Investment Banking Analyst CV example

Recruiters in investment banking don’t spend long on CVs – so yours needs to make an immediate impact. That doesn’t mean stuffing it with buzzwords or hoping the prestige of your degree speaks for itself. It means building a CV that proves your value in high-stakes, high-speed environments.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to write a CV by presenting your experience with clarity and punch, and tailoring every section to the demands of top-tier banking roles.

A CV in the finance world is less about flair, more about structure. Analysts are hired for precision and attention to detail – and if your CV doesn’t reflect those traits, you’re already on the back foot. If a recruiter opens up a disorganised CV full of mistakes, they’re only going to move onto the next one in the pile.

Here’s the layout to follow:

• Name and contact details – Keep these personal details at the top so a potential employer can reach out to you.
• Profile – Immediately draw in the recruiter with a brief summary of your skills and experience.
• Core skills – Briefly highlight those qualities which make you the best candidate.
• Work experience – Walk through your employment history in reverse chronological order.
• Education – List the qualifications and certificates that make you the right fit.
• Additional info – You can optionally list any relevant hobbies and interests which help to convey your fit for the role.
  

In terms of your CV format, keep it streamlined: break up dense sections with bullet points where appropriate, and use clear headings to organise each section. Choose a standard, professional font to keep things readable, and keep the total length under two pages, avoiding filler. Every line should contribute value, just as every slide in a pitchbook needs to earn its place.

This section sits right at the top – and for analyst roles, it’s your chance to convey your drive, technical competence, and suitability for high-intensity environments. Your writing should reflect sharp thinking and clarity. 

Focus less on general ambitions and more on what you’ve done and how you can add value to a deal team: your CV profile should give recruiters an immediate idea of what you’ll bring to the table.

Here are some tips on what to include:

• Where you worked – Mention if you’ve gained experience in banking, finance, consulting, or other high-pressure analytical environments.
• Your top qualifications – State your most relevant academic credentials, such as your degree and any financial training or certifications.
• Essential skills – Reference your core strengths, such as financial modelling, market research, or presentation building – and make sure they align with the role.
• Projects or transactions supported – If you’ve had deal exposure, even in a supporting capacity, briefly reference it to show relevance.
• Value delivered – Show that your work contributes – whether through efficiency, insight, accuracy, or support to senior bankers and clients.
  

In a role like this, you can’t afford to be vague – the CV skills you list should speak directly to the job description. This is where you highlight your technical know-how, analytical tools, and any direct experience with financial modelling or client preparation. 

Tailor the language here to match the expectations of investment banks. Use the job advert as a checklist, and make sure your strengths are grounded in real, demonstrable ability.

In banking, work experience is everything – but you don’t need a million internships to impress. What matters most is how you present the work you’ve done. Whether it’s a formal internship, part-time analyst role, or even university-led investment competitions or case study projects, each entry should show that you’ve handled real pressure, managed data, supported decisions, and shown initiative.

Use a clear heading for each role, followed by a short summary of what the position involved. Use bullet points to give concrete details: tasks and tangible outcomes. Always aim for clarity over volume – every point should feel necessary. List your experience in reverse chronological order. 

• Outline – Briefly describe the employer, the team you worked in (e.g. M&A, ECM, Industrials), and the scope of your involvement.
• Responsibilities – Use action words like “analysed” and “modelled.” For example: “analysed precedent transactions to support valuation ranges” or “modelled cash flow impacts of proposed divestitures.”
• Achievements – Highlight contributions that added value – such as streamlining a process, improving accuracy, or supporting client deliverables under pressure. If you contributed to a deal, even in a junior way, mention it.

Your academic track record carries real weight in investment banking, so this section needs to be credible. Lead with your most recent education – typically your degree – and include the name of the institution, dates, grade, and any notable modules or achievements.

If you’ve taken additional financial courses or certifications (e.g. CFA Level 1, Wall Street Prep), include them here. Quantitative degrees and high academic achievement should be front and centre.