As a banking professional, you’ve got the financial expertise, analytical prowess and interpersonal skills to provide valuable financial advice, manage risks and contribute to the growth and stability of financial institutions and their clients. But, how do you show you’re worth investing in over your competition? With an “interest-ing” resume detailing all the assets you’ll bring to the job!
Whether you’re a banking executive or are looking to break into the mortgage industry, you’ll need to display your banker skills on your resume to catch recruiters’ interest. Even if you’re brand new to the industry, you can learn how to write a resume with no experience that will get you noticed. For newbies and banking executives alike, this step-by-step guide and our professional Resume Builder will help you craft every section of your resume.
Here, you’ll learn to write an impressive resume for a banking job in minutes. In this guide, you’ll find:
- A selection of popular banking resume examples.
- Step-by-step instructions on how to write a banking resume in 2024.
- Banking resume examples for every experience level.
- Stats and facts about the banking industry.
- Commonly asked questions about resume writing.
Need a resume immediately? Skip this guide and head straight to our AI Resume Builder. Just follow the prompts in the builder and populate your resume with the auto-suggested content for the banking role you want. In just minutes, you’ll have a competitive resume to apply for the banking job you’re after! It’s that simple.
Popular banking resume examples
When you’re going after a job in banking, checking out resume examples for banking is a smart first move. There are lots of different job titles in this field, but here’s a banking resume example for a popular role. You can also visit our resume examples page for hundreds of more job titles.
Interested in a different job title? Take a look at these additional banking resume samples:
How to write a banking resume
Want to land a banking job that will propel your career forward? To land the opportunity you’re after, you’ll need a top-notch resume. Each resume should be tailored to the specific role you’re applying for if you truly want to get an interview. To tailor your resume, you’ll need to study the job ad and pull out the critical skills, experience and keywords the employer is seeking.
Once you’re familiar with their requirements, you’re ready to write your resume. Remember, to create the perfect resume, every detail should be relevant to the role — from your header to your special sections.
An excellent resume outline always includes the following:
- A header that contains your contact info
- A well-written resume profile.
- At least one — if not several — skills sections.
- A work experience section that lists your jobs in reverse-chronological order.
- A list of your colleges and universities (and special training) in an education section.
- Optional resume sections that can help you stand out.
Let’s take a deeper dive into each of these points.
Step 1
Fill in your header
Your resume header contains your contact information, which is critical in the job search. After all, a recruiter can’t invite you to interview if they can’t reach you. In this section, include your name, professional email address, phone number and links to your LinkedIn profile and portfolio, if applicable.
Next, let’s get into your resume’s introduction.
When selecting a resume template, choose one that is industry appropriate and easy to scan. For roles in banking, we recommend choosing a modern or simple resume template. Both of these style will allow you to present a clean, professional and distraction-free cover letter. Regardless of the style you choose, however, your contact information should be front and center, in a font that is easy to read.
Step 2
Craft a professional summary or resume objective
Every resume should start with either a professional summary or a resume objective.
For job seekers with relevant work experience, a professional summary is the way to go.
It’s all about highlighting those crucial skills needed for the job and showcasing your most impressive professional achievements. And, here’s a tip based on expert recommendations: incorporating data and metrics into your professional summary is an excellent way to show off what you can bring to the table if you land the gig. Any good banker should know their numbers, but even more than that, displaying numerical data shows the concrete impact of your banking achievements.
If you’ve recently graduated or don’t have much work experience, there is another option: a resume objective statement.
A resume objective is a short introduction, usually two to three sentences long, that allows you to tell recruiters what you bring to the table and why you’re excited to work for them. It’s an excellent way to make a great first impression, even if you’re just starting out in the banking field.
The main difference between a professional summary and a resume objective is its focus. In a professional summary, concentrate on showcasing what you have to offer the employer based on what you’ve accomplished at other jobs, leaving out your own professional goals and aspirations. In a resume objective, on the other hand, it is fine to explain your professional goals. However, if you are writing a resume objective, be sure to also focus on your relevant transferable hard and soft skills to show employers that you have what it takes to succeed in the role.
Sample banking resume summary:
Driven wealth manager and Chartered Financial Advisor (CFA) with 16 years of experience researching and executing successful investment strategies for a variety of clients. Strong account management skills, including verifying transactions, managing deposits, assessing credit risk, and opening and closing accounts. Track record of providing solid advice to a small roster of clients with a net worth of more than $5 million. Demonstrated ability to achieve outstanding financial results even during financial downturns. Reputation for building long-term client relationships.
Sample objective for a banking resume:
Certified Financial Planner (CFP) with strong analytical, customer service and communication skills seeking entry-level role. Expert-level understanding of banking regulations and compliance procedures. Seeking to share my detailed knowledge of financial products, including loans, mortgages and savings accounts. Interested in leveraging my training and certifications to provide trustworthy financial guidance to clients and assist them in achieving their financial goals.
Step 3
Compile a list of banking skills
Skills are important for every job, but professionals in banking roles require a special mix of hard and soft skills to be successful. Smart applicants know to focus on their education and technical skills, but also to emphasize their soft skills (the personality traits that make a person great at their job).
