1. Tailor Your CV for the Industry

When applying for roles in finance, investment banking, consulting, or professional services, it’s vital to understand what recruiters are looking for. These sectors seek candidates with strong academic performance, technical skills, and the ability to thrive in fast-paced environments. Here’s how to structure your CV to meet these expectations.

Key Sections of Your CV:

• Personal Information: Include your name, contact details, and LinkedIn profile (if you have one).

• Education: List your degree, university name, and expected graduation date. Highlight relevant modules, academic achievements (such as a 2:1 or First Class), and any major projects that demonstrate relevant skills and academic strength.

• Work Experience: Even if you haven't worked directly in finance or consulting yet, internships, part-time jobs, or volunteer roles can show transferable skills like teamwork, leadership, and problem-solving.

• Skills: Highlight both technical skills (e.g., Excel, financial modelling, data analysis) and soft skills (e.g., communication, time management, leadership).

• Extra-Curricular Activities: Showcase leadership roles in student societies, sports teams, or volunteer work. These demonstrate your ability to juggle multiple responsibilities and work with others.

• Interests: Share hobbies that reveal your motivation and ability to work under pressure - such as involvement in sports or a personal interest in financial markets.

• Awards/Certifications: Mention any relevant certifications (such as CFA Level 1) or accolades from business competitions or projects.

2. Focus on Impact and Results

Instead of simply listing your duties in past roles, focus on your contributions and the outcomes. Quantifying your impact with specific results helps demonstrate your potential value to employers.

For example, instead of saying:

"Assisted on financial reports for a client."

Try:

"Collaborated on a financial report for a client, helping to identify cost-saving measures that resulted in a 10% reduction in operational expenses."

Quantifying your achievements shows recruiters the potential value you can bring to the table.

3. Use Action Verbs and Industry-Relevant Keywords

Many companies, especially in these sectors, use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to scan CVs before a recruiter even sees them. To help your CV get noticed, make sure it's optimised with action verbs that demonstrate your qualifications.

Examples: Analysed, Developed, Led, Delivered, Optimised, Managed

For instance:

"Led a team to develop a strategy that increased sales by 15%."

Incorporating keywords related to finance, consulting, or professional services ensures your CV aligns with the job description and passes through ATS filters. Review job postings closely and use the same terminology.

4. Highlight Your Technical Skills

Employers in finance and consulting value strong technical abilities, so it's important to highlight any relevant skills on your CV. Key skills might include:

• Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, PowerPoint, Word): Excel is especially important for financial analysis and reporting.

• Financial Modelling: If you’ve worked on any financial models, be sure to include it.

• Data Analytics: Experience with SQL, R, Python, or similar tools can give you an edge.

• Project Management Tools: Familiarity with platforms like Trello, Asana, or Microsoft Project can be a plus.

If you don't yet have experience in these areas, consider taking courses on platforms like Coursera or Udemy to build your skills.

5. Gain Experience and Build Your Network

A strong CV is just the beginning. Gaining experience and building your professional network are key to launching your career. Here are some ways to do that:

• Internships: Apply for internships or work experience during your university holidays. Many companies offer summer internships, which are a great way to gain hands-on experience. Websites like RateMyPlacement and TARGETjobs list relevant opportunities.

• Student Societies and Competitions: Join finance, economics, or business societies at university. Competing in case competitions or organising events can demonstrate your leadership skills and passion for the industry.

• LinkedIn Networking: Start building your LinkedIn network by connecting with professionals in your target industry. Follow relevant companies and engage with content to stay informed and show your interest.

6. Additional Resources for UK Students

• Prospects.ac.uk: A great resource for career advice, industry insights, and CV examples specific to various sectors.

• TargetJobs: This site offers internship and graduate job listings, as well as sector-specific career advice for students in finance, consulting, and more.

• RateMyPlacement: Perfect for finding internships and work placements, along with company reviews from students who’ve been there.

• InvestIn: Provides insight into finance internships and workshops designed to prepare students for careers in business.

• Mergers & Inquisitions: A popular resource for aspiring investment bankers, offering guides, mock interviews, and more.

• Wall Street Oasis: Wall Street Oasis provides an excellent CV template tailored specifically for finance and consulting roles. Their template helps you present your experiences in a clear, professional format that aligns with industry standards.

• CareerSet: CareerSet is an AI-powered CV screening tool that analyses your CV against the keywords and requirements of the job you're applying for. It helps identify whether your CV is optimised for the specific role and suggests improvements.

For skill-building, check out online platforms like Coursera, Udemy, and LinkedIn Learning, where you can find courses on finance, data analysis, and business strategy.

7. Proofread, Polish, and Seek Feedback

Before you submit your CV, make sure it’s free of errors. Proofreading is essential. Get feedback from professors, peers, or industry professionals to ensure your CV is as strong as it can be.