Looking to update your risk manager resume? Good call! After all, as a risk manager, you leave nothing to chance and prepare for every eventuality. 

It's your responsibility to identify, analyze, and assess safety and security risks, and make plans to limit them. In other words, financial success of a company might be, to a large extent, depending on your skills and experience. And this is exactly the message your resume must convey. Follow our guide, packed with resume templates, writing tips, detailed examples, and samples, to make your resume shine!

JEA Senior Incident Manager Resume Sample

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Management Analyst Resume Sample

Risk Manager Resume Example

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Keep reading to discover our tips:

• Get inspired by handy risk manager resume examples
• Choose the best format for your risk manager resume 
• Craft an attention-grabbing resume summary or objective
• Market your best hard and soft skills in your risk manager resume
• Customize your risk manager work experience section to a specific role
• Enrich your risk manager resume with strong action verbs 
• Make an impact with your risk manager resume education section
• Tailor your risk manager resume extra sections to the job listing
• Avoid common mistakes in your risk manager resume
• Pair your risk manager resume with a matching cover letter 
• Learn about the average salary and job outlook for risk managers
• Find the best resources for job-seeking risk managers 

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Risk manager resume example

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Why does this resume example work?

• Presenting a diverse skill set: One thing that really shines here is how the candidate presents a mix of both technical skills and soft skills. It's clear this person can handle the nitty-gritty technical parts of risk management, but they also know how to stay level-headed and think critically when things get tough. 
• Effective resume summary (profile): The profile section (resume summary) at the top is doing its job. It’s short, but it gives you an immediate sense of the candidate’s strengths, including their certification, proactive mindset, and track record with risk mitigation. What really works here is that it's tailored for this specific role. 

What could be improved?

• Education section could be streamlined: The candidate already has two solid university degrees, so there’s really no need to list their high school education. Once you’ve got degrees like that, high school becomes a bit redundant and can be safely cut to declutter the resume. This way, the focus remains on their most impressive credentials.

Financial risk analyst resume sample

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Why does this resume example work?

• Mention of recognition for performance: It’s always a great move to highlight any awards or recognition you’ve received. In this case, the candidate mentions being awarded Employee of the Month twice, which is awesome! It shows they weren’t just going through the motions at work — they were standing out. 
• Relevant experience: This candidate has real-world experience as a Financial Risk Analyst, which is highly relevant to risk management. Responsibilities like analyzing accounts, monitoring market trends, and performing risk assessments are exactly what a hiring manager wants to see for this kind of role.

What could be improved?

• Inclusion of quantifiable data: While the work experience section is solid, it could be way stronger with some numbers. Right now, it tells us what the candidate did but not the impact. Instead of just saying they “performed professional risk assessments,” this applicant could say something like, “Conducted risk assessments that reduced financial risk by 15%.” 

Business analyst CV sample

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Hired by Vitasta

Why does this resume example work?

• Mentioning internships: The inclusion of internships is a strong move. For someone with limited full-time experience, internships provide an excellent way to show hands-on experience in real-world settings. 
• Highlighted projects: Showcasing technical projects is another fantastic way for this early-career candidate to stand out. Even though these weren’t part of full-time roles, they’re excellent examples of how the candidate applied their skills in meaningful ways. This helps to fill out their early career and shows practical competence in the field.

What could be improved?

• Use of action verbs: The job and internship descriptions could be much stronger with the use of more powerful action verbs. Instead of saying, “Had hands-on working experience,” the candidate could say, “Led project-based training on SQL and Python.” This change would make the descriptions feel more dynamic and position the candidate as someone who gets things done. 
• More focus on achievements: Right now, the resume lists responsibilities but lacks quantifiable results or achievements. Even at the entry-level, adding data points can really boost the impact of a resume. For instance, under the Business Analyst role, the candidate could include something like, “Increased client retention by 15% through the development of new business strategies.”

1. Choose the best format for your risk manager resume 

When crafting the perfect resume, the format you choose can make a huge difference in how your experience and skills are perceived. It’s not just about making your resume look neat or professional (though that helps). 

The structure you pick determines what information stands out and what becomes secondary. This can be a powerful tool to direct the reader’s attention where you want it most.

