How do you describe deals on your resume?

I work in special sits credit. I haven't updated my resume since I started working. How do professionals structure their resume? I want to include some of my deals, recurring, and ad hoc work. I think the latter two are straightforward, but I've never talked about underwriting a deal on my resume before. Some deals are very unique/complex, so curious how much information I should share. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

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When describing deals on your resume, especially in a specialized field like special situations credit, it's important to strike a balance between providing enough detail to showcase your expertise and maintaining confidentiality. Based on the most helpful WSO content, here’s how professionals typically structure their resumes and include deal experience:

1. Create a "Transaction Experience" Section

  • This is a dedicated section where you can list your deal experience. It’s common in investment banking and related fields.
  • Use concise, one-sentence descriptions for each deal.

2. Structure for Each Deal

  • Format: "$X - Xbn [Type of Deal] for [Industry/Client Type]"
    • Example: "$500M Distressed Debt Restructuring for a Retail Chain"
  • Details: Include 1-2 sub-bullets under each deal to highlight your specific contributions. For example:
    • "Led underwriting process, including financial modeling and credit analysis, to assess risk and structure terms."
    • "Collaborated with legal teams to negotiate covenants and finalize documentation."

3. Highlight Your Role

  • Be clear about your involvement without overstating your contributions. For example:
    • "Supported due diligence and created investment memos for credit committee approval."
    • "Managed communication with stakeholders, including PE sponsors and management teams."

4. Confidentiality

  • For unannounced or sensitive deals, avoid using specific names. Instead, describe the client or counterparty generically (e.g., "a leading healthcare provider").
  • If deal values are not public, provide a range (e.g., "$100M-$200M") to indicate scale.

5. Recurring and Ad Hoc Work

  • For recurring tasks, focus on processes and outcomes:
    • "Monitored portfolio performance and conducted quarterly risk assessments for $1B+ in assets."
  • For ad hoc work, emphasize problem-solving and impact:
    • "Developed bespoke financial models to evaluate distressed asset acquisitions."

6. Complex/Unique Deals

  • Highlight the complexity and your problem-solving skills:
    • "Structured a $300M DIP financing for a Chapter 11 bankruptcy, navigating complex intercreditor agreements."
  • Focus on what sets the deal apart and your role in overcoming challenges.

7. General Tips

  • Use action verbs (e.g., "structured," "led," "analyzed").
  • Keep descriptions concise and results-oriented.
  • Tailor your resume to the role you’re applying for, emphasizing relevant skills and experiences.

By following this structure, you can effectively showcase your deal experience, recurring responsibilities, and ad hoc contributions while maintaining professionalism and confidentiality.

Sources: Deal experience on resume?, Stuck in Corporate Banking - Fighting Complacency, How to write about deals on resume, https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/investment-banking/breaking-into-private-equity-from-banking?customgpt=1, ANSWERED: Most Common Resume Questions

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