Top Tips for Writing a Winning Mortgage Underwriter Resume
Creating a standout mortgage underwriter resume is essential for landing your desired job in the competitive mortgage industry. A well-crafted resume not only highlights your skills and experience but also demonstrates your understanding of the underwriting process and your ability to assess risk effectively.
In this article, we will explore key components of a successful mortgage underwriter resume, provide examples, and offer tips to enhance your chances of success.
A senior loan underwriter resume should be clear, concise, and professionally formatted. The ideal structure includes the following sections:
1. Header
The header should contain your full name, phone number, email address, and LinkedIn profile (if applicable). Ensure that your email address is professional.
Example:
May
(123) 456-7890
May@email.com
linkedin.com/in/May
2. Professional Summary
This is a snapshot of your career, typically 3-4 sentences that can serve as your resume summary, summarizing your experience, key skills, and what you bring to the table.
Example:
"Detail-oriented Mortgage Underwriter with over 8 years of experience in evaluating complex financial documents, mitigating risk, and ensuring compliance with federal and state lending guidelines. Proven ability to streamline underwriting processes, improve accuracy, and support high loan approval rates. Adept at utilizing Encompass and other industry-standard software."
3. Key Skills
List 8-10 core competencies that are directly relevant to mortgage underwriting. Use bullet points to make them easily scannable.
Example:
Risk Assessment
Credit Analysis
Mortgage Loan Processing
Regulatory Compliance (FHA, VA, USDA)
Financial Documentation Review
Automated Underwriting Systems (AUS)
Customer Communication
Encompass, Calyx Point, DU, and LP
Decision Making
Time Management
4. Professional Experience
This section should take up the bulk of the resume. Use reverse-chronological order to list your job history. For each position, include:
Job title
Company name
Location
Dates of employment
Bullet points highlighting your achievements and responsibilities
Example:
Senior Mortgage Underwriter
XYZ Financial Services, New York, NY
June 2018 – Present
Underwrote FHA, VA, and conventional loans averaging $30M monthly in volume.
Conducted in-depth reviews of credit reports, income documentation, and asset verification.
Worked closely with loan officers and processors to resolve issues and expedite approvals.
Ensured 100% compliance with state and federal lending regulations.
Trained and mentored five junior underwriters.
Mortgage Underwriter
ABC Mortgage Corp., Newark, NJ
March 2014 – May 2018
Reviewed and analyzed residential loan applications for risk and eligibility.
Utilized DU and LP automated underwriting systems for decision support.
Maintained a 95% approval accuracy rate audited by QA teams.
Collaborated with compliance teams to maintain up-to-date knowledge of underwriting policies.
5. Education
List your highest relevant degrees first. Include the degree, field of study, institution name, and graduation year.
Example:
Bachelor of Science in Finance
Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ
Graduated: 2013
6. Certifications and Licenses
Certifications add credibility to your resume and demonstrate a commitment to financial professional development.
Common Certifications:
Certified Residential Underwriter (CRU)
Certified Mortgage Underwriter (CMU)
FHA Direct Endorsement (DE) Underwriter Certification
Example:
Certified Mortgage Underwriter (CMU) – National Association of Mortgage Underwriters, 2017 FHA DE Underwriter Certification – HUD, 2019
7. Technical Skills
Highlight the mortgage software and tools you are proficient in. Many employers use applicant tracking systems (ATS), so include relevant keywords.
Example:
Encompass
Calyx Point
DU (Desktop Underwriter)
LP (Loan Prospector)
Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook)
8. Professional Affiliations (Optional)
If you are part of any professional organizations, include them here.
Example:
Member, Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA)
Member, National Association of Mortgage Underwriters (NAMU)
Mortgage Underwriter Resume Examples
Example 1:
Copy
Johnathan M. Walker
Ph: (555) 123-4567 || john.walker@email.com
linkedin.com/in/johnmwalker
Dallas, TX
Professional Summary
Highly analytical and detail-driven Mortgage Underwriter with over 10 years of experience in evaluating high-volume loan applications, including financial statement analysis, and ensuring adherence to regulatory standards. Adept in underwriting FHA, VA, and conventional loans using DU/LP systems and Encompass. Proven track record of reducing processing time while maintaining a 98% compliance rate. Strong communicator with a commitment to maintaining integrity in credit decisioning and customer service.
Key Skills
Credit and Risk Analysis
FHA, VA, USDA, and Conventional Loans
Automated Underwriting Systems (DU, LP)
Regulatory Compliance (TRID, HMDA)
Loan File Documentation
Income & Asset Verification
Encompass, Calyx Point
Fraud Detection & Mitigation
Training & Mentoring
Time Management & Organization
Professional Experience
Senior Mortgage Underwriter
Summit Home Lending, Dallas, TX
June 2018 – Present
Underwrite an average of 35 loans per month totaling over $20M in volume.
Evaluate borrower financial documents, credit, and appraisal reports to determine loan eligibility.
Collaborate with processors and loan officers to ensure files are complete and meet investor guidelines.