Whether you’re a banking executive or an entry-level applicant, hiring managers will be looking closely at the banking resume skills you list. Skills for a banking resume should be added to your resume skills section, your work experience section, and in your resume objective or professional summary.
Don’t overlook the importance of having a well-rounded mix of hard and soft skills on your banking resume. In the banking world, hard skills such as financial acumen and analytics are absolutely essential. But, since it’s a customer-facing job that deals with a sensitive subject — money — soft skills like communication and conflict resolution are equally important and highly valued. Soft skills are not easily taught, which is why employers actively seek out candidates who naturally possess these qualities. So, it’s all about finding the perfect balance between your technical abilities and the subtle transferable skills that allow you to do your job well.
Sample banking resume skills:
- Knowledge of financial products
- Arithmetic
- Analytical prowess
- Strong accounting skills
- Risk management Business development
- Business development
- Customer service
- Relationship building
- Collaboration
- Time management
- Communication
- Conflict resolution
Step 4
Create a compelling work experience section
Your work experience section gives you a chance to show employers that you’ve got what it takes by giving them real examples of how you work. Forget about writing a list of vague work responsibilities — the best work experience section paints a picture of your professional life through the use of action words, data and metrics.
Each entry should include the company name and location, your job title and the dates you were employed. Then add three to five bullet points that describe your responsibilities and achievements.
Using data and metrics in your work experience section is a fantastic way to impress recruiters with both the scope of your responsibilities and the tangible impact you’ve had on your company’s success. This is particularly important in fields like banking, where numbers hold major significance. Consider including specific figures, such as the number of customers you interact with each month, the size of the team you manage, the number of new accounts you’ve opened or the amount of revenue you’ve generated for your company. These numbers not only highlight your achievements but also demonstrate your value in quantifiable terms.
Sample banking work experience entry:
Sr. Investment Banker, South Shore Bank
South Shore, NY
January 2017 – Present
- Track record of successfully closing high-profile transactions, including IPOs, leveraged buyouts and cross-border mergers, totaling billions in deal value.
- Advise 75+ clients on strategic and financial matters, providing tailored solutions to meet their specific needs and objectives. Prepare and deliver compelling presentations to senior executives and board members, effectively communicating complex financial concepts and recommendations.
- Lead and manage a team of investment bankers in executing complex financial transactions, including mergers and acquisitions, financial restructurings, and debt and equity offerings.
- Develop and maintain relationships with key clients, including corporate executives, private equity firms and institutional investors, to generate new business opportunities and drive revenue growth.
Step 5
Highlight your education
Of all the resume sections, education is the easiest to complete. However, there are still guidelines to follow.
For starters, if you have a college degree or higher, you don’t need to list your high school education. Instead, start with your highest level of education and work backward, listing your degrees in reverse-chronological order. Fellowships, apprenticeships and other nontraditional educational experiences can either be listed here or in a special section.
Be sure your entries are all uniform. For each entry, list the name of your degree, the name of the college or university and its location. If your degree is still in progress, be sure to note that. (See the example below.)
Only list your dates of graduation if you are a very recent graduate. The reason? Letting employers know that you graduated college 20 years ago could introduce age bias into the hiring process. However, if you graduated a year ago and it is noted in your education section, it will give hiring managers insight into why you may have less work experience than other applicants.
Sample banking education entries:
Education
Master of Business Administration in Finance
Saint Paul University, Ottawa, ON, Canada
Graduated: 2021
Certifications
Certified Financial Planner (CFP)
Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc.
Certification Date: 2024
Step 6
Special sections
You’ve accumulated a wealth of experiences beyond the walls of the bank that have shaped you into the person you are today. Adding special sections allows you to showcase those outside-of-work experiences on your resume.
Although these sections are not mandatory, you’ll often find them on the resumes of highly successful banking candidates. Listing items like honors and awards can help set you apart from similarly qualified candidates. Here are a few special sections to consider.
Certifications: Banking is a field in which it’s common to hold certifications in specific areas. Listing these on your resume is important for identifying yourself as an expert in your field. Here are some common certifications for job seekers in the banking industry:
Language proficiency: Knowing another language can be a real advantage in the banking industry, especially if you work for a company that has a presence outside of the U.S. or if you work in a branch or office in a culturally diverse area. List all of the languages you speak and include your level of proficiency, which, according to the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages scale (ACTFL), should be listed as novice, intermediate, advanced or superior.
Volunteer work: Volunteering is a great way to improve your skills and help your community. Consider adding relevant activities like volunteering to do tax prep for seniors or providing budgeting advice to underserved communities to your resume.
When adding items such as certifications and other credentials to your resume, be sure to add the full name of the certification and the acronym to your document. This ensures that an applicant tracking system (ATS) will understand your level of expertise.
Banking resume examples by experience level
Functional resume format: Entry-level banking resume example
What makes this a great banking resume example?
