CFA® Level 1 Candidate on Resume?

I'm a recent Finance target, applying to S&T at BB I have stuff in my resume that shows im good with my technicals

I'm thinking of registering for CFA® in June, should i put "CFA® level 1 candidate" on my resume.

Initially, one may think "oh, it wont hurt", but what if they focus their attention on it, and then subconscious/consciously assume that another applicant with CFA® level 2/3 candidate" is more technically qualified?

Will "CFA®level 1 candidate" help in any way on my resume?

thanks

Should I Put CFA® Candidate Level 1 on my Resume?

No. You should not put this distinction on your resume as it means very little other than the fact that you are thinking about taking the CFA® level one exam.

A popular post on WSO - Interview with the Head of Equity Derivatives Sales directly cited that this is faux paw.

If you review resumes (or have in the past) - what are some of the most common mistakes you've seen?
Also "candidate for CFA® level I", as a CFA® candidate for level III, I know that putting this is absolute bull sh.t as you have not achieved ANYTHING yet. I had one put: candidate for level I in December and level II in June, that pushed me over the edge.

dspapo - Consulting Analyst:
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 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.

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.

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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

 

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.

 
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

 

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.

"For I am a sinner in the hands of an angry God. Bloody Mary full of vodka, blessed are you among cocktails. Pray for me now and at the hour of my death, which I hope is soon. Amen."
 

instead of CFA Level 1 Candidate, try "Aspiring Trader". Carries the same amount of weight, and might get a laugh

“Success means having the courage, the determination, and the will to become the person you believe you were meant to be”
 

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.

 
Logger54:
doesn't level 1 candidate indicate you passed it? as in you're in the candidate phase and have completed level 1.

No, it means that you are a candidate to get the L1 cert. IE you are studying to take it. Once you pass it you become L2 Candidate

If I had asked people what they wanted, they would have said faster horses - Henry Ford
 

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

 

firstly i am confused too. But there is definitely no need to tell HR that you are preaparing for CFA, especially through your RESUME. If you did so, people who read it might think you are just too confident or not fully preapared for the financial market. caofan

 

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