Portfolio Manager Resume Example
Pursuing a career as a portfolio manager provides opportunities for career progression and responsibilities involving communicating with clients and managing investment portfolios. For a successful portfolio manager application, you'll want to submit a professional resume that showcases your relevant skills. In this article, we'll outline how to write a winning resume to boost your chances of success in your portfolio manager applications.
After reading this guide, you'll know what it takes to create a resume that really stands out from other portfolio manager applicants. 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. Continue reading to find the best portfolio manager resume tips from careers experts at Jobseeker.
What to include in a portfolio manager resume
Most resumes contain similar key sections, with a portfolio manager resume being no different.
If you're applying for an entry-level portfolio manager 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. Furthermore, a junior resume is more likely to focus on soft and transferable skills, as well as relevant training, internships and volunteer roles.
If you're already working as a portfolio manager, concentrate on proving your credentials with your work achievements. Use a reverse-chronological resume format to place work experience prominently in your resume. Rather than simply listing your responsibilities in each role, show the impact you made and offer evidence that demonstrates the skills and experience listed in the job description.
Senior job applications require a slightly different approach to mid-level or junior portfolio manager roles. Use a reverse-chronological format focusing on your work experience, with a particular emphasis on the impact you've made. Your senior resume will likely be more comprehensive than resumes for more junior roles. You can add extra details about your career, such as awards, publications presentations, professional memberships or certifications.
While the content and format of your resume may vary depending on your experience levels, it's important to always include the following sections:
Resume Header with Contact Details
Your portfolio manager 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. Keep your header clear and concise, with only the most necessary information included. Opt for a stylish, professional design that creates a strong first impression.
Use an email address that's professional and appropriate for professional communication. Typically this would be an email address based on your first and last name, or your initials. If necessary, you could include your profession or another unique identifier. Avoid using old email addresses that could be considered unprofessional or inappropriate. Additionally, always check your contact details before sending your resume to ensure they're up-to-date.
Bruce Jimenez
bruce.jimenez@example.com
(111) 222 33 444 55
4 Privet Drive, Little Whinging, IN
linkedin․com/in/bruce–jimenez123
Resume Summary
The next section is the resume summary. The section might also be called 'resume objective' or 'personal profile'. This is a brief introduction to you, your key skills and your career achievements and ambitions. While a resume summary focuses on your career achievements and experience, a resume objective typically focuses on your ambitions for the future. Furthermore, when writing your profile, focus on two or three key skills and achievements that showcase your suitability for portfolio manager roles.
Alternatively, use this section to emphasize your career objectives and explain how and why this role is a suitable step for you at this stage of your career.
A strong resume summary focuses on two or three key skills and achievements that showcase your suitability for portfolio manager roles in a clear, quantifiable way. It also gives an insight into your personal qualities, to help the reader understand why you're a suitable candidate. You can see some positive examples of a resume summary for portfolio manager jobs below.
Good example:
Results-driven Portfolio Manager with a Bachelor of Science in Finance and extensive experience in managing diverse investment portfolios. Demonstrated expertise in asset allocation, risk management, and performance optimization. Proven track record of generating consistent returns and achieving client financial goals through strategic investment decisions. Skilled in financial analysis, market research, and client relationship management. Adept at leveraging analytical tools and industry knowledge to inform data-driven investment strategies
Bad example:
Worked with investments and finance, handling various portfolios. Have some experience in deciding where to put money and managing risks. Known for making decisions that help meet financial goals. Can analyze financial data and understand market trends. Have interacted with clients and used tools to support investment choices
On the other hand, a resume summary can be ineffective if it lacks specific information about how your skills align with the job description, or fails to paint a picture of your unique qualities and talents. See above for some examples of things to avoid when writing your portfolio manager resume summary.
Work History
Your resume work experience section is the chance to show your relevant previous jobs and career achievements as a portfolio manager. 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. Take a look at the examples below for some guidance on what works best for your work experience section.
Good example:
Investment Portfolio Manager, January 2022 - Present
Summit Crest Capital, Detroit
- Increased portfolio returns by 15% annually over three consecutive years, surpassing industry benchmarks and client expectations
- Managed assets exceeding $500 million, optimizing risk-adjusted returns through strategic asset allocation and diversification
- Developed and implemented innovative investment strategies, resulting in a 20% reduction in portfolio volatility and enhanced long-term growth
Bad example:
Investment Portfolio Manager, January 2022 - Present
Summit Crest Capital, Detroit
- Improved portfolio performance through effective management strategies and client-focused solutions
- Successfully handled large-scale asset management with a focus on growth and risk mitigation
- Created and executed strategic investment plans to enhance portfolio outcomes and client satisfaction
The example above can give you some idea of what not to include in your resume work experience section. A poor resume work experience section would typically use vague descriptions of activities in previous jobs, while focusing too much on responsibilities rather than achievements. Failing to focus on the skills and experience that match the job description is likely to harm your chances of success.
