Whether you’re a finance graduate seeking analyst positions, an experienced professional aiming for associate or VP roles, or transitioning from related fields like corporate finance or equity research, your resume must showcase both your technical expertise and ability to drive transaction success. This comprehensive guide will show you exactly how to craft an investment banker resume that opens doors to Australia’s most prestigious financial institutions and highest-paying banking positions.

Investment Banker Resume Examples and How to Write

Investment banking in Australia offers diverse opportunities across mergers and acquisitions, capital markets, equity research, and structured finance. With major financial centres in Sydney and Melbourne driving significant deal flow across resources, financial services, and technology sectors, plus growing activity in infrastructure and renewable energy financing, qualified investment bankers are experiencing strong demand and exceptional career advancement potential.

This guide provides everything you need to create an outstanding investment banker resume specifically tailored for the Australian financial markets. You’ll discover proven strategies, real-world examples, and industry-specific insights that will help your application stand out to hiring managers and recruiters at Australia’s most prestigious investment banks and financial institutions.

Investment Banker Resume (Text Version)

What is The Best Format for an Investment Banker Resume?

For investment bankers in Australia, the reverse chronological format is essential because it demonstrates your career progression and showcases your most recent and relevant deal experience first. This format allows hiring managers and recruiters to quickly assess your current competency level, recent transaction experience, and development within the financial services industry.

Font and Layout: Use clean, professional fonts like Times New Roman, Arial, or Calibri in 10-11pt for body text and 11-12pt for headings. Maintain consistent formatting with adequate white space for readability. Investment banking recruiters often review hundreds of resumes quickly, so clarity and professional presentation are absolutely critical for capturing attention.

Length and Structure: Investment banking resumes should typically be 1-2 pages, with experienced professionals potentially extending to 2 pages to accommodate significant deal experience and achievements. Focus on quantifiable accomplishments and transaction details rather than lengthy job descriptions. Use bullet points for easy scanning and include specific metrics that demonstrate your impact on deal success.

File Format: Always submit as a PDF unless specifically requested otherwise. This ensures your formatting remains intact when viewed across different systems and devices, particularly important when resumes are reviewed by multiple stakeholders including managing directors, HR teams, and external recruiters.

Essential Resume Sections:

Header: Full name, phone number, professional email address, LinkedIn profile, and location (city and state).

Professional Summary: 3-4 lines highlighting your years of experience, deal experience, technical expertise, and key achievements in investment banking.

Experience: Work history in reverse chronological order, emphasising investment banking roles with quantified deal outcomes and technical contributions.

Education: University degrees prominently displayed, including honours, relevant coursework, and academic achievements.

Technical Skills: Financial analysis capabilities, software proficiency, and transaction expertise relevant to investment banking.

Certifications: CFA progress, professional memberships, and relevant financial qualifications.

What Experience Should Be on Your Investment Banker Resume?

Focus on roles that demonstrate your investment banking expertise, deal execution capabilities, and ability to drive transaction success. Include positions where you performed financial analysis, executed transactions, managed client relationships, or contributed to deal teams. Even if previous roles weren’t specifically investment banking positions, highlight relevant responsibilities like financial modelling, valuation work, or client advisory that demonstrate transferable skills to investment banking.

Quantify your achievements using investment banking-specific metrics such as transaction values, deal multiples, number of transactions executed, or client assets under management. This approach demonstrates your value to potential employers and shows you understand both the technical and business development aspects of investment banking success.

Entry-Level Investment Banker Resume Samples [Experience]

If you’re seeking entry-level analyst positions or transitioning into investment banking, focus on your academic achievements, internship experience, relevant coursework, and any finance-related work. Emphasise your quantitative skills, academic performance, and eagerness to contribute to deal teams. Highlight any practical experience gained through summer programs, finance society involvement, or relevant projects.

How to Write the Education Section for your Investment Banker Resume

Education is critical for investment bankers, as academic credentials often serve as the initial screening criterion for competitive analyst and associate positions. Top-tier investment banks typically recruit from leading universities and seek candidates with strong academic performance in finance, commerce, economics, or related quantitative disciplines.

Include your degree details prominently, noting any honours, distinctions, or high academic achievement. Highlight relevant coursework, thesis topics, or research projects that demonstrate your understanding of finance principles. Academic achievements like scholarships, dean’s list recognition, or graduation honours should be clearly displayed as they differentiate candidates in highly competitive recruitment processes.

