How to Write a Great Resume for a Job in Finance

How to Write a Finance Resume That Gets Interviews

Landing a finance job is tough. Competition is fierce. But a great resume can make all the difference. This guide will help you build one that grabs attention.

1. Picking the Right Resume Format

For most finance jobs, a chronological resume works best. It shows your work history in order, highlighting your career growth. This is great for showing a steady path in finance. But, if you have gaps in your work history or are changing careers, a functional or combination resume might be better. Think about what best suits your situation.

2. A Killer Summary or Objective Statement

Your summary or objective is the first thing recruiters see. Make it count! A summary is perfect if you have experience. Just highlight your best achievements. An objective is better for entry-level or career-changers. Clearly state your goals. Keep it short, powerful, and full of keywords.

3. Show Off Your Skills and Experience

The "Experience" section is key. Use the STAR method for each role: Situation, Task, Action, Result. Use numbers to show your impact. Instead of "Improved efficiency," say "Improved efficiency by 15%, saving $50,000." That’s impressive!

• Focus on what matters: Highlight skills like financial modeling, budgeting, and analysis. Match the job description.
• Use strong verbs: Start each bullet point with a powerful verb like "managed," "analyzed," or "optimized."
• Results, results, results: Show what you accomplished, not just what you did.

4. Your Education and Certifications

List your degrees, majors, university, graduation date, and GPA (if it's above 3.5). Include any finance certifications like a CFA or CPA. This adds credibility and shows your background.

5. Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS)

Many companies use ATS to scan resumes for keywords. So, use keywords from the job description naturally. Don't just stuff them in – it looks bad!

6. Tailor Your Resume

Generic resumes are boring. Customize each resume to the specific job. Review the job description carefully and highlight the skills they want. Show you care!

7. Proofread and Format

Before sending, carefully check for errors. Typos show you lack attention to detail – not good in finance! Use a professional font like Times New Roman or Arial. Keep it clean and easy to read. One page is usually enough.

8. Build Your Online Presence

A strong LinkedIn profile helps. Highlight your skills and connect with recruiters. It makes you more visible to potential employers.

9. Get Feedback

Ask a friend, mentor, or career counselor to look it over. They can offer valuable suggestions. Revising is key to a great resume!

10. Resume Writing Services (Optional)

If you're stuck, consider a professional resume writer. But research and choose wisely!

Keywords for Your Resume:

Here are some keywords to consider (use the ones that fit your experience):

• Financial Analyst
• Financial Modeling
• Budgeting
• Forecasting
• Financial Reporting
• Investment Banking
• Portfolio Management
• Risk Management
• Accounting
• Auditing
• Corporate Finance
• Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A)
• Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A)
• Valuation
• Due Diligence
• Data Analysis
• Excel
• Bloomberg Terminal
• Capital Markets
• CFA
• CPA

Writing a great resume takes time. But by following these tips and tailoring your resume to each job, you'll significantly improve your chances of getting that interview!