Welcome to the Graduate Financial Recruitment blog! If you’re a recent graduate or a young professional looking to break into the finance industry, you’ve probably heard about Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS). These systems are used by many companies to streamline the hiring process by scanning and sorting through the numerous CVs they receive. To ensure your CV doesn’t get lost in the shuffle, it’s crucial to optimise it for ATS. Here are our top strategies to make your finance CV stand out in an ATS.
Why ATS Optimization is Essential
Before diving into the strategies, let’s understand why optimising your CV for ATS is crucial. ATS software is designed to scan CVs for keywords, skills, and other criteria set by employers. If your CV isn’t formatted correctly or doesn’t include the right keywords, it may never reach a human recruiter. With an estimated 75% of recruiters using ATS, getting this right is essential.
1. Use a Simple and Clean Format
What to Do:
- Stick to standard fonts like Arial, Times New Roman, or Calibri.
- Use clear headings such as “Professional Experience,” “Education,” and “Skills.”
- Avoid complex formatting, images, or graphics.
Why It Matters:
ATS software often struggles with parsing complex formats. A simple, clean layout ensures that the ATS can easily read and understand your CV.
2. Incorporate Relevant Keywords
What to Do:
- Carefully read the job description and identify key terms and phrases.
- Include these keywords naturally throughout your CV.
- Focus on industry-specific terms relevant to the finance sector.
Why It Matters:
ATS systems use keywords to rank and filter CVs. By including relevant keywords, you increase the chances of your CV being flagged for review by a human recruiter.
3. Tailor Your CV for Each Job Application
What to Do:
- Customise your CV for each job you apply to.
- Highlight the skills and experiences most relevant to the specific role.
- Use the exact terminology from the job posting where appropriate.
Why It Matters:
A tailored CV shows that you’ve taken the time to understand the job and align your qualifications with the employer’s needs. This increases your chances of getting past the ATS and landing an interview.
4. Optimise Your Professional Experience Section
What to Do:
- Use bullet points to list your job responsibilities and achievements.
- Begin each bullet point with a strong action verb.
- Quantify your achievements with numbers and percentages where possible.
Example:
Financial Analyst
XYZ Corporation, New York, NY
June 2021 – Present
- Conducted financial analysis and risk assessments to support investment decisions.
- Improved portfolio performance by 20% through strategic investment recommendations.
- Developed financial models to forecast revenue growth and optimise budget allocations.
Why It Matters:
Clear, concise bullet points make it easier for ATS to parse your information. Quantifying your achievements demonstrates the impact of your work, making your CV more compelling.
5. Highlight Relevant Skills
What to Do:
- Create a dedicated skills section near the top of your CV.
- Include both hard skills (e.g., financial modelling, data analysis) and soft skills (e.g., communication, teamwork).
- Use keywords from the job description.
Example:
Skills:
- Financial Analysis
- Investment Strategies
- Risk Management
- Microsoft Excel
- Bloomberg Terminal
- Strong Analytical Skills
- Effective Communication
Why It Matters:
A skills section allows ATS to quickly identify your core competencies. Including both technical and soft skills gives a well-rounded view of your abilities.
6. Include Relevant Certifications and Education
What to Do:
- List your educational background, including degrees obtained, institutions attended, and graduation dates.
- Highlight relevant certifications such as CFA, CPA, or Series 7.
- Include any relevant coursework or honours.
Example:
Education:
Bachelor of Science in Finance
ABC University, Boston, MA
Graduated: May 2020
Certifications:
Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA)
CFA Institute, Obtained: June 2022
Why It Matters:
Education and certifications are critical for finance roles. Listing them clearly ensures ATS can recognize your qualifications and match them to the job requirements.
7. 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. This improves the chances of your CV being processed accurately.
8. 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.
9. 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.
10. 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.
Conclusion
Optimising your finance CV for ATS is a critical step in the job application process. By using a simple format, incorporating relevant keywords, tailoring your CV, and highlighting your skills and achievements, you can significantly increase your chances of getting noticed by recruiters.
