The Blueprint for Success: How to Write the Perfect CV for Finance

EUBS CAPITAL Students, for Students
2. Feb.
3 Min. Lesezeit

Landing a job in finance isn’t just about having the right skills—it’s about showcasing them in a way that grabs attention. Whether you’re applying for an internship at a boutique firm in Geneva or an analyst role at a multinational bank in Zurich, your CV is your golden ticket. But how do you make it stand out in a stack of hundreds?

Welcome to the ultimate guide on crafting the perfect finance CV.

1. Understand the Finance Recruiter’s Mindset

Recruiters in finance are looking for three things:

Technical Skills: Financial modeling, Excel, data analysis, etc.
Quantifiable Achievements: Numbers talk. Metrics show impact.
Clarity & Structure: They’re skimming, not reading novels. Make it easy for them.

2. The Perfect Finance CV Structure

1. Contact Information

Full Name
Phone Number
Professional Email (no “bigfinancebro123@gmail.com”, please)
LinkedIn Profile (optional but recommended)

2. Professional Summary (Optional)

A 2-3 line snapshot of who you are and what you bring. Think of it as your elevator pitch.

Example:"Ambitious Finance student with strong analytical skills and internship experience in investment banking. Proficient in financial modeling and market analysis, seeking an analyst role to leverage data-driven decision-making."

3. Education

University Name, Degree, Graduation Date
GPA (if strong)
Relevant Coursework: Corporate Finance, Econometrics, Financial Accounting
Honors, Scholarships, Exchange Programs

4. Work Experience

Job Title | Company Name | Dates (Month/Year)
Use bullet points (3-5 per role)
Focus on achievements, not just tasks

Example:Summer Analyst | XYZ Bank | June 2023 - August 2023

Conducted financial analysis of client portfolios, improving reporting efficiency by 15%
Supported due diligence for M&A deals worth over CHF 20 million
Utilized Excel for data modeling, scenario analysis, and valuation reports

5. Skills

Technical: Excel (advanced), Bloomberg, Python, VBA, SQL
Languages: English (fluent), French (conversational), German (basic)
Certifications: CFA Level I (if applicable)

6. Extracurriculars & Leadership

Finance Club Member, Investment Society, Student Government, etc.
Show leadership, teamwork, and initiative

3. Key Tips for Crafting a Standout Finance CV

1. Quantify Everything

Finance is about numbers—so use them.

Instead of: "Helped with financial reports"
Write: "Prepared monthly financial reports, reducing errors by 10% through improved data checks"

2. Use Action Verbs

Start bullet points with strong verbs: Analyzed, Managed, Led, Optimized, Developed, Modeled, Evaluated.

3. Tailor for Each Application

Read the job description. Mirror the keywords and skills they mention.

4. Keep It Clean & Professional

One page, unless you have 5+ years of experience
Simple, readable fonts (Arial, Calibri, Times New Roman)
Consistent formatting (bullet points, dates, margins)

5. No Typos. Ever.

A typo in a finance CV is like a rounding error in an earnings report—unforgivable. Proofread, then proofread again.

4. Common Mistakes to Avoid

Too Much Fluff: Avoid vague phrases like “strong team player” without context.
Unnecessary Personal Info: No date of birth, photo, or full address needed.
Overly Complex Design: Fancy templates often confuse ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems).
Listing Responsibilities, Not Achievements: Show impact, not just tasks.

Bonus: Should You Include a Cover Letter?

Yes, if the job application allows for one. A tailored cover letter can add context to your CV and show genuine interest.

Final Words: Your CV Is Your Investment

Think of your CV like a portfolio. Diversify your experiences, highlight your best assets, and make sure it’s optimized for your target audience.

Good luck, future finance moguls! Written with ambition (and maybe a bit of caffeine-fueled precision) by your fellow EUBS CAPITAL students.