How long should a CV be and should all the grades be included and tests like the gmat?

Question

I am in the process of applying to a full-time position but am struggling to finish my CV, because I am not sure whether to include all of my grades or not? (Some grades are better than other, but none of them are outstanding). I have also done tests such as the gmat and Toefl are those relevant? I am also not sure about the length of the CV, is one page a must? I have some very early internships from 2021 which I dont think are that relevant anymore since, I have had more meaningful internships since, but a recruiting friend told me to keep it- should I?

Answer 1

Hi there,

1) I am not sure whether to include all of my grades or not?

I would include the GPA (not individual grades) if equal or above 3.7.

2) I have also done tests such as the gmat and Toefl are those relevant?

If the score is good, you can include them. If the score is not good I would skip them.

3) I am also not sure about the length of the CV, is one page a must?

With the exception of some countries (eg Germany) where 2 pages are usually fine, a rule of thumb that I consider good is 1 page for every 10 years of experience. So in your case, one page is most likely good.

4) I have some very early internships from 2021 which I dont think are that relevant anymore since, I have had more meaningful internships since, but a recruiting friend told me to keep it- should I?

It depends on the “opportunity cost” in terms of alternatives and if the internships help to show you have skills useful in consulting.

If you (i) don’t have anything else better to add instead of them and (ii) the internships show skills good for consulting (eg problem solving, stakeholder management, leadership), it is fine to keep them. Most likely that's the case, given the comment of your friend.

Good luck!

Francesco

Answer 2

Hi there,

First of all, I would be happy to share my thoughts on your questions:

First of all, given the rather fundamental questions about your CV/ resume, I would highly advise you to consider working with an experienced coach like myself to get your application file polished. As the most experienced coach in terms of consulting, interviewing and coaching, I would be more than happy to help you with that.
Moreover, a CV by definition does not have a certain length, only a resume is restricted to one page. Typically, however, I do not see any reason why a graduate with a limited amount of experience (in general) should require a lot more than one page.
Lastly, it is somewhat compulsory to list all your GPAs, as the recruiting department would ask for them either way. Including scores from standardized tests like the GMAT and TOEFL is advisable if they are strong. When it comes to early internships, include those that are somewhat relevant to consulting, especially as space is not limited in a CV.

If you would like a more detailed discussion on how to best prepare your application files, please don't hesitate to contact me directly.

Best,

Hagen

Answer 3

Hi there,

It depends on the region/country. For most countries, 1 page is the upper limit. For some (e.g., Germany), 2 pages are okay.
You should include your GPA, not each individual grade
You can add the GMAT at the bottom but it won't really move the needle
Your resume needs to tell a story and strengths across 3-4 dimensions
- Academic excellence (Reputation of uni and program, GPA,…)
- Work experience (Relevant firms and positions, increase in responsibility from one experience to the next)
- Extracurricular activities (e.g., leadership in an initiative)
- Time spent abroad

I think it's best if you get someone to review and edit it professionally! Reach out if you need help!

Cheers,

Florian

Answer 4

Honestly, getting some expert support will be money well spent here.

Yes, it should be one page.

Yes, you should have grades, but ideally expressed as % top of your class, and particularly highlighting the courses (if not the overall degree) in which you excelled.

There are lots of elements that go into a great CV and it's a small thing that you can do well which will make a huge difference in your chances of being shortlisted for an interview.

Best,
Cristian

Answer 5

1. You should fit everything in one page

2. You should include your GPA / average grade for your degree. No need to include grades for individual courses. GMAT/Toefl - you can include them if they are outstanding results. Otherwise, do not include the,

3. Internships. That's relevant work experience, something of which you don't have much. In general, it doesn't make any sense to hide them unless for some reason you believe it degrades your profile.

People keep in their resumes stuff they did 30 years ago, can't see howcome how something you did 3 years ago would not be relevant anymore.

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