Spearheaded implementation of a new automated workflow system, improving loan decision time by 22%.
Maintain consistent 97–99% loan accuracy rate in quality audits.
Mortgage Underwriter
BlueStar Mortgage Corp., Austin, TX
March 2014 – May 2018
Processed and underwrote conventional, FHA, and VA loans across multiple state jurisdictions.
Successfully trained five junior underwriters, improving team productivity by 15%.
Reduced file turnaround time by streamlining the document review checklist.
Kept abreast of changing federal underwriting guidelines and adjusted internal protocols accordingly.
Junior Underwriter / Loan Processor
Capstone Lending Group, Houston, TX
July 2011 – February 2014
Supported senior underwriters by gathering and verifying borrower documentation.
Pre-screened applications for eligibility before full underwriting.
Maintained open communication with clients to resolve pending issues and clarify requests.
Promoted to Junior Underwriter after 18 months due to excellent performance and attention to detail.
Education
Bachelor of Science in Finance
University of Texas at Austin — Austin, TX
Graduated: 2011
Certifications
Certified Mortgage Underwriter (CMU) – NAMU, 2016
FHA Direct Endorsement Underwriter – HUD, 2018
VA SAR/LAPP Certified – Department of Veterans Affairs, 2020
Technical Skills
Encompass, Calyx Point, DU, LP
Microsoft Excel, Word, Outlook
Loan Origination Systems (LOS)
Adobe Acrobat Pro
CRM Tools (Salesforce, Velocify)
Professional Affiliations
Member, Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA)
Member, National Association of Mortgage Underwriters (NAMU)
Example 2:
Copy
Mary John
(312) 555-8290 | Mary@email.com| linkedin.com/in/emmasanchezuw | Chicago, IL
Professional Summary
Dedicated and detail-oriented Mortgage Underwriter with over 6 years of experience in residential and small commercial loan underwriting. Skilled in evaluating borrower creditworthiness, analyzing financial data, and ensuring regulatory compliance. Adept in both manual and automated underwriting systems with a strong focus on accuracy and timeliness.
Key Skills
Credit Risk Evaluation
FHA, VA, and Conventional Loans
Manual and AUS Underwriting (DU/LP)
Income and Asset Review
Regulatory Compliance (TRID, QM/ATR)
Professional Experience
Underwriting Associate / Loan Analyst
GreenGate Mortgage Group, Naperville, IL
June 2016 – Present
Analyzed borrower files for risk indicators and made recommendations to underwriters for approval/denial.
Completed pre-underwriting reviews of financial statements, tax returns, and appraisals.
Supported team transition to Encompass LOS and led staff training initiative.
Promoted from Loan Processor after 18 months due to exceptional accuracy and teamwork.
Education
Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) – Major: Finance
FHA DE Underwriter Certification – In Progress (Expected 2025)
Technical Skills
Encompass, DU, LP, Calyx Point
Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook)
Adobe Acrobat Pro, DocuSign
Google Workspace Tools
Professional Affiliations
Member, Illinois Mortgage Bankers Association
Member, National Association of Mortgage Underwriters (NAMU)
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Tips for Writing Your Mortgage Underwriter Resume
Tailor Your Resume: Customize your resume for each job you apply for by aligning your skills and experience with the job description.
Use Action Verbs: Begin each bullet point with a strong verb such as "Analyzed," "Implemented," "Directed," or "Collaborated."
Quantify Achievements: Whenever possible, include numbers to show your impact (e.g., "Approved $50M in loans monthly").
Keep It Professional: Use a clean, easy-to-read format with consistent font and spacing.
Proofread: Errors in grammar or spelling can undermine your credibility. Always double-check your resume.
Conclusion
A mortgage underwriter's resume should be a strategic narrative that communicates your skills, accomplishments, and potential. By following the structure and tips provided in this guide, you can craft a resume that not only passes through applicant tracking systems but also captures the attention of hiring managers.
Whether you are a seasoned professional or entering the field, a well-crafted resume that includes relevant certifications is your first step toward securing a rewarding mortgage underwriter position. Want a polished, job-ready resume fast? Use our AI Resume Builder to get started!
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I prioritize on my mortgage underwriter resume to get noticed by recruiters?
Focus on showcasing your underwriting expertise, loan processing and documentation loan types handled (FHA, VA, USDA, Conventional), and technical proficiency with tools like Encompass, DU, and LP. Highlight measurable achievements, such as high-volume processing, compliance rates, or loan accuracy audits. Use strong action verbs and tailor your resume with relevant keywords from the job description.
Should I include certifications even if they’re not required?
Yes. Certifications like Certified Mortgage Underwriter (CMU) or FHA DE Underwriter demonstrate advanced knowledge of risk mitigation strategies and commitment to your profession. Even when not required, they enhance your credibility and help you stand out in a competitive field.
How far back should I go in my work history?
Ideally, limit your resume to the last 10–15 years, focusing on roles relevant to underwriting or finance. If you have earlier experience that's particularly impressive or directly relevant, you can briefly include it in a condensed “Additional Experience” section.