-
A compelling career objective
This candidate has chosen to write a career objective instead of a professional summary, which is more suitable for recent graduates who are seeking entry-level banking roles. By putting the emphasis on her education and career goals, this objective statement competitively presents a less-experienced applicant.
-
Best format for an entry-level applicant
Since applicants for entry-level roles typically have limited professional experience, it can be challenging to include relevant qualifications. However, this sample banking resume tackles that obstacle by highlighting the applicant’s skills in three separate sections. Here, the functional resume layout makes skills the star of the show.
-
Detailed education section
Since this applicant has superior education credentials but little work experience, she has opted for an expanded education section that highlights her coursework to let employers know her areas of expertise.
Combination resume format: Midcareer banking resume example
What makes this a great banking resume example?
-
An industry-appropriate resume template
Banking is a conservative field but sometimes you want to show a little personality on your resume. Here, the applicant has chosen a buttoned-up template with a splash of subdued color, making the document traditional yet eye-catching.
-
Bulleted skills section
By using a combination resume format, this applicant is able to showcase both her strong skill set and detail her employment history, all in one document. This is a great choice for midcareer professionals who want to give potential employers a fuller picture of what they will bring to the table. The bullet points make her skills section eye-catching.
-
Detailed work experience section
While this applicant has only held one role in the field of banking, she does have relevant work experience, which she shows off in her work history. Another strength of the combination resume format is that it’s the best of both worlds, offering employers a detailed look at not just skills but also an applicant’s work experience and how their career has progressed.
Chronological resume format: Experienced banking resume example
What makes this a great banking resume example?
-
Strong professional summary
This candidate is highly experienced, which he makes clear in the first sentence of his summary. With 11 years of experience under his belt, he has developed a strong skill set, including managing a team. This is laid out clearly and succinctly right at the top of his resume, which will entice recruiters to continue reading.
-
Highly-detailed work experience
This applicant has an enviable work history, which is why it’s the star attraction on a chronological resume. Here, he not only shows off an impressive career progression but highlights the impact of his work through the use of data and metrics.
-
Well-placed special sections
This applicant also used a special section for his certification in banking. Putting it under its own header helps draw attention to the certification, which could give him an edge over other applicants.
Add a cover letter
A cover letter is a must-have addition to your banking application.
Your cover letter gives you extra space to convince the recruiter that they must interview you. It allows you to address aspects of your resume that might require further explanation as well, such as an employment gap or career change. Explore our collection of banking cover letter examples and learn how to format and write a cover letter that can improve your chances of getting the interview.
If you need a cover letter fast, our convenient Cover Letter Builder will do the work for you. Just personalize the job-specific content the builder’s AI suggests so it reflects your unique career. With this tool, you’ll have a compelling letter in a matter of minutes!
Facts about the banking industry
- Banking isn’t just an in-person activity anymore. There has been a significant increase in digital banking and online transactions in recent years. A study conducted by Statista reveals that the number of digital banking users worldwide surpassed 2.5 billion in 2020, and this figure is expected to reach 3.6 billion by 2024.
- Since the banking industry encompasses many different job types, the median salary varies significantly from role to role. Here are a few examples:
- Teller: $36,310 per year
- Personal financial advisors: $94,170 per year
- Loan officer: $63,380 per year
- Since the banking industry encompasses many different job types, the median salary varies significantly from role to role. Here are a few examples:
- In the banking sector, JPMorgan Chase was the largest employer as of December 2022, with more than 220,000 employees. Wells Fargo ranked second, with roughly 210,000 employees in 2022.
Key takeaways for your banking resume
-
Study banking resume examples
Resume samples are a useful tool to leverage in your job search. They show you how to structure your resume and how top candidate’s express their career details.
-
Tailor your resume to the specific role
Customize your resume for each banking job by studying the job description and incorporating relevant keywords and skills that align with the specific role.
-
Emphasize your most relevant skills
Highlight your banking-specific skills, such as strong arithmetic skills, proficiency with financial software, risk management, compliance and customer service experience. Tailor your skills section to align with the requirements of the banking role you’re targeting.
-
Don’t forget your soft skills
Banking is unique in that it requires both strong hard skills and excellent soft skills, like the ability to communicate well, problem-solve and resolve conflict.
-
Showcase your top achievements
Use bullet points in your work experience section to highlight your accomplishments rather than just listing your duties. Quantify those achievements whenever possible using data and metrics.
-
Include relevant special training and certifications
If you have obtained any relevant certifications, such as Certified Financial Planner (CFP) or Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA), be sure to include them on your resume to demonstrate your expertise. These can help you stand out from the crowd.
-
Detail your education
Mention your educational background, especially if it includes degrees or coursework related to finance, economics, accounting or business administration. Include any honors or awards earned during your academic career.
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Create a banking cover letter
To show you are willing to go the extra mile and to make an even more compelling case for your candidacy, include a targeted cover letter with your resume.
Commonly asked question about resume writing
Last Updated: July 07, 2024
Heather is the Content Strategy Manager for Resume Now and a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) with more than ten years of experience writing about job search and career topics. She is based in San Francisco.
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