Banking Resume: Examples, Templates & Tips

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.

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 pro tip: 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.

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.

Writing Tip

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.

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.

Writing Tip

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 hard and soft skills on your banking resume.

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.

Sample banking work experience entry:

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.)

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.