The Jobseeker Checklist for Getting Interviews

You have your professional resume and cover letter ready to go. You have committed to make a career transition. You are ready to interview and impress your would-be new employer.  You are ready to show them what an asset you would be to them. Now what? Here is a jobseeker checklist I put together for finding opportunities and getting interviews in the financial sector. Times are tough. You have to take a more comprehensive approach than ever.

These are just the highlights, not an exhaustive explanation of each.

1. Professional image You should first make sure your digital image is a professional image. Do a little narcisurfing to see what kind of image you are portraying. A well done personal website is the best way to enhance your professional image.
   
   
2. Background If you have a security license (such as a series 7 or a series 66) then make sure you run a basic check on yourself. Its simple. Just go to FINRA and enter your info. If you have any dings on your report you will want to make sure you have a letter of explanation ready to go. Make sure you have your licenses highly visibly displayed on your resume. What is your credit like? There are many positions in the financial sector that you can’t get if you have bad credit or a recent bankruptcy. When you are filling out your background information make sure you are completely accurate, even on the little details.
3. Networking There are creative ways to network. Yes, starting with the people you know and the people they know that might be able to open doors for you is prudent. You can also creatively network using social and business networking sites. LinkedIn has many groups that are great networking tools. Attempt to join groups that are in the areas of finance you are trying to work in. By getting linked in with established professionals you can network your way to the contact that can help. Its hard work and time consuming but is a different path than the masses are taking.
4. Job boards Yes you should have your resume on job boards. Most companies and recruiters will at least look on the job boards when they get a new position. Hit the majors but also post on niche sites as well. Make sure you take the time to set up search agents so you can be notified when a job is posted matching the criteria of the job you are looking for. I also think its worth paying to have premium services that highlights your name and brings you up at the top of the search. If you are a diversity candidate I would make sure you have your resume posted on all appropriate diversity job boards as diversity hiring is an ever increasing focus for many financial firms.
5. Recruiters Recruiters can be a great resource for you but recruiters aren’t for everybody. Most recruiters are looking for round pegs to fit their round holes (positions they are trying to fill). If you look like you might be a round peg (qualified candidates for a current position they are working on) then a recruiter will be aggressive in trying to help. If you happen to be a square peg then they will likely put you in their database until they get a square hole to fill. There are many recruiter directories on the internet, just Google. Another good way to find a recruiter that might be able to help you for the position you are seeking look on various job boards and career sites and find the recruiters/recruiting firms that are advertising for the kinds of positions you are seeking.  Don’t be afraid to ask any recruiter you speak to for their insight on what they would do if they were in your position.
6. Company direct Go to the companies you would like to work for and their top competitors. Check out their career pages. Learn the lingo they use for the position you are seeking. You can apply online but depending on the specialty of the position and the size of the company you may want to get more creative. Call the company customer service number and ask to be connected to the switchboard. Ask the switchboard operator to speak to human resources. Try to have a conversation with a real person to bring attention to your application. If you can get the actual name of the HR or hiring person FedEx your resume and cover letter to him or her.
7. Use the backdoor For some positions, especially sales and customer service type positions, it can be effective to take matters into your own hands. Try to get in front of the hiring managers in person or less desirable by phone. Give them your elevator pitch on you and try to convince them to interview you. If you do go in person make sure you are dressed appropriately. Don’t be pushy but you can be persistent. This will help differentiate you (just make sure it is in a good way) from the pack and can help you leap frog ahead of your competition.

   by Darin Manis