7 Top Tips for Financial Advisers & Planners to Create a Standout CV
If you’re a Financial Adviser or Planner considering a new role, crafting the perfect CV is the first crucial step in securing your ideal job. A strong CV doesn’t just list your experience—it showcases your skills, expertise, and the value you bring to potential employers. To help you stand out in a competitive market, here are seven top tips to create a killer CV:
1. Tailor Your CV to highlight your expertise in the industry A generic CV won’t do you any favours. Highlight the specific skills and experience that match the employer’s needs. Use similar language and keywords found in the job posting to ensure your CV resonates with hiring managers and applicant tracking systems (ATS).
2. Start with a Powerful Personal Statement Your personal statement (or profile) should be a compelling summary of who you are, what you bring to the table, and what you’re looking for. Keep it concise—around four to five sentences—but impactful. Emphasise your unique strengths and career goals, ensuring it aligns with the role you’re applying for.
- “Financial Adviser with 3 years' experience developing relationships with HNW individuals across a broad range of professionals including business owners, solicitors and accountants and retirees.
- “Currently managing a portfolio of £40 Million AUM and generating £10Million AUM a year in new business”
- “I have experience of advising on Pensions, Investments; ISA, Eis, VCT, BR, GIA’s, Bonds, IHT, Estates and Trusts
3. Highlight Key Achievements, Not Just Responsibilities Employers don’t just want to know what you did; they want to see the impact you made. Use quantifiable achievements to demonstrate your success. For example:
- "Increased client portfolio by 40% within 18 months."
- "Successfully managed £50m+ in client assets, delivering consistent returns above market benchmarks."
- "Grew annual revenue by 25% through strategic financial planning."
- "Established a successful professional introducer network, leading to a 30% increase in revenue streams within two years."
- "Provided expert pension and investment advice across a diverse client base, including high-net-worth individuals, business owners, and retirees."
- "Managed client portfolios comprising 40% wealth generators and 60% in drawdown, ensuring tailored financial strategies for varying stages of the financial journey."
- “Added “100,000 in new business over the past 12 months through referrals and professional introducers that I developed.”
4. Keep It Clear and Concise Your CV should ideally be no longer than two pages. Keep formatting clean and professional, using bullet points for readability. Avoid lengthy paragraphs and unnecessary details—focus on what’s most relevant to the role you’re applying for.
5. Showcase Your Qualifications & Professional Development Ensure your CV includes your relevant qualifications, such as:
- Level 4 Diploma in Regulated Financial Planning (CII or equivalent)
- Chartered Financial Planner status (if applicable)
- STEP (if applicable)
- Any relevant CPD training and courses Highlighting your commitment to professional development will demonstrate your expertise and dedication to staying up to date in the industry.
6. Use Strong Action Words When describing your experience, use powerful action verbs to make your CV more dynamic and engaging. Words like "advised", "managed”, "delivered”, "implemented", and "optimised" help to convey proactivity and leadership.
7. Don’t Forget the Finishing Touches Before submitting your CV, double-check for typos, grammatical errors, and formatting inconsistencies. A poorly presented CV can leave a negative impression. Ask a colleague or mentor to review it for feedback and consider seeking professional CV writing assistance if needed.
Final Thoughts
A well-crafted CV is your ticket to landing interviews and securing your next role as a Financial Adviser or Planner. By tailoring your CV, showcasing your achievements, and keeping it clear and professional, you’ll significantly improve your chances of standing out to employers.
If you’re actively looking for a new opportunity, Ortus PSR specialises in connecting financial professionals with top-tier firms. Get in touch today to explore the best career opportunities in the financial planning sector.