Writing a CV or resume for an investment banking position can be challenging, yet it’s crucial for securing your dream job in the finance sector. This article is designed to guide you through the process of crafting an effective investment banker CV or resume. We will provide clear, step-by-step instructions on how to highlight your skills, experiences, and accomplishments in a way that resonates with hiring managers in the financial industry. Additionally, we will include practical examples to illustrate how these concepts can be applied in real-world scenarios.
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.
Investment Banker Job Description Example
Investment Banker Position
About the Role:
We are seeking a dynamic and results-driven Investment Banker to join our team. In this role, you will be responsible for delivering strategic advice and solutions to our clients, including mergers and acquisitions, capital raising, and other financial services. You will work closely with clients to understand their financial needs and goals, and develop tailored strategies to help them achieve their objectives.
Key Responsibilities:
- Conduct in-depth financial analysis and modeling to evaluate the financial performance of companies and industries.
- Develop and present pitch books and financial proposals to clients and potential investors.
- Lead and coordinate the execution of M&A transactions, IPOs, and other capital raising activities.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, offering continuous financial advice and support.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure seamless transaction execution.
- Stay abreast of market trends, regulatory changes, and competitive landscape to provide informed recommendations.
- Contribute to the firm’s business development efforts by identifying new client opportunities and participating in industry events.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Economics, or related field; advanced degree or certification (e.g., MBA, CFA) preferred.
- Proven experience in investment banking, financial advisory, or related field.
- Strong understanding of financial modeling, valuation techniques, and financial statement analysis.
- Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to articulate complex financial concepts clearly.
- Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
- High level of professionalism and ethical standards.
- Ability to work collaboratively in a team setting and build effective relationships at all levels.
What We Offer:
- A challenging and rewarding career in a dynamic and competitive industry.
- Opportunities for professional growth and development.
- Exposure to a wide range of financial transactions and top-tier clients.
- A collaborative and supportive work environment.
- Competitive compensation and benefits package.
We are committed to fostering a culture of excellence and inclusivity. We encourage professionals from all backgrounds to apply, as we value diversity of thought and experience in our team.
If you are passionate about investment banking and looking to take your career to the next level, we would like to hear from you. Join us and be a part of a team that shapes the financial landscape.
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.
Investment Banker Professional Summary Example
- With over 10 years of experience in investment banking, holding an MBA from Harvard Business School, and a CFA charterholder; expertise in mergers and acquisitions, capital market transactions, and financial restructuring. Proficient in financial modeling using Excel and Bloomberg Terminal, adept in creating pitch decks and leading due diligence processes.
- Successfully led a high-profile merger between two leading tech companies, valued at $5 billion, overseeing all aspects of deal structuring, negotiations, and regulatory compliance, resulting in a 20% increase in market share for the client.
- Recently managed a portfolio of corporate clients, focusing on developing tailored financial solutions, including IPOs and private equity funding, leveraging in-depth market analysis and trend forecasting to maximize client wealth and satisfaction.
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 describing your job responsibilities on your CV, focus on highlighting your accomplishments, not just listing your duties. For example, rather than simply stating “Managed financial portfolios,” you could say, “Effectively managed financial portfolios totaling $10 million, consistently outperforming market benchmarks by 15%.” This approach shows you not only handled portfolio management but also excelled in growing investments significantly. It’s a way to demonstrate your skills and success in a real-world context, making your experience more impressive and relevant to a potential employer in investment banking.
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.
Investment Banker CV Tips – Recap
Let’s recap what we’ve discussed so far:
Tailor Your CV to the Role
Make sure your CV specifically addresses the requirements of the investment banking role you’re applying for. Highlight relevant skills and experiences.
Quantify Your Achievements
Use numbers and percentages to make your accomplishments stand out. For example, “Increased client portfolio value by 20% over two years.”
Showcase Relevant Skills
Emphasize skills critical in investment banking, like financial modeling, risk analysis, and client management.
Professional Summary
Start with a strong summary that outlines your experience, key skills, and career goals.
Relevant Education and Certifications
Include your degree, relevant courses, and any certifications like CFA or MBA, especially if they are prerequisites in the field.
Use a Clear, Professional Layout
Ensure your CV is easy to read with a clean, professional format. Use headings and bullet points for clarity.
Highlight Key Projects
Detail key projects or deals you’ve worked on, explaining your role and the project’s outcome.
Industry Keywords
Incorporate industry-specific keywords that are commonly used in investment banking job descriptions.
Proofread
🔍 Double-check for spelling and grammar errors. A polished CV reflects attention to detail.
Update Regularly
Keep your CV updated with your latest achievements and roles in the industry.
Investment Banker 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.