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When you submit your resume for a screening process, you know that you will hear one of two things, “You’re hired!” or “We regret to inform you”. Occasionally, you will be told why you did not get the position you wanted, but it is usually not very specific feedback. “Not a good fit.” is frequently used.

In this article, we will give you some insights as to how resumes are reviewed by consultants. We will also give you some information regarding the differences between consulting and finance.

Who, exactly, is in charge?

When it comes to resume review, there is a team of managers, associates and analysts. Here are some things you can count on:

First of all, the team will be made up of three to five people. Each one will have a look at your resume individually and then they will review it as a group.

Secondly, your team will be made up of MBAs, graduates, and undergraduates from your school.

3. The committee will make the final decision.

Initially, senior members of the group will not be involved. Nor will finance. They will come into the process for interviewing and to make offers. While it may seem that this indicates these folks trust the junior team members, it is more likely that this situation is just a matter of budgeting both money and time.

Click here for more on differences between consulting and investment banking.

Questions regarding your involvement in student groups, your GPA, and other such matters will be fielded by someone whose background is similar to yours. If you are an engineering undergraduate from Columbia, an engineering undergraduate from Columbia will surely be involved in the review process.

What are the steps that make up the process?

The members of the review team each get a packet of resumes. They may each get anywhere from fifty to three hundred resumes. Many times the consulting letters are removed from the packs. That’s another reason why you should put your greatest efforts into producing an excellent resume.

Finance may spend about 30 seconds reviewing each resume. The consultants will spend twice that amount of time.

After the consultants have reviewed the resumes individually, the team will look at each resume as a group. The will compare notes and insights. This is the decision-making time.

So what, exactly, are they looking for? What could be the reasons for not getting an interview?

Solid work experience, strong leadership skills, and evidence of academic success.

Click here for more on how to create a management consulting resume.