Navigating the job market can be as intricate as analyzing economic data. Crafting or updating your resume might feel as challenging as your first major economic report.
We are here to help.
Our comprehensive guide will assist you in creating a resume that effectively highlights your strengths as an economist and the unique skills you’ve developed over your career.
Included in the guide:
- Economist resume examples.
- Guidance on selecting the right format and template.
- Tips for creating a strong resume.
- Advice on writing an engaging cover letter.
- Key takeaways for economists.
Working on your resume? Use our AI Resume Builder for assistance. It’s easy to use, with templates and content suggestions specifically designed for economist roles, ensuring your resume stands out to potential employers.
Economist resume examples
Here’s why this resume works:
-
Starts with a summary
The applicant clearly lays out her 20+ years of experience in the international economics field, highlighting the depth of her expertise.
-
Quantifies achievements
This resume successfully cites specific numbers, such as a 15% increase in return on investments and the publication of 10 papers in top-tier economic journals.
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Includes a range of skills
From soft skills like communication and teamwork to hard skills like policy analysis and economic development, this applicant uses data to substantiate her proficiency.
Economist resume template to copy and use
Feel free to use this text as a starting point for making your own economist resume.
Joyce Hughes
example@example.com
(555) 555-5555
Glenview, IL 60025
Summary
Senior economist with 20+ years of professional leadership in the international economics arena. Proficient at identifying economic trends early and advising high-level clients of actions to take. Gifted communicator with a rare balance of economics expertise with people and leadership skills.
Experience
RAND – Senior Economist
Glenview, IL • 01/2019 – Current
- Analyzed macroeconomic trends and developed economic models to assess their impact on the company’s operations.
- Developed strategies to improve the efficiency of financial processes, such as budgeting, forecasting and capital expenditure analysis.
- Provided guidance on pricing decisions, investment opportunities and risk management strategies.
- Conducted research into current economic conditions and generated forecasts for future economic growth.
RAND – Economist
Glenview, IL • 01/2015 – 12/2018
- Analyzed macroeconomic data to identify trends and assess potential risks and opportunities.
- Developed models to forecast economic performance for both short-term and long-term planning purposes.
- Conducted research on economic topics, such as labor markets, inflation, taxation and international trade.
Broadcom – Assistant Economist
Chicago, IL • 01/2007 – 12/2014
- Developed, maintained and updated economic models to analyze macroeconomic trends.
- Monitored key economic indicators such as unemployment rate, inflation rate and consumer spending.
- Conducted research and data analysis to identify potential areas of growth or decline in the economy.
Skills
- Cost-benefit analysis
- Economic development
- Policy analysis
- Quantitative analysis
- Mathematical formula application
- Economic growth factors
- Market outcomes
Education
Ph.D.: Economics
University of Chicago
Chicago, IL • 05/2005
Master of Arts: Economics
University of Chicago
Chicago, IL • 05/2002
Bachelor of Arts: Applied Psychology
University of Chicago
Chicago, IL • 12/1999
How to format an economist resume
Creating an effective resume for an economist means organizing it well and highlighting important information.
For most economists, a chronological resume is the best format. This lists your work experience in order, starting with your most recent job. It’s great for showing your career growth and how you’ve advanced in the field of economics.
Other formats to consider:
- Combination resume: If you’re in the midlevel of your career, a combination resume can balance your key skills with professional experience.
- Functional resume: This format is effective if you’re new to the field or have a unique career path because it places skills above work experience.
For more tips, check out our formatting guide.
Next, let’s talk about how your resume should look and feel.
Choosing an appropriate resume design
Selecting the right resume design is your next big step. A clean, simple template is often the best choice, especially for conservative companies in the field. This ensures your information is presented clearly and professionally.
That said, if you’re applying to a more innovative or creative organization, a more unique design can be suitable. The main goal is to ensure your resume is easy to read and well-organized.
Now, let’s move on to the detailed steps of making your resume.
How to write an economist resume in 5 easy steps
Want to create a resume that grabs attention at the top economic institutions? Let’s go through it together.
Step 1
Tailor your resume for each job
Before you start, look closely at the job postings.
Think of it like studying economic data; you need to analyze the job description for key requirements. These are usually listed clearly.
Review the job requirements and adjust your resume to show you understand the role and have the right qualifications.
Here’s a tip: Job descriptions often include keywords that help you get through applicant tracking systems (ATS). To do well, make sure your resume is ATS-friendly.
Find these keywords in the job description and include them in your resume. Sounds simple, right?
Okay, now let’s break down your resume piece by piece.
Step 2
Start with a strong introduction
Your resume’s introduction should be a high-level introduction reminiscent of an executive summary of an economic report (but in far simpler language).
For those with several years of experience in economics, a professional summary is ideal. This brief section should highlight your top qualifications, key experiences and major achievements in three to four sentences, making it clear you are an exceptional economist.
If you are just starting out in economics or shifting from another field, consider using a resume objective instead. This statement should focus on your career goals and how you aim to contribute to the employer’s success.
Here are some examples:
Professional summary example:
Experienced economist with extensive knowledge in macroeconomic analysis and policy evaluation. Skilled in economic modeling, data analysis and research publication. Proven track record of delivering insights that influence strategic decisions. Ready to bring my expertise to a forward-thinking organization.
Resume objective example:
Motivated economics graduate with a strong foundation in economic theory and quantitative methods. Eager to apply analytical skills and knowledge to support economic research and policy development. Looking to contribute to a dynamic team and help drive impactful economic strategies.
