In a recruitment market where job applications and CVs are polished by AI, standing out to potential employers takes more than just ticking the boxes. Today’s hiring managers are inundated with near-identical applications, and the reality is, qualifications alone rarely seal the deal.
The modern finance function is fast-paced, digitally driven and constantly evolving. So, how do you stay ahead of the curve and put yourself in the driver’s seat of your career?
At Core3, we work with and support individuals throughout the recruitment process so they can secure long-lasting and rewarding roles.Â
Here are six professional growth strategies that help you take control, accelerate your development, and position yourself as a must-have hire or someone who is too good to ignore for promotion.
1. Develop In-Demand Skills
Today’s most in-demand finance professionals are combining core expertise with skills in data analytics, stakeholder engagement and digital transformation. The rise of automation, cloud-based systems and AI tools has shifted the goalposts. Employers now expect agility, not just accuracy.
So ask yourself: what are the skills that will be essential one, three, or five years from now? Identify any gaps and start bridging them now. Scan job ads for roles you’re aiming for. What skills keep popping up the most? That’s your development roadmap. You can then begin upskilling in those areas through training.
2. Build a Strong Professional Network
If career growth was purely merit-based, things would be simpler. But the reality is, who you know still plays a huge part.
Your professional network on LinkedIn is more than a friends list – it can be a route to your dream role. It can open doors, offer fresh perspectives and help you tap into opportunities that don’t make it to job boards. In fact, we’ve seen candidates land interviews simply by engaging with someone’s post by commenting insightfully about an industry trend. Sometimes, the right message at the right time is all it takes.
Start simple. Reach out and connect with ex-colleagues on LinkedIn, attend industry events or grab coffee with someone in a role you aspire to. Stay visible, stay curious. Your next big break could start with a conversation, not an application.
3. Seek Out Challenging Opportunities
Growth doesn’t happen if you stay in your comfort zone. It’s like trying to get fitter, but never going to the gym. If you’re only doing what you’ve always done, don’t be surprised if your progress stalls.
Getting noticed means putting your hand up – literally. Volunteer for cross-functional projects, take the lead on process improvements or ask for exposure to commercial-facing work. These stretch assignments build your profile, sharpen your problem-solving skills and show senior leaders you’re ready for more.Â
We’ve seen countless professionals fast-track their progression by embracing challenging projects that others shy away from. You don’t need a new job title to start acting like a leader. And if you don’t get the recognition internally, then these things will look great on your CV.
4. Commit to Continuous Learning
The most successful people are lifelong learners. They know that standing still is the fastest way to fall behind, especially in an environment where financial regulations, digital tools and business priorities are always shifting.
This doesn’t mean you have to study constantly. But you should develop a thirst for knowledge and stay engaged with things happening in your industry. Subscribe to finance publications, take an online course, and ask about learning opportunities within your business. Stay curious. Stay competitive.
5. Build and Maintain Your Personal Brand
What do people say about you when you’re not in the room? That’s your personal brand, and it matters more than you think.Â
Google yourself. What do you find, and does it represent where you’re heading?
In a connected world, your online presence is often someone’s first impression of you. Does your LinkedIn profile reflect your expertise, your achievements and your career ambitions? Are you actively contributing to conversations in your industry?
You don’t have to become a ‘thought leader’ overnight. But sharing a recent success, commenting on an industry trend or posting about an event you attended can build your brand.
6. Seek and Use Feedback
Feedback might not always be comfortable to hear, but it is always valuable.
The most career-savvy people seek out feedback regularly and use it to grow. Not just during annual reviews, but after key projects, presentations or milestones. Why? Because they know it gives them insight others miss, and that insight gives them an edge.
And when you do receive feedback, don’t just nod and move on. Reflect. Ask follow-up questions. Show you’re willing to grow. That kind of self-awareness and emotional intelligence is what separates good from great.
If you’re open to knowing what you could do differently to improve, you’ll soon become the best you can be.
Progress is a Practice
Career acceleration doesn’t happen overnight. But by building momentum in the right areas, you set yourself apart.
As we mentioned at the beginning, having intention, being the most adaptable and being the most willing to learn is where growth happens. So whether you’re plotting your next move or positioning yourself for promotion, start now. Invest in the strategies that move the dial. Your future self and future employer will thank you.
Looking for a role that matches your ambition?
At Core3, we help top talent find meaningful and long-lasting roles. Do reach out if you’d like some help shaping your career.
