I started a hobby many years ago which involved posting humorous posts online on social media. I gained a global audience quickly and started doing activism work through it. I started the profile to have a platform where I can talk about certain issues. This led to an activism profile that blew up and gained global support too (number of followers is in the low 6 digits).
I kind of wanted to add it to my cover letter to show my creativity side of finding an issue and tackling that problem in this way. It highlights my dedication, creativity, and I guess problem solving as I encountered a few issues.
The thing is I am applying for a position straight out of university. My other paragraph talks about my professional internship that I did so I thought to add another paragraph that showed a more personal touch? I don't have much experience and not sure if this would be seen as a bit too "unserious". Every MBB cover letter I have seen has been strictly focussed on professional experience and mainly consulting (I don't have much consulting experience but have 2 other internships and a few extracurriculars).
I am a weak candidate on paper if that helps with your responses (I go to a strong semi-target uni in the UK (just below the target unis)), health issues meant I didn't do well in my A Levels, I also had health issues throughout university (surgery, etc). My main downfall are my A Level grades really but they seem to be the biggest part too.
Would adding a weird hobby on my cover letter be seen as inappropriate for MBB UK?
Hi there,
Yes, you should definitely include it. Your social media activism shows initiative, creativity, and drive - qualities MBB firms value. Growing a platform to a global audience highlights your ability to communicate effectively and think outside the box, which can set you apart. Make sure to link it to relevant consulting skills like problem-solving and resilience.
Have a great day and best of luck,
Kairavee
Frankly whatever you have, unless you are an olympic medallist, 30 under 30 or some humanitarian champion / award winner isnt going to move the needle or mask your scores. With that said, no harm in putting it in!
Hi there,
Q: Would adding a weird hobby on my cover letter be seen as inappropriate for MBB UK?
If you can showcase entrepreneurial or problem solving skills with your social media activity (which seems to be the case), it would be fine to add it. I cannot see any downside, and it seems you have been quite successful in terms of results.
Good luck!
Francesco
Hey! I think it is a great way to showcase your creativity and problem-solving skills, from my interview experience, especially since BCG appreciates such personal stories and often asks about them during interviews. However, for McKinsey, it might be seen as less relevant. Just ensure you connect it to skills relevant to consulting while maintaining professionalism. Overall, if framed well, it can enhance your application.
Best, Alessa
Including a unique hobby in your cover letter can be a great way to showcase your creativity and personal interests, especially if it aligns with the qualities that MBB firms value, such as problem-solving, dedication, and social impact. Here’s how you might think about it:
Considerations for Including Your Hobby:
- Relevance to the Role: Since your hobby involves activism and creativity, it can illustrate your ability to identify and tackle issues, which is a valuable skill in consulting. Make sure to frame it in a way that connects to the skills MBB firms look for, like leadership, initiative, and analytical thinking.
- Professional Tone: While MBB firms do prioritize professionalism, they also appreciate candidates who can bring unique perspectives and experiences to the table. As long as you present your hobby in a serious and thoughtful manner, it can enhance your application rather than detract from it.
- Balance with Professional Experience: Since you mentioned having limited consulting experience, your professional internship can serve as a strong foundation. Adding your hobby as a separate paragraph can help show a more holistic view of who you are, as long as it complements your professional narrative.
- Highlighting Challenges and Growth: Given your health challenges, mentioning your hobby could also demonstrate resilience and determination. Emphasize how you navigated challenges through your activism work, showcasing your problem-solving skills in a personal context.
While this advice is pretty general, I would say include your unique hobby in your application - after all, "impact" is a key assessment criterion for MBB. Additionally, we live in the age of social media, so understanding the platforms will be especially beneficial in the Media and Telco sector.
Good luck with your applications!
Hi there,
It’s well-known that MBBs look for standout qualities or "spikes," and achieving a significant following on any social media platform is no small feat. I absolutely think you should include it in your profile. The key, however, is how you frame it.
That being said, will it guarantee an interview call? Not necessarily—your overall profile plays a crucial role. But in my view, it can certainly strengthen and differentiate your application.
Hi there,
you should make sure to phrase it in a way that captures the essence but doesn't sound too "goofy". Unique hobbies often make for a good discussion starter in interviews. However, the reality is that this is not a deciding factor on whether or not you will even get invited to an interview. Other aspects of your resume matter more. The hobby section just gives you the chance to add a bit of sprinkles to your otherwise tasty dessert (which has to be the rest of your CV).
Best of luck
Hi there,
It depends on the type of activism.
Generally, MBB prefer their employees to have a very low profile on social media. This is one of the first things they tell you during the intro week so I'd be careful to add this.
In terms of benefit/cost, I'd rather leave it out.
Cheers,
Florian
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