APPLYING FOR ROLES IN THE FINANCIAL SERVICES INDUSTRY

COVER LETTER - GUIDELINES

• One page rule - summarise using a clear, concise

writing style

• Keep it simple - Use plain fonts, keep font sizes

between 10 and 12 point, do not use graphics

• Spacing - Use plenty of white space to give your

cover letter a lift, and use blank lines between

paragraphs

• Spelling mistakes  - read it carefully before

sending, ask someone to proof-read

COVER LETTER - GUIDELINES

• Right language –

Don’t be too pushy

Don’t use negative statements

Don’t overuse the word ‘I

Don’t reveal too much

Don’t use too many big words

Don’t be fake

COVER LETTER -GUIDELINES

• Don’t handwrite – handwritten letters do not look

professional

• Focusing on the employer - why the company is

special and how you can add value to the

company’s business

• Keep your salary a secret

COVER LETTER – CONTENT & FORMAT

• Introduction -start your cover letter with the

essential information:

• Your contact details

• Date

• Salutation

• Subject line

• Reason for establishing contact

COVER LETTER – CONTENT & FORMAT

•Body - second and third paragraphs are the body of

your cover letter

• Reason for joining the company

• Reasons for leaving current job

• Reasons for pitching for the job

• Highlight your achievements

• Confess any career gaps

COVER LETTER - CONTENT & FORMAT

• Conclusion – wrap up, outline next actions

• Outlining the next steps of the process

• Ensuring you’re contactable

• Signing off

RESUME`- GUIDELINES

• Instant gratification – important information first

• Be dynamic –

• Replicate the skills and attitudes listed in the

job advertisement

• Make it easy to read with headlines and bullet

points

• Put positive personality traits into the first part

of your resume (if possible)

RESUME`- GUIDELINES

• Keywords –

• See what type of terminology recruiters are

using

• Find ways to incorporate the key words into

your resume

• If no relevant experience, make sure your

subjects are listed

RESUME`- CAREER CHANGE/NO EXPERIENCE

• Challenge - how to promote yourself in your

resume while disguising the fact you have no

experience

• If you’ve had a dramatic career change, consider

using a skills-based resume

• You may include a career objective to advise the

recruiter of your career intentions and clarify your

future career goals.

• Participating in networking activities

RESUME`- CAREER CHANGE/NO EXPERIENCE

• Finding a mentor

• Highlighting your transferable skills

• Make a list of all transferable skills

• Find out what skills are required for the job

you’re applying

• Tick off any transferable skills that match to

the job

• Select skill headings that relate to the job

RESUME`- CAREER CHANGE/NO EXPERIENCE

• Undertake some voluntary work

• Compose a cover letter outlining the reasons for

your move

• Identify and highlight your skills

• Recognise every skill you have

• Consider your personal attributes

• Stay up-to-date with industry trends

RESUME`- CAREER CHANGE/NO EXPERIENCE

• Determine what makes you unique

• Identify and match your education to the job

requirement

• Aim for a strong skills fit

RESUME`- DOS

• DO outline your educational achievements at the

front. "If it's at the back, it looks like you have

none”

• DO present your career path by including dates

(years only), the title of each role, achievements

and a description of the company

• DO include other relevant information, such as

involvement in not-for-profit or industry groups.

RESUME`- DON'TS

• DON'T include an interests section, unless you are seeking

to entertain

• DON'T miss important details

• DON'T post your application rather than email it.

INTERVIEW BASICS

• You should know about the specific job, the

company advertising it and its industry or

profession

• know your strengths and how they would benefit

both position and company

• know your weaknesses ! Consider ways to

demonstrate how you plan on developing present

weaknesses into future strengths for yourself and

others

INTERVIEW BASICS

• know particular skills you possess, e.g. previous

experience in the area, languages, computing,

language skills [written & verbal];

• your expectations from the interview

• consider questions that may be asked

• work out appropriate answers, know how your

strengths apply to these situations

INTERVIEW BASICS

• Work out how you will respond to questions you

consider inappropriate or uncomfortable

• Be willing to ask questions. Make sure they are

specific and relevant.

INTERVIEW -PRESENTATION, PRESENTATION, PRESENTATION

• Never be late

• Ensure dress and appearance are appropriate for

the position and company concerned

• Appearance is as important as dress

• Make sure all electronic items are off

• Be yourself. Have a professional attitude

• Speak clearly

INTERVIEW -PRESENTATION, PRESENTATION, PRESENTATION

• Don’t speak too loudly

• Don’t use foul language or slang

• Speak at normal pitch and pace with emphasis on

those aspects you want to be certain are heard

and understood

• If you are not certain what is being asked, seek

clarification before answering

INTERVIEW -PRESENTATION, PRESENTATION, PRESENTATION

• Think about body language

• Maintain eye contact with all members of a panel,

no matter how many

• Exude quiet confidence at all times

• When the interview is complete, take the

opportunity to thank the panel and indicate you

look forward to hearing from them

SOME LINKS

Good/Bad Interview http://www.youtube.com/watch?

v=Gww2vrIhjeU&feature=fvsr    Phone Interviews:   http://www.howcast.com/videos/180143-How-T

o-Ace-a-Telephone-Interview-and-Get-the-Job http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lwZmW_UAT

es&feature=related http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HWvBaUZZ

sl0   Job Interviews: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f9_fWUdjfko

&feature=related http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CnLQy0ACI

Os&feature=related