About this template
The Strategy Matrix template is a professional CV engineered to signal immediate familiarity with BCG frameworks. Its 2×2 header matrix (Stars, Question Marks, Cash Cows, Dogs), quadrant-coded section markers and structured strategic register read as a self-positioning statement. The format clears the proprietary ATS pipelines used by BCG, Roland Berger, Oliver Wyman, Kearney, McKinsey and the in-house strategy teams of Fortune 500 corporations (ExxonMobil Strategy, P&G Strategy, GE Strategy & Corporate Development).
Who is it for?
It suits strategy consultants at BCG and tier-2 strategy houses, corporate strategy directors and heads of corporate development at Fortune 500 multinationals, Heads of Strategy at PE-backed mid-caps, and post-MBA hires from Wharton, Harvard, Stanford GSB, Booth and INSEAD who target roles where the framework is the deliverable. Equally adapted to operators transitioning from MBB into industry as Chief of Staff or VP Strategy.
How to use it
Four blocks structure the document — Self-positioning matrix (4 quadrants with 2-3 engagements per quadrant), Cases led (by sector and engagement type), Methodological skills (Porter, McKinsey 7S, value-based pricing, war gaming, value tree analysis), Education. For each engagement positioned in « Star », quantify impact in pts of margin or in $m of revenue generated. Avoid saturating the Stars quadrant: a credible senior consultant acknowledges 2-3 flagship engagements maximum, never 8. Long-tail: « BCG consultant CV », « strategy director resume template », « post-MBA strategy CV », « VP Strategy Fortune 500 CV », « McKinsey associate resume ».
Frequently asked questions
How do I self-position engagements without slipping into self-celebration?
Stay sober: 2-3 engagements per quadrant, never more than 8 entries in the matrix overall. Reserve the Stars quadrant for engagements with measured high impact (> 5 pts of margin or > $50m revenue generated). The Question Marks quadrant should own explicit incubating bets, not failed projects in disguise. A BCG partner immediately spots a candidate who cannot acknowledge their own uncertainties.
Does the template work for a Bain or McKinsey application?
Bain accepts the format but prefers classic serif CVs with no visible framework — Bain culture favours visual modesty. For McKinsey it performs particularly well for Senior Associate to Engagement Manager profiles claiming a pure strategy orientation. For BCG it is the native format: the 2×2 matrix has been the firm's visual signature since 1973 (Bruce Henderson).
Should I cite the frameworks used in each engagement?
Yes, but sparingly. Cite one framework per engagement maximum, and prefer methodologies actually applied (Porter Five Forces, value tree analysis, war gaming, Net Promoter System®). Avoid decorative lists (« design thinking + lean + agile + scrum »). Strategy-house partners instantly distinguish a candidate who has truly run a war game from one who has only heard about it in training.