So, which format should you go for? Consider which of these three best fits your circumstances:

• Chronological resume: If you’ve been climbing the ladder in risk management and have solid, continuous experience to show for it, the chronological format is your best bet. By leading with your work history, you allow hiring managers to quickly see your career growth, your most recent (and relevant) jobs, and how long you’ve been in the field. 
• Functional resume: This format places your skills front and center. Instead of highlighting where and when you worked, it focuses on what you know how to do — perfect for risk managers who are transitioning from another field or have had breaks in employment.
• Combination (hybrid) resume: The combination resume blends the strengths of the chronological and functional formats. You start by highlighting your skills and qualifications up front, then follow up with your work history. This format works well if you’re an experienced risk manager who’s built up both a strong skill set and a solid career path. 

There's a lot more detail that goes into resume formatting. You need to consider things like picking the right font, setting proper margins, and ensuring your spacing is consistent throughout your entire resume. However, when you're racing against the clock to craft a resume that showcases your competencies, spending too much time on the finer points of formatting can pull your focus away from what really matters the most — the content itself.

To avoid that, you can use professionally designed resume templates that are specifically optimized for correct formatting and ease of use.

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2. Hook the employer with your risk manager resume summary or objective

Hiring managers spend very little time reviewing each resume — just a few seconds before deciding whether to keep reading or move on. That’s why you need something to immediately catch their attention. This is where the resume summary or objective comes into play.

Use those 3-5 sentences in your professional summary or objective to show yourself in the best light possible, and always keep the job posting in mind. Tailoring this section to the role is key to standing out.

Now, let’s dive into what makes a summary and an objective different, and which one is right for you.

Writing a resume summary

A resume summary is best suited for risk managers who've already built up a solid career and want to highlight their accomplishments. Think of it as your elevator pitch — presenting your most impressive attributes in a succinct way. 

What should it include?

• Your professional title, ideally as it appears in the job ad. 
• Your years of experience in risk management.
• Key skills relevant to the role, such as financial risk analysis, compliance expertise, or risk mitigation strategies.
• A specific achievement that proves your ability to make an impact.

Consider these two examples and see which one works better:

What makes this example sound so weak? This summary feels more like a placeholder than a compelling introduction. It’s extremely generic and doesn’t give any real sense of who this person is or what they’ve accomplished. Saying “I am great at my job” is nice but completely unsupported. Also, it doesn’t highlight any specific skills, achievements, or relevant experience.

What exactly makes this example so effective? Right away, we know the candidate's experience and key skills, but it also includes a concrete achievement. It’s clear, concise, and speaks directly to the job by mentioning how they can contribute to the company's goals. Unlike the vague example from before, this one feels tailored and gives a reason to want to learn more.

Crafting a resume objective

A resume objective, on the other hand, focuses more on your career goals and what you hope to bring to the role. It’s ideal if you’re just starting out in the field, transitioning from another career, or have limited experience in risk management.

What should it include?

• Your career goal and why you’re interested in the specific role.
• Relevant skills that show you’re ready to take on the responsibilities of a risk manager, even if you haven’t held that title before.
• Your commitment to contributing to the company’s success by aligning your objective with their needs.

For example, if you’re switching from finance to risk management, your objective might mention your strong financial analysis skills and your goal of applying them to risk mitigation. However, there’s a right way and a wrong way to do this.

Why is this example not enough? This objective is too vague and doesn’t explain why this person is a good fit for a risk management role. It doesn’t mention any relevant risk management skills or show how their finance background ties into the job they're applying for. Instead, it’s generic and could apply to almost any career transition. 

What makes this example work better? This objective shows the candidate’s career goal and ties their finance background directly to relevant skills like risk assessment and regulatory compliance. Instead of being vague, it’s specific about how their previous experience applies to the new role. They also align their objective with the company’s needs. 

Regardless of whether you choose a summary or an objective, always keep the job posting in mind. This small section at the top of your resume is your chance to highlight the most essential skills and qualifications that the employer is looking for. So, make it count!

3. Present skills that reflect your strengths as a risk manager

When it comes to presenting your skills on a resume, it’s not about listing every single thing you can do. Instead, it’s about knowing what to highlight to make the strongest impression. 

This is where the principle of customization comes in. Customizing your resume means tailoring it to fit the specific job you’re applying for, and that includes picking the most relevant skills to showcase. 

So, how do you know which skills to include? 

The clues are all in the job posting you're responding to! You need to start by reading it carefully. What are the key qualifications the employer is asking for? Do they need someone with strong regulatory compliance knowledge? Do they emphasize analytical skills or risk mitigation experience? 

Once you understand what’s important to the employer, take a look at your own toolkit and see which of your skills correspond with their requirements. This shows you’re not just qualified — you’re someone who checks all their boxes.

