To start, my number one piece of advice is:
“Stop thinking about what you want to tell them and focus on what they need to know.”
Many professionals make the mistake of treating their CV as a comprehensive biography rather than a targeted document designed to get them an interview. Your CV should be a strategic tool that clearly conveys your value to hiring managers in private equity real estate (PERE) fundraising.
With this in mind, remember that your CV needs to be digestible and compelling at a glance. Hiring managers and recruiters don’t have time to sift through excessive detail—your job is to make their lives easier.
This article will walk you through key tips and recruiter insights to craft a compelling CV that captures attention in this competitive space.
How to Structure a Winning PERE Fundraising CV
1. Provide Context for Your Firm
Unless you work for Blackstone, Brookfield, or another well-known firm, don’t assume readers know what your company does. Private equity real estate covers a broad range of strategies—clearly positioning your firm’s focus will help contextualize your experience.
Example:
XYZ Capital – A $10B AUM private equity real estate firm focused on core-plus and value-add strategies across U.S. multifamily and industrial assets.
This small addition gives immediate clarity about your professional background.
2. Explain Your Job Title
Job titles in PERE fundraising vary widely, and different firms structure their teams in unique ways. A “Capital Raising Associate” at one firm might be doing investor relations, while at another, they’re actively sourcing new LP commitments.
Provide a brief description of your role:
Example:
Vice President, Investor Relations & Fundraising
- Led capital raising efforts for a $1.2B value-add real estate fund, securing commitments from institutional LPs (pension funds, endowments, sovereign wealth funds).
- Managed relationships with existing LPs, preparing quarterly reports and handling due diligence requests.
- Developed and executed fundraising strategy, including roadshows, virtual presentations, and one-on-one LP meetings.
This approach ensures that both recruiters and hiring managers immediately grasp your responsibilities and achievements.
3. Use Bullet Points, Not Paragraphs
Long paragraphs are difficult to scan quickly. Bullet points make it easier to highlight key responsibilities and achievements. Hiring managers typically scan for results-driven statements, so emphasize impact.
4. Showcase Both Responsibilities & Achievements
There are two common (and effective) ways to structure your CV:
Example 1: Blended Responsibilities & Achievements
Director, Fundraising & Investor Relations
- Raised $500M+ across multiple real estate funds, exceeding fundraising targets by 20%.
- Established relationships with over 100 institutional investors, leading to new commitments from European pension funds and U.S. endowments.
- Spearheaded a data-driven investor segmentation strategy, improving engagement rates by 30%.
Example 2: Separate Responsibilities & Achievements
Fundraising Manager
Key Responsibilities:
- Led all aspects of fundraising for core-plus and opportunistic real estate funds.
- Managed LP relationships, responding to RFPs, conducting due diligence, and coordinating capital calls.
- Partnered with senior leadership to refine investor pitch materials and quarterly updates.
Key Achievements:
- Raised $250M from new investors in the last fundraising cycle.
- Implemented a CRM system that improved investor tracking efficiency by 40%.
- Organized a global investor roadshow, leading to a 15% increase in re-ups from existing LPs.
By explicitly separating achievements, you make it easy for hiring managers to spot your biggest wins.
Common CV Mistakes in PERE Fundraising
❌ Not stating how much capital you’ve raised – Fundraising is results-driven; numbers matter! If confidentiality is a concern, you can use percentage increases or ranges.
❌ Not mentioning investor types – Institutional LPs? Family offices? HNWIs? Clarify your network and expertise.
❌ Forgetting geography – Fundraising strategies vary by region. If you’ve focused on North America, Europe, or APAC, state that.
❌ Applying to irrelevant jobs – If a job requires experience raising institutional capital and your background is in retail investor sales, be mindful before applying.
Should You Use a Professional CV Writer?
As a recruiter, I often see cookie-cutter CVs from professional writing services. While they may provide a polished format, they often lack authenticity and depth. Instead, a good recruiter should be willing to review your CV and offer personalized feedback.
Final Thoughts
Your CV is your gateway to securing an interview in private equity real estate fundraising. Focus on clarity, impact, and results. Make it easy for hiring managers to see your value, and you’ll significantly increase your chances of landing your next opportunity.