How to Work with Finance Recruiters

Finance recruiters have one primary goal: to find the best match between organizations and potential employees.  If you’re pursuing a career in finance, it can be hard to find that match yourself. So why not let the experts use their connections and knowledge to help you achieve the perfect fit? The only problem is, you don’t know where to begin. This handy guide will give the rundown on how to work with finance recruiters successfully. 

Learn the basics

First things first, you need to understand exactly what a finance recruiter does. In a general sense, they source, screen, and place potential candidates to meet the needs of organizational clients. They’re hired by the organization, so it’s important to remember their clients’ needs are their top priority, but if they want to please their clients, it’s in their best interest to treat candidates with equal respect. 

According to Lucas Group “While some finance recruiters deal with investment banks, private equity firms, and hedge funds, most work across industries such as IT, manufacturing, oil and gas, and consumer products.” Finance recruiters will place candidates in a variety of areas, including financial planning, accounting, auditing, and investor relations, just to name a few.

Choose the right one

There are recruiters who work with a wide array of careers, including finance. Then, there are those that work specifically in the finance field. While general recruiters can help you a great deal, those that specialize are most likely going to know the ins and outs of each pursuit more thoroughly. Therefore, if you’re seeking a niche position, you will probably want to go with a specialized recruiter.

Another consideration is whether the recruiter is local or national. Local agencies will have a better read on what’s going on around town. If you’re determined to stay in your current community, going local makes the most sense. Local recruiters may not be as large as national recruiters, but that could actually work in your favor in terms of personalized service. On the other hand, if you’re ready and willing to venture into new parts of the country—or the world—you’ll likely find national and international firms have the type of vast resources you’re looking for at their disposal.

Make prudent decisions

Once you’ve determined whether you want to work with a general or a specialized recruitment agency and whether you want to go local or national, it’s time to get specific. Which particular firm is best for you? As in all professions, there are some companies that have earned a sterling reputation. So before deciding on a particular recruiter, do a background check.

Research their standing with the Better Business Bureau. Talk to people who have worked with them in the past and find out about their experiences. Don’t rely solely on how the agency presents themselves on their website. You’re going to need some third-party feedback to get a clear picture of who you’re dealing with.

It’s time for contact

Once you’ve decided on the right recruiter (or two or three), it’s time to reach out to them and sell yourself. First, you’ll want to make sure your resume is in top shape. This may require getting some professional assistance to ensure your most valuable qualities stand out. You may also want some assistance in crafting your cover letter. After all, you don’t have long to make an impactful first impression.

Research shows that hiring managers and recruiters usually only spend about seven seconds on a cover letter or resume before deciding whether it’s worth pursuing. Make sure you grab their attention with creative, properly punctuated sentences, easily accessed contact information, and a direct request for an interview.

Build rapport

Once you’ve landed an interview with the recruiter and they’ve agreed to work with you, make sure you continue to build a rapport with them. Stay in contact, but don’t overdo it. You want them to know you’re eager to find a position, but not desperate. If you leave a message and don’t hear from the recruiter in a few days, don’t panic. They’re probably just extremely busy. When you finally do connect, remain understanding and polite. Ultimately, the more rapport you’re able to build with your recruiter, the more likely they are to recommend you for a position.

Working with a finance recruiter can be a very rewarding experience. If you take the right steps in the search process and maintain a positive working relationship them, your recruiter could make the difference between an okay job and a dream career.