Breaking into the world of investment banking is no small feat. With intense competition and high expectations, your CV needs to do more than just list your qualifications—it needs to tell a compelling story about why you’re the perfect fit for the role. Think of your CV as your first interview; it’s your chance to make a powerful first impression and stand out in a sea of candidates.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the essential sections of an investment banking CV, offering practical tips and insights to help you craft a document that not only captures attention but also keeps it. Whether you’re a recent graduate looking to land your first role or an experienced professional aiming to move up the ladder, this guide will help you create a CV that opens doors to the opportunities you’re striving for.
Table of contents
- The Ideal Structure of an Investment Banking CV
- Crafting a Strong Work Experience Section
- Skills, Activities, and Interests
- Formatting Your Investment Banking CV
- Additional Tips for an Impressive Investment Banking CV
- FAQs
The Ideal Structure of an Investment Banking CV
Header: First Impressions Matter
Your CV header is the first thing a recruiter will see, so it’s crucial to get it right. This section should be simple and to the point. Include your full name, phone number, email address, and a link to your LinkedIn profile. If you have a professional portfolio or website showcasing your work, include that too. Avoid adding photos unless it’s common practice in your country (like in some European countries). In places like the UK or the US, it’s generally better to skip the photo.
Professional Summary or Objective: Your Elevator Pitch
Think of this section as your elevator pitch. It’s a short, sharp summary of who you are and what you bring to the table. If you’ve been in the game for a while, go with a professional summary—this is where you highlight your key achievements and experiences. For example, “Experienced Investment Banking Analyst with a strong track record in M&A transactions and financial modelling, eager to leverage skills in a dynamic team at XYZ Bank.”
If you’re newer to the field, or if you’re changing careers, an objective might be better. This focuses on what you’re looking to achieve. For instance, “Recent finance graduate with top honours, seeking to apply analytical skills and financial knowledge in an entry-level investment banking role.”
Education: Showcase Your Academic Journey
Your education is a cornerstone of your CV, especially if you’re early in your career. List your degrees in reverse chronological order, starting with the most recent. Be sure to include your GPA, relevant coursework, and any certifications that relate to investment banking. If you’ve attended a prestigious university or completed a specialized finance program, don’t be shy—highlight it!
For example, you might write:
- University of Warwick, BSc in Economics, First Class Honors, 2017-2020
- Relevant coursework: Corporate Finance, Financial Markets, Quantitative Methods
If you earned honours or took part in relevant extracurricular activities, mention those too. Did you lead your university’s finance club or compete in an international business case competition? Include that here—it shows leadership and initiative.
Crafting a Strong Work Experience Section
Highlighting Relevant Experience: Make Every Bullet Point Count
Your work experience section is where you prove that you have what it takes to succeed in investment banking. Focus on internships, part-time jobs, and leadership roles that are directly relevant. The key here is relevance—bankers don’t have time to sift through unrelated experience.
When describing your roles, use the project-centric or task-centric model. In the project-centric model, you list specific projects you worked on, like, “Assisted in the valuation of a $200 million pharmaceutical merger,” and then explain what you did and the impact it had. In the task-centric model, focus more on the tasks you performed regularly, such as, “Conducted market research and financial analysis for potential acquisition targets, contributing to the strategic decision-making process.”
Quantifying Achievements: Numbers Speak Louder Than Words
One of the best ways to make your experience pop is by quantifying your achievements. Numbers give your work context and show the impact you’ve made. Instead of just saying, “Developed financial models,” you could say, “Developed financial models that helped increase portfolio value by 15% over six months.”
This not only highlights your technical skills but also shows that you can deliver real results. Other examples might include, “Reduced due diligence process time by 20% through streamlined research techniques,” or, “Supported the successful completion of a $500 million IPO.”
Emphasizing Leadership and Teamwork: Collaboration is Key
Investment banking is not a solo sport. It’s all about teamwork and leadership. Whether you’re leading a project or contributing to a team, these are qualities that recruiters want to see.
Think about any leadership roles you’ve taken on, even if they weren’t in a professional setting. Maybe you were the captain of your university debate team, or perhaps you led a group project during an internship. For example, “Led a team of four analysts in conducting due diligence for a cross-border acquisition, ensuring all deliverables were met ahead of schedule.”
