Fintech
Top Fintech Tips for Writing an Eye-Catching Resume
Two people reviewing a successful resume. It clearly shows the candidate’s achievements and… [+] concisely. It also highlights the potential of this person.
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Fintech disrupts the status quo of finance on a daily basis. It challenges cumbersome methodologies and time-consuming transactions to improve accessibility and efficiency. It’s no wonder that a typical fintech resume challenges some of the traditional norms expected. In 2024, there are almost 30,000 fintechs all over the world. This is the highest number ever, having grown by more than 3,500 in 2023. America alone grew by 1,500 fintechs, and as of February 2024, America held the record for producing the most fintech unicorns in the world. Gartner predicts IT spending will be increase 8% to $5.06 trillion this year. Additionally, Morgan McKinley predicts 62% of the workforce looking for work believing that you will be underpaid.
These drivers of expected growth, investment, and job movements make it even more important to understand the mechanics of fintech job search. Several hiring managers across the industry have explained why the fintech resume is unique.
Agile fintech
As an industry, financial technology has demonstrated its readiness to pivot and realign to meet demand, adhere to new regulations, or adapt to a changing economy. In some cases, only 2% of candidates who apply for roles are shortlisted for interviews. Some of the main reasons for being shortlisted are long resumes with no clear accomplishments. Many have overly detailed project descriptions that don’t share any personal contributions. It’s crucial to show how agile you’ve been and can be. Rianna Kelly is a Senior Manager in Data at Zepz. She says it’s important to remind ourselves that “FinTech is an action-oriented industry.” Every resume should capture the reader’s attention by focusing on what they’ve accomplished and what they’re capable of. The mindset of a FinTech is about problem-solving, adapting, and continually learning. When documenting your career, you should focus on where you’ve driven solutions and what transferable skills you’ve developed.
Fintech mission
Every fintech is unique and has a mission to change. Purpose-driven companies need people who are also motivated by learning and taking on new tasks that are meant to challenge them. Gunay Aksoy, Senior Business Leader at Axoni, says a great resume is all about “experience,” “achievements,” and “key contributions.” He emphasized that “achievement-focused resumes make me want to come back and learn more about you.” This should include performance metrics, precise citations of technical skills, along with proficiency in communication and presentation skills. It is essential to bullet point your contribution to a project rather than describe it step by step. Most people leave out their personal mission and what they want in their next role. It’s worth thinking about what you really want in your next role and articulating it. If you can connect relevant dots that are specific to the company you are applying to, then you will stand out.
Accessible fintech
The world of financial technology is tuned into accessibility. This can be through customer focus or a focus on efficiency and clarity. Matt Cheung is the CEO of ipushpull and founder of “Work in Fintech”. He states that “you must have caught my attention on the first page and, in most cases, in the summary.” Often, hiring managers review resumes on their smartphones. This reduces visibility for the hiring manager and increases the need for them to be “concise and clear.” The summary becomes much more important as it will determine whether someone will click through to view your entire resume. Matt urges applicants to correct grammar and spelling, having seen far too many people overlook these important details. Many managers say they prefer resumes to be 1 page and “2 pages max.” Others talked about specific resume changes for different roles and companies you are applying for. This is especially true when applying for roles where you know who is reading your resume. A C-level recipient might look for attitude over skills. An AI bot might search for a detailed list of skills. You should expect a recruiter to compare your LinkedIn profile to your resume. Both should support each other and clearly highlight your successes.
Fintech on the rise
As the fintech sector seeks to challenge the status quo in finance, there are many skills it desperately needs. Competition is fierce and regulatory parameters are constantly changing. In some cases there has been an increase in demand for AI, data and regulatory knowledge in job adverts up to 20%. Demand remains high even for those who can communicate well and write code. Companies are looking at growth trajectories and will evaluate whether you are someone who will be able to help move the company forward. In conversations with Luke Trayfoot, the CCO of Brite Payments, he said that in fintech, you want to hire someone “who will grow.” He talked about people taking “ownership” and “responsibility” for their own growth. If you are someone who has challenged yourself in your career, showing that on your resume is key.
Traditional advice for presenting yourself and your resume doesn’t always apply in an industry that seeks to disrupt. As the industry changes, there will be a greater demand for accurate and well-thought-out resumes. Hiring managers will want resumes that show not only what you’ve done, but also what you can do next.