In the competitive world of risk management, your CV or resume is often your first chance to make an impression. It’s the bridge between you and your dream job. But how do you craft a document that not only showcases your skills but also stands out from the stack? Whether you’re starting from scratch or looking to refine your existing CV, this guide will walk you through the essentials of creating a compelling Risk Manager CV. Plus, we’ll sprinkle in some real-world examples to inspire and guide you. Let’s dive in!
Contents
Read the job description / advert
The first step is, of course, to read the job description. We need to know what the firm is looking for so that we can properly highlight these characteristics in our CV. So read back over the job description and try to pinpoint the important points. A lot of times a firm will call things “required”; if you see this, you need to make sure you include that in your CV. Similarly, if certain things are repeated throughout the advert, this indicates they are of high importance, so we will want to make sure our CV shows that as well.
When performing this analysis, take care to copy the ‘exact’ words and phrases that are being used by the hiring manager. We will want to pepper these into our CV later.
Risk Manager Job Description Example
Risk Manager Wanted!
Join our dynamic team and play a pivotal role in shaping the future of our company’s risk management strategies. We are seeking a seasoned Risk Manager who is passionate about identifying potential threats, creating proactive plans, and ensuring the company’s operations are risk-resistant.
Job Description:
Key Responsibilities:
- Develop and implement the company’s risk management strategy, ensuring alignment with overall business objectives.
- Lead risk assessments, identifying potential threats and vulnerabilities to the company’s operations, assets, and employees.
- Collaborate with various departments to integrate risk management practices into daily operations and strategic planning.
- Design and maintain processes to monitor compliance with risk policies and regulations.
- Provide training and guidance to staff on risk management best practices.
- Prepare and present risk reports and updates to senior management, highlighting potential vulnerabilities and recommending mitigation strategies.
- Stay updated with industry trends, regulatory changes, and best practices in risk management to ensure the company’s readiness and compliance.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Business, or related field. A Master’s degree or relevant certification will be an added advantage.
- Minimum of 5 years of experience in risk management or a related role.
- Strong analytical, organizational, and decision-making skills.
- Proficiency in risk assessment and risk management software tools.
- Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
- Ability to work collaboratively across various departments and lead teams.
Benefits:
- Competitive compensation package, commensurate with experience.
- Comprehensive health and wellness benefits.
- Opportunity for professional growth and development.
- Engaging work environment with a focus on work-life balance.
If you’re a proactive thinker with a knack for anticipating challenges and devising effective solutions, we’d love to hear from you. Join us and be a part of a team that values innovation, integrity, and excellence.
Research The Company
Time to put on your detective hat and do some research on your target company. Look at their website, LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, and other platforms. You are looking for any piece of intel that will give you the leg up.
- Find out about recent work/projects they have undertaken or will be embarking on (highlight your experience in these areas on your CV)
- Find out what software/processes they use and make sure you include your proficiency in them in your CV
- Learn what interview questions you might expect should you make it that far
See if you know anyone who works there and/or connect (LinkedIn) with people ahead of the interview. A little nepotism could never hurt, and you might be able to glean more information about the role/hiring process in the meantime.
Find a Good CV Template
When selecting a CV template, it’s essential to opt for a simple design and structure. Not only are straightforward layouts more compatible with Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS), but they also make it easier for recruiters and hiring managers to quickly identify and understand key details. A clutter-free and organized CV ensures that your most important information stands out, facilitating a smoother review process for potential employers.
This is the CV template that we recommend (click here)
Write 2 or 3 Bullet Points as a ‘Professional Summary’
A handy approach is to craft three sentences: the first highlighting your qualifications and experience, the second showcasing your biggest professional achievement, and the third detailing your most recent experience.
Risk Manager Professional Summary Example
- With over 10 years of experience in risk management, complemented by a Master’s degree in Financial Risk Management and a Certified Risk Manager (CRM) designation, expertise in identifying, analyzing, and mitigating potential risks has been honed to perfection.
- Instrumental in leading a transformative initiative at a major financial institution, resulting in a 30% reduction in operational risks and savings of over $5 million within a single fiscal year.
- Recently directed a team of 15 risk analysts at Global Finance Corp, implementing advanced risk assessment tools and strategies that enhanced operational efficiency by 40% and fortified the company’s risk resilience.
Detail your employment history
Begin by listing your employment history in reverse chronological order, starting with your most recent role. This allows potential employers to see your recent experience upfront, which holds greater value. Keep in mind that brevity is key.
As you go further back in time, reduce the level of detail to ensure your CV doesn’t exceed two pages. Employers are less likely to read lengthy CVs.
