Crafting a distinct and impactful CV for investment banking roles can be daunting, given the highly competitive nature of the sector and the need to showcase complex financial skills and achievements effectively. Our comprehensive guide will provide you with tailored strategies and examples to enhance your CV, ensuring you stand out in the selection process with a clear demonstration of your expertise and value.
- Answer job requirements with your investment banking CV and experience;
- Curate your academic background and certificates, following industry-leading CV examples;
- Select from +10 niche skills to match the ideal candidate profile
- Write a more succinct experience section that consists of all the right details.
Do you need more specific insights into writing your investment banking CV? Our guides focus on unique insights for each individual role:
How to ensure your profile stands out with your investment banking CV format
It's sort of a Catch 22. You want your investment banking CV to stand out amongst a pile of candidate profiles, yet you don't want it to be too over the top that it's unreadable. Where is the perfect balance between your CV format simple, while using it to shift the focus to what matters most. That is - your expertise. When creating your investment banking CV:- list your experience in the reverse chronological order - starting with your latest roles;
- include a header with your professional contact information and - optionally - your photograph;
- organise vital and relevant CV sections - e.g. your experience, skills, summary/ objective, education - closer to the top;
- use no more than two pages to illustrate your professional expertise;
- format your information using plenty of white space and standard (2.54 cm) margins, with colours to accent key information.
Once you've completed your information, export your investment banking CV in PDF, as this format is more likely to stay intact when read by the Applicant Tracker System or the ATS. A few words of advice about the ATS - or the software used to assess your profile:
- Generic fonts, e.g. Arial and Times New Roman, are ATS-compliant, yet many candidates stick with these safe choices. Ensure your CV stands out by using a more modern, and simple, fonts like Lato, Exo 2, Volkhov;
- All serif and sans-serif fonts are ATS-friendly. Avoid the likes of fancy decorative or script typography, as this may render your information to be illegible;
- Both single- and double-column formatted CVs could be assessed by the ATS;
- Integrating simple infographics, icons, and charts across your CV won't hurt your chances during the ATS assessment.
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Be mindful of white space; too much can make the CV look sparse, too little can make it look cluttered. Strive for a balance that makes the document easy on the eyes.
The top sections on a investment banking CV
- Personal Summary offers a concise intro to one's skills and goals.
- Work Experience showcases relevant banking or financial roles.
- Education and Qualifications highlight top-tier university and degrees.
- Relevant Skills section emphasises analytical and quantitative abilities.
- Additional Certifications underscore commitment to finance profession.
What recruiters value on your CV:
- Highlight your numerical proficiency by detailing your experience with financial modelling, valuation, and experience with Excel or any other financial software to showcase your technical skills critical for investment banking.
- Emphasise any previous investment banking internships, finance-related experience, or deals you have worked on, demonstrating direct industry relevance and familiarity with the banking environment.
- Focus on your ability to work under pressure by citing examples of tight deadlines or high-stress situations you have successfully navigated, as stamina and resilience are prized in the investment banking sector.
- Demonstrate your team-working skills and leadership potential with examples of collaborative projects, especially where you took initiative or drove results, as teamwork is indispensable in deal-making and client projects.
- Illustrate your understanding of current economic and financial trends, as well as regulatory knowledge, by mentioning any relevant coursework, certifications (such as the CFA), or personal investments to reflect a solid grasp of market dynamics.
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Making a good first impression with your investment banking CV header
Your typical CV header consists of Your typical CV header consists of contact details and a headline. Make sure to list your professional phone number, email address, and a link to your professional portfolio (or, alternatively, your LinkedIn profile). When writing your CV headline , ensure it's:
- tailored to the job you're applying for;
- highlights your unique value as a professional;
- concise, yet matches relevant job ad keywords.
You can, for examples, list your current job title or a particular skill as part of your headline. Now, if you decide on including your photo in your CV header, ensure it's a professional one, rather than one from your graduation or night out. You may happen to have plenty more questions on how to make best the use of your CV headline. We'll help you with some real-world examples, below.
Examples of good CV headlines for investment banking:
- Associate Director, M&A Execution | Equities Specialist | CFA Charterholder | 10 Years' Experience
- Investment Banking Analyst | Debt Capital Markets | MSc Finance | 2+ Years' Frontline Exposure
- Senior Vice President, Corporate Financing | IPO Strategist | ACCA Certified | 15+ Years in Advisory
- VP, Leveraged Finance | High-Yield Bonds Expert | MBA Graduate | 8 Years of Deal Structuring
- Graduate Analyst | Emerging Markets Enthusiast | BSc Economics | Recent Top-Tier University Graduate
- Director, Private Equity Placements | Venture Capital Insight | CAIA Member | 12 Years' Industry Leadership
Choosing your opening statement: a investment banking CV summary or objective
At the top one third of your CV, you have the chance to make a more personable impression on recruiters by selecting between:
- Summary - or those three to five sentences that you use to show your greatest achievements. Use the CV summary if you happen to have plenty of relevant experience and wish to highlight your greatest successes;
- Objective - provides you with up to five sentences to state your professional aims and mission in the company you're applying for
CV summaries for a investment banking job:
- With a robust 10-year background in structured finance and mergers & acquisitions at leading global investment firms, including spearheading a $2 billion industry merger, I possess in-depth experience in equity research, risk management, and complex financial modelling, striving to leverage these skills to execute high-profile transactions.
