CFA® Level 1 Candidate on Resume?

LMAOOO!!! Thanks this helps!

Apple_iBank:

lmao, nice troll

*http://www.wallstreetoasis.com/blog/interview-with-the-head-of-equity-d…, #12

Nice link! Thank you!

really depends on the rest of your resume and how it looks. a good idea i think, but also feel like CFA is more helpful post ug. you don't want to de-emphasize your ug experience, hopefully.

It is definitely something I think could improve my resume. I don't want to say I have any "gaps" but I do have one or two points on there that could be replaced.

I plan on going into trading and eventually HF and I have heard putting this on a resume can show that a person is passionate about their career/finance and doing what they can to get ahead, as most UG's don't start taking/prepping for CFA exams while still in their UG program.

while you're working for it, I'd put it near the top, phrased something like "Completed CFA Level ###." In your first few years, putting it near the top would probably mean in the 'Education' section, but after a while, experience should come before education.

Once you actually get it, it should be displayed very prominently, because a lot of places won't ever consider candidates who don't have it. It's probably more of a credential for research, but in tough jobs markets (ie - now), firms have their pick of the litter, and being a CFA really sets you apart in any field. I would even consider putting it at the top, next to your name, eg - John Doe, CFA

since anyone can be a level 1 candidate, putting it on your resume doesn't mean anything. once you actually pass, then throw it on.

as for how to present it on your resume - read book 1, it'll tell you exactly what you can and can't do in the first 100 pages.

as for now, you may want to mention that you're a candidate in the interview (if that's actually true). if they care, they may ask you why you're entering into the program, so have something prepared for that.

good luck in december

i believes its under VII in Professional Standards of Practice

Ok thanks guys. I don't have the books/materials yet so the only information I could get was online. Will read through everything as soon as I get it.

Are you paying for this yourself? I thought about taking it but it's a grand for the first program + exam fee

Fortunately, I'll be having a parent loan me some money so I can make the deadline (then I plan on paying it back as soon as I can, I hate borrowing from parents). I don't think waiting a year until you have some solid income to pay for it would be too big of a deal though.

IMO ONLY put it on if you are comfortable with the materials in level I and you can explain the stuff well during an interview. If you put it on your resume, it's fair game for the interviewer to scrutinize you.

Do you have any professional memberships and designations (IE You have military clearence, have passed the first actuary exam, etc.)? If so, put it there.

WallStreetPlayboys:

Candidate level 2 is acceptable, it shows you passed and know the basics.

Candidate level 1 = nothing. WIll ding you on resume. If they ask you and you respond with "you're signed up for Jun/Dec" you'll be 100x better off because they will now trust your resume wasn't some inflated bragging rights story.

Hahah thanks Playboy, hope I can change the bullet to "Level 3 Candidate" by the end of July

if you are registered for L1 you can write CFA Level 1 Candidate...it's not that impressive but it at least shows interest and is probably better than nothing at all

What Going Concern said...Also, You could put "(Scheduled for December 2012 Exam) "

I have told this to a few people and it's just my personal opinion - Do not put CFA Level 1 Candidate anywhere on your resume. It looks really really dumb to anyone familiar with the test (everyone). With that said, I understand the urge highlight the fact you have committed yourself to finance/have some background/aren't a lazy piece of shit. My recommendation is to include it in your cover letter somewhere.

If you haven't graduated, better put it on your resume, it shows interest.

mine was:

CFA Level 1 Candidate (December Exam)

First would be better on a resume. You might want to put the date too since Level 1 is offered twice a year. Second would only look good on somebody's linkedin summary.

Plan on taking the CFA really doesn't mean anything, until you actually pass L1

Why your at it just go ahead and list plan on taking the GMAT, TTS modeling course, hiking mount everest, etc. etc.

i disagree. put option 1

edit: if you are one

Expected CFA Charterholder, Completion in 2.5 years, Guaranteed 20% Returns

Expected CFA Charterholder is prohibited by the CFA Institute.

It's funny, because I put "Preparing for..." on my resume, and I thought everyone else puts "...Candidate", but I guess I'm not the only one.

think he was kidding haha

Funny, this question is actually answered directly in the CFA L1 material... I believe the correct answer is "Level I candidate in the CFA Program". It is my understanding that you do not list the date.

Best way to list it is under the "Mistakes in Life" section.

Might as well put I had 1 grand to blow, because signing up for a test isn't impressive. If I see Level I candidate on a resume I'm reviewing, it's in the trash.

doesn't level 1 candidate indicate you passed it? as in you're in the candidate phase and have completed level 1.

i think i may have misunderstood, but if you mean to say you're adding a line to your resume that tells people you intend to take the CFA in June, that's useless if you meant you'll add that after taking and passing the exam, that's a different story

oh ok, yeah i was referring to adding a line about taking it as opposed to taking it and passing it.

reason is i have been told otherwise.