Resume “Must-Haves”

IMO 1) transactions experience is most crucial to show that you know a typical M&A process 2) Modeling (excel) and CIM/pitchbook creation (PowerPoint) 3) ability to communicate cross-departments and with C-suite 4) the ability to oversee and supervise interns.

You're gonna hate my answer, but there arent truly any must haves to break into IBD. 

Things that are nice to have: 

1. Working proficiency in CAP IQ / Pitchbook (I say working proficiency because it indicates to an interviewer that you are far from an expert, but that you have exposure, which is more than is expected at the intern level)

2. Proficiency in the MS Office Suite 

3. Involvement in any investing clubs, or ideally, IBD oriented clubs

Must Haves: 

1. Resume without a single grammatical error 

2. Correct spacing and consistent font sizes

3. An aesthetically appealing template that shows you know what good looks like

4. A resume without any lies on it

5. Your university, work experience (if any), involvement in extracurriculars, and anything else you have done that you think is unique or noteworthy. 

IMHO, your resume is never going to do anything more than get you in the room for an interview, or get you on the phone for a networking chat. Don't over engineer it, but be honest and use your experience as best you can to tell a story about yourself. Your ability to show genuine interest and excitement about the career path will get you much further, as well as connecting with the interviewee. Best of luck to you!