Learn the three certifications that genuinely boost your chances of breaking into investment banking.
Read MoreA resume isn’t just a document — it’s your first impression in the job market. In this conversation, a student preparing to transition into supply chain roles seeks guidance from our mentor, Saran, on how to turn raw experience into a compelling, results-driven resume.
Student: Saran sir, thank you for the guidance on roles. But honestly, I still feel underprepared when it comes to my resume. Can you help me with a resume check?
Saran: Absolutely. A resume review is one of the most underrated yet powerful tools in any career transition. You’ve done the hard work on ground — your resume just needs to reflect that impact.
Student: Where should I begin? I mean, it’s all there — the banana export work, the cold chain project, my coursework — but I don’t think it’s standing out.
Saran: Let’s start by shifting your mindset. Your resume isn’t a biography — it’s a value pitch. Every line should answer one question: “So what?” When I do a CV review, that’s the first thing I look for. It’s not about what you did — it’s about what changed because you did it.
Student: That’s interesting. So I shouldn’t just list tasks?
Saran: Exactly. You want to focus on impact. Use the Situation–Action–Result (SAR) framework. For instance, if you say:
“Worked on a packhouse for banana exports,”
It’s not enough. Try this instead:
“Designed and implemented a banana packhouse with cold chain integration, reducing post-harvest spoilage by 25%.”
Now that tells me what problem you solved, what you did, and how it helped. That’s how you move from “review my resume” to “Wow, this candidate delivers.”
Student: And what about certifications like Lean Six Sigma?
Student: And what about certifications like Lean Six Sigma?
Saran: Great point. Don’t just write “Certified in Lean Six Sigma.” Use it as a credibility builder. Example:
“Applied Lean Six Sigma methodology to reduce defect rate in export-grade sorting by 15%.”
This is what people expect when they go for a resume evaluation — not just credentials, but evidence of application.
Student: That’s helpful. But how do I avoid making it too long?
Saran: Keep it concise but powerful. 6–8 solid bullet points per experience is more than enough — provided each one has a takeaway. And structure your resume with functional headings if you’ve worked across areas like you have.
Something like:
This makes it easy for recruiters to scan and understand your strengths.
Student: Okay. And what about tone or language?
Saran: Sharp, confident, and action-oriented. Begin bullets with strong verbs: “Implemented,” “Reduced,” “Improved,” “Led.” Cut filler phrases. Each line should show ownership. When I do a resume review online, I always check whether the tone reflects accountability or just passive involvement.
Student: That’s a good point. Should I also prepare for questions on these bullet points?
Saran: Yes, and that’s crucial. Each bullet is like a door to a follow-up question. So if you say:
“Optimized procurement cycles,”
Be ready for:
That’s the hidden layer of good resumes. A resume online review may help surface these gaps, but you need to go deeper and prepare responses.
Student: So, the resume isn’t just for HR — it’s also my interview roadmap.
Saran: Exactly. Think of your resume as your script — and your interviewer is following it line by line.
Learn the three certifications that genuinely boost your chances of breaking into investment banking.
Read MoreA practical guide to mastering risk management for MBA students and professionals in business and finance.
Read MoreUse structured thinking to navigate career transitions with clarity, confidence, and actionable steps.
Read MoreWhatsApp us