles, responsibilities and achievements in bullet points, and briefly mention significant projects.
- Include only significant responsibilities that align with the MBA program.
My Advice
Check whether the university shares an MBA resume sample or format, and follow it if it does. Format rules can vary by university, so confirm them on the official admissions page. If no format is given, apply the guidelines above and keep every line relevant.
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