Are you preparing for an application process at a trading firm? The first step is to submit your resume. Don’t take this initial step lightly: a messy resume, despite a great background, can make the difference between being invited and being rejected. If you are serious about your aspirations, you should be equally serious about your resume file. Looking at a proper resume template can give you a great head start.
If you Google around, many pages will tell you the dos and don’ts regarding your resume. The downside is that many websites and people copy each other’s opinions, without ever having the experience of actually selecting resumes. Still, many great pieces of advice are shared, so what should you really be aware of?
One of the first pieces of advice that people give each other (especially in the financial industry) is to use a specific template from a particular platform, which we won’t dishonor by naming. Despite appreciating these efforts to help each other out, you also need to consider the following: imagine you are a recruiter, and you’re receiving the exact same template 50 times a day, all in black and white. For clarity: I have been there, and it has both pros and cons. The good thing about this standard template is its consistency. The downside is that it’s also consistent across thousands of applicants. This can lead recruiters or traders (anyone reviewing applications) to boredom, while a slightly different touch can make all the difference in the world.
Our advice is not to go full “rainbow mode,” but adding a single color to your headers isn’t necessarily a bad idea. On the contrary, it brings some color to the lives of people who review tens or hundreds of resumes daily. There are many things to consider while creating a proper and consistent resume.
Resume Template
- Are you looking for a resume template? We use Canva for our designs. Click here for our resume template.
- Do you want personal guidance? Take a look at our Resume Service and Guidance page.
“Should I really include my interests as well?” Yes, you are not the only smart candidate with great achievements and a STEM background. Firms are not only looking for intelligent people but also for those they would be happy to sit next to for the coming years. I once interviewed a candidate who had Greek Mythology listed in the ‘interests’ section. We spent the first fifteen minutes of the interview discussing Greek Mythology. It creates a bond from the start when people can discuss each other’s interests.
If you have more questions, or if you want personal guidance, have a look at our Resume Service and Guidance. Good luck!