- A seasoned professional acclaimed for managing multi-million-dollar portfolios and driving strategic investments over a 12-year tenure, proficient in capital raising, and due diligence, with a keen analytical aptitude for market trends and a record of consistently surpassing client investment targets.
- Transitioning from a 15-year career as a senior software engineer at top-tier tech companies, with extensive project management expertise and advanced analytical skills, my aim is to apply my strategic thinking and technological insights to offer a unique perspective in financial structuring and investment analysis.
- Former Head of Strategic Development with 8 years of experiencing driving innovation and operational efficiencies in the manufacturing sector, now eager to transition to investment banking to employ robust quantitative analysis and client relations skills in facilitating high-impact financial solutions.
- As a recent finance graduate with top honours, my objective is to deploy my academic knowledge of market analysis and a fervent commitment to learn and grow within the investment banking sector, aiming to contribute to high-stake projects through diligent research and a data-driven approach.
- Eager to enter the challenging world of investment banking, I am committed to building a foundation in financial analysis, client portfolio management, and strategic investment. My objective is to work diligently, maximising comprehensive training opportunities to become a proficient banking professional.
Best practices for writing your investment banking CV experience section
If your profile matches the job requirements, the CV experience is the section which recruiters will spend the most time studying. Within your experience bullets, include not merely your career history, but, rather, your skills and outcomes from each individual role. Your best experience section should promote your profile by:
- including specific details and hard numbers as proof of your past success;
- listing your experience in the functional-based or hybrid format (by focusing on the skills), if you happen to have less professional, relevant expertise;
- showcasing your growth by organising your roles, starting with the latest and (hopefully) most senior one;
- staring off each experience bullet with a verb, following up with skills that match the job description, and the outcomes of your responsibility.
Add keywords from the job advert in your experience section, like the professional CV examples:
Best practices for your CV's work experience section
- Demonstrated analytical skills through detailed financial modelling and valuation analyses, including DCF, LBO, and comparable company and transaction benchmarking.
- Exhibited strong deal execution capabilities by effectively managing due diligence processes, including coordinating with lawyers, accountants, and other advisers.
- Quantified the impact of my work by highlighting the size and scope of transactions (e.g., "Assisted in the execution of a £300 million IPO").
- Illustrated excellent teamwork and project management by leading deal teams comprised of analysts and associates to meet critical deadlines.
- Articulated my role in client relationship management and business development by showcasing how I regularly presented pitch books and participated in client meetings.
- Emphasised technical knowledge by describing experience with financial software and databases such as Bloomberg, Capital IQ, and advanced Excel functionality.
- Portrayed ability to work under pressure through involvement in multiple, concurrent projects while maintaining attention to detail and accuracy.
- Showcased communication and interpersonal skills with examples of reports and presentations prepared for senior management, outlining investment opportunities and risks.
- Conveyed commitment to professional development by mentioning any certifications such as CFA or relevant training programmes completed during my tenure.
- Led the structuring and execution of mergers and acquisitions worth over $2 billion, contributing to a 20% increase in firm's market presence.
- Developed comprehensive financial models for complex investment strategies that assisted clients in understanding potential risks and rewards.
- Managed relationships with key institutional investors, which enhanced capital sourcing efforts by 35% through strategic partnerships.
- Orchestrated the underwriting process for high-profile Initial Public Offerings (IPOs), successfully leading four companies to market with a combined capital of $1.5 billion.
- Drove cross-border transactions by advising on regulatory compliance and market entry strategy, resulting in a 25% uptick in firm's international deals pipeline.
- Cultivated a robust client portfolio by executing strategic outreach, increasing deal flow by 30% through lead generation and networking.
- Implemented innovative financial structuring for mid-cap transactions, which increased transaction completion rate by 22% year-over-year.
- Played a pivotal role in advising on a $750 million acquisition, conducting due diligence and financial analysis that informed the successful negotiation strategy.
- Spearheaded the creation of pitch books and marketing materials that effectively communicated value propositions to potential investors, boosting capital raised by 18%.
- Facilitated the execution of debt and equity financing transactions, raising over $600 million for clients in the technology sector.
- Expanded the investment banking division's client base by 40% through strategic networking and a targeted business development plan.
- Implemented process improvements in the deal execution phase that reduced average transaction turnaround time by 15%.
- Crafted and executed complex financial models for valuation analysis, which played a crucial role in a $300 million merger agreement.
- Enhanced the firm’s deal sourcing efficiency by leveraging advanced data analytics, leading to a 20% increase in qualified leads.
- Mentored a team of junior analysts, improving their financial reporting skills and reducing errors in client deliverables by 25%.
- Directed sector-specific research analyses to support investment banking transactions in the healthcare industry, involving deals of up to $900 million.
- Optimized the transactional workflow by leveraging emerging fintech solutions, improving deal execution speed by 30%.
