5 PwC Resume Examples & Guide for 2024

PricewaterhouseCoopers, or just PwC, is one of the Big 4 consultancy companies and the world's largest professional services firm by revenue.

If this sounds crazy to think of, look at this fact:

88% of employees at PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP say it’s a great place to work.

This company has an enormous positive impact on our society. In fact, one of its values is to build trust in society and solve important problems.

This is why PwC is extremely selective about the people who represent the brand. Don’t worry! If you’re looking for a job there, we got you.

This extensive guide will teach you how to write the perfect resume that will get you noticed.

Here’s what we’ll cover:

• How to format a PwC resume that brings out the best of your professional capabilities.
• How to structure your work experience so it aligns with PwC company values.
• How to pass ATS scans and make your way to a recruiter’s screen.
• Which resume skills to prioritize when looking for a job at PwC.
• Which certifications add weight to your PwC resume.
• How to write a resume summary that gets you an interview call.

Before we dive in, you might want to look at some other specific resume guides:

• Business Development Consultant Resume
• Environmental Consultant Resume
• Digital Marketing Consultant Resume
• Technical Consultant Resume
• Human Resources Consultant Resume
• Financial Consultant Resume
• Strategy Consultant Resume
• PwC Cover Letter

Why are PwC jobs so popular?

Consulting is a sought-after career path, largely because of its dynamic and multifaceted nature. Here are a few reasons why consulting, particularly at a firm like PwC, is so appealing:

• Variety of challenges: Consulting offers the opportunity to tackle a wide range of problems across different sectors. This diversity keeps the work interesting and sharpens problem-solving skills as consultants adapt to different industries and business models.
• Rapid skill development: The consulting field is known for its steep learning curve. Consultants are thrust into situations that demand quick thinking and strategic decision-making, which accelerates professional growth. This intense environment enhances a consultant’s skills and employability in various other fields.
• Impactful work: Consultants are often involved in key projects that have the potential to influence the trajectory of the companies they work with. This can provide a deep sense of fulfillment and accomplishment.

How to format a PwC resume to land an interview

For a position at PwC, the choice of format may depend on your career path and the specific role you're targeting:

• Reverse-chronological resume: Choose this if your experience directly aligns with the consulting role and shows a clear progression in similar environments. It lists your work experience starting from the most recent job and working backward.
• Combination (hybrid) resume: This is your best choice if you’re switching careers or have varied experiences that contribute to a wide skill set. It allows you to showcase your relevant skills and qualifications front and center while also providing a timeline of your employment history.
• Functional (skill-based) resume: It’s generally less favored in highly traditional fields like consulting unless you have unique circumstances that require a different presentation of your background (e.g. people re-entering the workforce after a gap, or recent graduates).

PwC resume design guidelines

Creating a resume for a prestigious and detail-oriented company like PricewaterhouseCoopers requires meticulous attention to formatting and content. Here are several specialized tips for formatting your resume that align with the expectations of PwC recruiters:

• Resume font: Use professional, easy-to-read fonts like Arial, Lato, or Rubik, in sizes from 10 to 12 points. Some sectors like legal or consulting may also prefer Bitter for its traditional appearance. Choose wisely as large organizations like PwC use applicant tracking systems to scan resumes and the font should be simple and widely accepted.
• Resume margins: Maintain standard margins of 0.5 to 1 inch on all sides. This spacing ensures your resume is both organized and visually appealing, offering enough white space for easy reading.
• Resume header: Make sure your header clearly states your job title and area of expertise. For a firm like PwC which hires for a wide range of positions at once, it’s vital to be as specific as possible. Place your title directly under your name, before you list your email, phone number, and LinkedIn profile.
• Traditional template: Opt for a clean, modern resume template that emphasizes a logical flow of information. Avoid cluttered designs that can distract from key details. This will allow your skills and achievements to stand out without unnecessary distractions.
• Resume colors: Enhancv’s resume builder features a custom resume color picker that allows you to precisely match Hex and RGB codes to PwC’s brand colors. This tool allows you to tailor your resume to resonate closely with the organization.
• One-page resume: Try to fit your content into one page. Recruiters sift through so many applications, it’s best if your resume is concise and skimmable.
• File format: Save your resume as a PDF to ensure the formatting remains consistent across different viewing platforms. PDFs are preferred as they preserve the layout and appear the same on any device, unlike Word documents, which can display differently depending on the software version.
• Naming convention: Clearly label your resume file. Use a format that includes your full name, followed by the position you’re applying for, and the word 'resume'. For example, 'JaneDoeFinancialConsultantResume.pdf'. This naming strategy helps hiring managers quickly identify your document among many applications.
• Proofreading: Thoroughly proofread your resume several times to avoid any typos or grammatical errors. As PwC values attention to detail, even small mistakes could reflect poorly on your application.

Use Enhancv’s free resume checker to make sure your resume for PwC is polished, professional, and error-free.

Here are the essential sections for your resume.

