REVIEW MY CV: Recruitment agencies say they're interested in my CV, but banks and asset managers are ignoring me

3 May 2011

3 minute read

REVIEW MY CV: Recruitment agencies say they're interested in my CV, but banks and asset managers are ignoring me

Hi everyone.

I graduated from a Swiss engineering school with a master's degree in banking and I have nearly two years' experience in an asset management company.

I'm now looking for a risk management position in an investment bank or at an asset management company, but I don't seem to be having much success.

Recruitment agencies say they're interested in my CV, but I seem to get limited feedback from

banks and asset managers.

Does anyone have any suggestions?"

Professional Experience

Jan. 2010 - Dec. 2010 Portfolio Controller, Investment Managers Paris

Monitored funds valuation and risk indicators and supported front office team

Business area: equity and fixed income funds, fund of funds.

· produced and analyzed risk indicators : VaR, stop loss, exposure limits

· controlled funds valuation: positions, transactions, prices

· supported fund managers

· improved risk and valuation processes: creation of ExcelVBA tools

· was in charge of change management in Axa IM's database change project

May 2008-Dec. 2008, Portfolio Controller Trainee, Investment Managers Paris

Monitored funds valuation and supported front office team

Business area: equity and fixed income funds, fund of funds.

· controlled funds valuation: positions, transactions, prices

· studied the use of VAR constraints on portfolio optimization

· developed tools to automate controls

· controlled reporting documents

Jan. 2007- Jun. 2007 Simulation Engineer Trainee, Global aluminium production company

Took part in the production process improvement project of one of the world's largest aluminum producer as part of its digital simulation team.

Made a study of cooling of electrolysis tanks.

· created a parameterized model of tanks to estimate borders heat exchanges

· tested, chose and set up physical models

· used this model to help in new cooling system design

Jun. 2006- Aug. 2006 Simulation Engineer Trainee, Electricity company

Took part in the security improvement project of one of the world's largest electricity producer.

Made a study of two security systems for nuclear plants.

· modeled an hydraulic system to anticipate condensation

· modeled an hydraulic system to help in new parts design

· designed optimization for those systems

Education

2011 CFA Institute - Chartered Financial Analyst Exam

Candidate for the CFA Level 2 exam

2007-2008 French Business School

Master's Degree in Banking & Investment Management

Capital markets, derivatives, portfolio management, risk management, asset pricing models, economic, financial statement analysis, corporate finance, accounting etc.

2004-2007 Swiss Institute of Technology

Master's Degree in Engineering

Hydraulic and mechanic, computer-based simulation: finite element/difference analysis, etc.

Languages

French: Native speaker

English: Fluent (TOEIC: 960/990)

Computer Skills

Excellent command of Microsoft Office (advanced Excel skills)

Good knowledge of Bloomberg and Thomson Reuters financial tools

Computer programming in VBA, SQL, C and C++

Working knowledge of RiskMetrics

AUTHORAnonymous

Insider Comment

Ba
Banker
5 May 2011
Recruiters are the SCUM of the world.
Reply
R
R
5 May 2011
Its never too late, you've atleast got decent experience !
If you think you are wasting time with recruitment agencies, ditch them and go direct to the departmental head you would like to work for.
Recruitment agencies are nothing but SCUM ! I am having the same issue as you, been to a few who says its all good & lovely when you're there and then heard nothing back for a month and then the jobs they'd like to send me for - I am overqualified for ! Furthermore, they have even managed to OMIT my post uni professional qualifications from my CV they are sending to Cos., I'm guessing because I did not go to Oxbridge - so don't fit the picture of the candidate they'd like to paint to the Cos. & get their commission in quick !. Quals which are costing me money and a lof hard work. Four of them actively advertise on this website !
Ditch the agencies. Research smaller botiques and just walk in to meet their Department head. They can't throw you out !
Keep us posted
Good luck.
Reply
Ni
Nick
4 May 2011
I have to agree with Reality, however I don't think its too late. Maybe consider taking some professional courses in energy/mining finance to marry your engineering and finance background will bear more fruit.
Reply
Be
Ben
3 May 2011
Recruitment agencies are always interested in your CV, that's one more to add to their database and market to their clients
Unexplained gaps in your CV are an issue:
1) why have you stayed 1 year at your last job and left? If this is an internship or a fixed-term contract, you should say it in the CV. If you could get referrals, that would help to say it as well
2) what did you do in 2009? Leaving a blank space is awkward
You should also dedicate less spacein the CV to your engineer internships which are not relevant for the jobs you are aiming at
Reply
LH
LH
3 May 2011
your CV has more holes in it than a swiss cheese
Reply