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6 Banking Resume Examples & Guide...

6 Banking Resume Examples & Guide for 2024

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Being a banker is one of the most sought after jobs in the world.

It’s prestigious and well paid, even at the entry level. You get to work with notable clients, helping them make enormous amounts of money.

That being said, competition is fierce. Becoming a banker, especially an investment banker, is notoriously difficult.

It all starts with writing a resume that stands-out from the crowd.

No stress – keep reading because this guide will help you write a resume that could land you a dream job.

Let’s get started.

What you’ll learn here

  • How to write a resume header that has all the right information
  • Our best advice for showing off your banking experience
  • The most essential technical and soft skills needed to get hired
  • How to format and display information on your banking resume

How to write a banker resume

If you’re an entry level banker fresh out of college, your resume should be formatted differently as a banker with 10+ years of experience.

An entry-level banker should lean towards a functional resume format. This style brings attention to your skills and educational background (rather than your lack of experience).

When you’re just starting out, you will either have minimal or no banking experience at all. Instead of making that glaringly obvious to the recruiter, a functional resume format will draw their eye to your education and skills when they first scan your resume.

On the other hand, if you’re an experienced banker looking for a new position, use the reverse-chronological resume format. This emphasizes your work experience, and puts less of the focus on your education. As you progress in your career, your education becomes less and less important – experience takes precedence.

Once you have your resume format selected, keep these other tips in mind to make your resume clear and concise:

  • Use bullet points in your experience, skills, education and certifications sections to make your resume easily scannable.
  • Don’t include a photo on your resume if you’re applying in the U.S. – it’s illegal. Check the guidelines for your own country.
  • Use a clear and legible font.
  • Export your resume as a PDF so the formatting stays intact.
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The essential sections in a banker resume

  • Resume header
  • Resume summary that describes your expertise
  • A detailed
  • An education & certifications section
  • Skills section, with a mix of technical and soft skills

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What recruiters want to see in a banker resume

  • Experience in banking, private equity or finance
  • Knowledge of financial modeling and valuation
  • Excellent communication and relationship management skills
  • An undergraduate or graduate degree in economics, finance, mathematics, or another related field

How to write a complete resume header

A resume header is the very first thing recruiters see when looking at your resume, so it’s important to make a good first impression.

It’s where you’ll list out all of your contact details, your title, and your LinkedIn profile.

Here are a few things to keep in mind when writing your header:

  • Include multiple options for contact information like your phone number and email.
  • State your seniority level (intern, junior, senior, etc.)
  • Add in your LinkedIn profile to give the recruiter an opportunity to validate your information.

Present yourself professionally and you’re off to a great start.

Here are two examples of resume headers – one done wrong, and one done well.

2 investment banker resume header examples

Olivia Nichols
Graduate
false
olivianichols@email.com
Boston
WRONG

This header gives off an unprofessional impression.

Why?

  • No links to external sites like a LinkedIn profile
  • Only one contact method included
  • Non-specific title

Now, let’s take a look at a better resume header.

Olivia Nichols
Harvard Mathematics Graduate
555-555-5555
olivianichols@email.com
Boston, MA
RIGHT

This header is much better:

  • Specified title including the university name and subject area (assuming this is an entry-level position)
  • Two options for contact: email and phone number
  • LinkedIn profile included

Once you’re done writing your resume header, it’s time to move onto the resume summary where you’ll start to paint a picture of your expertise.

How to display your financial expertise in your summary

A banking resume summary should instantly present yourself as the ideal candidate for the role, even when a recruiter is doing a quick first scan.

Here’s how to achieve that:

  • If you’re a recent graduate, include your university name, area of study and GPA.
  • More experienced? Directly state how many years of experience you have, your key areas of expertise, and any notable companies you worked at.
  • Highlight any specific quantifiable achievements, using real numbers and figures if possible.
  • Showcase some soft skills, especially around client management or presenting.

2 Banking Resume Summary Examples

Let's begin with what to avoid:

Summary
Recent graduate in finance with great communication skills looking to put my knowledge to use as an investment banking analyst.
WRONG

A summary like this does not include enough eye catching information.

Anything that isn't detailed information like names, numbers, and specifics is fluff.

Now let’s look at a better example:

Summary
Disciplined and diligent Boston College graduate with a BA in Finance (GPA of 3.8. Completed a Morgan Stanley Summer Analyst internship, working with a team on investment portfolios worth $500,000+. President of the Boston College Investment Club.
RIGHT

At a glance, this entry-level summary delivers valuable information.

