Fraud Analyst Resume Example
A career as a fraud analyst typically involves analyzing transaction data and identifying fraud patterns. For a successful fraud analyst application, you'll want to submit a professional resume that showcases your relevant skills. In this article, we'll highlight tips and examples for creating a fraud analyst resume that makes a winning impression on recruiters and hiring managers.
After reading this article, you'll feel confident creating a fraud analyst resume that effectively showcases your relevant skills and experience. You'll learn how to show employers you've got the relevant qualities, skills and experience for the job, all presented in a format that employers prefer to see. The article also includes tips for formatting your resume according to your experience and strengths. Read on to learn the tips Jobseeker careers experts recommend as the best for your fraud analyst resume.
Main sections of a fraud analyst resume
Although the content of a fraud analyst resume may differ according to your experience and seniority, the main sections will remain the same.
If you're applying for an entry-level fraud analyst role and have limited relevant experience, consider using a skills-based, or functional resume format. The layout emphasizes your skills and education above your work experience. Likewise, an entry-level resume might focus more on soft and transferable skills, as well as details about internships, voluntary work or relevant training you've completed.
If you're already working as a fraud analyst, concentrate on proving your credentials with your work achievements. Use a reverse-chronological resume format to place work experience prominently in your resume. Your resume should focus on your career achievements, and the role you've played in successful projects and activities for your employers. Consult the job description for guidance on what to showcase, and provide evidence to support your claims.
If you're applying for senior fraud analyst positions, you'll want to list career achievements and successes that emphasize your senior status. Use a reverse-chronological format and add extra sections to show key career highlights. Some elements to include in a senior resume for maximum impact might include awards, publications, conference presentations or professional memberships. By adding these sections, it's likely that your resume will be longer than a junior resume.
Your resume layout and structure may differ depending on your experience levels, but make sure your resume includes the following:
Resume Header and Personal Information
Your fraud analyst resume header should contain your name and contact details. These include your email address and phone number. If you have a LinkedIn profile, you can also add that, to give employers the chance to learn more about your skills and experience. It's not necessary to include a photo or any other personal information. Be aware of the amount of space your resume header takes up. You don't want your contact details to take space away from the main content of your resume, so keep this section as brief as possible.
Only include professional, name-based email addresses in your resume header. If you have an old email address that uses nicknames, puns, references to your personal interests or anything else that could appear unprofessional, set up a new email just for your job applications. Finally, always double-check your contact details are correct and up-to-date before sending your resume.
Violet Thompson
violet.thompson@example.com
(111) 222 33 444 55
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, Washington, DC
linkedin․com/in/violet–thompson123
Resume Profile
Your resume personal profile is a short, concise paragraph to highlight two or three key skills and achievements in fraud analyst roles. You may also see this section named as 'resume summary' or 'resume objective'. Resume summaries tend to focus on your career experience, while resume objectives cover your ambitions and plans for the future. Always make sure your summary reflects the job description and highlights some of the key skills required for fraud analyst roles.
Alternatively, write a paragraph that concentrates on your career objectives and how this role fits with your wider ambitions and progression.
A good resume summary reflects the job description and highlights some of the key skills required for fraud analyst roles, while leaving the reader with an impression of your unique qualities and strengths. The most effective resume summaries also provide evidence to back up the claims made in them. The graphic below showcases some good examples of what to include in your fraud analyst resume summary.
Good example:
Fraud Analyst with a Bachelor of Science in Finance and extensive experience as a Fraud Detection Specialist. Skilled in identifying, analyzing, and mitigating fraudulent activities, leveraging advanced analytical techniques and industry best practices. Proficient in utilizing various fraud detection tools and software to ensure financial security and compliance. Adept at conducting thorough investigations, developing proactive fraud prevention strategies, and effectively communicating findings to stakeholders. Demonstrates strong problem-solving abilities and a keen attention to detail in high-pressure environments
Bad example:
Worked in finance with some experience in looking at things that might not be right. Used tools to check stuff and make sure everything is okay. Did some investigations and talked to people about what was found. Good at solving problems and paying attention to details, even when things get busy
On the other hand, an unsuccessful resume summary is one that mentions irrelevant skills, qualities and achievements and fails to differentiate you from other candidates. The visual above includes some examples of what not to do with your fraud analyst resume summary
Work Experience
In your work experience section, list any previous relevant roles you've worked in, as well as your key achievements as a fraud analyst. For each entry, list the job title, the name of the employer, its location and the dates you worked there. Add each job in reverse-chronological order, starting with your current or most recent role.
