I want to get into banking. What should I do in the current climate?
Be related to a person in a senior position in a bank. Good oul Irish nepotism is a wonderful thing. If that’s not an option you have a lot of work to do.
Start researching. Research the market. See what banks, if any, are hiring and for what positions. Your research should include your network of contacts too. Do they know of any people moving in their organization or any people that have recently left that you could fit in and solve their problem. Use the internet, your contacts diary, your ear to find if there is anything.
After that the same rules of job hunting apply. Get your CV up to scratch and make sure everything in it is relevant, illustrative of success and correct…even a whiff of a typo means it will get the bin.
If you get called for interview you’re first of all blessed and secondly in a great position. They obviously think you’re worth a look and if they do, do yourself justice. Prepare yourself. Gather up examples that will show that you have done the job and will do it for them in the future.
Finally, I’m sure you have developed transferable skills so far in your life like team work, communication and deadlines. These can be used in jobs outside of banking. And it might be worthwhile looking there too. Limiting your careers options may be a luxury none of us can afford from now on.
Eoghan McDermott is Director of Careers, The Communication Clinic . www.communicationsclinic.ie
