Career
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Resume & career
I have worked for five years with a publishing house before joining a research firm, where I stayed for two years. Recently I have switched to an insurance company after completing my masters in finance. Please suggest how I should construct my resume to launch my career in finance.
Before I address your issue, let me lay a few general ground rules. Any experiences, whether it is a full time job, volunteering, internship or extra-curricular activities, it is important. A potential employer will like an employee who has a diverse portfolio-but not someone who hops from one job to another. Inconsistency is not appreciated but a unique experience here and there is always appreciated. Secondly, resumes are always custom-made. You are always advised to keep updated resumes for you never know when an opportunity comes across. But when you apply at a place which you are well-aware of, you can customize your resume accordingly.
Coming to your question, your experience with a publishing house and research firm are assets that you ought to be proud of. If you plan to seek a career in finance, you ought to know the demands of it. If it requires you be a genius with number, collect and present financial information, keep checks and balances, or analyze problems, you need to find common grounds between your experiences and job that you are seeking. Also, now that you have a degree, your employer will be much interested in your other skills as your degree validates your adeptness in finance. Mention your degree after your personal profile, and while writing about your work experience, specify all the responsibilities but emphasize on the ones that are common with the job you are seeking.
All the best with your career!