By Steven Richmond, Investopedia
Your resume is the key to getting that first great job opportunity fresh out of college. You’re probably already well aware of the stiff competition in the job market for finance jobs.
Students throw their caps in the air ahead of their graduation ceremony. (Photo by Dan Kitwood/Getty Images)
With insight from experts and employers in the world of finance, we’ve developed some tips to help your resume stand out from all the others.
Make It Easy on the Eyes
Employers receive hundreds, sometimes thousands of applications for each open position in finance, so you can only imagine how tired their eyes get. In the average of six seconds a recruiter spends scanning your resume, it needs to deliver your educational background and highlight how your accomplishments fit the job.
You should:
–Bold or underline important details, such as the names of past employers and your previous job titles;
–Describe accomplishments in previous positions using bullet points;
–Use keywords that list qualifications and skills you have that match the job description (even more important if your first reader is a computer scanner!);
–Organize the resume in clear sections (experience, education, certifications, etc.);
–Make sure your name is prominent (in a tasteful way) at the top of the page.
–Prepare your resume for computer transmission by saving it as a pdf, not a Word document. (This ensures that resume will read as you designed it, no matter what sort of computer the employer uses.) Do the same for your cover letter and any other documents.
Choose Your Words Carefully
Actionable descriptions. What’s more impressive, someone who’s “a team-player who helped turn assignments in on time,” or “a team leader who worked well under a deadline-driven environment to produce quality work?” The former makes you look like you’re just collecting a paycheck, while the latter at least gives the appearance of being a go-getter.
Active language. Also avoid using passive phrases whenever possible (“The project was designed by me”) and instead go for active voice at all times (“I designed the project”). This projects the power, confidence and enthusiasm hiring managers look for.
The right Information about your experience. Ideally, you’ll have at least one relevant industry internship to include on your list. But don’t forget to use the finance experience you may have gained in unrelated jobs during college or over the summer – and through relevant volunteer experience.
Maybe you worked your way up to night manager at a small restaurant or the cafeteria, or developed a system to track building supplies working with your uncle the builder. Employers notice promotions and accomplishments, no matter how seemingly insignificant. Similarly, include anything that demonstrates leadership and responsibility, such as organizing a sorority fundraiser that earned several thousand dollars, on your resume.
Rebecca Wiggins, executive director of the Association for Financial Counseling & Planning Education enjoys seeing applicants who can demonstrate their value through past experiences. “Recent graduates can stand out through internships and other projects that he/she seeks out during their course of study,” she says. “Additionally, references for the quality of work, discipline and initiative are helpful.”
In potential new hires, CEO of Early Growth Financial Services David Ehrenberg says he looks for adaptability. “In a startup, employees have to wear multiple hats so the ability and willingness to be flexible are important,” he explains. “I’m also looking for evidence of passion and commitment. I’m looking for loyal team members who want to build a career, not job hoppers.”
Read the full article HERE.
