http://forumserver.twoplustwo.com/30...inance-537880/
The link above I wrote a couple days ago has my background, but basically I'm looking for a job in the finance sector with not so much experience and a year gap from graduation. I've taken the CFA since then, (results in a week!!) but otherwise dont have much to show for it. I got it professionally written at Monster about 8-9 months ago and thought it was the shizznit but now reading it I realize it's really weak and I should have worked with the writer more.
So here's the general one they sent back to me, which I tweak a bit depending on the job I'm applying for.
QUALIFICATIONS PROFILE
Analytical, detail-oriented professional positioned to excel in a Junior Financial Analyst/Researcher position and contribute by utilizing practicum, education, experience, and skills.
Finely tuned analytical skills with a solid understanding of financial principles and methods, market analysis, portfolio development, and customer service.
Superior research abilities; excel in assessing and reviewing customer financial profiles.
Comprehensive education in core economic theories; experienced in project management, relationship testing, and quantitative / statistical methods.
Excellent technical skills in Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, C++ Language, Adobe Photoshop, SPSS, and STATA; outstanding time management, organization, and team collaboration talents.
EDUCATION
B.A., Economics and Political Science, 2008
Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ
CFA Level 1 Candidacy
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
RUTGERS UNIVERSITY, New Brunswick, NJ, 2004-2008
Economics Student
Participated in a broad range of economic-focused coursework, including Econometrics and Financial Economics. Refined understanding of core economic concepts including Markowitz’s Portfolio Theory, the CAPM model, efficient market hypothesis, and fixed income and equity analysis. Applied quantitative and statistical methods to test relationships between economic model and associated variables.
Played a key role in creating an optimal portfolio with regard to risk, variance, and expected value.
Excelled in a housing data project, testing multiple null hypotheses using STATA to identify regressions and correlations and evaluate implications.
THE CENTER FOR CLIENT RETENTION, Springfield, NJ, 2007
Intern
Developed and organized customer surveys to enhance client service, satisfaction, and retention; input results into central database. Collaborated with Senior Account Managers to update and revise databases.
HCI MORTGAGE, New City, NY, 2006
Junior Loan Officer / Trainee
Gained comprehensive knowledge base in mortgaging and finance industry, focusing on small business and home owners. Analyzed client profiles to determine financial standing; reviewed credit files and submitted information into loan origination system.
Achieved specialized, in-depth training from a senior licensed mortgage banker.
– Excellent references are available upon request –
I thought it was good, and I realize I didn't give them as much to work with, but I think the whole part about the Economics Student is a little drab and unnecessary maybe? Maybe I should just expand on the two internship jobs I've had, or maybe even just talk about the stuff I learned through CFA level 1? I worked for a temping agency that gave me a few odd clerical jobs soph year of college but they chose not to put it on, maybe that's better than the student part? Any advice would be helpful. I should have realized this earlier, but my mindset was that it was professional written so they knew best, but maybe my resume is a huge part of why I'm not getting hired.
I'm going to paste a sample cover letter too; maybe someone could tell me what's wrong with it, if my tone is wrong or anything. Thanks for any help!
I came across the listing for the Research Associate position on your careers website and would love to take this opportunity to be part of your excellent company. I believe my background in Economics along with my interest in finance (I am currently pursuing my CFA designation) will allow me to fulfill the duties and responsibilities of this position efficiently and precisely. I am accustomed to handling large amounts of data and analyzing its implications while reaching an optimal end decision. I have had prior experience at a customer retention firm dealing with large amounts of surveillance data, as well as a private mortgaging firm where I dealt with large amounts of personal clients' profiles. I believe my experiences and education would make me an ideal candidate.
I am a recent graduate with a double major in Economics and Political Science. Much of my related course work deals with analysis regarding performance, forecasting, and risk management along with asset allocation and data processing. I have worked in a private mortgage firm dealing with sub prime loans where I was in charge of monitoring credit reports into an automated loan origination system and was also an intern at a small firm where I created reports using customer retention data using the SPSS program. Both positions involved interacting personally with clients, analyzing data in the back office, and collaborating with coworkers and managers to ensure timely delivery of projects. Currently I am pursuing my Chartered Financial Analyst candidacy and have learned a great deal about efficient analysis, cost optimization, and project decisions.
I am extremely proficient with database and spreadsheet software such as Microsoft Excel and Access and have experience with statistical analysis software such as SPSS and STATA. I've used both throughout my college career for various projects and assignment. I understand the programs well, and would be able to adapt to the required platform if I do not know it firsthand. I am also proficient with presentation software such as Microsoft PowerPoint.
Enclosed is a copy of my resume, and I would very much like to arrange an interview so we may talk in person. Thank you for your time and interest, and I hope to be in contact again shortly.
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Here is another variation of my first paragraph which I normally change according to the job description, leaving the rest of the cover mainly the same.
I have come across the listing for a Research Assistant position through Monster.com and would appreciate consideration for employment. I have a very strong interest in the capital markets and am currently pursuing my Chartered Financial Analyst designation in order to learn more about the field. In addition to my undergraduate studies, this course has allowed me much better understanding of efficient markets, assets and securities, derivatives, bond valuation, and many other concepts that I believe would make me an excellent candidate. I have had prior experience in the personal loan industry as an intern at a private mortgaging firm and would love to further step into the investments and research fields.
Thanks again.