Question 1

Which keywords should an investment banking resume include?

Accepted Answer

Using the right keywords can be a relevant factor in getting your investment banking resume past ATS filters and noticed by top firms like Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley, and JP Morgan. To do this, you need keywords that demonstrate the technical and soft skills that investment banking professionals are expected to bring to the role.

Here’s an overview of the different skill areas, along with keyword examples that will help you demonstrate them clearly:

A. Technical skills

1. Financial modeling and valuation keywords

Financial modeling and valuation are crucial processes in investment banking for analyzing a company’s financial health and determining its worth in mergers, acquisitions, IPOs, and other transactions. Below are keywords you can use to show your ability to build and work with complex models in real business settings:

Built DCF, LBO, and merger models
Valued companies using comparable companies and precedent transactions
Modeled accretion/dilution scenarios for M&A deals
Conducted sensitivity and scenario analysis

2. Analytical and quantitative keywords

Top firms want analysts who can turn data into insights and back up recommendations with numbers. You can use these keywords to highlight your analytical strengths:

Analyzed company financials and market data
Interpreted earnings reports and KPIs
Built dashboards to track metrics for deals
Performed industry benchmarking and competitor analysis
Supported investment theses with quantitative research

3. Technical proficiency keywords

IB professionals are expected to navigate spreadsheets, databases, and research tools. These keywords show you're comfortable using the different tools of the trade:

Built financial models in Excel and Google Sheets
Used Bloomberg and Capital IQ for financial research
Created macros with VBA to automate tasks
Managed pitch materials and reports in PowerPoint
Worked with large datasets using Python

B. Soft Skills

1. Leadership keywords

Even if you’re not in a formal leadership role, firms want to see that you take initiative and can manage responsibility. Use keywords like:

Led due diligence efforts for X deal
Took initiative on internal process improvements
Coordinated cross-functional teams
Managed junior interns or analysts
Oversaw project timelines

2. Communication and collaboration keywords

Bankers need to communicate clearly with clients and internal teams. These keywords can showcase your ability to do just that:

Presented analysis to senior bankers and clients
Drafted client memos and pitch books
Communicated with legal, tax, and operations teams
Collaborated with deal teams across regions

3. Work ethic and execution keywords

Investment banking roles are demanding, and recruiters want to know you can handle the pressure. These keywords show you're dependable under tight deadlines:

Delivered client materials on accelerated timelines
Balanced multiple projects in a high-pressure environment
Managed fast turnaround requests from deal teams

The keywords above are just a sample of the many you can use to show your fit for an investment banking role. Be sure to tailor your resume for each opportunity by emphasizing the experiences and skills that match the job description.

Check out these Investment Banking Resume Examples for real samples from past candidates and free downloadable templates.

Question 2

What does {{page.skill.name|add_article}} resume coach do?

Accepted Answer

{{page.skill.name|add_article,capitalize}} resume coach will offer you detailed suggestions on how you can improve your {{page.skill.name}} resume and tailor it to the jobs you're applying for. They can help you:

Get more interview calls by understanding what recruiters are really looking for.
Improve your resume’s structure, formatting, and individual sections.
Position yourself more effectively by focusing on the right parts of your background.
Rewrite bullet points to quantify your achievements and make your experience stand out.
Validate your overall job search strategy and make sure you're targeting the right roles.
Regain confidence and energy with a clear plan to land more interviews and get an offer.

Question 3

What should a good {{page.skill.name}} resume include?

Accepted Answer

A great {{page.skill.name}} resume isn’t just a list of jobs, it’s a strategic tool designed to get attention and tell your story clearly and powerfully.

1. Snap-your-attention header

Lead with your years of relevant experience right up top—recruiters should get it within 10 seconds.
Consider a short bullet summary at the top to highlight your biggest wins immediately.

2. Quantified impact, not bland descriptions

Use strong action verbs and focus on impact with numbers.
Frame achievements using the X-Y-Z formula: “Reduced X by Y through Z.”

3. Targeted structure & readability

Stick to a clean, simple layout—avoid fancy designs that confuse ATS systems.
Include a Skills/Tools section to hit related keywords and help filters find you.
Be explicit about your locations and remote preferences upfront.

4. Role-relevant content

Tailor your {{page.skill.name}} resume to each offer: mirror the job description’s language and emphasize relevant experiences.

5. Strong evidence of leadership & communication

Showcase examples of cross-functional work, team leadership, and facilitation—even for individual contributor roles.

6. Balanced sections

Use reverse-chronological order: experience first, followed by skills, awards, and interests.
Keep it concise: typically 1–2 pages, depending on your experience.

7. Impeccable polish

Proofread thoroughly—use tools and fresh eyes to catch mistakes.
Save your final version as a PDF and double-check formatting across devices.

Summary: A top-tier {{page.skill.name}} resume is clear, quantifiable, tailored, and easy to scan. It immediately answers “Why you?” with data-backed achievements.

Question 4

How does a resume review work?

Accepted Answer

With some resume review services, you upload your resume to their site and then receive written feedback on your resume usually within a few hours. Many of these are free, as the hope is that you'll then buy a resume-writing package.

However, on our resume review platform, you get your resume feedback in person, as part of a 1-hour resume coaching session with the resume coach you've selected. This allows for a deeper, two-way conversation about what you want to achieve with the resume and how to do it.

By the end of the hour, you'll have a clear, detailed and specific advice on how to turn your resume from 'okay' to 'oustanding'. You can then start applying to roles more confidently and getting more interview call backs.

Question 5

How much do resume services normally cost?

Accepted Answer

The price of resume services can vary significantly, depending on the type of service you choose and the level of expertise you're looking for. Here's a breakdown of the typical costs you can expect:

Resume Review Services: Prices range from $0 to ~$550 per hour. The price generally reflects the expertise of the person reviewing your resume, the time they spend on it, and how much two-way feedback is offered.
Resume Writing Services: Cost tends to be much higher as you're asking someone to create your resume from scratch. You can expect to pay anywhere from $100 to $2000, depending on the complexity of your career history and the expertise of the writer.
Additional Services: Some resume service providers offer add-on services, such as cover letter writing, LinkedIn profile optimization, or job interview coaching. These extras can increase the overall cost but may provide valuable support in your job search.
Value for money: Resume reviews tend to offer much better ROI. You’re not paying for someone to gather basic info or format bullet points—you can do that. Instead, you’re paying for high-leverage feedback from someone who knows what top companies want to see. That means more value for less money—and often, better results.

On IGotAnOffer, you can book a resume review with a top coach from just $100 per hour. That makes our platform one of the best value resume services around.

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