2010 has begun in an atmosphere of hope. Leaving behind the emotional, natural and economic devastation over the past decade, people now hope to return - slowly but surely - to comfortable lives, and regular incomes.
As companies slowly but surely make a reappearance in the market, they also end up requiring personnel to handle their finances. From the clerk who doles out salaries to the chartered accountants performing large-scale audits, there are literally hundreds of posts that are available to workers in the finance sector.
How, then, do the right jobs reach the right people, and vice versa?
Having the requisite qualifications. Other than degree courses in commerce or management, there are several courses available in corporate finance, chartered accountancy and other departments of finance. These qualifications enable people to get the jobs that demand specialized work, and consequently higher pay.
For people who do not have post-compulsory education, a clerical job is a good place to begin a career in finance. Paid internships are also available at firms, who also allow their employees to get Clerical jobs are often white-collar and easy to obtain, with or without post-compulsory education. These jobs may be routine and mechanical, but a reliable and efficient clerk is an asset to the company.
Marketing oneself. Qualifications are not the only asset a job applicant has. A professionally written resume, a smart and pleasing appearance, a good-humored manner and efficiency are all highly prized qualities in the workplace. Make sure that your resume carries details of your co-curricular activities, and that you show off your character traits to their best advantage during your job interview.
Follow the principle of “show, not tell”. Be alert, welcoming and at ease in your job interview - it shows that you are attentive, approachable(hence good at public relations) and handle stress situations well.
Even outside the beaten track of applications, make sure that you are marketing yourself to the best of your ability. Staying in touch with friends who have businesses of their own, helping out people with financial advice, setting up a blog and writing about finance-related topics… all these are shrewd marketing moves that will open up new avenues in a career in the finance sector.
Stay in touch with the right people, and let them remember that you exist. If you know someone who is likely to need your services, stay in touch with that person casually. Meet them every month or two, send personalized greetings, and make sure you are remembered by them for the right reasons. Never, ever underestimate the power of connections. Just be careful to provide genuine quality as well!
Avenues. While the best jobs are rarely advertised, the growing financial sector of 2010 will see mass-scale recruitment. This means that a lot of job ads will reach the job-seeker. Use resources such as:
Local newspapers
Classified ads
Online job portals
Company website RSS feeds
With these, you can find jobs practically as soon as they are advertised. Have your resume, coat, tie and your best interview manner ready at all times - you never know when opportunity will come knocking.