Careers in finance can be rewarding in more ways than one. Best of all, job opportunities in the finance industry have never been more diverse. Armed with the skills, knowledge and confidence to succeed, the career of your dreams could be right at your fingertips. The question being – where and how to get started? If looking to land your first finance job, you need to be strategic and mindful in your approach. Sourced from leading financial sector recruitment experts, here are 5 IDEAL tips to help you get started in finance and get that all-important first foot in the door.
EXPECT FEROCIOUS COMPETITION
First and foremost, you need to be realistic when considering the competition you’re up against. Whatever position you apply for, you’ll need to find a way to ensure you stand out from the crowd and leave a lasting impression on the employer. Long before submitting your application, think carefully about what makes you different and why you’re the best possible choice for the job. You cannot and will not get by on the back of your on-paper qualifications alone.
NETWORK LIKE CRAZY
It’s never too early to begin building your professional network. As is the case in all industries, who you know often counts for more than what you know. Take every opportunity to meet like-minded individuals, attend industry events and get your profile up to scratch on LinkedIn. Never pass up the opportunity to meet and influence those who could have a strong influence on your career.
JOIN A FINANCE RECRUITER
It’s well worth using a specialist finance recruiter to help you secure a job in finance and you’ll find them in most places. For example, if you search Google for finance recruiters in Orange County, you’ll find a handful of recruitment companies you can join to help you succeed and land that finance job. A capable recruitment agency can simplify the process of pinpointing the perfect open positions for your skills and expertise. Not to mention, provide invaluable support and consultancy along the way
BE READY TO START AT THE BOTTOM
Don’t underestimate just how steep the learning curve in the financial industry is. Capable candidates can quickly climb the career ladder, but it’s usually a case of starting at the bottom and working your way up. If you expect to burst onto the scene as a senior analyst or executive financial consultant as your first job, you can probably forget about it. You’ll need on-the-job experience to reach the top of the ladder – what matters now is getting on the ladder in the first place.
TAKE YOUR TIME AND BE PATIENT
Last but not least, the importance of patience cannot be overstated. The only thing worse than struggling to land a job in finance is landing a job that’s completely unsuitable for your expertise and interests. Take your time, work closely with a finance recruiter and consider your options carefully. Sooner or later, your hard work and effort will pay off.
