Putting work experience (with an international assignment) less than 6 months on CV? Good or bad?

2nd tier Application application process CV CV screening experience experience abroad MBB
New answer on Nov 18, 2020
5 Answers
1.7 k Views
G asked on Sep 18, 2019

From the tips that I have read are work experiences with an international dimension well appreciated by consulting firms (MBB as well as Tier 2 firms). However, in my case, the specific role (in engineering) was for less than 6 months and I took the decision to quit. I can explain the reason for quitting it. It has nothing to do with the travelling whatsoever and no drama happened. Thus, my question: is it better to leave it out and not mention it on my CV (since I only stayed for a short period) to pass the screening stage or do you think it is better to mention it in order to increase the odds of passing the screening stage .The reasoning behind the latter: it is the only point on my CV that shows that I have worked on an international assignment and that I have no issues with travelling, etc.

Overview of answers

Upvotes
  • Upvotes
  • Date ascending
  • Date descending
Best answer
Deniz
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Sep 19, 2019
5+ Years at BCG & Kearney Dubai & Istanbul | 400+ Trainees | Free 15-min Consultation Call

Hi,

It would be useful if we had more context, but what I can advise is that you should keep this in your CV as international work experience is valuable. You can position this as an internship or contactor/freelancer work (instead of a full-time job).

Best,

Deniz

Was this answer helpful?
Vlad
Expert
replied on Sep 18, 2019
McKinsey / Accenture Alum / Got all BIG3 offers / Harvard Business School

Hi,

Go for it if it:

  • Adds the relevant work experience (e.g. you are an expert in Oil&gas)
  • Adds overall experience (e.g. you'll have 1.5 years in total)

I would position it as an international project

Best!

Was this answer helpful?
Anonymous replied on May 15, 2020

Dear A ,

If it's possible for you not to put that experience in your CV, then rather avoid that.

But also avoid gaps in your CV.

If you need any help, feel free to reach out.

Best,
André

Was this answer helpful?
1
Gaurav
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Nov 18, 2020
Ex-Mckinsey|Certified Career Coach |Placed 500+ candidates at MBB & other consultancies

Hi G,

It depends on your work experience. Do you have 3+ work experience? If yes, don't mention it in your CV.

I would recommend you add this work experince as an international internship.

Do you need any further help?

All the best,

GB

Was this answer helpful?
Andrea
Expert
replied on Sep 18, 2019
OW | HEC Paris | Helped 20+ people entering BCG, OW, ATK etc.

Hi,

I would say that it depends on your other work experience. If you already have 3+ than leave it behind. If not, than I think it is worth it provided that you achieve something relevant during those 6 months.

Andrea

Was this answer helpful?
Deniz gave the best answer

Deniz

Content Creator
5+ Years at BCG & Kearney Dubai & Istanbul | 400+ Trainees | Free 15-min Consultation Call
800
Meetings
697
Q&A Upvotes
65
Awards
5.0
122 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