What do MBB & other big firms usually look for in the applicant's CV? as an entry-level candidate (meaning i have less than 3 years of experience and i come from non-typical background)
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Great question — and even from a non-typical background, you can absolutely stand out if your CV tells the right story in the right way.
Here’s what I think MBB and other top firms typically look for in entry-level CVs:
- Structured Thinking & Impact — Every bullet should follow the action → impact formula. Start with a strong verb (led, built, analyzed) and end with a quantifiable result (e.g., “Improved process speed by 25%” or “Built a tool used by 10+ team members”). Even if the role wasn’t “business-ish,” show how your work solved problems or made things better.
- Analytical Rigor & Problem Solving — Highlight any experience where you worked with numbers, broke down complex issues, or made decisions with incomplete data — this signals “consulting DNA.”
- Leadership & Ownership — MBB cares less about titles and more about initiative. Did you lead a student group, run a project solo, or drive something that wasn’t required of you? Include it, even if informal.
- Prestige Markers or Differentiators — If you don’t come from a target school or traditional background, flag what makes you stand out: awards, ranked performance, selective programs, or anything with a competitive bar.
Final tip: keep it clean and one page max. Use professional formatting, and make every word earn its place.
Hope it helps!
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