6 WORKING TIPS FOR GETTING JOBS IN UK BANKING AND FINANCE 2021!
Many candidates apply for roles in UK banking or Finance, and keep getting told “we’re sorry but we picked a better candidate, “unfortunately we can’t offer you the position”, or they simply don’t get any response.
Finance companies in the UK today have so many CVs stockpiled, or disposed of. Job applications that were examined, then put away, gone forever, whilst the applicant keeps trying. Unfortunately, most applicants just lack the right professional guidance, a useful tool to have when trying to gain access to a globally highly competitive field.
For anyone serious about a career in UK banking and finance, considering the UK’s current economy, this is the article to read.
We will be going through 10 highly successful and proven keys to get your foot in the door of the UK banking and finance industry, via a step-by-step structure.
Let’s get the ball rolling.
STEP ONE: EXPERIENCE.
If you are familiar with professional jobs, especially financial companies, or have had interviews, then you would have heard once or many more times that you can’t get the job because you have no experience. This is one of the few times finance companies might give candidates a tip. Unfortunately, a tip isn’t enough.
How do you gain experience in UK finance without an actual job?
The best way to acquire experience in finance is through internships, however, they are harder and harder to get. So the right step is to start applying as early as you can and study/research outside the usual university courses. Research and practice as often as you can in your spare time, and make sure your resume says, as professionally as possible; what you researched, perhaps how, and in what areas. Don’t wait till you get into university, and don’t stop.
STEP TWO: BE USEFUL TO COMPANIES.
This step might sound broad, but not to worry, we’ll get to it. Every company has an identity, and UK banking and finance firms are most certainly up there in that regard, especially in 2021. Companies want to have staff who fit certain descriptions, they want to approach the market with “care and efficiency”, or “speed and the ability to take on as many clients as possible”, or “bravery and fearlessness”… It is important not only to be able to say “yes I love teamwork”, but also to have it in you, they can tell if you do or don’t.
How do I acquire the relevant capabilities for jobs in UK banking and finance, with so many firms?
For this, there are so many ways. The first thing to do is to be aware of companies in UK banking and finance that you are pursuing a career in. Know your companies, it’s the least you could do for yourself.
Most times no one will stop you from entering a company, and simply talking to a few employees, but don’t just have a chat, engage them with the internal purpose of studying how they respond to you. Do this a few times and practice often, research, talk in front of a mirror if you must.
Another way is to search the internet for videos of related interviews, there many very useful ones online.
Then, of course, there is the direct approach and this might be a surprise to you, but companies love when a person walks in, and simply asks “I would like to work here one day, can you please tell me what you look for in your employee?”. (Try to be verily confident, and smile).
DO NOT DO THIS WITHOUT A CLUE WHAT YOU WOULD LIKE TO APPLY FOR IN THE FUTURE, OR HOW IT WORKS.
Here’s are some examples of major questions you must get right during UK job interviews in the finance sector:
- What capacities do you possess that make you feel you are right for this role?
- Why should we employ you?
- Can you work well under pressure?
- Do you read the Financial Times?
- Do you have any knowledge of the stock market?
- Are you a team player?
- Can you give us examples of when you displayed qualities “a”, “b”, or “c”?
- Give informed professional answers, but don’t talk too much.
STEP THREE: OWN THE TOPIC “FINANCIAL CRISIS”!
Notice the use of the phrase “own the topic”? That is exactly what you have to do. No one very experienced, with current and professional knowledge of how to get jobs in UK banking and finance will tell you any different.
Finance companies in the UK appreciate applicants who fully understand the financial crisis, the causes, and have educated and professional ideas as to how they could/might have been prevented.
How do I fully master all the financial crisis, and which ones will make me stand out?
Most successful applicants in UK finance focus on the 2007–2009 Financial Crisis, the late 2000s recession, the 2008–2016 Spanish financial crisis, the European sovereign debt crisis, the Greek government-debt crisis, all the other crisis in Portugal, Venezuela, Ukraine, Russia, Brazil, China, and Turkey in 2010, and of course the Covid 19 recession.
In-depth knowledge of these financial crises will do you a huge favour indeed, and your career is worth it. If it seems too much, study the major ones. It shouldn’t be too much, if you start early, and start from the major ones.
STEP FOUR: BE CERTIFIED.
Speaking of the Covid 19 recession; what a pace changer when we speak of jobs in UK finance. It’s becoming common knowledge that applicants who are already certified when they apply for jobs in UK finance stand the highest chance of getting the positions.
The most recurring problem today is that these certifications are expensive or time-consuming. Due to the current recession, most applicants don’t want to spend so much money.
What are the best certifications for jobs in UK finance in the current global economy?
There are proven certificate programs available for jobs in finance, that are very suitable for getting you jobs in UK finance. Many of them are being offered by new professional accreditation companies like the CIFA (Chartered Institute for Further Accreditation).
The CIFA has short-term courses you can study online within two to three weeks, and professional financial certificates starting from as little as £349. This institution was wise enough to have cut the costs of large offices and similar expenses, in order to better adjust to the current global climate without affecting their offered qualifications. Simply adequate.
Some of their highly recommended and already proven courses, that can quickly help you get into the UK banking and finance industry in 2021 include:
- Introduction to UK Financial Regulations and Professional Integrity.
- Stock Broking Advisor Certification. (SAC)
- Investment Advisor Certificate. (IAC)
- Financial Advisor Certification. (FAC)
… and more.
STEP FIVE: STAY UPDATED AND DON’T STOP!
It sounds straightforward enough, however, most applicants have simply learnt the right things, kept going, and haven’t bothered to either update the steps they took, including their CV Templates, cover letters, and such. The research never stops, because the times are always changing, companies employ new staff, who come with updated ideas, dynamic innovations, and so on. This means firms in UK banking and finance are constantly looking for new and current qualities and tools when you apply for a job.
How do I stay updated for a successful application to UK finance in 2021?
For a successful application in UK finance in 2021, you need to understand that there is currently a recession, and so there is more competition and higher standards and being sought after daily by UK finance companies.
It’s not enough to already have what it takes, you need to keep refreshing everything you know, keep updating yourself and your research, continue your applications, update your certifications, and don’t stop!
STEP SIX: SELF DEVELOPMENT.
This is something you should probably expect to be asked about in a job interview. Companies in the UK finance value applicants who have done a lot of self-development, and this isn’t limited to having some of the best certifications in UK finance.
We are in a new era, self-development is crucial not only to your job applications in UK finance but also to your financial stability and security. The more you know, the more you make, and the more you’re capable of. If I were a company, I’d want you.
Try to:
- Participate in finance-related seminars and workshops.
- Get familiar with the best minds in the UK and global finance today.
- Search for financial programs and participate or simply watch/study to update your knowledge.
- Read articles about self-development in finance.
CONCLUSION
With the above six keys, you’re now perfectly poised for a job in UK banking and finance. Nothing can stop you, and you will not meet many applicants like yourself.
This is that moment when you know you’re the very best, and the companies in UK finance know it too.
All you have to do now is keep going up.
About the author: Dammy J. Afolabi Moriel.
