I'm looking for advice on a few queries I have regarding my CV. This is for applications to investment banks in London.
1. For degree grade, is it sufficient just to provide 1:1 or 2:1, or is it better to provide percentage as well? In particular if it is a mid or low 2:1 (say 60-65%) so not particularly impressive? Will not including percentage raise question marks?, i.e. will they assume it's a low 2:1? On that note, is a low 2:1 generally considered sufficient to be called for interview?
2. Is it standard to include A-Level or equivalent results? And if so, is it standard to list all subjects taken? From what I can gather it's not standard to include high school in the US, is it different for London?
3. Are significant gaps (say 1 or 2 years) a problem? For example, you took a gap year before university but you omit your work experience from that year in order to give more space (considering 1-page limit) to more relevant internships you've completed since.
Any input much appreciated!
Putting just the degree classification is enough. If you got a particularly high % there may be a small benefit in putting it alongside your degree classification. Typically the degree classification is only there to check if the candidate is on track to get a 2:1 or above. I've applied with both a "Expected 2:1" and "Expected 1st" and have been interviewed, so don't think it really matters much.
Yes, include your A-Levels on your CV, again recruiters will want to see that you meet their minimum requirements. Don't bother with GCSEs though.
This is a tricky one, what was it that you did in your gap year/s. In most cases, yes it is better to include something to cover that period from school->university. A one line statement whether you went travelling, tried to start a business, took additional classes are perfectly reasonable and in some cases breaks you from the standard graduate.
Great thanks for your advice! Regarding A-levels, should you list your subjects or just overall score?
I worked for a year and then switched uni courses so there's actually a two-year gap between a-level year and beginning of uni... I did have the work experience in but removed it in order to allocate more space to relevant experience... Do you think the gap would raise a red flag or would they assume I'm just focussing on my most relevant experiences?
Thanks again
Don't list subjects. If you sat math and got an A* then list it.
Disagree about not listing your subjects. Don't think it makes a huge difference either way, but I would list them and the grade. Would take up at max. 1 line e.g.: A Levels - Mathematics (A), Economics (A), Chemistry (A) In my opinion, it can show that you got good grades in 'harder' subjects and if you ended up doing a non-econ/finance/non-quant related degree, that you at least have some mathematical ability.
If you present your CV with the 2 year gap, some recruiters may miss the gap, however those that pick up on it will question what happened, was this guy in jail? Having started a degree and then transferring isn't a problem, so that could be included in 1/2 lines in your education section, maybe a couple of words about why you changed.
The work experience depends, is it relevant at all? Shows that you can keep down a job, covers for the gap and possibly some transferable skills?
I would definitely speak to your careers advisors at uni, and speak to HR at some of the banks. Just call up and speak to them, they are very helpful.
Thanks for the input guys!
I see what you're saying about listing subjects, but if I decided not to include them could it work against me or is it common just to state overall score?
I should mention that the gap is from quite a while ago as I've finished undergrad and recently finished a masters. Do you think it's more acceptable to have the gap given how long ago it was and the fact that I have a bachelors, masters and relevant experience under my belt? Surely that would make them less inclined to wonder if i've been in jail? :P
The gap year experience wasn't finance-related but was (kind of) business-related and I have a good line on how well I performed.
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