How to Improve Your Resume Before Investment Banking Recruiting

Investment banking recruiters scan resumes for academic performance, relevant experience, leadership, technical interest, and attention to detail. This guide explains how to strengthen each area before recruiting begins, even if you have not completed a finance internship yet.

Author: Michael Harris Updated 9 min read

Start by assessing what your resume currently proves

A strong investment banking resume is evidence, not a statement of interest. Saying you are passionate about finance carries little weight unless your coursework, activities, internships, or personal projects support the claim. Before editing individual bullets, ask what your current resume proves about your academic ability, work ethic, leadership, analytical skills, and interest in transactions.

Review the document from a recruiter’s perspective. Can someone understand your school, graduation date, grade point average, experience, and activities within a few seconds? Do your bullets explain what you accomplished, or do they merely list responsibilities? Are there obvious signals that you have explored investment banking beyond reading a job description?

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