There are different types of elements to emphasise when making a resumé depending on the field you want to work in. Recruiters in finance are especially looking for professionalism and formalism.
How to make a difference when looking for a first job in finance? By making a resumé with meticulously chosen elements and keywords that will catch the recruiters’ attention.
Adapt Your Resumé To The Branch Of Finance You Want To Work In
There are many fields of expertise in finance, and your resumé must reflect the branch you are applying to. While that might seem obvious that you won’t put the same keywords on your resumé for a job in trading than a job in private equity, recruiters have noticed that candidates don’t always make the effort.
Adapting your resumé will not only prove that you have the required skills for the specific branch you are applying for, but it will also show the recruiters that you have a perfect understanding of the profession and that you are motivated enough to take the time to personalise your resumé.
For example, in trading, recruiters are looking for good mathematicians. Having a double degree in Management and Engineering represents a real advantage to be recruited in this branch of finance. In M&A (mergers and acquisitions), having worked in audit for big firms during your studies is a huge plus. Finally, speaking at least one foreign language is always an important skill to put on a resumé. When studying a language, put the priority on learning the terms related to finance.
Add As Much Details As Possible Regarding Your Professional Experiences
When applying for a first job after graduating from a Business School, most candidates have roughly the same professional experience. To attract the recruiters’ attention, it is important to put many details about your experiences on your resumé.
If you have made an intership in an audit firm for example, do not hesitate to state the names of the campanies you offered your services to, what technical difficulties you have met and how you have overcome it, what projects you have led, what process you have worked on, and so on.
However, your resumé must also be clear and not too long (one page is enough.) Therefore, your experiences should be the only part of your résumé with great details. Think about the way you will phrase your descriptions in order to get to the point fast and to highlight what is relevant to the job you are applying to.
Craft Your Resumé Based On The Type Of Structure You Are Applying To
Expectations are different depending on the type of structure. This is one of the many reasons you have to personalise your resemué to each job offer in order to increase your chances.
Startups for example are looking for more laid back profiles. You can allow yourself to have a little bit of fun and to be creative while making your resumé for a job in finance within a startup, and you don’t necessarly have to wear smart clothes on your picture. However, when applying for a job in a big company, try to be as formal as possible and wear a suit and tie on your picture.
Taking the time to know the type of company you are applying to also gives you information about the lexical field you can use on your resumé. Can you use typical finance wording, or do you have to be more generic?
Finally, keep in mind the basic rules of a resumé: show your personality, put your experiences and formations in chronological order, and don’t forget the soft skills!
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This post was last modified on 12/11/2020 17:42