When asked for resume advice, almost everyone says, "You need to add metrics to your resume."
Yes! But how?
In this post, we'll run through how to do it effectively for your area of financial services, even if you don't work in a typical "numbers and metrics-driven" position.
There are a few stages in this process:
Identifying areas of experience you can implement metrics
Tailoring those metrics to the necessary audience - hiring managers, HR and other stakeholders
How to structure your sentences to best portray and efficiently use your metrics
How to incorporate metrics differently in specific sections of the resume
Identifying areas of experience you can implement metrics
Start by listing out your significant accomplishments in previous roles. Think about areas where you've made a noticeable impact, such as:
Increasing revenue or sales
Reducing costs or time spent on tasks
Improving efficiency or processes
Enhancing customer satisfaction
Leading teams or projects to success (including headcount growth and retention)
Tailoring to your audience
Naturally different positions lend themselves to different metrics and accomplishments. What works for front-office professionals around portfolio management and revenue generation is not relevant to those in a more traditional "cost center".
It's important here to think, what would my boss or a hiring manager value in my position?
If it's not revenue generation is it efficiency, regulatory protection from fines, accuracy, or a combination of multiple drivers?
Here are some examples:
Credit Analyst | "Reduced loan default rates by 18% by implementing enhanced credit assessment protocols." |
Financial Planner | "Achieved a 20% growth in retirement portfolios for clients, increasing AUM by $8M in under 2 years." |
Private Equity Associate | "Led due diligence for $100M acquisition, resulting in a 15% ROI within the first year post-acquisition." |
Compliance Officer | "Ensured 100% compliance with new regulatory standards, avoiding potential fines and saving $200K in penalties." |
Structuring your sentences
My go-to strategy is to follow the formula: Action Verb + What You Did + Outcome/Impact (with metrics).
If that sounds too abstract, here it is, in real-life examples. (both before and after):
Before: "Conducted compliance audits for multiple departments."
After: "Conducted 15+ compliance audits across 5 departments, resulting in a 20% reduction in non-compliance incidents."
Before: "Managed legal risks associated with contracts."
After: "Managed legal risks for 200+ contracts, reducing potential liabilities by $1.5M through effective negotiation and risk assessment."
Incorporating Metrics into different resume sections
Metrics don't just need to be in the experience section of your resume, in fact, we've found the effectiveness in using metrics throughout your resume and demonstrating a specificity and detail-oriented approach to all you do.
Summary Section Example
"Results-driven financial analyst with 7+ years of experience in delivering data-driven insights, optimizing financial performance, and driving $5M+ in cost savings through strategic analysis."
Skills Section Example
"Expert in financial modeling and analysis, contributing to a 25% increase in investment returns."
"Proficient in risk management, leading to a 30% reduction in credit defaults."
Certification and Education Example
"CFA Charterholder with a proven track record of growing client portfolios by an average of 12% per year."
"Certified Financial Planner (CFP) with a 95% client satisfaction rate, resulting in a 40% increase in referral business."
To Conclude...
While it's important to highlight your accomplishments, make sure the numbers you use are accurate and verifiable. If you're unsure of exact figures, use estimates that are as close to the actual value as possible.
If you would like more information on our resume writing, career coaching or recruitment services please get in touch at thomas@pinnaclecareercoach.com
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