How to Make a Resume for a Job in Finance

How to Write a Finance Resume That Gets Interviews

Landing a finance job is tough. The competition is fierce. But a great resume can make all the difference. This guide will show you how to build one that gets you noticed.

Understanding the Finance Resume Game

Finance is all about numbers and accuracy. Your resume needs to show that. Forget fluffy words. Recruiters want proof. They scan resumes fast, hunting for concrete achievements. Use numbers to show what you've done.

Building a Winning Finance Resume: The Key Ingredients

1. Contact Info: Put your name, phone number, email, and LinkedIn link (if you have one) at the top. Keep it simple and professional.
2. Summary/Objective (Optional): A short summary of your skills and goals is helpful, especially if you have experience. New grads? An objective statement works better. Always tailor it to the job.
3. Skills Section: List your skills. Hard skills are things like financial modeling, Excel, QuickBooks, data analysis. Soft skills are things like teamwork and communication. Use words from the job description!
4. Experience Section: This is the most important part. List jobs in reverse order (newest first). For each job: company, title, dates, and a short description of your work and achievements. Use numbers! "Increased sales by 15%," for example. Start each bullet point with an action verb (managed, analyzed, etc.).
5. Education Section: List your degrees, GPA (if it's above 3.5), and any awards. Experienced pros can make this shorter.
6. Certifications (Optional): Include things like CFA, CPA, or CMA if you have them.

Tips for a Stellar Finance Resume

• Use Keywords: Look at job descriptions carefully. Use their words in your resume. This helps computer programs find your resume.
• Quantify Your Achievements: Use numbers. Instead of "Improved efficiency," say "Improved efficiency by 20%." Show your results.
• Tailor Your Resume: Change your resume for each job you apply for. Highlight the skills they need.
• Proofread! Typos are bad. Seriously. Check everything.
• Keep it Clean: Use a simple, easy-to-read template. No fancy stuff.
• One Page (Usually): Keep it short, especially if you're early in your career.
• Highlight Transferable Skills: Changing careers? Show how your skills apply to the new job.
• Showcase Tech Skills: Are you an Excel wizard? Mention specific functions (VBA, pivot tables, etc.).

Examples of Quantifiable Achievements

Here are some examples of how to show your achievements:

• Investment Banking Analyst: "Completed due diligence on 5 M&A deals, totaling $20 million."
• Financial Analyst: "Improved forecasting accuracy by 15% with a new financial model."
• Accounting Manager: "Reduced accounts payable processing time by 10% with a new automated system."
• Portfolio Manager: "Achieved a 12% average annual return on a $10 million portfolio."

Resume Writing for Different Finance Roles

Your resume changes depending on the job. Here are some examples:

Investment Banking Resume

Focus on financial modeling, valuation, due diligence, and presentations. Show your knowledge of M&A, IPOs, etc.

Financial Analyst Resume

Show your analytical skills. Mention experience with financial modeling, forecasting, budgeting, and reporting. Highlight your Excel skills.

Accounting Resume

Show your accounting knowledge, GAAP, and relevant software experience. Highlight accounts payable, receivable, etc.

Risk Management Resume

Focus on identifying and managing financial risks. Mention relevant frameworks and methodologies.

Using Your Resume for Career Growth

Your resume is your career marketing tool. Update it often. A good resume helps you get promotions and new opportunities. Consider a professional resume writer if you need help.

Conclusion: Making Your Finance Resume Shine

A great finance resume takes work. But by following these tips, you'll dramatically increase your chances of getting interviews. Remember: tailor it to each job, use numbers, and use keywords. A strong resume opens doors to amazing opportunities.

One last thing: always proofread!