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As an Entry Level/Junior Financial Analyst, you're at the beginning of an exciting journey in a dynamic field. The finance industry is currently experiencing a significant shift towards digitalization and data-driven decision making. In this space, being tech-savvy and having a solid grounding in data analysis are increasingly valuable. On your resume, it's pivotal to showcase not only your financial acumen but also your adaptability and forward-thinking mindset.
Exude passion for the finance sector, because employers are keen on candidates who are genuinely interested in their line of work. Be sure to highlight any coursework or projects you've completed that are relevant to the job, and don't shy away from showcasing your soft skills, such as critical thinking or teamwork. These assets can set you apart from other applicants.
As this role is often centered around interpreting financial data, it's essential to emphasize any experience you have with data analysis. Have you worked on a project or took a course that involved analyzing data sets? Highlight that on your resume and demonstrate your competency in this area.
With the finance industry's ongoing digital transformation, being comfortable with technology is a critical skill. If you've used financial analysis software or other technical tools in school or a previous job, definitely include those details. This could be as simple as being an Excel whizz or as complex as knowing how to use specific finance software.
Junior financial analysts typically collect and analyze data, create reports, and make policy recommendations based on their findings. While you can get this entry-level job with little to no prior work experience, you’ll be a more competitive candidate if you’ve studied business, finance, economics, or a related field in school. Use your resume to emphasize your educational background, and don’t forget to also list any relevant internships you’ve done.
If your work history is fairly short, it’s best to lead your resume with your educational history, especially if you majored in a relevant subject area. If you have a bachelor’s degree in business with a minor in analytics and management, mention that up-front to show hiring managers that you’re starting with at least some background in the field.
You may not have held many jobs at this stage in your career, but if you’ve interned in financial analytics, make sure to highlight your internships on your resume. Treat them as you would treat any work experience, adding bullet points to explain what you achieved (such as “generated 10+ new clients through cold calling”).
As a hiring manager who has recruited for top companies like Goldman Sachs, JPMorgan Chase, and Citi, I've reviewed hundreds of resumes for entry-level financial analyst positions. Based on my experience, I've compiled a list of essential tips to help you create a standout resume that will catch the attention of potential employers in the finance industry.
Employers are looking for candidates who can demonstrate strong analytical skills. Showcase your ability to analyze financial data and provide insights by including specific examples in your resume.
Avoid generic statements that don't provide concrete evidence of your skills:
A summary is an optional section at the top of your resume that provides a quick overview of your professional background, skills, and achievements. While a summary is not required, it can be a useful way to provide context for your experience and highlight your most relevant qualifications for the Entry Level/Junior Financial Analyst role you are targeting.
Keep in mind that a summary should not simply repeat information that is already included elsewhere in your resume. Instead, it should add value by providing additional details or context that may not be immediately apparent from the rest of your application. It's also important to avoid using an objective statement, as these are generally considered outdated and ineffective.
The work experience section is the heart of your resume as an entry level financial analyst. It's where you prove to employers that you have the skills and experience to excel in the role. In this section, list your work history in reverse-chronological order, with your most recent experience first.
For each role, include the company name, your job title, dates of employment, and a few bullet points highlighting your key accomplishments and responsibilities. Remember to tailor your work experience to the specific financial analyst role you're applying for.
When describing your work experience, use strong action verbs that demonstrate your financial analysis skills. This helps recruiters quickly understand your capabilities and imagine you in the role. For example:
Avoid weak or passive language that downplays your contributions, like:
The education section of your entry level financial analyst resume should be concise yet impactful. It's a chance to showcase your relevant academic background and any specialized coursework or certifications that make you a strong candidate. Here are some key tips to follow when writing your education section:
The skills section is one of the most important parts of your resume. It's where you show employers that you have the specific abilities and knowledge they're looking for in a financial analyst. A well-crafted skills section can help you stand out from other candidates and increase your chances of getting an interview.
Here are some tips to help you create a strong skills section on your resume:
Here are examples of popular skills from Entry Level/Junior Financial Analyst job descriptions that you can include on your resume.
This word cloud highlights the important keywords that appear on Entry Level/Junior Financial Analyst job descriptions and resumes. The bigger the word, the more frequently it appears on job postings, and the more likely you should include it in your resume.
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