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How to Craft your CV to Switch from Sell-Side to Buy-Side
Quite a few investment banking candidates we speak to are keen on making the switch to the buy-side. In a competitive process, it is important to differentiate yourself, especially when you are likely up against experience buy-side candidates.
The first thing a hiring manager will see is your CV so we have put together a few tips which we feel can help show your transferrable skills to the buy-side market.
Make it clear how you would work in a small team
The majority of hedge funds and investment managers are generally much smaller in headcount compared to investment banks, so you must subtly demonstrate your capacity to work in a smaller team/organisation. Make sure the description of your experience clearly highlights how you are both a self-starter and a resourceful individual.
Show specific results
Buyside firms love hiring people who are driven and keen to drive efficiency improvements. Your CV needs to show quantifiable results which demonstrate how you have embraced change and achieved results. One or two clear examples should be enough to generate interest.
Asset class and technical knowledge
Be clear on which asset classes you understand the most from a trade life cycle perspective. You will likely be quizzed on these individual products so you need to back up what you have put down on the page. Failure to demonstrate such technical knowledge at an interview will mean a red flag has been raised and they would have concern over you potentially extending the truth.
Most hedge funds are looking for people with quite niche skills that fit in with their particular focus. If you have any specific technical knowledge, then make sure you add it to your CV.
Show progression
Many candidates simply describe what their current remit is, even if they have been in the same company for several years. We always encourage candidates to show how they have evolved in their role, this could be done through highlighting promotion or an increase in certain responsibilities.
Mind the gap!
Fill in any gaps of more than 3 months on your CV and clearly state if a role has been permanent or contract. Perhaps consider including a reason for leaving if it could draw initial concern by the reviewer. It is always important to eliminate the obvious questions someone will have when reviewing your CV.
Sp*llcheck!
Checking for any spelling mistakes is a must. It's amazing how many CV's have sloppy spelling or grammar.
Invest the time
The more time you invest in the wording on your CV, the better the likely outcome. Don't be afraid to refresh it every so often to see where you can improve it.