Under each job entry, add several bullet points highlighting your responsibilities and achievements. Consult the job description for a list of the key requirements for the role and make sure your work experience section showcases how you meet these requirements.
A good work experience section pulls the reader in with clear examples of where you've put the skills necessary for the job into good use in your career to date. This typically includes evidence of how your skills and activities contributed to positive outcomes for the organization. There are some examples of strong resume work experience sections below.
Good example:
Fraud Detection Specialist, January 2022 - Present
Integrity Solutions LLC, Columbus
- Reduced fraud incidents by 35% through implementation of advanced machine learning algorithms and real-time monitoring systems
- Conducted over 200 in-depth investigations, leading to the recovery of $2 million in fraudulent transactions
- Trained and mentored a team of 10 junior analysts, improving department efficiency by 25%
Bad example:
Fraud Detection Specialist, January 2022 - Present
Integrity Solutions LLC, Columbus
- Improved processes to enhance fraud detection and prevention efforts within the organization
- Played a key role in team success and department goals
- Contributed to various projects aimed at reducing fraud
See above for some of the pitfalls to avoid with your resume work experience section. Poor examples of resume work experience sections tend to be vague and fail to quantify your achievements and the impact you've made in your career to date. They may also focus on responsibilities above relevant skills and how you've used them.
Education
The education section provides space to list your highest and most recent academic achievements that are relevant to working as a fraud analyst.
Typically, working as a fraud analyst requires a university or college degree, which you'll need to list on your resume. If you're working in this sector, it's usually a good idea to highlight your Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice degree or other relevant qualifications. Focus on qualifications that showcase your data analysis tools or SQL query writing.
List every relevant qualification, including the name and level of the course, the name of the school, college or university, its location and your graduation date. You could also add one or two bullet points to draw attention to your grades if they were particularly good, as well as any specialist subjects you studied. This will help the hiring manager understand your knowledge and special skills better.
If you were a member of any clubs or societies, or volunteered for any causes while studying, you could also mention these in your education section.
Bachelor of Science in Finance, 2017 - 2020
Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA
Hard and Soft Skills
Listing your key skills can help to prove your suitability for fraud analyst jobs. These could be AML compliance knowledge, team collaboration skills or various other relevant skills. Again, refer to the fraud analyst job description for an indication of the types of skills the employer is looking for, and make sure your skills section reflects these.
How to include hard skills on your fraud analyst resume
Hard skills are the key technical skills required for fraud analyst positions. They include specific industry knowledge and abilities that you could learn on the job, or through a specialist qualification. Furthermore, these skills are essential for a fraud analyst resume as they showcase your expertise in the field. Aim to include four or five key hard skills. If you have space, explain how and where you've used that skill to create successful outcomes in your career. These skills will demonstrate your credentials and show how you meet the job description.
For an effective resume hard skills section, focus on the technical skills that are most essential in the job description, and that match your specific expertise. Some examples of the best hard skills for a fraud analyst resume are listed below.
- Data analysis tools
- SQL query writing
- Risk assessment methodologies
Listing soft skills on your fraud analyst resume
Soft skills are your transferable skills and personal qualities that make you a good match for a fraud analyst position and the organization. Soft skills tend to be more universal than hard skills, and can often apply to multiple jobs and industries. In fact, as technology develops, soft skills are growing in importance for recruiters and employers, so be sure to add several of these to your resume. Aim to include approximately five soft skills that reflect the skills listed in the job description.
Your soft skills section should make the most of your unique personal qualities and strengths, while also reflecting the requirements laid out in the job description. See below for some examples of useful soft skills for a fraud analyst resume.
- Attention to detail
- Critical thinking skills
- Effective communication skills
Relevant Certifications and Licenses
In your certifications section, list any professional certifications or licenses that are relevant to working as a fraud analyst. These could be official licenses required for the job or certifications that improve your employability. Therefore, include the details of any licenses and professional certifications required for fraud analyst roles, along with completion dates so employers can see you're up-to-date.
