Job search strategies
There are a range of different strategies to help take advantage of opportunities in financial services.
Understand how employers recruit
Employers use a number of techniques to attract employees, including recruitment companies, in-house referral programs, internal transfers, secondments and undergraduate and graduate programs. Advertising is another key channel, with employers typically advertising via the following channels.
The company’s website
Most financial services companies advertise jobs on their website. The website of a potential employer should be the first call for job seekers. Often it is the first place a vacancy is posted. It is also a crucial source of information that you can use to tailor your resume and cover letter and prepare for interviews.
Recruitment agencies
Recruitment agencies help match candidates to jobs. These agencies earn fees by finding candidates through recruitment or sourcing. Generally speaking, job seekers don’t pay for the services of a recruitment agent.
When briefed on a job vacancy, recruitment agencies search their database for suitable candidates. They may also advertise the position on their website, on employment websites and in newspapers. The recruitment agency then vets potential candidates, presenting a short list to the employer.
You need to register with the recruitment agency of your choice and, once you have registered, they will contact you if they feel you are suitable for a particular job. Many people choose to register with more than one recruitment agency. Ensure that you keep track of who you have registered with and what jobs you have applied for.
More information is available in our recruitment consultants section.
Employment websites
Employment websites are an easy way of searching for jobs online. Most have ‘alert’ features, so information on a job suitable for you can be emailed to you directly. You can also upload your resume and covering letters so that prospective employers can view them. According to Neilsen/Netratings data, the top three Australian employment websites are seek.com.au, mycareer.com.au and careerone.com.au.
More information is available in employment related websites.
University and TAFE job boards
These sites are often useful places to find roles because employers place roles suited for new or soon-to-be-graduates.
Career networking
Research shows that only about 20 per cent of all jobs get advertised. Career networking helps you tap into this hidden job market you can make your job search easier.
When you begin your job search, think of all the people you know – lecturers, relatives, friends, fellow students, clients and co-workers. Ask them for their advice about getting a job in the area or company you are interested in. Let them know that you are in the market for a job. A lot of jobs don’t get advertised because they are filled by recommendations from existing employees – who may receive a recruitment referral bonus. This makes use of an existing network and helps them cut recruitment costs.
Go to career networking for more detailed information on this topic.
Canvassing potential employers by phone or in person
If you make direct contact with the employer, make sure you can provide evidence of your abilities and ‘fit’ with the company. Have a pre-prepared script that helps you do this. Your aim is to gain an interview or permission to send your resume. Make sure you have done your homework on the company and can clearly communicate why you want to work there.
Industry groups and professional associations
Membership of industry groups and professional associations typically provide valuable networking opportunities and information services such as newsletters and job boards.
For example, Finsia members have unlimited access to Job Ready Online – an online jobs portal specifically created for financial services professionals. The site continues to attract executive level job advertisements and blue chip employers, and has wide member acceptance, with more than 20,000 visits per month.
Finsia members also have access to regular publications and helpful articles, such as 'What Banking and Financial Services Job Seekers Really Want' (inFinance, June 2008)
General job-hunting tips
Target your resume
Target your resume and covering letter to the particular job. Address the key requirements outlined in the job description.
Be prepared
Have your resume with you at all times. It is also a good idea to have fresh copies of your resume prepared in case you are called up for an interview at the last minute. Make sure that you can readily provide a list of suitable referees and their contact details.
Follow up on leads immediately
If you find out about a possible job, call right away. Delay and the job may be taken.
Know your industry
If you want a job in financial services you need to understand the events and issues driving financial services – so keep up-to-date.
Stay positive
Treat job hunting like a full time job and stay positive! Focus on the lessons learnt from each application. By constantly fine tuning your covering letters, resumes and interview skills you can stay motivated and ensure you are better prepared for any opportunity.
Employment related websites
Global
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Job Ready Online: Finsia's online jobs portal, offering a network of career sites for professionals working in banking and the financial markets.
Australia
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seek.com.au: published by SEEK, this is the most popular general employment website in Australia. It attracts more than 210,000 average daily unique browsers.
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mycareer.com.au:
published by Fairfax Digital, this is a general employment website. It attracts more than 66,000 average daily unique browsers and is the second most visited employment website.
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careerone.com.au:
published by News Digital Media, this is the third most popular website in Australia, attracting more than 46,000 average daily unique browsers.
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jobsearch.gov.au:
A website for graduate careers in Australian government and state agencies
New Zealand
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careerjet.co.nz:
A New Zealand-based employment search engine that also contains useful career information for job seekers.
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jobsearch.co.nz:
A Job Board for Job Seekers, Employers & Recruitment Agencies.
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careers.govt.nz:
Published by the New Zealand government, this site offers interactive tools and information on work and study decisions.
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jobs4grads.net:
A graduate recruitment site hosted by the University of Auckland.
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job.co.nz:
A website providing links to New Zealand recruitment companies.