Consulting resume - Do I need different resumes depending on the company I apply to?

If the roles are the same (i.e. consulting roles), you can use the same resume. Read the job descriptions for the strategy positions to better understand what they are looking for, but you would likely be able to use the same resume for that too. You might want to tailor it a bit if you are applying for any specialist consulting positions. Also, consulting typically prefers standard formatting of CVs, so you don't need to do anything visually exciting.

Hi there,

In general, you can use the same CV for consulting companies and generalist non-consulting strategy positions.

If the position is for a particular vertical though – such as Pharma or Digital – and you have experience there, then you may want to customize it a bit to show deeper expertise for that particular vertical compared to a generalist application.

Hope this helps,

Francesco

A single resume is all you need, assuming the positions you are applying to are similar or have similar requirements.

Watch out for the “visually exciting resumes”. For consulting roles, they should be avoided. We value structure and content, not so much creativity and visuals. The truth is that candidates make more mistakes, relevant information is harder to find, etc. And, most importantly, it gives us a hint that the candidate is more concerned with visuals than with content.

As a consultant, you don't change formats because they are more “exciting”. You change them if (and only when) it becomes a more effective way to communicate the content. So the question you have to ask yourself is whether the alternative format is superior in conveying your experience in a meaningful way. If not, stick to the standard.

Not at all! As long as the roles you're applying to are the same (as in, all consulting roles), you are perfectly fine having just 1 resume. Focus your efforts on making that 1 resume as good as possible! (This also assumes you're applying in just 1 country…as regional differences should be considered when formatting your resume)

For generalist consulting roles, you would probably have a similar (if not identical) CV between firms

However, if you are applying for industry specific/ function specific roles, it would be best to tailor your CV accordingly

You must customise your CV to the role and the company. The keywords must pop out, otherwise trust me its not going be looked at. Most CVs look so similar, so you need to do everything you can to make it stand out (even if slightly).

This doesn't mean you over engineer this. Have a “base CV” and tweak it slightly for the company and the role. Its probably a 30min extra effort per application, but will go a long way in giving you assurance i.e. you gave your best!

Hi!

Ideally, you should try and tailor your CV for each of your applications. 

I would use one solid CV for applications in consulting, and then another one for big tech (e.g. Google), which might require more creativity, different language, etc.

If the content is well presented your CV will stand out in those industries!

Best,

Anto 

The short answer to your question is yes you need to tailor your resume but only across industries not within the same industry. So for example you can have the same resume for all consulting firms but you should highlight different skills for tech or finance firms.

Best,

Udayan

You can use the same consulting resume for the same position across firms.

The cover letter is what needs tailoring perhaps to highlight why this firm specifically (if needed)