Investment Banking Resume Samples and Templates for 2024

Investment Banking Resume Examples and Templates: A Comprehensive Guide

In the high-stakes world of investment banking, a meticulously crafted investment banking resume can be the difference between landing your dream job or being overlooked by a recruiter. Whether you’re aiming for a role as an investment analyst, associate, or investment banker, your resume must be polished, results-driven, and formatted to meet the exacting standards of top firms like Goldman Sachs.

This guide will walk you through everything from the ideal resume template to what skills section, format, and bullet points to include, ensuring your banking resume stands out in a fiercely competitive market.

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Why Your Investment Banking Resume Matters

Your investment banking resume is the first step in securing interviews and breaking into this demanding industry. With roles ranging from entry-level internships to investment banking associate positions, hiring managers expect resumes that convey technical expertise in financial modeling, valuation, due diligence, and the ability to quantify achievements.

In investment banking, applicant tracking systems (ATS) are often the first hurdle. A well-structured resume template not only impresses the recruiter, but also ensures your application is ATS-friendly and optimized for keywords.

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What Investment Banking Resumes Must Include

An exceptional banker resume must reflect both hard and soft skills, a keen eye for financial detail, and a track record of results. Here’s a breakdown of what your resume needs to include:

1. Resume Header

Include:

• Full name

• Contact info

• LinkedIn profile (ensure it’s aligned with your resume)

• Optional: link to a professional portfolio (PDF of your financial modeling work or pitch decks)

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2. Resume Summary or Objective

Tailor this section to reflect your experience level, technical strengths, and ambition.

Example (Entry-Level Analyst):

Detail-oriented finance graduate with internship experience in equity research and financial modeling. Adept at performing valuations and preparing investment memos. Seeking an analyst role to apply financial skills in M&A advisory.

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3. Work Experience Section

List jobs in reverse chronological order. Use quantified bullet points and action verbs like “modeled,” “analyzed,” “advised,” and “executed.”

Example: Investment Banking Intern ABC Capital Partners – New York, NY May 2023 – August 2023

• Created 3-statement financial models for two potential buyout targets, improving valuation accuracy by 12%.

• Assisted with a $120M merger pitch by compiling comparable company analysis and precedent transactions.

• Performed due diligence for a renewable energy investment opportunity, leading to a go/no-go recommendation.

Your work experience should directly reflect investment banking job responsibilities and results. Always quantify the results of your work.

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4. Skills Section

Organize this into hard and soft skills.

Hard Skills (Technical):

• Financial modeling and valuation

• Excel, PowerPoint, Bloomberg Terminal

• PitchBook, Capital IQ

• DCF, LBO, Comps

• Due diligence and market research

Soft Skills (Interpersonal):

• Analytical thinking

• Communication skills

• Problem-solving

• Interpersonal skills

• Attention to detail

• Time management

Your skills section should be tailored to the job description and relevant to investment banking.

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5. Education Section

Include:

• Degree

• University name

• Graduation year

• Relevant coursework

• GPA (if 3.5+)

• Certifications like CFA, CPA, or financial modeling bootcamps

Example: B.S. in Finance University of Chicago, Booth School of Business GPA: 3.82 | Dean’s List (3 semesters) Courses: Advanced Valuation, M&A, Corporate Finance

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6. Certifications & Additional Sections

• CFA Level I or II

• Financial Modeling & Valuation Analyst (FMVA) Certification

• Language proficiency (for global firms)

• Investment competitions or leadership activities

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Investment Banking Resume Templates & Formats

Stick to the one-page resume unless you have 10+ years of experience. Use banking resume examples that prioritize clarity, whitespace, and structure.

Ideal Resume Formats:

• Reverse Chronological Resume (best for experienced applicants)

• Functional Resume (for career changers)

• Combination Resume (great for junior bankers with certifications)

Avoid flashy design. Investment banking resume templates should be simple, PDF-compatible, and ATS-friendly.

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Tailoring Your Resume to the Job

Hiring managers at elite firms look for specific banking resume qualities. Always:

• Use keywords from the job description

• Highlight modeling, valuation, and merger experience

• Match your resume format to the firm’s culture

• Align achievements with investment strategies and profitability metrics

• Keep your resume concise and relevant

Remember: your resume is the first step in showcasing your professionalism and commitment to the banking industry.

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Sample Bullet Points to Strengthen Your Resume

• Modeled 5-year DCF and LBO scenarios to support a $400M acquisition deal

• Supported a team in closing a $150M investment opportunity in the fintech sector

• Conducted market research and due diligence across 3 industries to evaluate investment strategies

• Created pitch books for clients in tech, biotech, and consumer goods sectors

Use bullet points that demonstrate your impact and contributions, not just responsibilities.

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Cover Letter Tips for Investment Banking Jobs

Pair your resume with a powerful cover letter that briefly outlines your interest in the investment banking role, your unique track record, and your passion for the financial analysis and modeling work involved.

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Top Investment Banking Resume Tips

• Keep it to one page (unless you’re a senior banker)

• Use PDF format unless otherwise specified

• Avoid personal pronouns (“I”, “me”, “my”)

• Highlight your results, not duties

• Avoid jargon unless it’s industry-specific (e.g., LBO, DCF)

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Conclusion: Make Your Investment Banking Resume Stand Out

An effective investment banking resume highlights more than just your work experience—it tells your story of financial expertise, soft skills, technical mastery, and your potential to thrive in a demanding banking role.

Whether you’re writing a banker resume for entry-level analyst roles or seeking advancement as an investment banking associate, using a proven resume builder and following resume examples and templates will help you make your resume unforgettable.