CV for a job where I'm lacking the experience

[AyBee]

Just a quick question...

I've just been contacted about a job in asset management (business modelling analyst) through a friend I have who works in recruitment. It sounds right up my street in terms of what I'd like to do and what I enjoy (the modelling side), however, I've just graduated in an Engineering degree (Masters 2:1 from Bath) and have no financial based experience (placement or otherwise) that I feel might be beneficial for the role and give me a better chance against competition I know will have done finance degrees and have relevant work experience. I've done small bits of financial modelling through a module I did in my final year and have done modelling of other systems using excel so will put these down anyway. Are there any ways I can boost my CV in any way in order to make myself more appealing and not get rejected before the interview stage or am I just going to have to write what I have done and keep my fingers crossed? Any help is greatly appreciated (CV available if anybody wants to have a look...).

Thanks, Arry.

[playerone]

Lie?

You should taylor your CV for the position but experience is one thing you cant magic out of thin air.

[Mobile Chicane]

Don't lie. It may get you the job, but once in you'll be horribly exposed.

If you're straight about your experience (but can demonstrate your enthusiasm for the job in question) a savvy employer may well be prepared to mentor you rather than let a clever and committed person slip through the net.

[AyBee]

I was told to make up something by the friend because apparently there are much better applicants than me in terms of experience who will be put forward for this role. I don't want to do this for the reasons listed and was just wondering if there were any other ways to emphasise this. I only have my CV and a few short questions in order to be selected for interview and I'm wondering if without experience in this field whether I will be able to get that far and therefore was just looking for a few tips as to how I can put myself forward in a better way without telling lies, if that makes sense? Seems like I'll just have to be as enthusiastic as I can on paper and keep my fingers crossed...

[ymwoods]

Don't lie about experience but stretch anything that yous can learn in 7 days or less.

[AJS-]

Your friend in recruitment told you to lie? And it's not even the last week of the month yet?

Don't. Most people who do modelling or analysis join banks with little or no financial experience. The key is the ability to build accurate models, understand the data and communicate it effectively. I would think most people hiring someone in this capacity would expect to train them in the financial side of things so long as you have an analytical mind and a good understanding of modelling techniques.

Lying will normally be fairly quickly spotted and reflect badly on you and your (IMO) slightly foolish friend.

[Shay HTFC]

Personally I wouldn't lie, but I would make a big deal out of the financial stuff you learnt at uni and any other experiences from your life that could be seen as using the basic underlying skills and competencies that are required for the job. (i.e. good numeracy, quick to learn, good analytical brain).

Then its up for them to decide whether they want someone with the experience, or a young new talent who will be eager for the job and pick up the required skills fast.

[BiggusLaddus]

If you've only just graduated, then where would you fit this 'extra' financial experience into your CV? Be honest, or you will be found out and sacked on the spot.

[AyBee]

I wasn't going to lie, especially about experience (for your info, it would have come in the form of summer placements/work experience), I was just wondering how to make the most of other things in order to make my lack of experience appear to be less of an issue. Anyway, I've done it now, so fingers crossed

[TVRWazzock]

Don't Lie or bullst, just be honest. If you Lie and bullst your way into a job it will catch up with you in the end. You have an Engineering degree, which means you have analytical skills, so push your strengths and ambitions. They will be looking for somebody who will add value to the company. Best of luck.

[shirt]

Mobile Chicane said:

Don't lie. It may get you the job, but once in you'll be horribly exposed.

I don't agree, especially as a fresh grad. You'll have 6mths in the role where unfamiliarality with business systems and methods of work will cover your back. If your haven't worked out the core elements of the job by then, you deserve to be found out. This has worked for me in the past and have never been 'discovered'. Your learning curve is awesome, but it's worth it.

Mobile Chicane said:

If you're straight about your experience (but can demonstrate your enthusiasm for the job in question) a savvy employer may well be prepared to mentor you rather than let a clever and committed person slip through the net.

However, this I do agree with. If the role on offer is more than simply a job to you, go with this approach. Passion and personality accounts for a lot more than you may think.