Graduate Consultant CV Template Example
As a graduate stepping into the world of consultancy, one of the most powerful tools you have at your disposal is your CV. A Graduate Consultant role is an entry-level position within the consultancy sector where individuals work on client projects, provide data-driven insights, support senior consultants, and learn the intricacies of solving business challenges across industries. Salaries for Graduate Consultants in the UK typically range from £25,000 to £33,000 per annum, with the potential to grow significantly as you gain experience and progress to Associate and Senior Consultant roles. With consultancy being one of the most competitive fields to enter, your CV must stand out from the crowd, reflecting both your academic achievements and your potential to add value to clients and employers.
Why your Graduate Consultant CV matters
Recruiters and hiring managers often spend less than 10 seconds scanning a CV before deciding whether to shortlist. Your CV is not just a piece of paper – it is your personal marketing document. It needs to capture attention, highlight your strengths, demonstrate your analytical and problem-solving skills, and communicate why you are the right candidate for the consultancy role.
Crafting a winning Graduate Consultant CV
The secret to a successful Graduate Consultant CV lies in aligning your skills, education, and experience with what employers are looking for. Consulting firms want individuals who are commercially aware, strong communicators, confident in handling data, and able to adapt quickly to changing client needs. Even if you are just starting your career, the way you structure and phrase your achievements can make all the difference.
Key elements of a Graduate Consultant CV
Personal Profile
Start with a strong, concise personal profile at the top of your CV. This should be a 4–5 line paragraph highlighting your career ambitions, key skills, and what makes you suitable for consultancy. Example: “Ambitious and analytically driven Business Management graduate with strong problem-solving and communication skills, eager to apply academic knowledge and internship experience to deliver impactful solutions as a Graduate Consultant.”
Core Skills Section
Include a bullet-pointed list of your strongest and most relevant skills. For Graduate Consultants, examples might include:
Data analysis and research
Problem-solving and critical thinking
Commercial awareness
Client relationship building
Strong presentation and communication skills
Team collaboration
Education
As a graduate, your academic qualifications will be a key focus. Include your degree details, relevant modules, dissertation topic (if applicable), and any achievements such as a First or 2:1 classification.
Work Experience
List internships, part-time roles, voluntary experience, or projects that demonstrate your transferable skills. Focus on achievements rather than duties. For example:
Conducted market research on emerging technology trends and presented findings to senior management, contributing to strategic decision-making.
Collaborated in a team of five to design a business plan, achieving second place in a national university competition.
Additional Sections
Add relevant certifications, technical skills (e.g., Excel, Power BI, Python), languages, or memberships in professional bodies.
CV structure and formatting advice
Keep your CV to 2 pages maximum.
Use clear headings and consistent formatting.
Avoid large blocks of text; use bullet points where appropriate.
Ensure there are no spelling or grammar mistakes.
Save and send as a PDF to preserve formatting.
Tips for graduates entering consultancy
Tailor your CV for each application. Research the consultancy firm and reflect their values and focus areas in your CV.
Showcase real examples of problem-solving, leadership, or analytical thinking.
Highlight teamwork and communication skills, as consulting is people-driven.
Emphasise extracurricular activities that show initiative, leadership, or entrepreneurial thinking.
Advice for middle management professionals
If you are moving from another sector into consultancy at a more senior level, your CV should emphasise:
Measurable business results (e.g., cost savings, revenue growth, efficiency improvements).
Leadership, coaching, and mentoring experience.
Stakeholder management and ability to influence decision-makers.
Project management and delivery of outcomes under pressure.
Advice for senior consultants and directors
For senior-level candidates, the CV should demonstrate:
A clear track record of delivering transformation projects.
Thought leadership, industry expertise, and published insights.
Business development experience – winning contracts, building client accounts.
Leadership of large teams and cross-border projects.
Strategic vision and ability to manage change at scale.
The do’s and don’ts of a Graduate Consultant CV
Do’s:
Do keep your CV tailored, clear, and concise.
Do use action verbs such as “delivered”, “developed”, “implemented”.
Do provide quantifiable achievements (percentages, figures, measurable outcomes).
Do show evidence of both technical and interpersonal skills.
Do maintain a professional tone and layout.
Don’ts:
Don’t overload your CV with irrelevant details.
Don’t use cliché phrases such as “hardworking” without evidence.
Don’t exceed two pages.
Don’t forget to tailor your CV to each consultancy firm.
Don’t include personal information such as age, marital status, or photos (common in the UK).
Final thoughts from Jerry Frempong – UK Career Coach of 25+ years
Crafting an interview-winning Graduate Consultant CV is about much more than just writing down your qualifications. It’s about telling your professional story in a way that excites and engages recruiters, showing not only what you have done but also the value you can bring. Whether you’re a fresh graduate, a middle manager transitioning into consultancy, or a senior professional aiming for the next big move, your CV must position you as the obvious choice.
If you want to ensure your CV and LinkedIn profile stand head and shoulders above the competition, I invite you to book a one-to-one consultation with me today. Together, we will refine your career documents, highlight your strengths, and ensure you have a powerful personal brand that wins interviews.
👉 Book your appointment now and take the next step towards your consultancy career success.