Step 3
Highlight your economic skills
Showcasing a healthy mix of skills on your resume will help you demonstrate the range and depth of your expertise.
Economists need a blend of hard and soft skills. Your technical abilities, such as data analysis, economic modeling and quantitative research, are just as important as your interpersonal skills, like effective communication, teamwork and critical thinking.
If you’re transitioning into economics from another field, focus on your transferable skills. These can show your ability to adapt and thrive in a new environment.
Examples of skills for economists:
- Performing econometric analysis
- Building and using economic models
- Conducting quantitative research
- Proficiency in statistical software (e.g., Stata, R)
- Clear and effective communication
- Collaborative teamwork
- Strong problem-solving abilities
- Attention to detail
Example skills section for an economist:
- Expert in comprehensive econometric analyses.
- Strong communicator.
- Detail-oriented with a focus on ensuring research accuracy.
- Skilled in creating economic models.
Make sure your research skills are well-represented. Solid research abilities are crucial in economics for gathering data, analyzing trends and providing evidence-based recommendations.
Step 4
Showcase your work experience
For most job seekers, the foundation of your resume will be your job history. Here, you will clearly outline your previous roles and the projects you’ve worked on to make a strong impression on potential employers.
Use bullet points to list your experience, starting with your most recent position.
Here’s an example for an economist resume:
Senior Economist, XYZ Economic Research
City, State
January 2020 – June 2024
- Developed advanced economic models to forecast market trends, increasing accuracy by 20%.
- Conducted extensive economic research, leading to 10 published papers in academic journals.
- Presented research findings to executives, influencing strategic decisions.
- Led a team of economists, improving research quality and output.
Use specific metrics to highlight your achievements. For example, “Developed economic models to forecast market trends, increasing accuracy by 20%.” This shows the real impact of your work.
Step 5
Emphasize your education
Your education is a key part of your resume. Whether you have degrees in economics, finance or related fields, it’s important to show how your education has prepared you for a career in economics.
Earning certifications, such as a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA), also adds value and shows your commitment to the field.
Here’s what your education section might look like:
Education:
Doctor of Philosophy in Economics
University, City, State
Master of Science in Economics
University, City, State
Bachelor of Science in Statistics
University, City, State
Certifications:
Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA)
CFA Institute, active since August 2018
When it comes to listing your degrees, start with your highest degree and work backward. If you’re switching careers and your education is less relevant, you can move the section further down the page.
Optional sections for an economist resume
Publications
List your published papers, articles and reports to highlight your contributions to the field. This shows your commitment to research and your ability to produce scholarly work.
How to list your publications:
- Smith, James. “Impact of Monetary Policy on Emerging Markets.” Journal of Economic Studies, vol.6, no.3, 2023, pp.100-117.
- Smith, James., & Brown, Louise. “Forecasting Inflation Trends Using Econometric Models.” Economic Review, vol.10, no.1, 2019, pp.36-52.
Conferences and presentations
Include any conferences or seminars where you have presented your work. This demonstrates your engagement with the professional community and your ability to communicate complex ideas.
How to list your conferences and presentations:
- Presenter, “Economic Policy and Global Markets,” International Economic Conference, 2023.
- Speaker, “Data Analysis in Economic Research,” Annual Econometric Society Meeting, 2022.
Awards and honors
Showcase any awards or honors you have received in recognition of your work or academic achievements. This highlights your excellence and dedication to the field.
How to present your honors and awards:
- Best Paper Award, “Economic Impact of Trade Policies,” National Economics Association, 2023.
- Dean’s List, Doctorate in Economics, Top University, 2020-2021.
Professional memberships
List your memberships in professional organizations. This indicates your involvement in the economics community and your commitment to staying updated with industry developments.
Here’s how to list memberships on your resume:
- Member, American Economic Association (AEA).
- Member, National Association for Business Economics (NABE).
Research projects
Highlight significant research projects you have worked on, particularly those that had a notable impact or received recognition.
Here’s how to include projects on your resume:
- Lead Researcher, “Analysis of Economic Growth in Developing Countries,” funded by XYZ Grant.
- Co-Investigator, “Effects of Fiscal Policy on Income Distribution,” collaborative project with ABC University.
Add a cover letter
You might consider yourself a data expert, but telling your story is just as crucial when seeking a top role.
Attaching a cover letter to your economist resume can give you a real edge. It lets you share details that your resume alone might miss.
Whether you send it via email or as a physical letter, your cover letter should convey your story. Employers are interested in the journey that brought you to the field of economics. This narrative shows your passion and commitment to the discipline.
Look at some cover letter examples to see how they weave personal stories with professional accomplishments. To customize your application for economist roles, you might want to use a cover letter builder.
Finally, let’s summarize some key points to assist you in your career path.
Key takeaways for an economist resume
-
Choose the right format
A chronological resume is best for most economists, highlighting your career progression and experience.
-
Tailor your resume for each job
Carefully review job descriptions to identify key requirements and customize your resume to address these needs.
-
Start with a strong introduction
Use a professional summary if you have extensive experience, summarizing your top qualifications and achievements.
-
Touch on a range of skills
Include a mix of technical skills (e.g., econometric analysis, economic modeling) and soft skills (e.g., communication, teamwork).
-
Quantify your achievements
Whenever possible, mention the numbers attached to your success. These could be percentage increases, the number of reports done and other quantifiable tasks.
-
Add a cover letter
Share details that your resume cannot, such as your personal journey and passion for economics.
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Don is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) with more than 10 years’ experience creating digital content, including four years helping job seekers develop their careers. He holds an M.S. in Journalism from Northwestern University.
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