For many new graduates in finance and those just starting in the industry, there is always a mixture of excitement and fear for the future. The hard work of getting the qualifications and studying now has to pay off, and it’s time to immerse yourself in the finance working world. However, what happens if that dream job has yet to materialise? Sadly, this is an everyday reality for many graduates as they leave education and try to join the workforce but there is hope for the newly graduated and help to find the right path.
The Challenge of Finding the Right Role
The main thing that most post-grads feel is disillusionment and discouragement. The competition for the best placements is intense, plus it’s hard to know what the right roles are and how you can fit into them. You may be applying repeatedly for various positions and getting knockbacks. While this is disheartening, getting the proper role for you is essential, so try to see this as just another learning process.
The Reality of the Job Market
There is no escaping the fact that graduates face a common issue when applying for roles. Whilst you have the qualifications for which you have worked pretty hard, you will find that the experience companies need is not there. When you get a new role, the first months can also be difficult, especially in complex areas such as auditing, financial analysis and investment banking. The best approach is to be patient and work with the company to gain the needed experience. It’s also a good idea to ask for a mentor.
Overcoming Initial Setbacks
Unfortunately, rejections will be a feature at the start of your employment-seeking journey. It can be hard to take this, but if you see each no as another step on the learning road, then you can refine your approach. Always ask for feedback if you were unsuccessful at an interview. Also, refine the roles you are looking for so that you are seeking opportunities for your growth.
How Core 3 Can Guide You to the Right Role
With Core 3, we know the challenges you are facing. Many of us went through the same thing. This understanding means that we can help you navigate the finance industry. Our expert finance and accountancy recruiters will give guidance and support where you need it so you can find and successfully apply for a role that aligns with your goals, skills, and interests.
Personalised Career Guidance
The main advantage of using Core 3 is that we can personalise the care of your recruitment. We look at your strengths and what you want to achieve from your employment. We also look at the preferences that you may have surrounding that role. As we have said before, finance roles are many and varied, meaning a vast range of choices. Our recruiters understand this world and can find you the proper role to fit your specifications.
Access to Exclusive Opportunities
As you will find when you enter work, a broad selection of relationships and networks are vital to success in the finance world. At Core 3, we understand this better than anyone, and we have worked hard to establish a network of contacts and relationships with employers to gain insights and chances outside of the regular application channels. We can put you in touch with employers looking for new talent like yourself who are willing to invest in you and develop your skill set.
Support Throughout the Application Process
As with university, you’ll know that the application process can be difficult and stressful. Core 3 finance and accountancy recruiters support every stage of the process and we can help with all aspects. Starting with a tremendous and impressive CV, we’ll hone your presentation in interviews, and get you prepped for introductions so that the first impression you make is a brilliant one. We also give you the inside track to construct your interview techniques and skills.
Once you have the job, you are required to stay in it. Finance roles are highly demanding and generally involve regular checks on your performance. You have to focus on your career and professional development throughout, and Core 3 is there to help you do that. Many of these will be long-term goals and needs.
Tips for Navigating the Early Stages of Your Finance Career
While Core 3 finance and accountancy recruiters are always looking to support you, we do have a few pointers to give as a guide. These will help you create a successful finance career, and they can be worked on regardless of your qualifications or career level.
Keep Expanding Your Skillset
Never stop expanding your skillset. You cannot afford to stand still in the finance world; you have to continue to learn and develop your skills. It’s always a good idea to seek out new and additional qualifications or accreditations to make you more attractive to those in the recruitment process. Well-honed skills such as financial modelling and data analysis will set you apart from the crowd, which is useful when looking to take on a new role or if you are looking for a promotion opportunity.
Gain Practical Experience
All employers want experience. When you are in a role, make sure you do as much as you can to gain new skills and/or work in different departments on secondments or similar work. This extra work and experience will fit nicely on your CV and complement your primary skills. This could also include job shadowing, which can be a great way to gain experience in other areas of the business.
Network Actively
Developing networks between other departments and fellow professionals is one of the primary ways people create and gain employment in finance. These cross-industry relationships are vital to getting the skills you need and to get you in front of the right people for an interview. These insights may be essential at a later date.
If all else fails, pick up the phone or drop us an email and one of our recruiters will be more than happy to help. We wish you all the best as you step into this lucrative and exciting world of finance and we hope to meet you one of these days!
Contact us today at: core3.co.uk/contact