- Contributed to the development of an investor relations framework that augmented post-deal communication and improved client satisfaction scores by 15%.
- Coordinated with cross-functional teams to ensure meticulous due diligence for a portfolio of assets exceeding $400 million, greatly mitigating investment risk.
- Led client presentations and discussions that assisted in securing a strategic partnership with a major industry player, increasing AUM by $200 million.
- Drove the adoption of sustainable investment principles in deal structuring, aligning with client ESG goals and attracting $150 million in green bonds investments.
- Played an instrumental role in the expansion of the firm's real estate investment banking sector by advising on deals totaling over $500 million.
- Successfully led the negotiation and closing of a high-stakes restructuring deal for a distressed asset portfolio, securing an above-market recovery rate of 90%.
- Initiated and fostered strategic relationships with key real estate investment trusts, culminating in a 25% increase in sector deal flow.
- Championed the strategic planning and execution of a fintech startup's Series B funding round, raising $120 million and valuing the company at $600 million.
- Led the digital transformation initiative within the investment banking team, resulting in a 40% efficiency gain in deal analysis and origination.
- Formed strategic alliances with top venture capital firms that resulted in a diversified investment portfolio and a robust pipeline of innovative tech deals.
- Spearheaded a strategic review process for underperforming assets that enabled a pivot towards more lucrative market segments, locking in a 15% higher ROI.
- Facilitated a landmark partnership between a client and a leading industry conglomerate, boosting the client's market share by 10% within a year.
- Executed risk assessment and management for portfolio investments, reducing financial exposure by 20% through diligent analysis and timely recommendations.
How to ensure your investment banking CV stands out when you have no experience
This part of our step-by-step guide will help you substitute your experience section by helping you spotlight your skill set. First off, your ability to land your first job will depend on the time you take to assess precisely how you match the job requirements. Whether that's via your relevant education and courses, skill set, or any potential extracurricular activities. Next:
- Systematise your CV so that it spotlights your most relevant experience (whether that's your education or volunteer work) towards the top;
- Focus recruiters' attention to your transferrable skill set and in particular how your personality would be the perfect fit for the role;
- Consider how your current background has helped you build your technological understanding - whether you've created projects in your free time or as part of your uni degree;
- Ensure you've expanded on your teamwork capabilities with any relevant internships, part-time roles, or projects you've participated in the past.
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Talk about any positive changes you helped bring about in your previous jobs, like improving a process or helping increase efficiency.
Mix and match hard and soft skills across your investment banking CV
Your skill set play an equally valid role as your experience to your application. That is because recruiters are looking for both:
- hard skills or your aptitude in applying particular technologies
- soft skills or your ability to work in a team using your personal skills, e.g. leadership, time management, etc.
Are you wondering how you should include both hard and soft skills across your investment banking CV? Use the:
- skills section to list between ten and twelve technologies that are part of the job requirement (and that you're capable to use);
- strengths and achievements section to detail how you've used particular hard and soft skills that led to great results for you at work;
- summary or objective to spotlight up to three skills that are crucial for the role and how they've helped you optimise your work processes.
One final note - when writing about the skills you have, make sure to match them exactly as they are written in the job ad. Take this precautionary measure to ensure your CV passes the Applicant Tracker System (ATS) assessment.
Top skills for your investment banking CV:
Financial Modelling
Valuation Techniques
Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A)
Initial Public Offerings (IPOs)
Financial Analysis
Due Diligence
Corporate Finance
Capital Markets Knowledge
Excel Proficiency
Quantitative Analysis
Analytical Thinking
Problem Solving
Attention to Detail
Teamwork
Communication
Time Management
Client Relationship Management
Adaptability
Initiative
Leadership
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If you have received professional endorsements or recommendations for certain skills, especially on platforms like LinkedIn, mention these to add credibility.
Listing your university education and certificates on your investment banking CV
The best proof of your technical capabilities would be your education and certifications sections. Your education should list all of your relevant university degrees, followed up by their start and completion dates. Make sure to also include the name of the university/-ies you graduated from. If you happen to have less professional experience (or you deem it would be impressive and relevant to your application), spotlight in the education section:
- that you were awarded a "First" degree;
- industry-specific coursework and projects;
- extracurricular clubs, societies, and activities.
When selecting your certificates, first ask yourself how applicable they'd be to the role. Ater your initial assessment, write the certificate and institution name. Don't miss out on including the completion date. In the below panel, we've curated relevant examples of industry-leading certificates.
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Order your skills based on the relevance to the role you're applying for, ensuring the most pertinent skills catch the employer's attention first.
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Key takeaways
Write your professional investment banking CV by studying and understanding what the role expectations are. You should next:
- Focus on tailoring your content to answer specific requirements by integrating advert keywords through various CV sections;
- Balance your technical know-how with your personal skills to showcase what the unique value would be of working with you;
- Ensure your CV grammar and spelling (especially of your key information and contact details) is correct;
- Write a CV summary, if your experience is relevant, and an objective, if your career ambitions are more impressive;
- Use active language by including strong, action verbs across your experience, summary/objective, achievements sections.