Now, let’s talk about the two main types of skills you can include on your resume: hard skills and soft skills.

Let's start with hard skills — these are technical abilities that are typically learned through education or training. In risk management, hard skills might include:

Soft skills, on the other hand, are personal traits and abilities that influence how you work and interact with others, how well you can handle challenges, work in a team, and communicate. 

In short, presenting your skills isn’t about quantity — it’s about relevance. You need to strike the right balance between hard and soft skills and tailor them to the job at hand. This way, you're sure to give employers a clear picture of why you’re the ideal candidate for the role.

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4. Describe your risk manager work experience in detail

Without a doubt, the work experience section is the heart and soul of your resume. This is where potential employers get to see your skills in action and how they translate into real-world results. 

The key to making your work history stand out is specificity — the more detailed you are, the more compelling your experience becomes.

However, it’s not enough to simply say you’ve “managed risks for the company.” That’s way too vague and doesn’t give the hiring manager a good sense of what you actually did. Instead, think about the specific projects you worked on, the types of risks you managed, and, most importantly, the impact you had.

For example, did you lead a risk assessment that helped the company avoid a major financial loss? Did you develop a new risk mitigation strategy that reduced operational risks by 30%? How about implementing a compliance program that helped your organization pass a critical audit? 

If you want to make sure that your achievements really stick the landing, support them with quantifiable data. Nothing gives a hiring manager a clearer picture of your impact than specific numbers.

Here's a quick rundown of all the ingredients that make up an effective work experience entry: 

• Start with your job title and the name of your employer. 
• Include the dates of employment, listed by month and year. 
• Briefly list your core responsibilities.
• Highlight your impact by mentioning your achievements. 
• Support your accomplishments with quantifiable data.
• Start your bullet points with action verbs (more on that later).

What makes this example so meh? Phrases like "responsible for" and "involved in" are hesitant and don't show initiative or leadership. There’s no mention of specific accomplishments or any measurable impact made in the role. Instead, this example focuses on general duties and day-to-day responsibilities without providing examples or outcomes. 

Why does this example feel more impactful? This work history is much more confident and specific. It starts each bullet point with strong action verbs like “Developed,” “Led,” and “Collaborated,” showing that the candidate actively contributed to their role. The accomplishments are backed up by quantifiable data, which helps the hiring manager see the real impact made.

Tips for newcomers to the profession

If you're transitioning into risk management from a different role, you’ve probably got plenty of relevant skills and experiences that can help you stand out. The key here is to showcase transferable skills — abilities you’ve gained in previous jobs that apply to risk management, even if you haven’t held a formal risk management role before.

For example, if you’re coming from a finance background, your work experience entry can look like this: 

The bottom line is that, even if you haven’t worked directly in risk management before, you’ve likely developed many skills and experiences that are still relevant. By framing your past work in the right way, you can show employers that you’re more than ready to take on this new challenge!

5. Weave powerful action words into your risk manager resume

One of the easiest ways to give your resume a confident, professional edge is by using powerful action verbs. These are the words that bring your work experience to life and show employers you’re not just someone who “did tasks” but someone who made things happen.

Using strong action verbs transforms the tone of your resume. Think about it: if your resume is packed with weak, passive phrases like “responsible for managing risks” or “helped the company with risk strategies,” it’s likely to blend in with the others. 

Now imagine instead you write, “Spearheaded a comprehensive risk mitigation plan that reduced financial exposure by 20%.” That’s a much stronger statement, right?

To give you a better idea of how action verbs impact your resume, consider the following example: 

By using action verbs, you can make your resume come to life. They make your descriptions more vivid and compelling. It's little details like these that can take a good resume and make it great. 

6. List your academic credentials in a risk manager resume 

Including an education section on your resume is an absolute must, even if you’ve got years of professional experience under your belt. 

Why? Because your academic background isn’t just a box to check — it tells employers that you’ve got a solid foundation of knowledge and the discipline to see things through. Skipping it can make your resume look incomplete or leave out key information that could set you apart from other candidates.

You have a degree related to risk management

If you have a degree in a field related to risk management, like finance, business administration, economics, or even law, it would be a shame to just list the basics. Why not use this section to its maximum potential? 

Here’s what you can include under your degree to make the most of this section:

• Relevant coursework
• Projects and training
• Thesis or capstone projects
• Awards and honors
• Relevant extracurricular activities

Your degree isn’t related to risk management

On the other hand, if your degree is in something unrelated, let’s say it’s in English Literature or History, that doesn’t mean you should skip this section or downplay it. Having a university degree of any kind says something important about you as a professional: it shows you’ve got critical thinking skills, can manage deadlines, and are capable of learning and adapting.

