Trader CV examples

A strong trading CV isn’t just a list of platforms and percentages – it’s a strategic document that tells a clear story of how you generate value under pressure. This guide shows you how to turn that story into something recruiters actually want to read. 

From structuring to content, it covers everything about writing a CV that reflects your discipline, risk awareness, and performance record.

Just like a solid trading strategy, your CV should be structured and built to deliver results. Recruiters won’t waste time deciphering messy layouts, visual mistakes, or vague descriptions – they want clear evidence of your trading knowledge and outcomes. Following a clear and coherent structure will make the application process better for recruiters – and for yourself.

Here’s the layout to follow:

• Name and contact details – Place your name and personal details prominently at the top of your CV for quick access. Adding a photo is up to you.
• Profile – Open with a compelling overview of your skills, experience, and career goals. 
• Core skills – List your key abilities in this section, focusing on those that will be most relevant to the job.
• Work experience – Provide a detailed breakdown of your work history, starting with the most recent job first.
• Education – List your qualifications, including degrees and relevant certifications, in reverse chronological order.
• Additional info – Use this optional space for relevant hobbies or personal pursuits that enhance your application.

Keep it under two pages in length and make sure every section is clearly labelled using bold headings. Use bullet points in your experience and skills sections to keep things digestible, and opt for a clean, professional font that’s easy to scan. Prioritise clarity and relevance with these tips – your CV format should be as sharp and decisive as your trades.

Your CV profile should immediately position you as a commercially minded trader who understands risk, market behaviour, and the value of clear communication.

This is your headline pitch – a short paragraph that summarises what markets you work in and what impact you’ve made. Whether you’re in proprietary trading, asset management, or investment banking, highlight the things which would make you a valuable asset to any company – especially your ability to make smart, data-driven decisions under pressure.

If you want to give employers a reason to invest in you, your profile should include the following:

• Where you worked – Mention investment banks, prop trading firms, hedge funds, or brokerages
• Your top qualifications – Degrees in finance, CFA levels, or technical certifications
• Essential skills – Trading strategies, market analysis, financial modelling, and systems knowledge
• Types of markets or assets traded – For example, forex, equities, options, or commodities
• Career highlights – Anything that proves results: P&L growth, trade volumes, or notable achievements

This section offers a snapshot of your technical expertise and decision-making strengths. A strong trader needs more than just product knowledge – you’re expected to assess risk in real time, act decisively under pressure, and interpret data faster than the competition: your curated bullet-pointed list of CV skills needs to immediately assure recruiters of this. 

Use this part of your CV to demonstrate a well-rounded skill set. Tailor your language to reflect the specific instruments and techniques relevant to your niche – and always keep it focused and commercially aware.

This is where your CV really starts to deliver. Recruiters want to see the markets you’ve worked in, the size and scope of your responsibilities, and the kind of results you’ve produced.

List your work experience in reverse chronological order. For each one, provide a short overview and use bullet points to highlight responsibilities and achievements. Be specific – what did you trade? What strategies did you use? How did you perform? Use figures and performance metrics wherever you can, especially if you consistently hit or exceeded targets, to make your achievements more tangible.

Even early-career roles or internships are worth listing, as long as they show exposure to the industry or trading platforms.

• Outline – Give a brief intro to your employer and role: were you on a proprietary trading desk, working in commodities, part of a quant team, or handling client orders?
• Responsibilities – Use action words like “executed” and “analysed.” For example: “executed short-term equity trades based on technical indicators” or “analysed macroeconomic data to inform FX positioning.” Mention platforms, tools, and any collaborative work with analysts or risk teams.
• Achievements – Prove your value. List performance metrics such as P&L, trade volume, or hit rate. Include improvements to trading processes, reduction in risk exposure, or standout trades where relevant.

Your education section should reflect a solid academic foundation – especially in numerate or analytical subjects like finance, economics, maths, or statistics.

Start with your most recent qualifications and work backward. Include your degree(s), any relevant postgraduate study, and certifications like CFA or IMC where applicable. If you completed a dissertation or project related to trading or financial markets, it’s worth briefly referencing that too.