investment banking remains one of the most competitive and rewarding career paths in the UK and globally. the role sits at the heart of capital markets, advising corporations, governments and institutions on mergers, acquisitions, capital raising and strategic finance decisions. an investment banker’s job description typically includes financial modelling, valuation, deal execution, client presentations, due diligence and market analysis, often under intense deadlines and scrutiny. in return, the salary and long-term earning potential are significant. in london, graduate investment banking analysts often start between £55,000 and £70,000 plus bonus, associates typically earn £90,000 to £130,000, while vice presidents and directors can command six-figure base salaries with substantial performance bonuses. however, before any of this becomes reality, your investment banking cv must win the interview. that document is your commercial sales pitch, and in a market this competitive, average simply does not cut it.
i am jerry frempong, a uk-based career coaching professional with over 25 years of experience helping ambitious professionals break into and progress within investment banking. what follows is a practical, interview-winning investment banking cv template example, combined with guidance that reflects what hiring managers, recruiters and managing directors actually want to see. this is written to help you rank highly not only in applicant tracking systems but also in the minds of decision-makers.
why your investment banking cv matters more than ever
investment banking recruitment is ruthless by design. banks receive thousands of applications for a handful of roles. recruiters typically spend less than 20 seconds scanning a cv before deciding whether it goes in the interview pile or the rejection folder. your cv must therefore demonstrate three things immediately: intellectual horsepower, commercial awareness and evidence of impact. a well-structured investment banking cv template example provides clarity, credibility and confidence. it shows you understand the industry, respect the reader’s time and can communicate complex information concisely, a core skill in banking.
an interview-winning investment banking cv template example
below is a practical structure and content guide you can adapt. this is not about copying blindly; it is about understanding what works and why.
personal details section
keep this clean and professional. include your full name, uk mobile number, professional email address and linkedin profile. do not include your full home address. city and country are sufficient. for investment banking, professionalism and discretion matter.
professional profile
this is a short, high-impact paragraph of three to four lines. think of it as your elevator pitch. it should clearly state who you are, what level you operate at and what you bring to an investment bank.
example:
analytical finance graduate with strong financial modelling and valuation skills, seeking an investment banking analyst role in london. experienced in m&a analysis, pitch book preparation and client-facing research through internships and academic projects. known for attention to detail, commercial judgement and thriving in high-pressure environments.
this section is crucial for seo and human readers alike. phrases such as investment banking analyst cv, investment banking graduate cv and investment banking cv template example should appear naturally in your wording.
key skills and technical competencies
this section should be concise and tailored. bullet points are acceptable here, even though headings remain unstyled. focus on skills investment banks actively test.
examples include financial modelling, discounted cash flow valuation, comparable company analysis, precedent transactions, advanced excel, powerpoint for pitch books, financial statement analysis, capital markets knowledge, m&a lifecycle understanding and data analysis.
education
for graduates and early-career professionals, education carries weight. list your degree, university, grade and relevant modules. include achievements that demonstrate rigour, such as first-class honours, top percentile rankings or scholarships.
example:
bsc economics and finance, university of nottingham
first class honours
relevant modules: corporate finance, econometrics, financial markets, derivatives
professional experience
this is the heart of your investment banking cv. each role should focus on achievements, not responsibilities. quantify wherever possible.
example:
investment banking intern, boutique advisory firm, london
supported senior bankers on m&a transactions valued between £50m and £300m
built three-statement financial models and dcf valuations for live mandates
prepared pitch books and industry analysis used in client presentations
conducted due diligence and market research across technology and healthcare sectors
notice the language: action-oriented, results-focused and commercially aware. this is how you position yourself as someone who adds value, not just completes tasks.
additional experience and leadership
investment banks value leadership, resilience and teamwork. include relevant extracurricular activities, part-time work or leadership roles that demonstrate these qualities.
example:
finance society vice president, managing a team of 12 and organising employer networking events with bulge bracket banks
part-time analyst role while studying, balancing academic excellence with commercial responsibility
certifications and additional information
include relevant certifications such as cfa level i (if applicable), bloomberg market concepts, or advanced excel courses. languages and technical tools can also sit here.
how this cv template example wins interviews
this investment banking cv template example works because it mirrors how bankers think. it is structured, logical and focused on outcomes. it balances technical competence with commercial awareness and demonstrates motivation without arrogance. it also aligns well with applicant tracking systems by naturally incorporating key phrases like investment banking cv example, investment banking cv template and investment banking analyst cv.
general tips for creating an interview-winning investment banking cv
always tailor your cv to the specific bank and role. a bulge bracket bank may value scale and brand, while an elite boutique may prioritise modelling depth and exposure. research the firm and subtly reflect this in your wording. keep your cv to one page unless you are at senior level. precision matters in banking. use a clean, professional font and consistent formatting. errors suggest carelessness, which is fatal in this industry.
recommended cv structure summary
personal details
professional profile
key skills
education
professional experience
additional experience and leadership
certifications and interests
advice for graduates targeting investment banking
graduates must compensate for limited experience with clarity, motivation and evidence of potential. focus on academic rigour, relevant internships, case competitions and transferable skills. show you understand what investment banking actually involves. avoid generic statements about being passionate about finance. instead, demonstrate interest through action and exposure.
advice for middle management professionals
at associate and vice president level, your cv should shift from potential to performance. highlight deals worked on, transaction values, leadership responsibilities and client interaction. demonstrate progression and increasing responsibility. your investment banking cv should read like a track record of delivery and commercial impact.
advice for senior management and executives
for directors and managing directors, the cv becomes more strategic. focus on revenue generation, client relationships, team leadership and market expertise. quantify your contribution to deals, origination and growth. while length may extend to two pages, clarity and focus remain essential.
the do’s and don’ts of an investment banking cv
do quantify achievements wherever possible
do tailor your cv for each application
do keep language clear, professional and commercially focused
do include a strong linkedin profile aligned with your cv
don’t include irrelevant personal information
don’t exaggerate or misrepresent experience
don’t use jargon without substance
don’t submit a generic cv and hope for the best
final words from jerry frempong
investment banking is not just about intelligence; it is about presentation, judgement and credibility. your cv is the first test of all three. when crafted correctly, it opens doors to interviews that change careers and lives. i have spent over 25 years helping graduates, professionals and executives position themselves for success in highly competitive markets like investment banking, and i know what works.
Investment Bank CV Sample
if you want your investment banking cv and linkedin profile professionally reviewed, optimised and positioned to win interviews, i invite you to book a confidential consultation with me today. together, we will turn your experience into a compelling commercial story that banks want to invest in. book your appointment here: https://www.cvlondon.net/book-an-appointment/.
