Writing an Actuarial CV that gets you shortlisted

Most Actuarial CVs aren't rejected because the candidate lacks ability. They're rejected because the recruiter can't quickly understand why they should be interviewed.

Remember that your CV may only receive 30 seconds of attention on its first review. Your job is to make those 30 seconds count.

Keep it to two pages

For students, graduates and early-career Actuaries, two pages is usually enough. Hiring managers don't need three pages explaining every module you've completed since first year.

Focus on the information that helps someone make an interview decision.

Clear beats comprehensive. Every time.

Put exam progress near the top

If you're pursuing the IFoA qualification, recruiters want to see your progress immediately. Include:

• Exams passed
• Exemptions achieved
• Upcoming exam sittings

Don't make someone search for this information. It is one of the first things Actuarial employers look for.

Education still matters early on

For graduate and junior roles, your education section should remain relatively prominent. Include:

• Degree and university
• Expected or achieved grade
• Relevant Actuarial exemptions
• Academic awards or scholarships

If you're from UCD, DCU, UCC or another recognised Actuarial programme, mention exemptions clearly.

Show impact, not responsibilities

One of the most common mistakes on Actuarial CVs is listing job duties. For example:

• ❌ Assisted with reserving exercises.
• ✅ Supported quarterly reserving analysis for a portfolio of over €100m in annual premiums.
• ❌ Produced management reports.
• ✅ Automated monthly reporting process using Python, reducing preparation time by 30%.

Even if you're an intern or graduate, try to demonstrate outcomes rather than activities.

Technical skills matter — but don't overdo them

Most Actuarial employers expect some combination of:

• Excel
• VBA
• SQL
• Python
• Power BI
• R

Be honest. If you've watched one YouTube tutorial, don't claim advanced proficiency. Interviewers can usually tell within a few questions.

Include internships and projects

Many students worry they don't have enough experience. That's normal. Relevant examples can include:

• Internships
• Summer placements
• University projects
• Dissertation work
• Data competitions
• Society leadership roles

The goal is to demonstrate problem-solving, communication and initiative.

Tailor your CV slightly

A Life Insurance role and a General Insurance role aren't always looking for exactly the same experience. You don't need a complete rewrite. But small adjustments can help highlight the most relevant experience.

Common mistakes

Avoid:

• Long personal profiles
• Walls of text
• Listing every module studied
• Generic buzzwords
• Poor formatting
• Spelling mistakes

And perhaps most importantly: don't submit the same CV you created in second year and hope for the best.

Final thoughts

A strong Actuarial CV is surprisingly simple. Make exam progress easy to find. Highlight achievements rather than duties. Keep formatting clean. Show evidence of technical skills.

The purpose of a CV isn't to get a job. It's to get an interview.

Focus on that and you're already ahead of many applicants.