Breaking into the finance industry can be a daunting task, especially for recent graduates or those with limited experience. However, with the right strategies, you can create a compelling CV that not only stands out to recruiters but also navigates through Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) effectively. This guide will walk you through the essential steps to perfect your ATS CV for entry-level roles in finance, ensuring your application gets noticed and propels you toward your dream job.

Understanding the Importance of ATS in Recruitment

Applicant Tracking Systems are utilised by many companies to manage the influx of job applications. These systems scan CVs for specific keywords, qualifications, and relevant experience, ranking them based on how well they match the job description. To succeed in getting past the ATS, you need to tailor your CV to align with these criteria.

Key Elements of an ATS-Optimised CV for Entry-Level Finance Roles

1. Use a Clear and Standard Format

What to Do:

• Stick to a simple, clean layout using standard fonts like Arial, Times New Roman, or Calibri.
• Use conventional section headings such as “Professional Experience,” “Education,” and “Skills.”
• Avoid using tables, graphics, and unconventional formats that can confuse the ATS.

Why It Matters:

ATS software can misinterpret complex formats, causing important information to be overlooked. A straightforward layout ensures your CV is parsed correctly.

2. Incorporate Relevant Keywords

What to Do:

• Analyse the job description for key terms and phrases.
• Include these keywords naturally throughout your CV, especially in the “Professional Experience” and “Skills” sections.
• Focus on industry-specific terms relevant to entry-level finance roles, such as “financial analysis,” “data entry,” and “account reconciliation.”

Why It Matters:

ATS systems prioritise CVs that closely match the job description. Using the right keywords increases your CV’s visibility and ranking.

3. Tailor Your CV for Each Application

What to Do:

• Customise your CV for each job application.
• Highlight the skills and experiences most relevant to the specific finance role you’re applying for.
• Mirror the language used in the job posting.

Why It Matters:

A tailored CV demonstrates your interest and suitability for the role, making it more likely to pass through ATS filters and impress recruiters.

Structuring Your CV for Entry-Level Finance Roles

Professional Experience

What to Do:

• Use bullet points to list job responsibilities and achievements.
• Begin each bullet point with a strong action verb (e.g., “Assisted,” “Prepared,” “Analysed”).
• Quantify your achievements with numbers and percentages where possible (e.g., “Assisted in preparing monthly financial reports for a client portfolio worth $1 million”).

Example:

Finance Intern

ABC Financial Services, New York, NY

June 2022 – August 2022

– Assisted in preparing monthly financial reports for a client portfolio worth $1 million.

– Conducted data entry and analysis to support financial planning and forecasting.

– Coordinated with team members to ensure accurate and timely account reconciliation.

Why It Matters:

Clear, concise bullet points make it easier for ATS software to parse your information. Quantifying your achievements demonstrates the impact of your work, making your CV more compelling.

Education and Certifications

What to Do:

• List your educational background, including degrees obtained, institutions attended, and graduation dates.
• Highlight relevant coursework, honours, or distinctions.
• Include any relevant certifications or training.

Example:

Education:

Bachelor of Science in Finance

University of California, Berkeley, CA

Graduated: May 2023

Certifications:

Bloomberg Market Concepts (BMC)

Financial Modeling & Valuation Analyst (FMVA)

Why It Matters:

Education and certifications are crucial in finance. Listing them clearly ensures the ATS can recognize your qualifications and match them to the job requirements.

Skills

What to Do:

• Create a dedicated skills section near the top of your CV.
• Include both hard skills (e.g., financial analysis, Excel proficiency) and soft skills (e.g., communication, teamwork).
• Use keywords from the job description.

Example:

Skills:

– Financial Analysis

– Data Entry

– Excel Proficiency

– Account Reconciliation

– Financial Reporting

– Effective Communication

– Teamwork

Why It Matters:

A skills section allows the ATS to quickly identify your core competencies. Including both technical and soft skills provides a well-rounded view of your abilities.

Additional Tips for an ATS-Friendly CV

Use Standard Section Headings

What to Do:

• Stick to conventional section headings like “Professional Experience,” “Education,” “Skills,” and “Certifications.”
• Avoid creative headings that might confuse the ATS.

Why It Matters:

Standard headings help ATS software categorise your information correctly, improving the chances of your CV being processed accurately.

Avoid Using Tables and Columns

What to Do:

• Use simple formatting without tables or multiple columns.
• Stick to a single-column layout for ease of parsing.

Why It Matters:

Tables and columns can cause parsing errors in ATS, leading to crucial information being missed. A single-column format is more ATS-friendly.

Save Your CV in the Right File Format

What to Do:

• Save your CV as a .docx or .pdf file.
• Check the job posting for any specific instructions regarding file format.

Why It Matters:

Some ATS systems prefer specific file formats. Ensuring your CV is in a compatible format prevents it from being rejected due to technical issues.

Proofread Thoroughly

What to Do:

• Use spell check and grammar check tools.
• Review your CV for any typos or formatting errors.
• Consider having a friend or mentor review it as well.

Why It Matters:

Even minor errors can impact the professionalism of your CV. A thoroughly proofread CV demonstrates attention to detail, a key skill in finance.

Transform Your CV into a Powerful Tool for Career Advancement

At Graduate Financial Recruitment, we offer expert advice and downloadable finance-specific CV templates to help you craft a standout CV. Whether you’re aiming for a role in investment banking, financial planning, or ESG analysis, our resources are designed to optimise your CV for success.

Expert CV Advice for Standing Out

• Access to downloadable, finance-specific CV templates.
• Optimise your CV for success in investment banking, financial planning, ESG analysis, and much more.
• Premium service for standout CVs in multiple remote and on-site roles.

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Final Thoughts

Breaking into the finance industry requires more than just submitting a CV; it requires a strategic approach to ensure your application stands out in a sea of candidates. By understanding how ATS works and tailoring your CV accordingly, you can significantly increase your chances of landing an entry-level finance role. Remember, the key is to keep your CV clear, keyword-rich, and tailored to each specific job application.