  • It’s specific about the college name, degree and GPA.
  • Includes information about internships, with real data.
  • It shows the candidate has leadership skills, as the president of a university club.

Banker resume experience section: top tips for success

The experience section is the one that recruiters care most about.

Pay special attention to making this section of your resume stand out to improve your chances of landing an interview.

This is your spot to describe all of your responsibilities and achievements from previous roles.

The best way to make an impact is to personalize your resume for the job you’re applying to.

While most banking jobs are similar, some will have extra requirements that you’ll want to address in your resume. Make a copy of your original resume and update your experience and skills sections to reflect what the employer is looking for.

For example, do they want someone who knows the mergers and acquisitions process like the back of their hand? If that sounds like you, focus on your past experience and achievements in these areas when writing your experience descriptions.

If you’re applying for a senior role, the employer might be looking for a candidate with leadership experience. If you’ve managed a team in your previous role, talk about the details (how many people, their success rate, etc.)

That’s a sure-fire way to convince the recruiter that you’re the one for the role (just don’t lie – that will catch up with you).

Let’s see these tips in action – here’s a bad resume experience section that needs work, and one that’s ready to be submitted.

Banker resume experience examples

Experience
Intern
Morgan & Stanley
Boston, MA
  • Worked side by side with professional Banking Analysts
  • Developed both hard and soft skills and interpersonal skills
  • Helped to build financial statements using Excel
  • Completed market research
WRONG

This example is okay, but could be improved. It’s not very descriptive, and doesn’t showcase expertise in the banking industry.

Let’s try again.

Experience
Investment Analyst
Chase City Banks
Boston, MA
  • Assisted with acquisition deals ranging in value from $1 million to $300 million
  • Provided financial advice to 50+ clients, completing market research and managing investment portfolios
  • Built financial statements using Excel, and prepared M&A reports
  • Maintained excellent relationships with a 98% client retention rate
RIGHT

Much better!

This description is more detailed, showcasing real figures and achievements. It is specific about the responsibilities of the role, and includes “buzzwords” that will instantly capture a recruiter’s attention.

It also touches on important soft skills, like relationship management, which is essential in banking.

Now that’s done, we can move onto the skills section.

Important technical and soft skills for banking jobs

A recruiter’s ideal banker will have both technical and soft skills. They’ll be looking for evidence of this combination in your resume.

Technical skills are the practical knowledge of banking. Do you know how to run a valuation analysis? Can you research and analyze industry and market data? What about executing M&A transactions? Are you a master at creating presentations to deliver to clients or stakeholders?

These are all questions and “buzzwords” that recruiters will be scanning for in your resume.

Our biggest tip for you is to check the job description to see what technical skills they’re looking for in the ideal candidate, and use those same buzzwords in your resume.

Hint: Look at the “responsibilities” or “requirements” section in the job description.

On the other hand, soft skills are the personality traits that will help you excel in such a client-facing role.

Recruiters are looking for candidates who not only know the in’s and out’s of finances, but who can develop and maintain great client relationships, communicate information in an understandable way, and who have excellent analytical skills.

You’re also expected to be able to work well with a team.

How to list technical and soft skills on your banker resume

As far as how to show off those skills, give them their own dedicated section and list them in bullet point format.

Start with ones that are most relevant to the role (and that appear in the job description).

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18 technical skills to include on a banker resume

  • M&A transactions
  • Private placements
  • Alternative asset management
  • Valuation analysis
  • Financial modeling
  • Mergers and acquisitions
  • Researching businesses and markets
  • Deal making and negotiating
  • Deal flow
  • Capital analysis and review
  • Internal audit
  • Eternal audit
  • Credit management
  • Risk management
  • Expertise with investment products & financial instruments (equity securities, foreign exchange, trading of derivatives, commodity markets)
  • Compliance measures
  • Data presentation
  • IPOs
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14 soft skills to include on a banker resume

How to present your education on a banker resume

This section is essential in a banking resume – most roles require a degree, so recruiters will be looking for mention of one.

Here’s what to include:

  • List the name of your college, years attended, include your major and your GPA. (The most common majors are finance, math, accounting, economics and statistics)
  • List some relevant coursework.
  • Include extracurricular clubs and activities, school projects, volunteering or anything else related to finance and/or banking.

If you already have years of banking experience, you can afford to lose some information in your education section in favor of a more detailed experience section. Your resume should be concise and preferably one-page long, so show off what’s most important.

Do banking roles require certifications?

Some jobs might require additional certification. You can check the job description to find out which ones.

