How to Write a Killer Consultant Resume This Year

Contact information
A resume header should contain a job seeker’s full name, phone number, and email address. You can also include your professional links (e.g., online portfolio) if you feel they will be valuable.

Resume summary
At the top of your resume, but below the header, your resume should have either a resume summary or a resume objective statement. A resume summary should be a quick rundown of your best skills, competencies, and experiences, while a resume objective statement also contains a statement of your career goals. The resume summary is best for those with many years of experience, while the resume objective is ideal for those who lack professional experience. As such, a consultant resume summary is expected rather than an objective statement.

Skills
Your resume skills section should include all of the skills that will help you to fulfill the job description you are applying for. The average skills section for a consultant job should contain between 8 and 12 bullet points detailing relevant skills. Examples of resume skills for an IT consultant include:

• Problem-solving
• Data analysis
• Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, PowerPoint, Word)
• Programming languages
• Communication
• Customer relationship management (CRM)
• Project management
• People skills
• Leadership
• Analytical thinking

Work history
The work experience section of a resume should include up to 10 years of work experience and be presented in reverse-chronological order. The only time that you should include more is if the consulting firm you are applying to wants proof of more experience. For each job you’ve held, provide examples of major successes and achievements.

Education
Your education section should provide the details of any academic achievements and awards that you have. While this will not be overly important if you have a wealth of experience and consulting skills, it can help distinguish yourself from other candidates. Remember to include only your most advanced, relevant educational achievements and certifications.

Do’s and Don’ts for a Consultant Resume

If you want to elevate your consultant resume, then you should keep these key takeaways in mind:

Do:

• Discuss the value you brought to previous employers that shows you can bring similar value to a new role.
• Showcase both hard skills and soft skills, as long as they are relevant to the role.
• Provide links to your professional social media profiles (e.g., your LinkedIn) so hiring managers can get more information about your career and network.

Don’t:

• Use long, complex sentences. Opt for concise, punchy phrases instead.
• Hyperbolize your experience and achievements. Even small lies will have big consequences if you are found out.
• Fail to include relevant professional certifications and unpaid work.