Tell me, what is wrong with my CV?
Following a similar feature on our UK site, we're asking readers of eFinancialCareers Gulf to give some constructive criticism of this job-hunter's CV. Below is their profile (with all personal details removed) and little about their search for new employment so far. Can you offer some tips about where they may have been going wrong and what, exactly, can be improved about their CV?
"I've been looking for a new job since mid-December 2008, and applying for positions within investment banking and private equity. I believe I've encountered difficulty simply because the downturn means there are fewer positions available. But I could be wrong, so any advice would be appreciated."
EDUCATION:
US University New York, U.S.A.
Sept 2006
Master of Business Administration
Specialization in Finance and Accounting
Course ranked #1 for part-time MBA programs by U.S. News and World Report
US University San Diego, U.S.A.
Bachelors of Arts, Economics
March 1997
EXPERIENCE:
Independent corporate finance house, Dubai, U.A.E.
Associate, German Corporate Finance Start-up, Aug 2008-Present
· Drafting investment memorandums, teasers, and presentations for Private Placements in shipping and agricultural sectors
· Originating and screening new business opportunities in MENA and the U.S. investor markets
· Supporting in Capital Raising activities for European agricultural companies
Independent investment bank and brokerage, Dubai, U.A.E.
Associate, Investment Banking, Feb-July 2008
· Prepared information memorandum for real estate investment company in Latin America
· Performed due diligence and financial modeling on Caribbean hospitality investment group
· Prepared documents for listing of company on Nasdaq Dubai
Independent investment bank, Dubai, U.A.E.
Client Relationship Manager, Finnish Real Estate Investments Start-up, Sept-Dec 2007
· Valued Dubai real estate projects for private placement information memorandums
· Conducted analysis and feasibility studies on Dubai real estate market for projects marketed to European investors
· Managed European client relationships
Gulf-focused private equity firm, Dubai, U.A.E.
Associate, Saudi Arabian Private Equity Start-up, Apr-Aug 2007
· Designed financial models valuing Internet and hydroponics companies in U.A.E.
· Analysis of sports and entertainment markets in GCC region used to assess feasibility of new Saudi Arabian financing venture
Family office of financier, New York, U.S.A.
Personal Assistant to Financier, Sept 2002 -Dec 2006
· Participated in employing staff, organizing philanthropic giving, acquiring / disposing of antiques, homes, cars, helicopters, and yachts
· Created and maintained close business relationships with high-profile key executives, politicians, and scientists
· Coordinated owner's household staff, pilots, contractors, and suppliers across six residences
Boutique investment bank, New York, U.S.A.
Analyst, Cross-Border Mergers & Acquisitions Boutique, Oct 1999-Aug 2002
· Valued companies and M&A transactions using Discounted Cash Flow models and comparable companies- and transaction analysis
· Researched and analyzed industries to identify potential strategic and financial buyers and possible M&A opportunities in wireless, software and manufacturing industries
Structured finance firm, Stockholm, Sweden
Analyst, Structured Finance Boutique, Sept 1998-May 1999
· Created Discounted Cash Flow model and structured a loan engagement for Scandinavian hotel chain
· Analyzed Swedish competitive landscape and market trends for real estate and hospitality sectors used in information memorandums to existing and potential clients
Analyst, Asset-Backed Securities Boutique, Stockholm, Sweden, Jun-Aug 1998
· Prepared pitch books targeting real estate companies and conducted country and industry research reports
ADDITIONAL:
· Nationality: Swedish
· Languages: Swedish (native), English (fluent)
· Interests include networking, working out, reading, and watching movies
If you want to get in touch with this candidate (or to hire him/her), please email them at <a href="mailto:dubaimisc@gmail.com"dubaimisc@gmail.com. And if you too want to submit your CV to be reviewed on the site, please email <a href="mailto:editor_gulf@efinancialcareers.com"editor_gulf@efinancialcareers.com.
