How to demonstrate impact on a strategy mgmt. consulting resume?

Consulting Resume Cover letter
New answer on Jan 22, 2022
4 Answers
847 Views
Anonymous A asked on Jan 21, 2022

I wonder how to demonstrate the impact I've made with my work on my resume. I'm struggling a bit because I have no numbers that show that recommendation X increased sales/conversion etc., by X%. 


In strategy, we usually don't deal with the implementation part and therefore don't have access to such numbers. But most people recommend including numbers. 

My questions are:

  • Do other people have the same problem?
  • Did you find any workarounds?
  • Are recruiters aware of this? 

Overview of answers

Upvotes
  • Upvotes
  • Date ascending
  • Date descending
Best answer
Francesco
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Jan 22, 2022
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.000+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success (➡ InterviewOffers.com) | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching

Hi there,

This is difficult to answer specifically as it depends on what exactly you did. However in general terms you can use the following:

  1. Intermediary results (eg “identified 3 key markets where to launch marketing campaign”)
  2. Numbers unrelated to results (eg “led team of 5 people to..”) with qualitative impact (eg “client adopted recommendation and managed to achieve successful entry”)
  3. Range/estimate/expected results instead of exact numbers (eg “led to expected increase in revenues of $10M+ in Q4”)

Best,

Francesco

Was this answer helpful?
Moritz
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Jan 22, 2022
ex-McKinsey EM & Interviewer | 7/8 offer rate for 4+ sessions | 90min sessions with FREE exercises & videos

Such a great question!

Impact comes in many shapes or forms. In fact, numbers often don’t get to the bottom of impact since they’re “merely” an output measure. Hence, having nice US$ in your resume doesn’t always mean much.

At its core, impact is all about affecting change for the better (assuming positive impact). It has to do with convincing people to act in a certain way, to take a certain decision, to change their mind, etc., which in return creates a certain output. However, it’s the part about affecting change that really matters, because that’s what consultants do!

Output measure could be US$ but also something like employee retention, customer satisfaction, etc. You can get creative here!

Hope this helps!

Was this answer helpful?
Pedro
Expert
replied on Jan 22, 2022
30% off in March 2024 | Bain | EY-Parthenon | Roland Berger | Market Sizing | DARDEN MBA

Yes, this is a very common issue. You have to work with what you have (expected results, estimated results, or size of the identified opportunity).

Also be aware that not everything is quantitative or needs to be a end result:

  • Being able to get buy in for a critical decision
  • Having a relevant responsibility (leading team, reporting directly to XYZ)
  • Delivering something critical in a very short time frame

Let's be honest, we all know it wasn't the really the analyst (alone) who was able to capture 2bn in cost savings opportunities ;)  Be result driven, but don't fret about it.

Was this answer helpful?
Ian
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Jan 22, 2022
#1 BCG coach | MBB | Tier 2 | Digital, Tech, Platinion | 100% personal success rate (8/8) | 95% candidate success rate

Hi there,

Impact doesn't always have to be numbers! Here are some value excerpts from my resume:

  • “to provide detailed insights of factors affecting student recruiting and employment outcomes”
  • “allowed 40,000+ users to file development applications more efficiently”
  • "provided tailored advice, materials, and metrics to C-suite executives to improve firm's culture"
Was this answer helpful?
Francesco gave the best answer

Francesco

Content Creator
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.000+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success (➡ InterviewOffers.com) | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching
4,512
Meetings
43,954
Q&A Upvotes
387
Awards
5.0
1616 Reviews
How likely are you to recommend us to a friend or fellow student?
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
0 = Not likely
10 = Very likely