how to write a compelling investment banker CV
After more than 25 years coaching professionals across the City and Canary Wharf, I can confidently say this: a strong investment banker CV is not about stuffing in jargon, but about clarity, credibility and commercial impact. When written properly, your CV should read like a concise investment case – focused, confident and backed by evidence.
Investment banking recruiters and hiring managers scan hundreds of CVs. Your CV must immediately demonstrate technical competence, deal exposure and commercial judgement. Whether you are targeting analyst, associate, VP or MD roles, the fundamentals remain the same: relevance, results and precision.
start with a sharp professional profile
Your investment banker CV should open with a short professional profile of no more than four lines. This is your positioning statement. State your current role or target role, years of experience, sector focus and core strengths such as M&A, leveraged finance, ECM, DCM, valuation or financial modelling.
This section is vital for SEO and applicant tracking systems, so naturally include keywords such as investment banking, mergers and acquisitions, financial analysis, corporate finance, capital markets and deal execution. Avoid vague claims and focus on what you genuinely deliver.
structure and layout matter more than you think
A clean, professional CV structure is essential in investment banking. Use clear section headings, consistent spacing and a logical flow. UK investment banking CVs are typically two pages, unless you are at graduate level.
Sections should include professional profile, core skills, professional experience, education, certifications and additional information. Keep fonts simple and formatting understated. Banks value precision and discipline, and your CV should reflect that mindset.
demonstrate impact in your experience section
Your professional experience section is where your CV either succeeds or fails. Every bullet point should show impact. Start with strong action verbs and quantify results wherever possible.
For example, instead of stating that you “worked on M&A transactions”, explain that you “supported execution of £500m cross-border M&A transactions in the industrials sector, including valuation modelling and buyer due diligence”.
This approach immediately signals scale, responsibility and relevance. Use metrics such as deal value, revenue impact, cost savings, client type and geographic scope. These details are exactly what investment banking recruiters search for.
highlight technical and commercial skills
Investment banking CVs must clearly showcase technical skills. Include financial modelling, valuation methodologies, LBO analysis, DCF, comparable companies analysis and pitch book preparation. If you have strong Excel, PowerPoint or financial software expertise, make it visible.
Equally important are your commercial skills. Client communication, stakeholder management, working under pressure and meeting tight deadlines are all critical in banking environments. Balance technical depth with commercial awareness.
education and qualifications still matter
Education remains highly relevant in investment banking. Clearly list your degree, institution and classification. If you attended a target university or completed a relevant postgraduate qualification, ensure this is easy to spot.
Professional certifications such as CFA, ACA or ACCA should be included prominently. These credentials reinforce credibility and commitment to the profession, particularly when competing in a crowded market.
tailor your CV for each role
One of the most common mistakes I see is using the same CV for every application. A strong investment banker CV is always tailored. Study the job description carefully and mirror the language used, without copying it word for word.
Tailoring improves both human readability and ATS performance. Subtle adjustments to your skills, profile and experience bullets can significantly increase interview success.
optimism and confidence win attention
Your CV should project confidence without arrogance. Investment banking is demanding, but recruiters also look for professionals who are resilient, motivated and commercially curious. An optimistic tone, grounded in evidence, sets you apart.
Remember, your CV is not your full career history. It is a marketing document designed to open doors. Focus on what matters most for the role you want next.
Investment Banking CV sample
final thoughts and next steps
If you want your investment banker CV to compete at the highest level, professional insight makes a real difference. I’ve helped thousands of banking professionals secure interviews at bulge bracket, boutique and mid-market firms by refining their CVs and LinkedIn profiles with precision and strategy.
If you are serious about progressing your investment banking career, I invite you to book a confidential appointment to have your CV and LinkedIn professionally reviewed and optimised. You can work directly with me, Jerry Frempong, or one of CVLondon’s expert CV writers.
Book your appointment here today and take the next confident step in your investment banking career:
https://www.cvlondon.net/book-an-appointment/