In this case, you can keep your education section more concise:

• Name of the institution
• Degree earned
• Years attended (or graduation year)
• GPA (only if it's above 3.5)

However, if you took an elective in business or statistics, or you completed training in data analysis, you should definitely include that. Highlighting transferable skills like these can only help your case. 

The main takeaway is this: No matter what field your degree is in, including your education section gives you more credibility and makes your resume more compelling by default. It also shows that you’re committed to continuous learning — an indispensable trait for any successful risk manager.

7. Add relevant optional sections to your risk manager resume

By now, we’ve covered all the essential sections of a resume. But what if you have qualifications, credentials, or experiences that don’t fit neatly into those traditional sections? That’s where additional resume sections come in.

Before we dive in, here’s an important reminder: optional sections are not fillers. You don’t want to pad your resume with irrelevant information just to make it look more impressive. Every section of your resume, including these extras, should bring something relevant to the table. If it’s not adding value to your candidacy, it doesn’t belong.

Here are some examples of optional sections that can give your risk manager resume an edge and show off your well-rounded skill set:

• Certifications: For a risk manager, this could be certifications like Certified Risk Manager (CRM), Certified Financial Risk Manager (FRM), or ISO 31000 Certification.
• Conferences: Attending or speaking at industry conferences shows that you’re keeping up with industry trends and continually expanding your knowledge. 
• Training and courses: This could include online courses, in-person workshops, or even company-sponsored training programs.
• Volunteering: If you’ve volunteered in roles that align with risk management, that’s also a valuable experience worth including.
• Awards and recognitions: Have you won any industry awards or been recognized for your work? Don’t be shy and show it off! These recognitions can speak volumes about your dedication and expertise.
• Publications: If you’ve written any articles, papers, or blog posts related to risk management, this is the place to showcase them. 

Remember, these additional sections aren’t about making your resume longer — they’re about adding depth to your job application. With the right mix, these sections can help you convince the hiring manager that you have exactly what they're looking for, and a little more.

8. Dodge common mistakes in a risk manager resume

You won’t need a complex key risk indicator to measure how dicey it is to submit a resume that simply doesn’t hit the mark. 

It’s easy to get so hyperfocused on tailoring your resume to match the job posting that you might miss small, but critical, errors. However big or small, these mistakes can seriously impact how your resume is perceived — and no one wants that.

To help you avoid these pitfalls, here’s a rundown of common mistakes to watch out for:

• Sloppy spelling and grammar: A tiny typo or grammar mistake might seem harmless, but it can give off the impression that you're careless. Proofread your resume thoroughly, or better yet, have someone else give it a read too.
• Blanket job descriptions: Saying you “handled risks” doesn’t really say much about your role or achievements. It’s the details and context that set you apart from the crowd.
• Formatting faux pas: Nothing throws off a recruiter more than messy formatting. Inconsistent fonts, different heading sizes, and uneven spacing can make your resume hard to read. 
• Listing responsibilities instead of results: Employers don’t just want to know what you were responsible for — they want to know what you accomplished. 
• Too much information: Stick to the experiences, skills, and qualifications that directly relate to the job. Irrelevant information just distracts from the parts that really matter.
• Missing the numbers: Quantifiable data helps your achievements stand out. Instead of just saying you “improved risk processes,” say that you “improved risk mitigation strategies, reducing losses by 20%.” 
• Outdated contact info: There’s no faster way to lose an opportunity than by providing an old phone number or email address that no longer works. Double-check that your contact details are current and that your email address looks professional.
• Ignoring the bots: These days, many companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to filter resumes before they ever reach a human. Use keywords from the job posting and avoid overly complex resume formats.
• Forgetting the human element: While technical expertise is crucial, employers also want to know if you’re a good fit for their company culture. Soft skills can be just as important as your hard skills, so don’t leave them out.

Mistakes happen, but taking the time to catch and correct them can be the key to making your resume stand out in the best way. Avoid these common errors, and your risk manager resume will work like a charm.

9. Pair your risk manager resume with a matching cover letter

To send a cover letter or not to send a cover letter — that is the question. When you’re applying for a risk manager role, the answer should always be yes. Even if the job posting doesn’t explicitly request one. 

Why?