Education
In your education section, include details of your most relevant portfolio manager qualifications and educational achievements.
Opportunities as a portfolio manager and similar roles in the sector usually require a specialist degree. If you have a Bachelor of Science in Finance degree, be sure to mention this in your resume. You might also want to list any qualifications that highlight your CFA certification or financial analysis expertise.
Enter the name and level of the qualification, the institution you studied at, its location and your dates of study or graduation. You can enhance this section by adding bullet points that show any outstanding grades, awards or achievements and any specialist subjects you studied. These details can make you stand out from other candidates.
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
Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ
Hard and Soft Skills
The skills section of a portfolio manager resume is a chance to list any skills you have that match those of the job description. You could include quantitative modeling proficiency, effective communication or any other skills that show you're a suitable candidate. Additionally, read the job description to make sure your skills match those required for portfolio manager positions. You could also include some unique skills that help you stand out as a candidate.
Listing hard skills on your portfolio manager resume
Hard skills are the key technical skills required for portfolio manager positions. They include specific industry knowledge and abilities that you could learn on the job, or through a specialist qualification. Furthermore, it's important to show these skills in a portfolio manager resume as they provide a strong indication of your experience in the sector. Add up to five key hard skills that show you're an ideal candidate for the role. It can also be beneficial to add context to each skill, showing how you've used it to positive effect in your career to date.
The best resume hard skills sections focus on specific technical skills necessary for the job, showcasing skills that you have particular expertise in. There are some examples of valuable hard skills for a portfolio manager resume below.
- Financial analysis expertise
- Risk management skills
- Quantitative modeling proficiency
How to list soft skills on your portfolio manager resume
Soft skills are the personal skills and qualities that make you a good fit for the job. They include transferable skills and strengths that help you settle into the role, adapt to new challenges and build effective working relationships. Indeed, transferable skills are growing in importance in the modern world of work, so make sure you include several of these in your resume. Think of your best soft skills and add up to five that match the requirements of the job description.
The strongest resume soft skills sections include a mix of skills that match your best personal strengths, and that reflect the skills listed in the job description. See below for some examples of effective soft skills for a portfolio manager resume.
- Analytical thinking
- Effective communication
- Risk management
Certifications and Training
In your certifications section, list any professional certifications or licenses that are relevant to working as a portfolio manager. Add any official certifications or accreditations that increase your level of qualification and suitability for working as a portfolio manager. Therefore, add any professional licenses or certifications, along with valid dates that show they're still valid.
Review the list below for some suitable certifications for a portfolio manager resume:
- CFA Charterholder, 2022
- CFP Certification, 2022
- FRM Certification, 2022
Hear from experts:
Optional Resume Sections
In addition to the core sections of a portfolio manager resume, there are several optional sections you could include to enhance your chances. Add any of the sections below that help you showcase your key skills and experience.
Hobbies and Interests
Hobbies and interests can be a useful way of showing your skills and experience beyond your work and education. Consider listing hobbies and interests to help your resume stand out, or to provide the employer with some insight into your personality and wider interests. They're perfect for candidates who might lack genuine work experience as a portfolio manager. 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
If you're lacking relevant portfolio manager work experience, volunteer work can help to show you still have the relevant skills. Add your volunteer job title or role, the name of the organization, its location and the dates you were involved.
References
Standard portfolio manager resumes don't tend to include references, but you might find them requested occasionally. Check the job advert to see if you'll need to add references to your resume. Be sure to prepare your referees in advance, so they've agreed to provide a reference and are ready to be contacted.
References can be provided upon request.
Best words to use in a portfolio manager 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.
- Analyze
- Strategize
- Diversify
- Optimize
- Evaluate
- Research
- Forecast
- Allocate
- Monitor
- Advise
For help creating an eye-catching resume design to catch the attention of hiring managers, see Jobseeker's professional resume layouts. You can also use our clear, effective cover letter templates to complete your application.
Sample resume for portfolio manager positions
The portfolio manager resume example below includes all the sections above, so you can see how a completed resume looks:
4 Privet Drive, Little Whinging, IN
•
bruce.jimenez@example.com
•
(111) 222 33 444 55
•
linkedin․com/in/bruce–jimenez123
Experienced Investment Portfolio Manager with a Bachelor of Science in Finance. Proven track record of managing diverse investment portfolios, conducting detailed financial analysis, and developing strategic investment plans. Skilled in risk assessment, market research, and asset allocation to optimize portfolio performance and achieve client financial goals. Proficient in utilizing financial software and tools to analyze market trends and make data-driven decisions. Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with a commitment to providing exceptional client service
Investment Portfolio Manager
2020
-2022
ValorVest Capital Management (San Francisco)
- Delivered 15% average annual returns over 5 years, outperforming the S&P 500 by 4% annually
- Managed $500 million diversified portfolio, reducing risk with a Sharpe ratio of 1.5
- Implemented algorithmic trading strategy, increasing portfolio efficiency and generating $20 million in additional revenue
Bachelor of Science in Finance
2017
-2020
Georgetown University (Washington, D.C)
Financial analysis expertise
Risk management skills
Quantitative modeling proficiency
Analytical thinking
Effective communication
Risk management
CFA Charterholder
CFP Certification
English - Fluent
Spanish - B2
Do's and don'ts of a portfolio manager resume
Advice to help you craft a winning resume
- Adapt your resume depending on the job you're applying for. Take a look at the job description and make sure you reference all the required key skills and experience.
