The CV is the first of many steps to break into banking. As one of the most competitive industries, IBD receives thousands of job applications for a few available spots on the team therefore there are plenty of motivations to make your CV stands out from the rest. Like with pitchbooks and marketing materials for banking, two key ingredients are top priorities: Content and Presentation.
#1 – One-Page CV
The job market is increasingly becoming competitive and the recruitment team has to shift through a huge volume of resumes. On average, a CV gets a 3-second look so make this window count.
#2 – Education Results
For an intern and up to junior positions, it is important to flex your academic credentials and any extra courses you have taken that are RELEVANT to the interested role. At a minimum, IBD looks at A-Level results (ABB) and undergraduate degrees so be sure to provide the results on the resume.
#3 – Work Experiences
The cream of the crop (if you are from a non-target school, pay close attention to this section of the CV) to get one foot in the door. It is hugely important to gain as many experiences as possible from shadowing a professional, networking, workshop to insight week. This shows you are committed to the industry and that you understand, at length, how banking and finance works.
#4 – Extra-Curricular Activities
This section is used to demonstrate the candidate’s initiative ability and teamwork, especially for students and interns. Any involvement in student societies or organisations i.e charitable projects are highly encouraged. Many banks and corporations play an active role in making their local community a better place so they look for this trait in new hires also.
#5 – Interests & Hobbies
Don’t underestimate the power of your hobby (ignore socialising at pubs and clubs) and the value it makes to the resume. The hiring team is interested to know what you do outside of work, your interests and how you spend your free time. This gives them an insight into you as an individual.
#6 – Presentation & Format
It is time to ditch a boring ‘standard’ format and introduce a modern yet professional look for your CV. Here I have curated a few examples of revised resume formats that are easy on the eyes and allows you to utilise all the space on an A4 page to give a full picture of yourself. This no doubt will help your CV stands out from the rest!
#7 – Attention To Details
Tripple checks and getting someone else to take a look over your CV is extremely important. Don’t claim you have an eye for details and then make mistakes on your CV – not a good look! Go line by line to make sure the full stop, dates, font, size are consistent throughout. It is easier said than done so if you need an extra pair of eyes to review your CV, I’m your go-to person!
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