Skills, Activities, and Interests
Key Skills for Investment Banking: Show What You’ve Got
The skills section of your CV is where you can really shine. This is your chance to showcase both your technical expertise and your soft skills. For investment banking, hard skills like financial modelling, valuation techniques, and proficiency with tools like Excel, Bloomberg, and Capital IQ are non-negotiable. Make sure these are front and centre.
But don’t forget about soft skills—these are just as important. Analytical thinking, problem-solving, attention to detail, and the ability to work under pressure are all critical in investment banking. You might include skills like, “Strong analytical skills demonstrated through advanced financial modelling and valuation techniques,” or, “Excellent communication skills, honed through presenting complex financial information to clients.”
Activities and Interests: Let Your Personality Shine
This section might seem less important, but it can actually make a big difference. It’s an opportunity to show that you’re a well-rounded person with interests outside of work—something that can make you more memorable to recruiters.
Focus on activities that demonstrate leadership, teamwork, or other relevant skills. For instance, “Competed in the New York City Marathon, demonstrating discipline and commitment,” or, “Volunteer financial advisor for a local non-profit, providing free budgeting workshops.” Avoid generic interests like “reading” or “traveling,” unless you can tie them to specific, impressive experiences.
Formatting Your Investment Banking CV
CV Length and Layout: Keep It Clean and Professional
When it comes to CV length, the golden rule is to keep it concise. Ideally, your CV should be no longer than two pages—one page if you’re just starting out. Use plenty of white space to make your CV easy to read, and stick to standard margins. Choose a clean, professional font like Arial or Times New Roman, and make sure your headings are clear and well-organized.
Making Your CV ATS-Friendly: Beat the Bots
Before your CV ever reaches a human recruiter, it might need to pass through an Applicant Tracking System (ATS). This software scans your CV for keywords and relevant information, so you’ll need to make sure it’s formatted correctly to get through.
Here’s how:
- Use a simple, ATS-friendly font.
- Avoid using tables, images, or complex formatting that might confuse the software.
- Incorporate keywords from the job description naturally throughout your CV. If the job ad mentions “financial modelling” multiple times, be sure that phrase appears in your CV.
Additional Tips for an Impressive Investment Banking CV
Customizing Your CV for Different Roles: One Size Doesn’t Fit All
Investment banking is a broad field, and each role within it may require different skills and experiences. Tailoring your CV to the specific role you’re applying for is crucial. If you’re aiming for an M&A advisory role, highlight your experience with mergers and acquisitions. If it’s a role in equity research, focus on your analytical skills and your ability to interpret complex financial data.
For instance, “Tailored financial models to support M&A transactions worth over $300 million,” or “Conducted detailed equity research that contributed to a 25% increase in client investment.”
Networking and References: Leveraging Connections
Networking is a huge part of building a successful career in investment banking. If you have connections in the industry, don’t be afraid to mention them, as long as it’s appropriate. A well-placed referral can sometimes be the difference between getting an interview and being overlooked.
As for references, while you don’t need to include them on your CV, it’s a good idea to have a few ready to go in case they’re requested. Choose people who can speak to your skills and work ethic—former employers, professors, or colleagues are all good choices.
FAQs
- How long should my investment banking CV be?
- Ideally, your investment banking CV should be one to two pages long. Focus on concise and impactful content that highlights your key qualifications.
- Should I include a photo on my investment banking CV?
- In most regions, it’s advised not to include a photo unless specifically requested by the employer. Focus on presenting your skills and experience through well-crafted content.
- How important is networking in the investment banking industry?
- Networking is crucial in investment banking. Building relationships with professionals in the field can provide valuable opportunities for career advancement and job referrals.
- What are the most important skills to highlight on an investment banking CV?
- Key skills include financial modelling, analytical thinking, teamwork, and proficiency with financial tools like Excel and Bloomberg.
- How can I make my CV stand out in a competitive field?
- Tailor your CV to each specific role, use quantifiable achievements, and ensure it’s formatted to pass ATS screenings. Highlight both hard and soft skills, and don’t forget to show your personality through your activities and interests section.
Creating a strong investment banking CV is about more than just listing your experience; it’s about telling a story of your qualifications in a way that stands out. Focus on the key sections—header, professional summary, education, work experience, skills, and formatting—to build a CV that captures attention and helps you land that interview. Remember, your CV is a living document—keep refining it as you gain more experience and clarity on your career goals.