- Showcase your key skills throughout your resume, as well as in your dedicated skills list, with each skill reflecting the job description.
- Review your resume thoroughly and correct any errors before sending it, to avoid unnecessary harm to your chances.
- Use a well-structured resume layout that optimizes headings, structure, margins, fonts and line spacing to make your document as accessible as possible to the reader.
- Use action verbs to showcase how you've put your portfolio manager skills to use in your career (e.g. 'analyze', 'strategize', 'diversify').
Avoid these common mistakes on your resume
- Don't include any personal details, such as a photo, your age or marital status. These can create unwanted bias in the recruitment process.
- Don't use passive language because it can switch off the reader. Adapt phrases like 'the work was completed' to 'I completed the work'.
- Don't forget to keep your header up-to-date with every application, to make sure you don't include old contact information.
- Don't mention hobbies or interests unless they help you prove a skill required for the role, that you haven't included elsewhere.
- Don't use elaborate formatting or layouts. These can make your portfolio manager resume less readable and harder for applicant tracking systems (ATS) to scan.
How to make your resume ATS compliant
An applicant tracking system (ATS) is just one of the tools employers and recruiters can use to streamline their hiring practices. This typically includes screening candidates by scanning and ranking their resumes based on their likely suitability for any vacancy. When writing your portfolio manager resume, a few simple tips can help you pass the ATS stage with a higher-ranking resume, giving you a better chance of success with your applications.
Here a some simple tips to follow for an ATS-friendly resume:
- Opt for an established, traditional resume format such as a reverse-chronological or functional structure. These will ensure your resume includes all the necessary details ATS systems scan for.
- 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.
- Add each section with clear headings that match the established resume conventions, so ATS software can easily identify each part of your resume.
- Use design elements that help make your resume more readable. These might include white space, clear, professional fonts and subtle color accents to help certain elements stand out.
- Keep your resume as concise as possible, to make it easier to read, and for ATS software to scan.
For help crafting a winning resume, read our in-depth career blog and review our resume examples for inspiration.
FAQs for a portfolio manager resume
Accompanying your resume for portfolio manager applications, you'll want to produce a cover letter that similarly leaves a positive impression on hiring managers.
Firstly, think about whether you want to write a full, formal cover letter or whether a brief email to introduce yourself and draw attention to your resume will suffice.
If you decide you want to write a traditional cover letter, follow the standard letter-writing conventions around layout and structure. In the main body of the letter, write an opening paragraph to introduce yourself and explain why you're applying for the portfolio manager role. Your second paragraph is typically where you highlight your key relevant skills and achievements. Finally, close by expressing your enthusiasm for the role and leave a call to action to encourage the hiring manager to make contact with you.
For help creating an eye-catching cover letter that impresses recruiters and hiring managers, use Jobseeker's professional cover letter templates.
Even if you have no work experience, following a few simple tips for your portfolio manager resume can ensure you make a strong impression on employers. Use a skills-based resume format to highlight your relevant skills and education. This is more suitable for junior or entry-level roles where you might not have much work experience to showcase. Make the most of additional sections such as hobbies and interests, volunteer work, certifications and internships. These can help you showcase skills that you've developed outside traditional work settings.
If you want to create a strong first impression in your portfolio manager application, a resume headline can help. A well-constructed resume headline can help your resume rank highly with ATS screening tools by referencing some of the key information from the job description. Write a short, snappy heading for your resume including the job title and a reference to your experience, your track record or one or two of your key skills.
Here's an example of a strong resume headline:
- Aspiring Portfolio Manager Analyst
- Experienced Portfolio Management Professional
- Senior Portfolio Management Expert
The most suitable resume format for you depends on two crucial factors. Firstly, whether you have a body of relevant work experience. Secondly, the type of job and its seniority level. If you don't have much experience, for example if you're applying for a graduate role or changing careers, you might consider a functional resume format. This focuses on your skills and education above your work experience. On the other hand, if you're experienced in your industry or applying for senior positions, a traditional, reverse chronological resume format is usually best. This places most emphasis on your work experience.
Takeaways for your portfolio manager 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. Use a suitable resume format and tailor your resume for every application you submit.
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. Jobseeker's expert-designed cover letter generator can help your applications make a strong first impression on hiring managers. Find detailed cover letter examples to complement your resume and get your application noticed.
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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