Before I began working for the third party marketing firm that I am with right now I had contacted several hedge fund recruiters. Besides learning what they specialize in I found out what they typically look for in these resumes from candidates.

I have recently helped a few friends rework their resumes while they look for a new hedge fund job. Most open positions are sought after by dozens of 20 and 30somethings that often attended the best schools and have worked for some of the most successful banks. In short, it is very competitive. Every line on your resume should build the case of how you will make the firm more money than the guy who sent his resume in the day before you.

What is the perfect hedge fund resume?

There isn't one. Some never graduate from high school but make over $1m/year trading or selling for funds. That said some of the below factors are what funds look for:

• Quantitative experience and abilities
• CFA Designation
• Education - Ivy league, MBA, Quant focussed PhD
• Signs of loyalty, passion, and being humble
• Something Extra such as PR expertise, asset gathering ability, or Information Advantage
• High quality names - large wire house experience
• How much money did you personally bring in to the firm or make for the firm?
• A stomach for a high commission/bonus structure

One highly successful hedge fund manager said that they don't have any hard and fast experience requirements to be hired by their firm, they simply look for people who are hungry, humble, and smart.