See below for some suggestions of relevant certifications for a fraud analyst resume:
- CFE - ACFE, 2022
- CFCS - ACFCS, 2022
- CFCI - IAFCI, 2022
Expert Tip:
Optional Resume Sections
In addition to the core sections of a fraud analyst resume, there are several optional sections you could include to enhance your chances. Take a look at the sections below and add any that help you show how and why you're right for the job.
Hobbies and Interests
Adding your hobbies and interests is a legitimate way of showing off your skills and personal qualities. They also help to show a different side of your personality, and can help your resume create a more memorable impression on hiring managers. If you're short on real world work experience, hobbies and interests can be a useful way of providing more information about your qualities. Think about adding hobbies and interests to your resume if they add some insight into your personality that you can't express elsewhere in your application.
Voluntary Work
Listing volunteer work is another useful way to prove your relevant experience for fraud analyst roles. Add any voluntary roles, including your position, the name of the organization, the dates of your voluntary work and a brief explanation of your responsibilities and achievements.
References
It's relatively unusual to include references in a standard fraud analyst resume, but they are required occasionally. Check the job advert to see if you'll need to add references to your resume. Before adding any referees to your resume, ask them for their assistance and prepare them for contact by the employer.
References are available upon request.
Best words to use in a fraud analyst resume
Start each bullet point in your work experience section with a strong verb to show actions you took. The suggested action verbs below will help the reader to understand your key qualities and the impact you made on the organization.
- Investigate
- Analyze
- Detect
- Assess
- Evaluate
- Monitor
- Report
- Prevent
- Identify
- Collaborate
If you want to create a resume that stands out from the crowd, use Jobseeker's expert-designed resume templates. You can also find cover letter templates that work to get you noticed by employers.
Example resume for fraud analyst applications
The fraud analyst resume example below incorporates all the information from above into a full-designed resume template, so you can see how a final resume will look:
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, Washington, DC
•
violet.thompson@example.com
•
(111) 222 33 444 55
•
linkedin․com/in/violet–thompson123
Results-driven Fraud Analyst with a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice and extensive experience as a Financial Crime Analyst. Skilled in detecting, investigating, and preventing fraudulent activities in financial transactions. Proficient in utilizing advanced analytics tools and methodologies to identify suspicious patterns and mitigate risk. Adept at collaborating with law enforcement and regulatory bodies to ensure compliance and enhance security measures. Strong attention to detail and a commitment to maintaining the integrity of financial systems
Financial Crime Analyst
2020
-2022
Guardian Financial Integrity Solutions (Henderson)
- Identified and mitigated $2M in fraudulent transactions, reducing financial risk by 30% within six months
- Developed and implemented a new anti-money laundering (AML) protocol, increasing detection rates by 25%
- Conducted comprehensive investigations, leading to the successful prosecution of 15 financial crime cases in one year
Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice
2017
-2020
University of Washington (Seattle, WA)
Data analysis tools
SQL query writing
Risk assessment methodologies
Attention to detail
Critical thinking skills
Effective communication skills
CFE - ACFE
CFCS - ACFCS
English - Fluent
Spanish - B2
Do's and don'ts of a fraud analyst resume
Tips for best resume practices
- Include key skills throughout your resume that reflect the job description, and include a dedicated skills section.
- Use a clear, professional resume format to make your document as accessible as possible, including a readable font and appropriate headings, margins and line spacing. This will make your resume easier for recruiters and hiring managers to read.
- Order your work experience in a reverse-chronological timeline, starting with your most recent position.
- Action verbs can help show the actions you've taken and the impact you've made in fraud analyst jobs (e.g. 'report', 'prevent', 'identify').
- Proofread your resume to ensure it's free from spelling and grammar errors. Even minor errors can make a difference to your chances.
Keep away from these common resume mistakes
- Don't use jargon or business-speak. It can make your resume appear clichéd and harder to read.
- Don't list work experience that has no relation to the role you're applying for. It wastes space and is unlikely to impress hiring managers.
- Don't use an email address that contains unprofessional content, and if necessary create a new, more professional email address.