Investment Banker Resume Example [Education]

How to Write the Skills Section for your Investment Banker Resume

The skills section is crucial for investment bankers because it immediately communicates your technical capabilities and industry expertise to hiring managers and recruiters. Include 15-20 skills that are most relevant to investment banking positions you’re targeting. This section should emphasise technical financial skills, software proficiency, and industry knowledge that demonstrate your ability to execute complex transactions and deliver high-quality financial analysis.

Tailor this section based on your target roles and sectors. Bulge bracket firms might prioritise advanced financial modelling and global transaction experience, while boutique firms might value specific industry expertise and client relationship skills. Many investment banks use sophisticated recruiting systems, so including relevant keywords from job descriptions can significantly improve your resume’s visibility.

Investment Banker Resume Skills (Hard Skills)

• Advanced financial modelling (DCF, LBO, M&A, trading comps)
• Valuation analysis and methodologies
• Equity and debt capital markets expertise
• Merger and acquisition advisory
• Due diligence coordination and execution
• Credit analysis and risk assessment
• Bloomberg Terminal and market data analysis
• Capital IQ, FactSet, and Refinitiv proficiency
• Advanced Excel and VBA programming
• PowerPoint presentation design and delivery
• Pitch book development and client materials
• Regulatory compliance and documentation
• Industry and sector analysis
• Cross-border transaction structures
• Derivatives and structured products knowledge

Investment Banker Resume Skills (Soft Skills)

• Client relationship management and business development
• Executive-level presentation and communication
• Project management and deal coordination
• Team leadership and analyst mentoring
• Analytical thinking and problem-solving
• Attention to detail and accuracy
• Time management and deadline adherence
• Stakeholder management and negotiation
• Cultural sensitivity and international business acumen
• Networking and relationship building
• Strategic thinking and advisory capabilities
• Stress management and resilience
• Continuous learning and market awareness
• Ethical decision-making and compliance mindset
• Adaptability to changing market conditions

How to pick the best Investment Banker skills:

1. Analyse the job description for specific technical requirements, software proficiency, and transaction experience mentioned
2. Match your skills to the bank type and focus area—bulge bracket vs. boutique vs. regional coverage
3. Include both technical financial skills and essential client relationship and project management capabilities
4. Focus on skills you can demonstrate through specific deal examples or measurable achievements
5. Consider including emerging areas like ESG financing, fintech, or digital transformation if relevant
6. Prioritise skills that differentiate you from other candidates and align with your specialisation areas

Investment Banker Resume Examples [Skills]

Should I Add Bonus Sections to My Investment Banker Resume?

Additional sections can significantly strengthen your investment banker resume, particularly in Australia’s competitive financial services market where professional development, industry involvement, and global perspective are highly valued. These sections help showcase your commitment to the industry, thought leadership, and unique qualifications that differentiate you from other banking professionals. However, only include sections that add genuine value and are relevant to investment banking roles.

Valuable additional sections for investment bankers include: Notable transactions and deal tombstones, professional certifications (CFA, FRM, CAIA), industry publications and research contributions, conference speaking engagements, professional association memberships and leadership roles, languages (particularly Mandarin for Asian markets), and relevant volunteer work or board positions that demonstrate leadership capabilities.

Investment Banker Resume Examples [Other Sections]

Tip: Consider including specific deal tombstones or league table rankings if available, as these provide concrete evidence of your involvement in significant transactions. Also mention any industry awards, media coverage, or thought leadership activities that demonstrate your expertise and profile within the Australian financial services community.

How to write an Investment Banker Resume Objective or Resume Summary

A compelling professional summary is your opportunity to immediately demonstrate your investment banking expertise and deal execution capabilities to potential employers. For investment bankers, this 3-4 line statement should highlight your years of experience, transaction experience, technical expertise, and key achievements that prove your ability to drive successful deal outcomes. Focus on quantifiable results that matter to investment banking employers and clients.

Key elements to include: years of experience in investment banking or related finance roles, specific transaction types and deal values you’ve worked on, technical expertise in financial analysis and modelling, notable achievements or performance metrics, relevant qualifications or certifications, and 1-2 specialisation areas that differentiate you from other candidates. Customise this section for each application while maintaining authenticity about your actual experience and accomplishments.

Investment Banker Resume Summary Examples

For entry-level positions or those transitioning into investment banking, focus on a resume objective that emphasises your academic achievements, relevant experience, and commitment to excellence in investment banking. Since you may not have extensive deal experience, highlight your educational accomplishments, internship achievements, and potential for rapid contribution to deal teams.

Entry-Level Investment Banker Resume Summary Examples

How to Update Your LinkedIn Profile When Updating Your Investment Banker Resume

LinkedIn is absolutely essential for investment bankers in Australia, with all major financial institutions, boutique firms, and executive search consultants actively using the platform to source talent for senior positions. Your LinkedIn profile should complement your resume while leveraging the platform’s networking features to build relationships with industry leaders, potential clients, and career opportunities within the financial services ecosystem.