In many entry-level banking roles, the employer will set you up to get more training, certifications or licensing. This could include CFA exams, CA designation, a Mutual Funds accreditation, etc. If you already have it, or are currently working on extra certifications, that’s a huge added bonus. Add an extra section on your resume dedicated to certifications, designations and licenses. List them in bullet point format, starting with the most relevant to the role.

CFA certification is most commonly mentioned on job descriptions as an asset for analysts.

Here’s a list of banking-related certifications that would be a great asset to your resume:

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Top 7 banking certifications for your resume

  • CFA
  • CFP (Certified Financial Planner)
  • CAIA (Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst)
  • Certified Management Accountant
  • Financial Modelling Certification
  • Bloomberg Market Concepts
  • FINRA Series 7
  • CPA (Certified Public Accountant)
  • FRM (Financial Risk Manager)

Key takeaways for a banker resume

  • Personalize every resume for each application you send. Look at the job description before you start writing to see what they’re looking for in their ideal candidate, and use those same “buzzwords” in your resume.
  • Showcase a balance of soft and technical skills, listing them in the order of importance (based on what’s listed in the job description)
  • Be specific in your summary and experience section about your previous responsibilities and any accomplishments you achieved.
  • Include separate sections for education and certifications.
  • Triple check your resume for any grammar or spelling mistakes. Attention to detail is important!

Banking resume examples

Explore additional banking resume samples and guides and see what works for your level of experience or role.

By Role

Commercial Banking

To excel in Commercial Banking, showcasing a solid understanding of financial concepts like financial modelling, corporate finance and securities is crucial. Highlight previous experience in banking or financial services, especially systems that boosted efficiency or risk management roles. Share how your efforts have positively impacted the bank, such as improving client retention rates or lowering costs using the 'action-result' structure. Include relevant certifications like Certified Banking & Credit Analyst (CBCA) prominently in your resume to underline your dedication and expertise.
View Commercial Banking Resume

Corporate Banking

When it comes to corporate banking, knowledge of risk management, portfolio management, and a keen understanding of macro-economic factors are vital. Here is what to focus on when applying for a role:

  • Feature your knowledge in areas such as portfolio management, analysis of credit risk, or understanding of trade finance. These show your capability to handle the complex nature of corporate banking.
  • Experience matters. Highlight your prior roles in tackling large scale deals, managing corporate client portfolios, or risk reduction endeavors. Remember, it's not just about the role you held, it's about the difference you made.
  • Similarly, instead of plainly mentioning these skills and experiences, elaborate on metric-based results delivered, such as 'increased portfolio value by...', 'increased client base through...', etc.
  • If you have an MBA or any specialized finance certification, don't forget to include this in your application, as it enhances your credibility.
View Corporate Banking Resume

Loan Officer

Feature your ability to build and maintain relationships with clients. In fact, throw in some quantifiable results to back this up, such as 'increased customer acquisition rate by…' or 'improved client retention rate by…'.

Showcase your knowledge of various lending products and banking procedures. It could be how you simplified the loan approval process or kept a clean portfolio with a high percentage of performing loans.

Top-notch sales skills are a key part of this job. Highlight any major up-selling or cross-selling successes, signifying your ability to generate revenue for the bank.

Favorable ratings in any past customer service roles will definitely boost your profile.

View Loan Officer Resume

Loan Processor

  • Highlight meticulousness and accuracy in the processing of loan applications. Use phrases like ‘managed error-free documentations for…’ to spotlight this skill.
  • Demonstrating prioritization and organization abilities is paramount. Show how your top-notch management skills directly contributed to reducing loan approval times or handled a high volume of applications.
  • Note down tackling complex mortgage scenarios, situations showcasing your problem-solving skills and adaptation in the changing regulatory landscape.
  • Familiarity with loan processing software or tools will stand you in good stead. If you're proficient in specific industry platforms, make sure to mention it.
View Loan Processor Resume

Phone Banking

Highlight your ability to deliver high-quality customer service over the phone. Mention tangible outcomes like ‘improved customer satisfaction scores by…’ or 'reduced average handling time by…'

Knowledge about various banking products and services is crucial. Illustrate how your product advice resulted in an increase in sales or customer retention.

Given the fast-paced nature of this role, attention to detail and the ability to multitask are valued skills. If you can provide examples of managing high call volumes or handling frequent, complex client queries, it will certainly strengthen your application.

Any experience with specific customer relationship management (CRM) tools can be significant. Make sure it's highlighted in your application.

View Phone Banking Resume
banking resume example

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