How to Find Your First Job in Finance

You’ve spent three, or four years, at university, studying hard, and gaining knowledge that will be of great value to your future employer. Many graduates, however, find it hard to get the rewards that their efforts deserve, but by channelling their efforts in the right direction, they can improve their prospects. Working in the financial sector is a dream job for many. The roles can be varied and interesting, there are opportunities for career progression, and the rewards can be good. Here are some ways to maximise your chances of landing a job in finance.

Start Today

Procrastination is the enemy of the job seeker. The opportunity that you’re looking for may be out there right now, but while you delay acting upon it, somebody else will snatch it away. The job market is more competitive than ever before, but one way that you can swing the odds in your favour is by making as many applications as possible. Start your application regime today. Be proactive, and write to companies, explaining what you can offer them, and why you’d be a perfect fit. Every time you do this, you’re honing your job application skills. Think positively, and be professional yet confident in your letters and in your CV.

Gain Experience

Does it feel as if getting a job in finance is a catch 22 situation? Employers want you to have experience as well as the qualifications that you’ve gained, but how can you get the experience in the first place? Internships are one answer. Don’t think of it as working for nothing, think of it as taking a valuable step onto the career ladder. You weren’t paid for attending university after all, and an internship can be even more important. If you do become an intern, make sure that you work as hard as you can, and to the best of your ability. You never know who could be following your progress.

Have the Experts On Your Side

You don’t have to be alone in the job market, why not get an expert hand from recruitment professionals who specialise in your sector? Finance recruitment agencies in London, such as the Express Group, have contacts with some of the country’s leading financial organisations. They know exactly what these companies are looking for, and can put you in touch with decision makers who can play a vital role in your future. They have access to jobs that may not be advertised anywhere else, many of them at prestigious blue chip companies.

Use Social Media To Your Advantage

You’ll know how enjoyable and how much fun social media can be, but you can also use it to your advantage as a recruitment tool. Create a profile on LinkedIn, the number one business social media platform. Follow companies that you’d like to work for, on Facebook and Twitter. Comment on their posts, or share their information. Many human resources departments within finance companies will look back at the social media history of applicants. By anticipating this, you can tailor your words to create an excellent first impression.