Austen Smythe Recruitment
Job Seekers
Austen Smthye offers extensive services to job seekers.
Whether you've just arrived in the UK or have been working in London for many years, we can work with you to find a job that suits you perfectly.
Advice for Graduates and School Leavers
How to get your first job in Banking
The world of Banking and Finance encompasses a wide range of different jobs each requiring different skills and suiting different personalities. Competition is fierce.
As there are so many different areas within Banking and Finance, you need to consider which area you would be most suited to. If you are looking at Banking simply because you have read about the million pound bonuses available – FORGET IT! You have more chance of winning the lottery. Whilst it is technically possible to reach these positions it requires an unbelievable amount of dedication, ability and very long hours.
Network
Speak to friends and contacts who are currently working in Banks and find out what their job entails and which type of people are particularly successful in the position.
Research
The Internet is an invaluable source of information to not only research the type and size of bank but individual departments and what they do. Each department will require different skills and attributes.
Be Specific
Do not write a covering letter or phone a bank and say “I would like a job in banking”, you need to be more specific. “I am looking for a job within your Trade Finance department as having researched this area, I feel that my degree and personal attributes would lend themselves to Trade Finance”.
We are here to help you find the perfect job
CV
You may not have a lot of work experience but what you do have include. Your education etc needs to be set out in a concise and easily readable format, highlighting the specific skills / experience / personality traits that they will be looking for.
Ensure you include where you went to University / School, your qualifications, your grades and any achievements to date.
Covering Letter
Keep this short and to the point and show your interest in the area you have chosen. It should be intelligently persuasive and should spark some curiosity in the recipient. You want to stand out from the competition.
Avoid using phrases such as “I am hard working” or “I am honest”. These are the most common and how can you prove it. Use phrases and attributes that you could justify in an interview. It is much better to say that you understand that the people who do well in this position have certain qualities and it is for this reason that you are applying.
Go Direct
You should concentrate on writing direct to the Banks. Preferably write to the Manager in charge of the area you are interested in rather than Human Resources. Again do your ground work.
Follow the letter up with a telephone call a few days after the letter is sent. Avoid early morning and early afternoon calls. Ask the person concerned whether he / she has seen your letter and ask if it would be convenient for you to meet in order to discuss your candidacy. Try to be persuasive and do not take “no” for an answer too easily. For a lot of positions, particularly sales and trading, persistence is a virtue.
Temping
Consider doing temporary work, it is a great way to get a “foot in the door” and not only learn about the role but prove your self and your abilities.
Austen Smythe Recruiment - Recruitment specialists who really know the London market
Tel. +44(0)20 7377 9558 Email. joanne@austensmythe.com
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