Although not officially disclosed, it’s rumored that PwC’s acceptance rate is between 4-5%. Given the volume of resumes received weekly, here are the key elements hiring managers expect.

How to write your resume experience section for a PwC job

The way experience is usually mentioned on a resume is by just listing the places of your previous employment. Looking at it plainly, that’s what this section is about. But being a business consultant isn’t something people who look plainly at things choose to do. Nor does PwC company culture tolerate mediocrity.

You have to prove to the recruiters that your words aren’t just words, but are facts that speak to results.

Present them with these exact results. Don’t let your experience section be plain facts. Let it be the instrument that puts your true potential through to them.

To accomplish this desired effect with your experience section, follow these three tips:

• Use clear statements of facts combined with power and action verbs.
• Use numbers effectively.
• Show how you haven’t only managed a team but have been an actual team leader.

Now, have a look at the following two examples.

Don’t list irrelevant information that provides no value.

The candidate above obviously doesn’t take the job offer seriously, as they do nothing to stand out.

On the other hand, the improved version below is 10 out of 10.

Here’s why this experience section entry works well:

• Demonstrated valuable skills: Coordinating over 100 design reviews and creating detailed test plans illustrates strong project management abilities and a commitment to high-quality standards. These skills are critical at PwC, where managing complex projects and ensuring deliverables meet client and industry standards are part of the job description.
• Proven planning capabilities: The development of more than 10 strategic initiatives and the authoring of business plans highlight strong strategic thinking and planning skills. These abilities are key for roles at PwC that require insight into improving business processes and developing strategies that drive client success.
• Extensive client interaction: Engaging with over 200 customers to refine and implement business requirements shows a high level of client engagement and teamwork. Such experience is crucial at PwC, which prides itself on client relationships and collaborative work environments.

When applying for a job at PwC, it’s crucial to tailor your resume to the specific position you’re applying for. Identify the keywords in the job description, then transfer them into your resume sections.

Another thing you should include in your experience entries is quantifiable achievements. See some specific ways on how below.

How to quantify impact on your resume

PwC, as a leading professional services firm, places a strong emphasis on results and impact. Quantified achievements provide clear, objective evidence of your ability to deliver significant value. Plus, they enhance the credibility of your claims.

Here’s how you can make the accomplishments on your resume more tangible and relatable.

• Include specific revenue increases your initiatives achieve to demonstrate a direct impact on business growth.
• Detail percentage cost reductions from process improvements to show your ability to enhance profitability.
• List the exact number of new clients acquired through your marketing strategies, indicating your effectiveness in business development.
• Mention the growth percentage of customer engagement metrics you influenced, reflecting your skills in enhancing client relations.
• Specify the reduction in project completion times to underscore your proficiency in increasing operational efficiency.
• Provide the scale of budgets you have managed, evidencing your financial stewardship and accountability.
• Quantify the increase in market share due to your strategic decisions, showcasing your contribution to competitive positioning.
• Document the exact number of regulatory compliances achieved, proving your ability to navigate and implement complex legal requirements.

These simple tips can enhance your resume's clarity and showcase your efficiency, regardless of experience level. Next, we explore how entry-level candidates can secure an interview at PwC.

How do I write a PwC resume with no experience

Getting a job at PwC with no experience is hard but not impossible. You’ve studied all the steps in the process on the company website, it’s now time to make a resume that communicates all your strengths and transferable skills.

Here are some other tailored recommendations:

• Emphasize educational achievements: Highlight your academic background, particularly in relevant fields like business, finance, law, or technology. Include your GPA if it's strong, relevant coursework, and any honors or awards.
• Showcase internships and relevant projects: If you've completed internships, especially in consulting, finance, or related industries, make sure these are prominently featured. Describe specific tasks you performed and any outcomes or skills you developed. If you haven't had an internship, include significant academic or volunteer projects that demonstrate relevant skills and knowledge.
• Include leadership and extracurricular activities: Leadership roles in clubs, sports, or other groups can be very appealing. They show your ability to manage, work in teams, and commit to a cause—all crucial for a role at PwC.
• Highlight technical skills: List any technical skills relevant to the job you're applying for. This could include proficiency in Microsoft Office (especially Excel), data analysis software (like SAS or SPSS), programming languages, or accounting software.
• Certifications and continuing education: Any certifications you’ve earned, such as a CPA (if relevant), or courses you’ve taken in relevant areas (like Coursera’s data science or business analytics courses) can set you apart.
• Resume objective: Since you might lack extensive work experience, use the objective statement at the top of your resume to demonstrate your eagerness to learn and contribute, along with any direct skills or knowledge that can benefit PwC.

Implementing these recommendations can help bridge the gap created by a lack of extensive work experience.

The skills that are a must on a PwC resume

Your job at PwC might require you to be a leader at one point. Before you get there, however, there are some skills you have to mention. Consultants are regularly exposed to high-impact situations that require critical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication. Your skills section not only describes you in a few words but also shows your ability to proliferate the company’s values through these exact skills.

