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It’s not uncommon for modern professionals to change their entire career path multiple times. And especially if you don’t have any prior experience, making a transition into an entirely new industry can be daunting.
If you’re looking to get into the financial services industry, you may be wondering just where to start. Fortunately, there are several simple steps you can take to help guide you through the transition as you take the first steps along your new career path.
Tailor your CV
No matter the nature of the industry or role you’re looking for, it’s imperative that you tailor your CV accordingly, to meet the expectations of recruiters. When seeking employment in the financial sector, there are certain skills that employers look for, and these should be present on your CV.
Firstly, you will need to have strong accounting skills. If you have previous experience working in an accounting role, then by all means you should highlight this on your CV. If you don’t, it’s not the end of the world. You can demonstrate your skills in this area by talking about any professional situations where you’ve worked with financial documents such as annual reports or balance sheets.
Another important skill you’ll need to talk about is communication. This doesn’t mean showing off your knowledge of industry jargon in an attempt to impress – just the opposite, in fact. You should be able to speak on financial topics using simple language that people outside the industry could understand. Tailoring your CV and cover letter is a great way to get this skill across, but you should also practise your interview techniques to give you the best chance of being successful in your next application.
Look for an entry-level position
If you are looking to establish a career in the financial industry with little or no experience, chances are you will have to start somewhere near the bottom. Even if it’s a lower position in terms of hierarchy or responsibility than your previous role, often the entry-level positions or internships on offer are the best way to get your foot in the door and start building your CV. By all means don’t rule out any job opportunities higher up the ladder, but don’t disregard the lower level roles either.
Not only will working in these positions help you to drastically improve your knowledge of the industry, but you’re also bound to broaden your network and build professional relationships at the same time. If you have already done some work experience in a similar role, make sure you keep a record of any tools or programmes you were exposed to during your employment, since this knowledge will often be transferable in other jobs.
Develop your social media presence
Social media has developed into an integral part of the recruitment process – both for employers and prospective candidates. According to research statistics, more than three-quarters of jobseekers use social media to help them find a job. Meanwhile, recruiters also rely on these platforms to find and vet potential employees, with 84% of companies stating they use social media as part of their hiring process.
As a modern professional looking to find your way in the financial sector, it’s becoming increasingly important to build and optimise your social media presence. Not only are recruiters likely to use these platforms to find out more about you, but it’s also an excellent way to grow your professional network and make more connections with people in the industry. Ask former colleagues for accreditations and recommendations to help your profile stand out, and be sure to customise your feeds so they’re relevant to the sort of roles you want to apply for. Keeping up with industry trends and insights will also help you during interviews.
Take your first steps today
If your previous professional endeavours have left you with very little experience about finance or the financial sector, consider enrolling in an educational course. This will provide you with the foundations for starting your career in finance, and you’ll learn basic skills that will be relevant no matter what you choose to specialise in. Even if you have some experience, academic courses can help you to fine-tune your skills, ready for your next role in the industry. Take our top tips on board and you too will be able to enjoy your new career path in the exciting world of finance.