Trade Assistant Resume (With Steps, Template and Example)

Updated 9 March 2023

If a career in finance interests you, you may consider becoming a trade assistant. Understanding how to write a resume that highlights the skills and experience that makes you a suitable candidate, may encourage an employer to invite you to an interview. In this article, we explain what a trade assistant does, review steps for writing a trade assistant resume and provide a template and an example to help you write your own.

What's a trade assistant resume?

A trade assistant resume is a formal document, one to two pages in length, that outlines why a hiring manager might choose you for a vacant position. You can use your resume to describe your skills, experience and education, which highlight you as a good candidate for a trade assistant role. This is often your first opportunity to make a good impression on a hiring manager, so ensuring you submit a well written application is important for obtaining an interview.

What does a trade assistant do?

A trade assistant is an entry level position, similar to an apprenticeship, in the finance sector. The key role of this position is to work closely with senior traders to provide any assistance necessary to them while learning essential skills and strategies for selling financial products on behalf of clients. Some of these strategies involve analysing and understanding risk and working towards individual key performance indicators (KPIs). Skills required for a trading assistant role include experience with advanced spreadsheet programs such as Advanced Excel, VBA and SQL, a working knowledge of economic and accounting principles and practices, banking, financial markets and working with financial information, strong mathematical skills, and how to apply them to financial markets. Customer service skills may also be looked upon favourably as they often take calls from customers.

A trade assistant typically occupies this role for two years as they learn how to become a fully qualified trader.

How to write a trade assistant resume

The following lists steps you can consider when writing a trade assistant resume:

1. Consider keywords in the job description

In some job advertisements, the hiring manager uses keywords that highlight the specific qualities they seek in a candidate. For example, the job description may mention requiring a candidate with a qualification in commerce, accounting or similar vocational studies. You can reference these keywords as they relate to your experience, skills or education.

2. Choose a resume format

Before you begin writing your resume, select a format that suits your level of experience. There are different options available to suit whether you are an entry level candidate or a candidate with experience as a trade assistant. The following lists some different formats you can consider:

Functional: This type is ideal for those with no experience as a trade assistant. In the absence of experience, you can highlight other skills you have that relate to the type of work the position offers.

Chronological: You can choose this option if you have experience as a trade assistant. This where you list your job titles in chronological order, with most recent to least recent. You can also reference keywords you found in the job description within your duties for some roles, such as customer service and strategic planning.
Hybrid: This type is a combination of the functional and chronological formats and is for experienced individuals who have skills they wish to highlight. For example, if you have skills in coaching and training junior staff, you can include this along with your experience.

3. Include your contact details

Write your name in a bold and large font at the top of the document. Then, add your contact phone number, email address and location on the next line. It's important that the hiring manager can easily find your name and contact information so they can contact you quickly about your application without having to search through the entire document.

4. Write your professional summary

Your professional summary is the first section the hiring manager reads on your resume. This is a short paragraph consisting of two or three sentences that summarise your key experience, skills and education. You can reference the keywords from the advertisement to show the hiring manager you read the description thoroughly. For example, if the job posting requests a candidate with proven customer service skills and experience, you can include your relevant experience in this section.

5. Include your work experience

Include the title of your previous role, the name of your employer, the dates of your employment and a list of your responsibilities. You can include keywords from the job posting and expand on your experience in this section. For example, if a keyword was asking for proven customer service experience, you can explain in more detail how you worked with customers in a previous role to meet their requirements.

Related: What Is an Investment Banker?

6. List your skills

In this section, list your skills that apply to a trade assistant position. Include the hard skills you gained as a direct result of working in similar roles, such as the ability to analyse and interpret data, computer competencies. You can also add your soft skills that aren't specific to the role but still apply, such as communication, critical thinking, team work, attention to details, and stress management.

7. Add your educational background

Add your relevant education as it applies to a trade assistant role. Include the title of the qualification and the name of the institution where you graduated. Typically, a business will hire a candidate with formal education, such as a bachelor's degree in finance or accounting. or Vocational Education and Training (VET) courses, such as in trading or business.

8. Proofread your resume

Proofread your document to present a clear reflection of your professional experience. Read your resume multiple times to spot any spelling, punctuation or grammatical errors. There are several free online tools you can use to help you. You can also ask friends or family to read your resume.

Resume template for a trade assistant role

The following is a resume template that you can use to help you write your own for this position:

[First name] [Last name], [Degree or certification if applicable]
[Phone number] | [Email address] | [City], [State]
Professional Summary
[Two to three sentences that highlight years of experience, relevant skills, education or certifications and achievements as a professional.]
Experience
(For the most recent role, list five experience items. For previous roles, list three.)
[Job Title] | [Employment dates]
[Company Name] | [City], [State]

(Strong verb) + what you did (more detail) + reason, outcome or quantified results.
[Job duty].
[Job duty].
[Job duty].
[Job duty].

[Job Title] | [Employment dates]
[Company Name] | [City], [State]

(Strong verb) + what you did (more detail) + reason, outcome or quantified results.
[Job duty].
[Job duty].

Resume example for a trade assistant role

The following is an example resume for a trade assistant position that you can follow as a guide when writing your own:

Thomas Ryan, Bachelor of Commerce
+61 826 295 621 | t.ryan@email.com | Adelaide, SA

Professional Summary
Trade assistant with two years of experience analysing market trends to develop strategies and provide service to customers. Experience growing revenue and managing projects, with skills in team management and training.

Experience
Junior Trade Assistant | January 2020–Current
Darnes & Co | Adelaide, SA

Create budgets for daily project management.
Analyse current systems and processes for potential improvement.
Perform analyses on tools to forecast changes in revenue.
Work with a team to ensure training and strategies are current.
Assist customers to ensure their satisfaction.

Junior Accountant | March 2017–December 2019
Stern Accounting | Adelaide, SA

Communicated with customers regarding financial trends.
Developed strategies for investment.
Performed administration duties.

Skills
Problem-solving | Critical thinking | KPI management | Financial analysis | Data trends

Education
Bachelor of Commerce, Fleurieu School of Finance