- Don't forget to review your contact information before sending your resume, to ensure it's all up-to-date.
- Don't include hobbies unless they help you prove a skill or experience that's necessary for the job.
Guide to making your resume ATS-friendly
Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) are one of the key ways recruiters and employers manage the hiring process. The systems can screen candidates by scanning and ranking resumes based on each candidate's likely suitability for the vacancy. When you're writing your fraud analyst resume, there are several things you can do to make sure your resume stands the best chance of passing the ATS stage.
Create an ATS-optimized resume by following these quick tips:
- Choose a resume structure that matches the traditional, reverse-chronological layout or alternatively, the functional resume structure. This should make your resume more readable for ATS applications.
- Add keywords that match the job description throughout your resume, as ATS applications scan for these and well-placed, considered use can help your resume rank more highly.
- Include clear headings in each section that match the traditional resume structure and format. This will make it easier for the ATS software to scan your resume.
- Adopt a clean, unfussy design that gives your content enough white space to breathe. Use professional, readable fonts and subtle use of color and other design elements.
- Use simple, concise language to keep your resume to a maximum of one to two pages in length. This will make it easier for ATS software to read.
If you need help creating a professional resume, take a look at our expert career articles and variety of resume examples created by careers experts.
Frequently Asked Questions about a fraud analyst resume
After writing your fraud analyst resume, you'll want to write an accompanying cover letter that helps your application stand out.
In some situations, a full, professional cover letter may not be necessary. Check the job advert and decide whether to write a formal cover letter, or if a brief email is more suitable.
A full, formal cover letter follows a traditional letter-writing structure and format. Add your header, the recipient's address an use professional greetings and sign-offs. In your first paragraph, introduce yourself and confirm the role you're applying for, along with your reasons for applying. Next, outline your key skills and achievements that are most relevant to the fraud analyst job description. Finish by expressing your enthusiasm for the role and adding a call to action to encourage the hiring manager to contact you for further information.
Jobseeker's HR-approved cover letter templates can help you produce a cover letter that really catches the eye of employers.
Writing a fraud analyst resume with no experience needn't be a daunting task. There are still plenty of ways to impress hiring managers with your resume. Opt for a skill-based resume format instead of a traditional layout. This places your skills and education in a more prominent position on your resume. Optional sections at the end of your resume can play a stronger role if you're lacking relevant work experience. Use certifications and training, hobbies and interests, volunteer roles and internships to show you've got the necessary skills for the job.
A resume headline can catch the attention of the reader and give them a strong first impression about your suitability for fraud analyst jobs. Resume headlines are also helpful for the ATS stage of the recruitment process, as they can help you reference the job title and one or two keywords for the role. Write a short, concise resume headline incorporating the job title, one or two key skills that match the job description and a reference to your reputation or track record.
Here's an example of a strong resume headline:
- Junior Fraud Analyst Specialist
- Expert Fraud Detection and Prevention
- Senior Fraud Detection Specialist
The best format for your resume depends on two key factors. Firstly, the amount of relevant work experience you have. Secondly, the type of role and its level of seniority. For roles where you're lacking experience, such as graduate jobs or career changes, you could use a functional or skills-based resume format. This places your skills and education above your work experience. Once you have some relevant work experience, and for senior positions, a reverse chronological resume format is typically best. This emphasizes your work experience, which will probably be the key thing employers want to know about.
Key points for your fraud analyst resume
If you want to catch the eye of employers and recruiters, you need a professional resume that showcases your best skills and career achievements. Select a resume format that suits your experience levels and the job you're applying for, and make sure you tailor your resume for each application.
Using the professional resume templates and resources of Jobseeker can help you create a great-looking resume that stands out from other applicants. Sign up today and follow the simple steps to get started. Whether you're a junior or senior candidate, a professional cover letter can help to grab the attention of the employer. Jobseeker's cover letter examples were created by careers experts to provide useful tips and ideas for your cover letter.
Sources:
(1) Tips for Writing a Federal Resume, U.S. Department of Labor: https://www.dol.gov/general/jobs/tips-for-writing-a-federal-resume
(2) Resume Tips, Duke University: https://careerhub.students.duke.edu/resources/resume-tips/
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