Try to prove in all resume sections that you’re indeed a team worker, an empathetic individual, or an analytical leader. Otherwise, you’ll lose credibility, and the recruiter is less likely to believe in you and your intentions.

Here’s a basic list of soft skills you might want to include in your resume:

When it comes to hard skills, they’re equally important for your resume as PwC operates in industries that require specific technical knowledge and expertise. Moreover, hard skills, particularly in data analysis and technology, enable employees to develop innovative solutions and solve complex problems, aligning with PwC’s commitment to delivering cutting-edge services to clients.

Consider showcasing your tech skills in a dedicated section on your resume, or integrate them into your experience entries to save space.

Finally, ensure that you only list skills that you have practical experience with and that align with the specific job requirements.

How to list your education and certifications on a PwC resume

The education section shows recruiters some foundational elements required for the position of principal consultant. It should be simple, clear, and irrefutable. It needs to include:

• Degree title
• Name of institution
• Dates of attendance and location
• (Optional) Up to 3 bullets describing your most relevant achievements, coursework, or honors

A certifications section is a great way to prove your ambition and motivation to grow. Trust us, PwC recruiters will value that you went the extra mile to earn one.

These are some examples of certificates that would be useful for consultants and auditors.

Now that we've gone through the essential sections for your PwC resume, let's move on to writing your professional summary. This part does exactly what the name suggests—it concisely and compellingly summarizes your strengths and achievements.

How to write your PwC resume summary or objective

Arguably, your resume summary may be the only section recruiters read thoroughly. Given that most spend about 7 seconds reviewing a resume, it’s crucial to write a short yet impactful summary to make the most of this brief window.

A good summary should follow these 4 principles:

• Relevance: Your summary should be tailored to the specific job application, capturing your most relevant qualifications for the position within 3-5 sentences.
• Customization: Craft your summary as if responding to a recruiter from PwC asking, "How can you help us succeed?"
• Key skills: Prioritize skills and achievements that are directly relevant to the job you're applying for.
• Keywords for SEO optimization: A careful review of the job listing will reveal the keywords you should incorporate into your resume, helping you pass ATS screenings.

Here’s an example summary for a real-life PLS compliance risk manager job post.

Unlike the summary, objective statements are best suited for candidates with less than 3 years of experience and focus on the candidate’s aspirations and potential. We always recommend that entry-level applicants or interns use a resume objective as it can capture a recruiter’s attention in less than 3 sentences.

Look at an example of a resume objective done right.

Notice how both the summary and the objective utilize strong adjectives and power verbs while avoiding personal pronouns. This approach significantly enhances the professional image of the candidates.

Additional sections for a PwC resume

For a resume tailored to PwC, considering the firm's focus on expertise and comprehensive client solutions, adding specific sections could strengthen your application. Here are a few suggestions:

• Publications and presentations: If you have relevant scholarly work, articles, or presentations at conferences, this section can showcase your thought leadership and expertise in your field.
• Awards and honors: Highlighting awards or recognitions received for your work or academic achievements can set you apart from other candidates by showing excellence in your endeavors.
• Continuing education: This section can be used to demonstrate your initiative to stay current in your field. List additional coursework or seminars that are relevant to the consulting and finance industries.
• Projects: Detailing significant projects you've led or contributed to, especially those relevant to consulting or the services PwC offers, can showcase your hands-on experience and direct outcomes of your efforts.
• Languages: Proficiency in multiple languages can be a valuable asset in global firms like PwC, showing your ability to communicate with diverse client bases and work in multinational teams.

These sections can provide a more holistic view of your qualifications and suitability for a role at PwC.

Next, take a look at how an achievements section can enhance your resume. It's another opportunity to spotlight your quantifiable accomplishments.

How to list achievements on your resume

If you happen to be a professional with years of experience in the field, you have doubtlessly received many recognitions and acknowledgments in the industry. Your goal here is to show recruiters how exactly you’ve made a difference.

Imagine the following entry in your achievements section: “Recognized by the CPR of ERM as the top %1 company talent because of the programs I deliver to 7+ teams.”

This simple sentence has got the eyes of the recruiters now glued to your resume.

Naturally, don’t stray too far from the intended job offering for the particular position.

Key takeaways

As we wrap up this guide, it’s important to emphasize the strategic elements that will make your application at PwC stand out. By implementing the advice provided, you’re well on your way to securing a position at one of the world's top consulting firms.

Here are the key takeaways to keep in mind:

• Ensure your resume format is clear and professional, optimizing for both human and ATS readability.
• Tailor your resume to highlight experiences and skills that directly align with the job description at PwC, using keywords from the job post.
• Incorporate quantifiable achievements that demonstrate your impact and ability to deliver results.
• Focus on your professional summary or objective to make a strong first impression within the brief window a recruiter spends on each resume.
• Regularly update and adapt your resume to reflect the most current and relevant professional developments and educational achievements. Using Enhancv’s resume builder allows you to keep an updated resume at all times.