For candidates seeking new career opportunities and challenges, creating a solid resume for life and pension roles is an absolute must. This sector is highly competitive, and when companies are hiring they demand professionals who possess a blend of technical skills, certifications and industry knowledge.
An impressive resume is the ideal platform to showcase these attributes, particularly when applying for specialised roles within this industry.
In this article, we cover some key tips on how to craft a standout resume that will get you right where you want to be.
The foundations of a strong resume for life and pension roles
An impressive and eye-catching resume is based on two key foundational elements: a user-friendly layout that piques attention from the beginning, and relevant qualifications.
Organise your resume effectively
Having a clear, well-organised resume before any interview is essential, no matter what the sector or role. This involves ensuring your resume has clearly defined sections that allow recruiters to quickly find your qualifications, skills and work experience. Use bullet points to make your resume easy to scan, and focus on providing concise, action-oriented descriptions of your past roles and achievements.
Including a strong summary statement at the beginning of your resume that highlights your key strengths is also effective in catching an employer’s eye. The statement could be drafted in a format such as this: “Certified QFA with seven years of experience in life assurance and pension management, skilled in financial forecasting and client consultations, with a proven track record of increasing portfolio growth.”
Tailoring your resume to each job you apply for is also important. For roles in life and pensions, carefully review the job description and ensure that your resume reflects the skills and qualifications that are most relevant to the position.
Highlight relevant certifications and qualifications
In the life and pension industry, certain qualifications are essential. A strong resume should prominently display certifications such as the Professional Diploma in Financial Advice (QFA), the Professional Certificate in Retirement Planning (IOB), or the Diploma in Pensions Management and Policy (IIPM). These demonstrate that you have the technical and regulatory knowledge required for success in the sector.
For instance, if you have completed the QFA, ensure this is listed under your qualifications, but also showcase how you have applied your knowledge in real-world situations. When listing these, consider adding details about any specific areas of expertise, such as retirement planning, life assurance or pension fund management.
The importance of previous experience
It is also vital to hold the interest of a hiring employer by laying out your previous experience in detail.
Demonstrate analytical and numerical expertise
Roles in life and pensions often involve data analysis, financial forecasting and complex problem-solving. Your resume should therefore reflect your ability to handle and interpret large datasets, work with financial models and assess risk.
Be specific when describing such an experience. For example, rather than just saying “experienced with data analysis,” you could write, “utilised Excel and financial forecasting tools to manage pension fund portfolios worth €10 million, achieving a 5% annual growth rate”. This quantifiable evidence of your skills and achievements is key in differentiating yourself from other candidates.
Additionally, proficiency in tools such as Excel, Power BI or statistical software is highly valued in life and pension roles. Be sure to mention your level of expertise in these tools and any relevant projects where you demonstrated advanced analytical skills.
Emphasise communication and client relationship skills
Life and pension professionals must be able to explain complex products and strategies to clients in a way that is understandable and accessible. Therefore, both written and verbal communication skills are essential.
Your resume should include examples of how you’ve successfully communicated complex financial information to clients or colleagues. You might highlight presentations you’ve given, reports you’ve written, or consultations where you simplified complex pension schemes for clients.
Highlight your time management and organisation skills
Balancing multiple client accounts, staying on top of regulatory updates, and managing detailed paperwork are core aspects of roles in life and pensions. Therefore, strong time management and organisational skills are essential.
In your resume, give examples of how you managed multiple tasks effectively, sharing your success stories to demonstrate both your organisational ability and your success in client management.
Give insights into your post-hire performance
While your suitability for the role in question will be made clear by your years of experience and relevant qualifications, it’s also important to give a potential employer insight into how you will perform once you join the ranks of their company. This can be done in a few ways:
Place focus on your problem-solving and strategic thinking abilities
The life and pension sectors often involve complex client cases or scenarios that require critical thinking and innovative solutions. Employers are looking for professionals who can not only identify issues but also develop and implement strategic plans to resolve them.
In your resume, illustrate your problem-solving abilities by using specific examples. One effective method is the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) technique. For instance, you could describe how you identified a compliance issue with a pension fund, created a strategic plan to rectify it, and as a result, saved the client from potential penalties. Sharing concrete examples like these highlights your critical thinking and strategic approach.
Showcase your adaptability and interest in continuous learning
The life and pensions industry is subject to frequent regulatory changes and technological advancements. Employers value professionals who can adapt to these changes and continuously update their skills in response.
Prove your adaptability by discussing any new systems or regulations you’ve navigated. For example, you might mention how you stayed current with pension regulations or adapted to new pension management software. Employers appreciate candidates who demonstrate a proactive approach to learning and self-improvement.
Additionally, if you’ve pursued any recent courses, whether in financial technology or compliance, be sure to list them on your resume. These courses signal that you are committed to staying updated with the latest sector-specific trends and regulations.
Use metrics to validate your impact
Employers in the life and pensions sector want to see tangible results, so where possible, include metrics that validate the impact you’ve made in your previous roles. Whether it’s the growth rate of a pension portfolio, the percentage of clients retained or the compliance standards maintained, numbers help convey your achievements more effectively.
For example, rather than saying you “managed pension portfolios,” you could include information on what these portfolios were worth, what your average annual growth rate was, and more. By taking this approach, your experience comes across as being more concrete and impactful.
Create a resume for life and pension roles with the help of our experts
Crafting a strong resume for life and pension roles requires a clear focus on industry-specific qualifications, technical skills and problem-solving abilities. By showcasing your ability to manage complex tasks, communicate effectively and stay adaptable, you will stand out in the competitive Irish market.
At 360 Search, we specialise in life and pension recruitment. Working closely with candidates, we tailor your resume for each application, focusing on the skills and experience that align with the role you would most like to secure. Through our CV surgeries, ongoing advice and support, we can position you as a top candidate in this field.
For more insights on your job search or for tailored career advice, contact us today. We go the extra mile to help you achieve your career aspirations.
