Investment banking is one of the most competitive fields in the job market. Every year, thousands of top graduates apply for a limited number of positions. Your CV is your first impression. If it doesn’t make the cut, nothing else matters. A well-structured and targeted CV can put you on the radar of top-tier firms like Goldman Sachs, JP Morgan, Morgan Stanley, and Barclays. This guide explains exactly how to build one — from formatting and keywords to bullet points and deal experience.
Understand What Recruiters Are Looking For
Before you begin writing your CV, it’s important to understand what investment banks prioritise. Recruiters look for academic excellence, analytical ability, evidence of ambition, relevant experience, and attention to detail. These qualities demonstrate your ability to handle high-pressure tasks and work long hours in a demanding environment. Most recruiters scan CVs in under 30 seconds, so you need to communicate your strengths quickly and clearly.
Use the Right CV Structure
Investment banking CVs follow a clean and formal format. Aim to keep it to one page — two at most if you have extensive experience. Use a simple, professional font such as Arial or Calibri, keep formatting consistent, and avoid unnecessary graphics. Start with your name and contact details at the top, followed by sections for Education, Work Experience, Leadership & Extracurricular Activities, Technical Skills & Certifications, and Interests. Present your information in reverse chronological order, with your most recent roles listed first.
Write with Impact: Strong Bullet Points
Each bullet point under your work experience should demonstrate impact, using the Action–Task–Result format. Start each bullet with a strong verb like built, analysed, or developed. Quantify your results wherever possible, such as “analysed a £100m portfolio”. Avoid vague or generic statements like “helped with tasks”. Focus on achievements that show your analytical thinking, attention to detail, and business judgement — qualities highly valued in investment banking.
Tailor Your CV for the Role
The content of your CV should reflect whether you’re applying for an internship or a full-time analyst role. For internship applications, emphasise your academic achievements, relevant coursework, and transferable skills gained through societies or part-time work. For graduate positions, highlight prior internships, commercial awareness, and outcomes from real projects or client exposure. Tailoring your CV shows you understand the specific expectations of the role.
Include Relevant Keywords for ATS Optimisation
Most investment banks use applicant tracking systems (ATS) to filter CVs before human review. Including relevant keywords increases your chances of passing this stage. Integrate terms like “financial modelling”, “DCF”, “LBO”, “IPO”, “Bloomberg”, “corporate finance”, and “investment banking internship” into your CV naturally. Place them in your skills section and throughout your work experience bullets to ensure visibility.
Avoid These Common Mistakes
Small errors can lead to instant rejection. Common mistakes include typos, poor formatting, long or unstructured CVs, and vague descriptions. Avoid using overly technical language without context. Focus on clarity and precision. Ask a friend or mentor to proofread your CV before submitting. Make sure your document is saved as a PDF with a clear, professional file name like “Firstname_Lastname_CV.pdf”.
Real Examples of Strong CV Lines
Use bullet points like these to show your understanding of finance and your ability to deliver results:
- Analysed public comps and precedent transactions to support valuation for a potential IPO client.
- Created investor pitchbooks using Excel and PowerPoint for clients in the technology sector.
- Conducted equity research on FTSE 100 stocks, producing weekly reports distributed to over 300 clients.
- Led a university society with 50+ members, organising four speaker events and managing a £2,000 budget.
Each line shows initiative, technical skill, and relevance to investment banking work.
Final CV Checklist
Before you submit your application, use this checklist:
- Is it one page (or two if experienced)?
- Are there zero spelling or grammar errors?
- Does each bullet begin with a strong verb?
- Are achievements measurable where possible?
- Have you used relevant finance-related keywords?
- Is the formatting clean and consistent?
- Have you saved the file with a professional name?
Your CV Is Your First Deal
Think of your investment banking CV as your first pitch. It should be precise, persuasive, and clearly structured. With the right format and content, you can position yourself as a standout candidate ready for the demands of high finance. Whether you’re aiming for a spring week, internship, or graduate role, mastering your CV is the first essential step in breaking into the industry.
