Is it ok to mention a leadership position at my local Church in my CV/interview?

CV
New answer on Dec 30, 2023
5 Answers
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Jaime asked on Aug 02, 2017
Preparing for MBB interviews. Looking for partners to practice as much as possible

I've been thinking about it for a while, I'm the leader of the children ministry of my local church, it's a group of more than 20 teachers, many of them older than me(I'm 23) but I keep thinking that it could be inappropriate to mention it in the cv as a leadership role. What do you guys think?

thank you very much

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Riccardo
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replied on Aug 03, 2017
FREE 15min call | #1 Bain Coach |10y+ experience helping candidates securing MBB offers| Tailored prep | 5 stars reviews

Hi Jamie,
I believe you can include it. On one hand having examples of leadership within same-sector or same-role might be preferable when applying in order to tailor your CV to the employer. On the other hand, that obviously is only possible when you worked in a similar role before, which for applicants to consulting is mostly not the case.
In addition, it is great to demonstrate leadership within a broader set of contexts and challenges.
Just make sure that including that description in CV does not come at the price of removing more recent of closer experience to the role, also in the outlook of an optimal structure and lenght.

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Jaime on Aug 03, 2017

Thank you!

Alberto
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replied on Dec 30, 2023
Ex-McKinsey Associate Partner | +15 years in consulting | +200 McKinsey 1st & 2nd round interviews

Hi there,

Being asked for a leadership story you should focus on your best experience leading a team (of any size), either on a personal or professional situation. Keys here:

  • You leading style is and how you inspire the team to reach a challenging goal
  • Your teamwork skills to coordinate work and make everyone shine
  • Your ability to understand and act on team dynamics, even the personal ones (motivations, frustrations)

I hope this helps.

Alberto

Check out my latest case based on a real MBB interview: Sierra Springs

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Tomi replied on Aug 03, 2017

Jamie, recruiters are always look for 'things' that not only show your leadership experience but things that are unquie and stand out. I would say your experience sounds pretty unquie and may be the 'thing' that catches the eye of the recruiter or someone screening a pile of applications. I would suggest that you keep it brief and possibly in your community engagement / leadership section on your cv. Be sure to have prepares examples/experiences from the role to dicuss in interview if you do list it on your CV as they could easily ask you to talk about the role.

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Jaime on Aug 05, 2017

thank you very much for your answer!

Gaurav
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updated an answer on Nov 23, 2020
Ex-Mckinsey|Certified Career Coach |Placed 500+ candidates at MBB & other consultancies

Hi Jamie,

I'm sure it's totally ok to include this experience which might me considered as a leadership one

Cheers,

GB

(edited)

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Anonymous replied on Aug 23, 2020

Dear Jamie,

I believe that this type of experience shows more not only on your leadership position, but opens your more as a personality with values. So I would include it.

Best,
André

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Riccardo gave the best answer

Riccardo

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