Welcome to Graduate Financial Recruitment’s blog, where we empower Gen Z candidates to excel in the finance industry. Today, we’re diving into the essential elements of crafting a professional finance CV. Whether you’re targeting investment banking, financial planning, or ESG analysis, a well-structured and ATS-optimised CV is your ticket to standing out in a competitive job market.

Why Your CV Matters

Your CV is more than just a document—it’s your professional story. It reflects your qualifications, experience, and suitability for the roles you aim to secure. Given the increasing use of Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) by recruiters, ensuring your CV is both comprehensive and ATS-friendly is crucial. Let’s explore the key elements to include in your finance CV to make a powerful impression.

1. Contact Information

What to Include:

• Full Name: Make sure it’s prominent at the top.
• Phone Number: Use a professional voicemail greeting.
• Email Address: Preferably use an email that includes your name.
• LinkedIn Profile: Ensure your profile is up-to-date and matches your CV.
• Location: Just your city and state are sufficient.

Tips:

• Keep your contact information simple and uncluttered.
• Ensure your LinkedIn profile is professional and reflects your CV.

2. Professional Summary

What to Include:

• A brief, compelling summary that highlights your key qualifications, experience, and career objectives.
• Tailor this section to the specific role you’re applying for.

Example:

Dynamic financial analyst with over 3 years of experience in investment banking and financial modelling. Proven track record of improving portfolio performance by 15% annually. Seeking to leverage expertise in financial analysis and strategic planning to contribute to a leading financial institution.”

Tips:

• Focus on your unique selling points.
• Use strong, action-oriented language.

3. Core Competencies

What to Include:

A list of relevant skills and competencies using industry-specific keywords. Examples include:

•   Financial Analysis
•   Investment Strategies
•   Risk Management
•   Financial Reporting
•   Budgeting and Forecasting

Tips:

• Use bullet points for clarity.
• Match your competencies with the job description to increase ATS compatibility.

4. Professional Experience

What to Include:

• Job Title
• Company Name
• Location
• Dates of Employment
• Key Responsibilities and Achievements

Example:

Financial Analyst 

ABC Investments, New York, NY 

January 2020 – Present

• Conducted comprehensive financial analysis and risk assessment.
• Developed financial models to support investment decisions.
• Increased portfolio performance by 15% annually.

Tips:

• Use bullet points to describe your roles and accomplishments.
• Quantify achievements where possible to demonstrate impact.
• Start each bullet point with an action verb.

5. Education

What to Include:

• Degree(s) Obtained
• Institution Name
• Graduation Date
• Relevant Coursework or Honours

Example:

Bachelor of Science in Finance 

XYZ University, London 

Graduated: May 2020 

Relevant Coursework: Financial Markets, Investment Analysis, Corporate Finance

Tips:

• Include certifications and relevant coursework that align with the finance field.
• Mention any academic honours or notable achievements.

6. Certifications and Licences

What to Include:

• List relevant certifications such as CFA, CPA, Series 7, etc.
• Include the issuing organisation and the date obtained.

Example:

Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) 

CFA Institute, Obtained: June 2022

Tips:

• Ensure your certifications are current and relevant to the job you’re applying for.
• Highlight certifications prominently if they are critical for the role.

7. Technical Skills

What to Include:

Detail software and tools proficiency, such as:

•   Microsoft Excel
•   Bloomberg Terminal
•   Financial modelling software
•   SQL
•   Python for data analysis

Tips:

• List technical skills that are specifically mentioned in the job description.
• Be honest about your proficiency level.

8. Professional Affiliations

What to Include:

Membership in relevant professional organisations (e.g., CFA Institute, AICPA).

Example:

Member 

CFA Institute, 2020 – Present

Tips:

• Highlight any leadership roles or active participation.
• Include relevant industry groups or networking organisations.

9. Additional Sections (if applicable)

What to Include:

• Publications and Presentations
• Languages
• Volunteer Work
• Awards and Honors

Tips:

• Use additional sections to showcase unique aspects of your background.
• Ensure the information is relevant to the finance industry.

10. Formatting and ATS Considerations

What to Include:

• Use a clean, professional layout.
• Avoid complex formatting, images, or graphics that may not be ATS-friendly.
• Use standard section headings (e.g., “Professional Experience” instead of “Work History”).
• Incorporate keywords from the job description.

Tips:

• Stick to simple, readable fonts like Arial or Times New Roman.
• Use bold and italics sparingly to highlight key information.
• Save your CV as a .docx or .pdf file to ensure compatibility with most ATS.

Conclusion

Creating a professional finance CV is about more than listing your qualifications—it’s about presenting your experience and skills in a way that resonates with recruiters and ATS. By following these guidelines, you’ll craft a CV that not only highlights your strengths but also passes the rigorous screening processes of today’s recruitment systems.

Expert CV Advice for Standing Out

At Graduate Financial Recruitment, we provide access to downloadable, finance-specific CV templates designed to optimise your CV for success in various financial roles. Whether you aim to excel in investment banking, financial planning, or ESG analysis, our templates and expert advice will help you create a standout CV.

Transform Your Resume into a Powerful Tool for Career Advancement with Our Expert Guidance.

• 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

Crafting a professional finance CV requires attention to detail and an understanding of what recruiters and ATS look for. By following these guidelines, you’ll be well on your way to creating a compelling CV that opens doors to exciting opportunities in the finance sector.

For more expert CV advice and personalised career guidance, contact us at Graduate Financial Recruitment. We’re here to help you navigate the path to a successful career in finance.