For those on the hunt for a new role in the financial services industry, there are opportunities available for highly skilled candidates. The financial services sector offers employees huge potential for development and career growth. Matrix Recruitment has provided valuable tips for candidates aiming to secure a new role in the industry.
1. Tailor your CV:
You should tailor your CV for each job application. Pay particular attention to cover letters or profile sections of the CV and make sure that you have not left the job title of your previous job application here.
Our consultants have seen individuals apply for roles such as Client Services Manager, but they have a note on their application that says ”I am very interested in this Financial Accountant position” or a similar reference to a different job application. This can be an easy mistake to make when jobseekers are applying to various positions, but it is important to review and avoid this error to ensure that the application is as strong and professional as possible.
2. Proof-read:
This goes for all areas but particularly for financial services positions where attention to detail is key and, in the workplace, a comma in the wrong place in payment details or reconciliation figures could make a huge difference to the company.
3. Include key finance terminology:
Ensure that you include key relevant finance terminology on your CV as this will make your application stronger. For example, if you are applying for a specialist position and have experience in this area from a previous role, or through training or education, then make sure to mention it!
4. Ensure the CV is clear, formatted & concise:
Ensure your relevant skills and keywords on your CV are clear and easy to scan through, both for human eyes and CV screening software.
5. Include relevant training & education:
This demonstrates your interest in the sector and shows your dedication towards becoming highly skilled in your area of expertise.
6. Prioritise relevant experience:
Ensure that your most recent position, which is often the most relevant, is the first to appear under your “Professional Experience” section – remember it is important that your CV stands out and is deemed to be suitable for the position at a glance as hiring managers and recruiters often review hundreds of CVs in one day. Starting with your most recent and relevant experience and working backwards in chronological order. Or, if you have been in a different area of work for the past couple of years, you can include 1-2 duties for those positions and then go into more detail about your most relevant job duties to make sure that your most relevant experience appears as near as possible to the top of the Professional Experience section.
7. Job duties are key:
When listing your job duties, show where you added value in that position. Whether it was overachieving on KPIs, never missing a deadline, an excellent customer review, a successful process improvement to reduce costs or increase efficiency, it is important to shine a light on how you add value to your employer. It is also advisable to list all position titles and duties that you held in one company to show your promotions and that you progressed within the company.
8. Fill in the gaps:
Financial services companies want to see all the start dates and end dates of your employment, including the months. Equally important is to explain any gaps in employment on your CV.
Frequently, we see that jobseekers downplay their talents on their CVs, often by overlooking important details or omitting crucial information. Job hunting can feel overwhelming, but following these simple CV tips can make the process much smoother. Take a moment to carefully review job descriptions and customize your CV accordingly – it's the key to standing out in the crowd and finding a great fit for your next opportunity.
