Effective CV writing for finance graduates

Writing an effective CV is a tricky job for fresh graduates, especially because all of them pass out with same academic qualifications. We list down some small things which candidates can include in their CVs to make that big difference.

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In an attempt to improve the employability of their students, colleges usually ask me to conduct some training sessions for them. One of the questions young students almost always ask is: What is our career options after we pass out from this course?

Since, we are dealing with writing the CV for finance domain here, I thought I would throw some light on this question also. After all, writing an effective CV is possible only when you know your options in the industry well.

So, if you have passed out as a fresh finance or commerce graduate, don't think that your options are limited to being an accountant or a finance manager only. With the growth of banking and finance sector, the opportunities for finance graduates have also grown by leaps and bounds.

Here are some of your options as finance/ commerce professional:

• Accountant
• Accounts Payable
• Accounts Receivable
• Banking and Financial Services
• Billing
• Bookkeeping
• Cost Accounting
• Credit and Collections
• Financial Analyst
• Internal Audit Preparation
• Payroll
• Public Accounting
• Senior Accountant
• Staff Accountant
• Tax Accounting
• Derivatives

The author is the co-founder of www.CareerRide.com, a website that provides questions you can expect during an IT Interview with their answers. Also, practice the technical and non-technical tests you can expect at an interview.

Now, let us move on to how you can make your CV stand out from the crowd as a fresh commerce finance graduate. While hiring a candidate, the two things an employer looks out for are his attitude and knowledge.

In case of fresh graduates, the percentage of these two things appreciated by the employer is 85% and 15% respectively. So, it really makes a difference if you showcase the extra knowledge you have in comparison to others and your positive attitude in your CV -- your extra knowledge also reflects positively upon your attitude.

1. Showcase your mathematical approach and logical thinking

One of the most important things required in finance related professions is an ability to treat everything like math and reach logical conclusions. Companies do no expect you to know the business from day one but, while recruiting you, they would want to know if you possess this capability and are trainable or not.

2. Knowledge of financial software and MS Excel

Knowledge of finance software like Tally and a good working knowledge of MS Excel can take you a long way in the field of finance and accounting. So, it is worth investing time on learning MS Excel and a financial software.

Mentioning this at a prominent place in your CV can really make it stand out from others.

3. Financial magazines and newspapers you read

It is worth mentioning them in your CV if you read them regularly. This not only demonstrates your knowledge and passion about the domain but also your self-starter attitude.

Many people won't have a habit of reading them. So, this can make your CV stand apart from others.

4. Deep domain knowledge

If you have done any projects on auditing, payroll, budgeting, taxations or in any other field of finance, mention them in your CV. They exhibit your deep domain knowledge.

5. Extra knowledge

Any extra knowledge about currency exchange, credit, costing, variance will be useful in setting your CV apart from others.

6. An eye for detail

People in finance domain need to be careful about every bit of information. A person with an eye for small details is usually sought of positions in this domain.

Providing a place to this personal quality can make your CV carry more weight.