Here’s what I Told Students at Yale about Effective Finance CVs
This article is written by Hassan Akram, the CEO of City Careers Coach. We help students enter the world’s most elite finance careers through our experience as elite finance recruiters. Hassan has spoken at Harvard, MIT, and Yale on this and writes in the Times of India on getting into elite careers. He’s recruited for elite corporate careers, including investment banks, corporate law firms, and venture capital funds. He has also interviewed 1,000+ professionals from Goldman Sachs, Kirkland & Ellis, and McKinsey. 100% of our clients are successful at the CV stage. 95% secure at least one corporate career. Our highest client starting salary is $180,000 at 21. We have an in-depth understanding of passing recruitment processes for elite, high-paying, and prestigious finance careers.
Check our case studies of clients securing offers. Here’s Dhruv who secured multiple offers at investment banks and a hedge fund, Aryan who secured an offer at an investment bank, and a client who requested to stay anonymous client at a boutique investment bank in the M&A division.
INTRODUCTION
As the CEO of City Careers Coach, I recently had the privilege of speaking to an ambitious group of students at Yale University. My mission? To impart the wisdom gained from my years as an elite finance recruiter and career coach. Our firm stands at the forefront of guiding students into the world’s most prestigious finance careers, and my insights at Yale were aimed at demystifying the process of crafting effective CVs — a crucial step in securing these coveted roles.
The Essence of a Powerful CV
In an industry where competition is fierce, your CV is more than a summary of qualifications — it’s your personal billboard. It must not only showcase your skills and experiences but also reflect your potential to thrive in high-stakes environments. At City Careers Coach, we’ve perfected the art of CV writing, with a success rate that speaks for itself: 100% of our clients excel at the CV stage.
Tailoring Your CV for the Finance Sector
One size does not fit all. Tailoring your CV to the specific nuances of the finance sector is crucial. This means highlighting experiences that resonate with the core skills sought after in finance — analytical prowess, quantitative aptitude, and strategic thinking. My experience recruiting for giants like Goldman Sachs and McKinsey has shown that these firms seek candidates who not only excel academically but also demonstrate a keen understanding of the finance world.
Showcasing Your Unique Narrative
Your CV should tell a compelling story. Whether it’s through internships, projects, or extracurricular activities, each element should contribute to a narrative that positions you as an ideal candidate for elite finance roles. During my tenure as a recruiter, I always looked for candidates who could articulate how their experiences shaped their career aspirations.
Quantifying Achievements
Numbers speak louder than words. Quantifying your achievements gives a tangible measure of your capabilities. Whether it’s the amount of funds raised for a society, the percentage increase in sales during an internship, or the scale of events organized, these figures can significantly elevate your CV.
Structural Elegance and Clarity
A recruiter spends mere seconds on a CV. Hence, clarity and a structured layout are paramount. Your CV should be easy to navigate, with a clean format and logically arranged sections. During my talks at Harvard and MIT, I emphasized the importance of a CV that is both aesthetically pleasing and information-rich.
Demonstrating a Global Outlook
In today’s interconnected world, a global perspective is invaluable. If you’ve had international experiences or exposure, highlight them. Our diverse client base from over 15 countries, including India, America, and Italy, is a testament to the importance of a global outlook in finance careers.
The Final Polish
Attention to detail is key in the finance sector. Ensure your CV is free from errors and finely polished. A typo might seem trivial, but it can be a deal-breaker in a field that values precision.
Conclusion: Your CV as Your Ambassador
Your CV is often your first point of contact with potential employers. It should represent the best of you. At City Careers Coach, we don’t just craft CVs; we craft futures. Our approach is rooted in a deep understanding of what elite finance firms seek, and our track record is a reflection of this expertise.
As I concluded my session at Yale, I reminded the students: Your CV is more than a document; it’s a stepping stone to a world of prestigious opportunities. Craft it with care, precision, and a touch of your unique story.
Please visit our blog on The Times of India for guidance on entering elite careers: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/blogs/author/hassan-akram/
Check our case studies of clients securing offers. Here’s Dhruv who secured multiple offers at investment banks and a hedge fund, Aryan who secured an offer at an investment bank, and a client who requested to stay anonymous client at a boutique investment bank in the M&A division
ABOUT US
We help students secure the world’s highest-paying finance careers.
‘Really clear and structured frameworks. Genuinely world-leading. I’m a former private equity investor and was impressed by the depth of their knowledge for elite careers, such as private equity and venture capital. Can’t wait for them to come to HBS again.’
‘I honestly had never heard about City Careers Coach. But they honestly blew me away with the truly personalised nature of the programmes. I got spring weeks at investment banks, hedge funds, and I secured experience at a PE fund. I have a summer internship at an investment bank coming (BNP Paribas). I’m fairly confident I’ll convert this to a full-time offer through the firm’s internship conversion programme.’
‘City Careers Coach was incredibly helpful in my CV recruitment process. I had gathered useful pieces of recruitment information from various sources prior to meeting Hassan, but he was able to bring it all together to help me have a clear picture of what a good recruitment strategy looks like. Beyond being extremely knowledgeable, Hassan, the firm’s CEO, was incredibly flexible, friendly, and willing to help out in any way — I would highly recommend Hassan to anyone looking to break into elite finance careers.’
City Careers Coach is an international network of freelance finance recruiters. We are from investment banking, corporate law and private equity backgrounds. We provide premium, bespoke and personalised 1–1 career development programmes. These are for university students looking to enter elite corporate high-paying careers. We have an exceptionally strong track record. 100% of our clients pass CV stage. 95% of our clients secure at least one internship or graduate role. And our highest client starting salary is £150,000.
Check our case studies of clients securing offers. Here’s Dhruv who secured multiple offers at investment banks and a hedge fund, Aryan who secured an offer at an investment bank, and a client who requested to stay anonymous client at a boutique investment bank in the M&A division
Please visit our blog on The Times of India for guidance on entering elite careers: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/blogs/author/hassan-akram/
