Crafting a resume in finance means balancing technical skills and experience with simplicity. This guide offers proven examples and strategic advice for job seekers, from entry-level to executive positions. Learn how to highlight your certifications, like CPA or CFA, and tailor your accomplishments for clear impact. Walk away with a strong, interview-worthy finance resume, built on insights from a hiring manager's perspective.
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Here's what we see in top finance resumes.
Numbers That Show Impact: You should use numbers to show how you make a difference. Include
Relevant Skills From The Job Description: Include skills you have that are also in the job description. Some important ones are
Trends In Finance Resumes: New trends include data-driven decision making. Show this with phrases like
When you create your finance resume, where you place your education can matter. If you are new to the field with little experience, put your education first on your resume. For example, list your degrees in finance or related fields at the top. This shows your foundation in finance principles.
However, if you have been working for some time or have significant financial experience, your work history should come first. This highlights your practical skills in financial roles. Always include any finance-related certifications or ongoing education to show you are keeping your knowledge current.
In finance, your ability to analyze data and make informed decisions is crucial. On your resume, provide examples of how you have used these skills. Include any financial reports you have prepared or contributed to, or any complex data you have analyzed that led to strong financial decisions.
Highlight any familiarity with finance-specific software or systems. This could include experience with accounting software or advanced proficiency in spreadsheet analysis, which are important in finance-related roles.
For jobs in finance, keeping your resume to one page is best if you have under 10 years of relevant experience. Be clear and concise with your skills and work history. Your resume should be like a balance sheet, capturing the most important information without clutter.
If you are applying for a senior financial role and have more extensive experience, using two pages is acceptable. Ensure every section, including your work in finance, shows value and relevance to the role you are applying for.
Finance is unique because of its strict regulatory environment. You should show your understanding of relevant laws and ethical standards. Mention any experience you have managing finances under specific regulations or any compliance projects you have been a part of.
Also include any certifications in financial regulation or related areas. This could be certifications like a Series 7 or a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license. Practical knowledge of regulations is indispensable in finance careers.
When you apply for finance roles, your resume might first be read by machines, not humans. These are called Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS). They scan your resume for keywords and phrases that match the job. To pass this first test, you need to know how it works.
Here are some tips:
When you apply for finance jobs, show the skills and experience you have that match what the role needs. This helps employers see you're a good fit. Focus on the specific tasks and tools you know that finance work often needs. Here's how you can do this:
Show the finance systems you're good at using, like
For jobs that need you to lead, talk about your experience with guiding teams. Say how many people were in your teams or if you gave talks to big bosses.
If you're coming from another job, find the tasks you did that are like what you'd do in finance. For example, if you managed a budget, even in a different job, that's important to mention.
When you craft your finance resume, it's important to focus on the hard skills that show your capability in financial analysis and management. These skills tell employers you have what it takes to handle the job.
You don't need to have every skill listed above, but include those that match your experience and the jobs you want. If you have worked with
Remember, focus on skills that are specific to finance. For example, knowing
When you list your past work, adding numbers can make a big difference. Numbers help hiring managers see the exact value you can bring. Here's how to do it in finance:
Think about the results of your work. Did you help your company grow? You might have numbers like 'Helped increase annual revenue by
Use these ideas to think about your own numbers. Even if you're not sure, try to estimate based on your past work. Good numbers on a resume help you stand out.