CV Tips and Tricks

Based on the most helpful WSO content, here are some detailed tips and tricks to improve your CV:

1. Demonstrate Skills Through Experience:

   • Avoid listing skills like "Problem solving" or "Time management" without context. Instead, demonstrate these skills through your work experience. For example, show how you used financial modeling in a project or how you managed a team to achieve a specific goal.

2. Prioritize Content:

   • The number of bullet points per section should reflect the importance of that experience. For instance, if you have significant internship experience, it should have more bullet points than a less relevant extracurricular activity.

3. Formatting:

   • Ensure your CV is clean and well-formatted. Use consistent fonts like Helvetica or Garamond instead of Times New Roman. Increase spacing between lines to make your CV feel lighter and more readable.

4. Action-Oriented Verbs and Metrics:

   • Use meaningful bullet points with action-oriented verbs. Make your actions verifiable and measurable by attaching $, #, and % figures to them. For example, "Increased sales by 20% through targeted marketing campaigns."

5. Consistency and Attention to Detail:

   • Be consistent with formatting. All dashes should be the same kind, and punctuation should not be bold or italicized. Proofread your CV multiple times to catch any formatting or grammatical errors.

6. Thesis and Structure:

   • Your CV should have a clear thesis. Structure it to highlight your most important experiences. For example, if you want to emphasize a particular internship, make it the largest section of your CV.

7. Avoid Fluff:

   • Do not include a "skills" section with vague terms. Focus on concrete skills that can be demonstrated, such as languages or technical skills.

8. Save as PDF:

   • Always save your resume as a PDF to ensure the formatting remains consistent when viewed on different devices.

9. Maximize Space:

   • Stretch your margins and boundaries if necessary to fit more content without making the CV look cluttered. Use the horizontal space effectively.

10. Defend Every Line:

    • Be prepared to defend every line on your resume during an interview. Ensure that everything you include is accurate and relevant.

11. Tailor Your Resume:

    • Customize your resume for the specific job or industry you are applying to. Highlight relevant experiences and skills that match the job description.

12. No Pictures or Over-Styling:

    • Avoid including pictures or overly styled elements. Content is king, and a clean, professional look is preferred.

13. Include Interests if Relevant:

    • If you have space, include a section for interests that can help make you memorable. For example, unique hobbies or skills that can be a conversation starter during interviews.

14. Use Past Tense:

    • Write in past tense even for current jobs to maintain consistency and clarity.

15. Print and Review:

    • Print your resume and review it in physical form. This can help you catch formatting issues that might be missed on a screen.

16. Seek Feedback:

    • Ask for feedback from friends, mentors, or professionals in the industry. They can provide valuable insights and help you improve your CV further.

For more detailed advice, you can refer to the WSO threads and resources on CV writing.

Sources: 16 Tips to Improve Your Investment Banking Resume, I'll help you with your CV (Top IB VP), Cover Letter + Resume Advice, https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/job-search/oh-how-i-judge-your-cv?customgpt=1, Resume Guidelines from a WSO Drop Reviewer