5 Essential Steps to Crafting the Perfect Finance CV

Breaking into the finance industry is a competitive game, and in the world of numbers, your CV is your first big test. It’s not just a document—it's your  first impression, your golden ticket to landing that dream interview.

So, how do you create a CV that screams, “I’m the one”? Here are the five essential steps to crafting a finance CV that not only stands out but gets you in the door.

1. Tailor Your CV to the Role

Every finance job has unique requirements, and your CV should reflect that. Avoid sending out the same generic CV for each role. Instead, carefully read the job description and highlight the skills and experiences that align with what the employer is seeking.

For example, if the job posting emphasizes experience with financial modeling or data analysis, make sure these skills are clearly outlined in your CV, perhaps under a specific section like "Technical Skills" or within the bullet points of your work experience.

Pro Tip: Hidden keywords in job descriptions can be your secret weapon. Use tools like Jobscan to analyze the job listing and ensure your CV includes the right keywords that align with applicant tracking systems (ATS). Employers often use ATS to filter candidates before they even see your application, so matching these keywords is critical to getting noticed.

2. Numbers > Words: Show, Don’t Just Tell

Finance is a results-driven industry, and employers want to see tangible proof of your impact. Wherever possible, quantify your achievements.

Use numbers to showcase the results of your work, such as “Improved forecasting accuracy by 20%,”or “Managed a portfolio worth €5 million.” These details provide concrete evidence of your abilities and are much more compelling than vague claims.

Recruiters are looking for tangible proof that you can deliver, and using data to back up your claims instantly sets you apart from the pack.

Pro Tip: Don’t just list your responsibilities—sell your story. For every bullet point, think in terms of context (the problem you were solving), action (what you did), and result (the measurable outcome). This transforms your CV from a list of tasks into a showcase of accomplishments.

3. Keep the Structure Clear and Concise

A clear, well-organized CV is easier for employers to scan quickly—an important factor when they are reviewing hundreds of applications. Start with your contact information at the top, followed by sections like “Education,” “Experience,” and “Skills.” List your work experience in reverse chronological order, with the most recent first.

Use bullet points to break down your responsibilities and accomplishments under each role. Avoid lengthy paragraphs; concise, easy-to-read points allow the recruiter to quickly grasp the highlights of your career.

Pro Tip: The “Six-Second Rule” can make or break your CV. On average, recruiters spend only six seconds on an initial scan of a CV. Make those seconds count by placing your most impactful experiences and accomplishments at the very top.

4. Focus on Relevant Skills and Experiences

While it’s important to demonstrate a broad range of skills, be selective in what you highlight. Focus on experiences and skills that are most relevant to the job you're applying for.

For finance roles, employers often look for technical skills such as Excel proficiency, financial modeling, or familiarity with tools like Bloomberg or Python. Ensure these are prominently featured if they align with the job requirements.

Additionally, don’t forget to include any certifications (e.g., CFA, FRM) or relevant coursework that demonstrates your commitment to professional development​.

Pro Tip: Show, don’t tell. If you mention technical skills like financial modeling, consider including a “Projects” section where you briefly explain how you’ve applied these skills in real-life scenarios, such as building a financial model during an internship. It’s more convincing than just listing the skill.

5. Proofread and Maintain Professional Formatting

Attention to detail is crucial in finance, and your CV is no exception. Ensure there are no spelling or grammar errors, and that your formatting is consistent throughout the document.

Choose a simple, professional font, and ensure there’s enough white space to make the document easy to read. Keeping your CV to one page is ideal unless you have extensive experience that warrants more space.

Pro Tip: PDF over Word every time. Always submit your CV in PDF format unless specifically instructed otherwise. This locks in your formatting, preventing awkward shifts in layout that can happen when a Word document is opened on different devices.