For investment bankers, LinkedIn offers unique advantages including showcasing your deal experience and professional achievements to a broader network, connecting with senior executives, institutional investors, and potential clients across industries, sharing insights about market trends, deal activity, or regulatory developments, and positioning yourself for senior banking roles, buy-side opportunities, or corporate development positions that often arise through professional networks.

LinkedIn Headline Optimisation for Investment Bankers

Your LinkedIn headline should go beyond simply stating “Investment Banker” and instead highlight your seniority level, specialisation areas, and key qualifications. Include keywords that recruiters and senior executives might search for, such as specific transaction types, industry expertise, or professional designations. Use the 120-character limit strategically to convey your expertise and professional brand.

LinkedIn Summary vs Resume Summary: Key Differences

Your LinkedIn summary can be more detailed and strategic than your resume summary, allowing you to share your investment banking philosophy, market insights, and vision for client advisory excellence. Use up to 2,600 characters to tell your professional story, explain your approach to deal execution, and showcase your knowledge of market trends, regulatory developments, or sector-specific expertise that demonstrates thought leadership.

Include professional touches like your approach to client relationship building, perspective on market developments, or commitment to delivering exceptional transaction outcomes. This is particularly valuable in investment banking where trust, expertise, and market credibility are essential for client relationships and career advancement. Write in first person and maintain a tone that reflects both your technical competence and strategic thinking abilities.

Showcasing Investment Banker Experience on LinkedIn

LinkedIn’s experience section allows for more detailed transaction descriptions and market context than your resume. Expand your bullet points to include the strategic rationale behind deals you’ve executed, market conditions that influenced transaction structures, and the broader impact of your work on client outcomes. Use this space to demonstrate your understanding of market dynamics and strategic advisory capabilities.

While maintaining client confidentiality, you can reference publicly announced transactions, industry recognition, or thought leadership activities that showcase your expertise and market presence. Consider adding media coverage of deals you’ve worked on, industry awards, or conference presentations that demonstrate your professional profile and expertise within the Australian investment banking community.

LinkedIn Skills and Endorsements for Investment Bankers

Focus on skills that demonstrate both your technical capabilities and client advisory expertise. Prioritise skills like “Investment Banking,” “Mergers & Acquisitions,” “Financial Modeling,” “Capital Markets,” and “Valuation.” Include both foundational banking skills and specialised expertise areas relevant to your coverage sectors. The order matters, so strategically place your strongest and most relevant skills where they’ll be most visible to recruiters and industry contacts.

Actively seek endorsements from colleagues, clients, senior bankers, and professional contacts who can vouch for your technical capabilities and client service excellence. These endorsements provide social proof of your abilities and can significantly enhance your profile’s credibility. Consider asking managing directors or senior clients to endorse specific skills they’ve observed in your work, as their endorsements carry considerable weight with potential employers.

LinkedIn Profile Tips for Australian Investment Bankers

Tailor your LinkedIn presence for the Australian financial services market by engaging with local market developments and regulatory changes, participating in discussions about ASX-listed companies, M&A activity, and capital markets trends, and connecting with senior executives at Australian corporates, institutional investors, and financial services professionals. Share insights about local deal activity while maintaining appropriate confidentiality.

Join LinkedIn groups focused on Australian finance professionals, such as “CFA Society Sydney,” “Australian Finance Professionals,” or “ASX Listed Companies Network.” Regularly engage with content about Australian market developments, participate in discussions about regulatory changes or market trends, and share your own insights about investment banking excellence and client advisory best practices. This demonstrates your market knowledge and helps build your professional network within Australia’s financial services community.

Your investment banker resume is the foundation for securing opportunities with Australia’s premier investment banks and financial institutions, but it works best when supported by a compelling cover letter that demonstrates your market knowledge and genuine passion for investment banking excellence. Explore our cover letter guide to learn how to craft a persuasive letter that complements your deal experience and showcases your strategic thinking abilities.

Ready to put your polished resume to work? Start exploring investment banking opportunities through specialist financial services recruiters, directly with major banks’ graduate programs, and by networking within Australia’s financial services community. Consider reaching out to Seek for advertised positions, but remember that many senior roles are filled through executive search and professional networks.

For additional career resources and professional development, consider joining the CFA Society Sydney for networking events and continuing education opportunities. Stay connected with market developments through the Australian Financial Review and engage with industry events to build your professional network and advance your career in Australia’s dynamic investment banking sector.