When noting down your responsibilities on your CV, don’t just jot down routine tasks. Instead, frame them in a way that highlights your accomplishments. For instance, rather than writing “Oversaw risk assessments,” you could say “Led risk assessments that identified and mitigated potential losses, saving the company over $2 million annually.” This approach not only shows you managed risk assessments but also emphasizes your contribution to the company’s financial health. Remember, it’s about showcasing your impact and value as a Risk Manager.
Detail your education history
Keep your CV concise, aiming for a two-page limit. The education section can often be streamlined.
Highlight the most relevant qualifications. For instance, if you have a degree, your A-levels become less significant. Similarly, if you’re in the U.S., having an MBA overshadows your high school GPA.
Unless an older educational milestone is crucial for the job or highly pertinent, focus on showcasing your Bachelor’s degree, post-graduate studies, or professional certifications. If you lack these, mention your latest qualifications. Remember, having a Master’s suggests you’ve finished school, so no need to state the obvious. Only include your educational background if it’s pertinent to the job.
CV Structure
Tactically structure your CV to the ‘most wanted’ attributes of the job description. For example, if the job description values “qualified”, then place your qualifications first; if they want someone with RECENT experience, put your last job up top. If they want multiple years of experience, highlight your tenure.
We always recommend that you have a Professional Summary up top (after your name/contact info), as it will be the first thing that anyone reads. As discussed earlier, this should be tailored towards the job advert and showcase your experience and skills in what the employer is looking for.
A fairly typical structure would go:
- Name and contact info
- Professional Summary
- Current (or most recent employment)
- Education & Professional Qualifications
- Employment History
WHAT NOT TO DO
Now that we’ve discussed what you should be including in your CV, let’s look at some things that you should avoid doing.
- Do not include personal history or likes. Employers are not going to care about your hobbies, so unless you have some inside information that the hiring manager only hires people who play a particular sport, for example, then leave your extracurricular activities off your CV. This does not extend to things like volunteer or charity work. Definitely include that if you have the space.
- Do not list your skillset and the tools/applications you have experience with. It takes up valuable space and is often obvious (Skilled in Excel…?). Instead, include these in your achievements section (Example: “Used Asana to manage and coordinate tasks for a remote team of 25 members”).
- Do not include references or “references available on request”. If employers want a reference, they will ask you for them; otherwise, this is just wasted space on your CV.
- Do not include a photo of yourself unless specifically asked. In many countries, including the UK and US, you should not include a photo of yourself on your CV/resume. Companies don’t want you to do it, as it opens them up to liability, and there is absolutely nothing for you to gain by doing so – plus, you are making it easier for firms to discriminate against you, either implicitly or explicitly.
- Do not use any fancy graphic or artistic CV format. Most CVs come in a standard format, allowing Application Tracking Software, recruiters and hiring managers to easily pick out the key pieces of information they need quickly based on their experience. If you throw them a CV in an artistic format, they are more likely to get annoyed and throw your application away. This is not a situation where standing out is good. You want your skills/experience to be noted, not your CV format.
- Do not include your previous salaries. This will severely impact your negotiation abilities down the line.
Risk Manager CV Tips – Recap
1. Tailor Your CV to the Role ?
Every risk management position might have its unique requirements. Ensure your CV is tailored to highlight the skills and experiences most relevant to the specific role you’re applying for.
2. Quantify Your Achievements ?
Instead of just listing responsibilities, showcase your accomplishments with numbers. For instance, “Reduced operational risks by 25%, saving the company $1.5 million annually.”
3. Highlight Relevant Certifications ?
Risk management often requires specialized knowledge. Mention any relevant certifications, such as Certified Risk Manager (CRM) or Financial Risk Manager (FRM).
4. Use Action Words ?
Begin bullet points with strong action verbs like “implemented,” “directed,” or “achieved” to make your contributions stand out.
5. Keep It Concise ✂️
While it’s essential to include all relevant information, be concise. Aim for a CV that’s no longer than two pages.
6. Showcase Soft Skills ?
Risk management isn’t just about analysis; it’s also about communication, teamwork, and leadership. Highlight soft skills that make you a well-rounded candidate.
7. Stay Updated with Industry Trends ?
Mention any recent training or courses you’ve taken. This shows potential employers that you’re proactive about staying updated in the ever-evolving field of risk management.
8. Proofread Thoroughly ?
Ensure your CV is free from typos or grammatical errors. A polished CV reflects professionalism and attention to detail.
9. Use a Clean Layout ?
A well-organized CV with clear headings, bullet points, and consistent formatting makes it easier for hiring managers to spot key details.
10. Highlight Technological Proficiency ?
Risk management often involves using specialized software. List any tools or platforms you’re familiar with, such as risk assessment or data analysis software.
Risk Manager CV Sample
Below is an example CV from someone with a number of years experience in the field. For an editable .DOCX version, click here.