Because a cover letter gives you a unique opportunity to speak directly to the hiring manager and explain why you’re the perfect fit for the job. Your cover letter helps them understand a few key points, such as:

• Who are you?
• Why are you interested in this position?
• Why do you want to work for us specifically? 
• How can you contribute to our success? 

Essentially, your resume and cover letter have a common goal — to get you an invitation to a job interview. However, they go about it in two very different ways. While your resume presents the hard facts in bullet points, your cover letter adds context to your experiences and provides insights into what motivates you in a narrative format (full paragraphs).

But it’s not just about sending a cover letter — it’s about sending one that complements your resume. The two documents should look like they belong together to create a polished presentation of you as a candidate.

Here's a list of quick tips to help you make your cover letter visually consistent with your resume: 

• Use the same font and font size: Keep things consistent by using the same font (like Calibri, Helvetica, or Arial) and font size throughout both documents.
• Align your headers: If your resume starts with a header that includes your name and contact information, copy that exact format onto your cover letter. This makes the documents instantly recognizable as part of the same application.
• Match the margins: Whether you’re using 1-inch margins or something more tailored, make sure both your resume and cover letter use the same spacing.
• Keep the color scheme the same: If your resume includes a splash of color for section headings or borders, carry that over to your cover letter. 
• Use templates to achieve a unified look: For example, each of Kickresume’s professionally designed resume templates is paired with a matching cover letter template. The only problem you'll face is the dilemma of choosing which design you like the most! 

Even if the job posting doesn’t ask for one, sending a cover letter shows you’re willing to go the extra mile. This gives you an undeniable advantage over the other candidates who didn't bother to pen theirs!

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10. Average salary and job outlook for risk managers

It’s only natural to be curious about what a profession can bring you, especially when you’re considering a career move into risk management. What’s the salary like? Is there room for growth? What’s the job market outlook? Let’s break it all down! 

According to the latest data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), as of May 2023, the average annual salary for financial managers (including also risk managers) reaches $156,100. Of course, your real salary may vary depending on several factors such as:

• Geographic location 
• Years of experience
• Certifications

While the financial aspect of the profession is certainly appealing, there are many other benefits that come with being a risk manager. For example, risk managers often enjoy a diverse range of responsibilities, which makes the job engaging and dynamic. 

Looking ahead, the job outlook for risk managers is more than favorable. Businesses today face an increasingly complex landscape of risks — everything from cyber threats to regulatory changes to natural disasters. As organizations navigate these challenges, they need skilled professionals who can identify, assess, and mitigate risks. 

Accordingly, the BLS estimates that this profession will grow by 17% from 2023 to 2033, which is much faster than the average for all occupations.

With strong job prospects, excellent earning potential, and opportunities for growth, a career in risk management is a compelling choice for those with a knack for analysis and a passion for mitigating risks.

11. Valuable job search resources for risk managers

Yes, looking for a fresh start can be daunting at first, but once you get into the flow, you'll see that it can actually be quite exciting! And, with the right tools and a strong risk manager resume, you'll be on your way to finding the perfect work opportunity sooner than expected: 

• Job boards for risk managers: If you're looking for the most straightforward source of job postings pertaining to risk management, visit platforms like Careers in Risk, eFinancialCareers, or RiskManagementWeb
• General job search platforms: On the other hand, websites that don't limit their results to a single professional area, such as LinkedIn, Indeed, Glassdoor, Monster, and SimplyHired, are definitely worth your while too. 
• Consulting firms: Alternatively, you can go straight to the source and inquire about job vacancies at consulting firms like Deloitte, KPMG Risk Consulting, or EY Risk Services.
• Professional associations: Whether you're looking for job postings, training programs, or networking events, organizations like the Professional Risk Managers' International Association (PRMIA), the Global Association of Risk Professionals (GARP), and the Risk Management Society (RIMS) might provide just what you need.
• Specialized publications: As an inherent part of your profession, you need to keep an eye on the latest business developments, trends, and news. By following media like “Risk Management Magazine,” “Risk Analysis: An International Journal,“ or “Risk&Compliance“ you keep yourself in the loop. 
• Continuous education: It doesn't matter how far in your career you currently are, you'll always need to gain new skills and keep those you already have sharp. For that reason, you should seek out new challenges in the form of courses and certificates offered by platforms like Coursera, Udemy, Khan Academy, or edX.

During a job hunt, staying resilient is key! It might feel tough at times, but keeping a positive attitude can make all the difference. Remember, every "no" brings you closer to a "yes."