Because there are so many opportunities, learning how to get a job in finance will be mission-critical. There are hundreds of thousands of jobs in finance, ranging from insurance and banking to investing and financial planning. You’ll need to zero-in on the exact position you want before beginning your search. But that wealth of different occupations within the field will be one of your biggest advantages.
Quickstart Guide To Getting A Job In Finance
- Update your resume. Make sure your finance resume includes your experience, skills and qualifications. If you need help with your resume, we recommend working with a resume writing service.
- Apply for jobs on ZipRecruiter. If you are ready to land a job in finance, start your search on ZipRecruiter. ZipRecruiter is free for job seekers and you can apply for jobs with a single click!
Discover Your Dream Job Find jobs near you and apply with 1 click! New jobs posted daily.
How to Get a Job in Finance
If you wan to land a job in finance, follow these steps:
1. Earn Your College Degree
Although a career in finance doesn’t necessarily require a degree, higher education, such as a bachelor's degree, seriously helps. That’s especially true since many of the best jobs in finance do require a degree.
A degree in finance or a related field may broaden your chances at specialized positions, as employers will see you as being both more knowledgeable and, eventually, promotable.
If you are looking to break into a finance career, you could consider earning a degree online while you continue your current line of work. This can help you to build your runway and continue earning money while you prepare for a new career in finance.
2. Get Continuing Education
Continuing education can help you land a finance career by providing you with the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed in the industry.
Advanced courses can help you develop a deeper understanding of financial concepts and practices, making you more competitive in the job market.
Additionally, continuing education can help individuals build a professional network, providing you with opportunities to connect with peers and potential employers.
By investing in your education, you can demonstrate your commitment to the field and your willingness to learn and grow, which can make you more attractive to employers and help them stand out in a crowded job market.
For more information, check out our guide to the best finance and accounting certifications.
3. Enter An Internship
Getting a finance internship can help you land a job by providing practical experience and skills that are highly valued by employers. This is a useful strategy for anyone who is new to finance or for recent graduates.
Through an internship, you can gain hands-on experience in the finance industry, learning how to apply concepts and theories in real-world settings.
Additionally, internships can help individuals build a professional network, providing you with opportunities to connect with peers and potential employers.
By demonstrating their skills and work ethic during an internship, you can make a positive impression on employers, potentially leading to job offers or recommendations for future opportunities.
Internships can be especially beneficial if you’re not quite sure what position you want to work in, as it can help you find what you may be interested in.
4. Get Referrals
Getting referrals can be a powerful tool for landing a job in finance, as it provides a way to build trust and credibility with potential employers. Referrals from current or previous employers, coworkers, or supervisors can provide valuable insight into an individual's work ethic, skills, and character. When a job seeker is referred to a potential employer, the employer can feel more confident in the candidate's abilities, as they have been vouched for by someone they trust.
In the finance industry, where trust and credibility are highly valued, referrals can be particularly important. Employers want to know that they are hiring someone who is reliable, responsible, and capable of handling complex financial tasks. Referrals from trusted sources can provide that assurance, making it more likely that a job seeker will be considered for a position.
In addition to current and previous employers, job seekers can also seek out referrals from professional organizations or networking groups within the finance industry. These groups can provide opportunities to connect with peers and potential employers, and can also provide valuable insights into the industry and its current trends and challenges.
5. Take An Entry-Level Position
Taking an entry-level position can be a valuable strategy for getting started in the finance field and landing a finance job. This is particularly true for candidates who are new to finance or who are looking to change occupations within the field. While an entry-level position may not be the highest paying, it can provide valuable experience and opportunities for growth and advancement.
One of the key benefits of starting in an entry-level position is that it provides an opportunity to learn the basics of the finance industry and gain exposure to different areas of the field. This can be particularly valuable for individuals who are not sure exactly what they want to do in finance, as it provides a chance to explore different roles and career paths.
In addition, starting in an entry-level position can provide opportunities for promotion and career advancement. Many companies have programs in place to help entry-level employees develop their skills and advance within the organization. By demonstrating a strong work ethic, a willingness to learn, and a commitment to the field, individuals can position themselves for promotion and advancement.
Finally, taking an entry-level position can be a valuable way to gain experience and build a professional network within the industry. By working alongside more experienced professionals, individuals can learn from their colleagues and begin to build relationships that can be valuable throughout their career.
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Related: Best Paying Jobs In Finance
6. Work With A Mentor
Working with a mentor can be helpful when looking to get a job in finance, as it provides a way to learn from someone with more experience in the field and gain valuable insights into the industry.
One of the key benefits of working with a mentor is that it provides access to knowledge and strategies that can be difficult to obtain on one's own. Mentors can provide insights into the industry and the job market, as well as tips and strategies for building a successful career in finance. They can also provide guidance on specific skills or areas of expertise that may be in high demand in the field.
Working with a mentor can also give you access to valuable resources and connections within the industry. Mentors often have extensive networks of contacts and can provide introductions to potential employers or other professionals in the field. This can be particularly valuable for individuals who are just starting out in finance and may not have a strong network of contacts.
Finally, working with a mentor can help build confidence and provide a sense of direction and purpose in one's career. By providing guidance and support, mentors can help individuals develop a clear plan for achieving their career goals and provide encouragement and motivation along the way.
7. Build A Resume That Stands Out
Make sure when creating your finance resume that you include any experience and skills, including college projects and internships, that may highlight your qualifications. That’s especially true for those that are transferable, like computer skills and communication ability.
Having a resume that stands out is essential for landing a job in finance because it is often the first impression that a potential employer will have of you. A well-crafted resume can help you stand out from the competition and demonstrate your qualifications, skills, and experience in a clear and concise way. In the finance industry, where attention to detail and strong analytical skills are highly valued, a well-written and error-free resume can be particularly important.
You should also be sure to include any relevant certifications or training, as well as any relevant work or volunteer experience. In addition, it can be helpful to tailor the resume to the specific job or company, highlighting how the applicant's skills and experience align with the needs of the organization.
Also, you should pay close attention to the formatting and presentation of their resume. A clean, professional-looking resume that is easy to read and free of errors can help make a positive impression on potential employers.
It can also be helpful to use keywords and phrases that are commonly used in the finance industry, as this can help the resume get noticed by recruiters and hiring managers. For help with writing your resume, it will be worth it to spend some money to work with the best resume writing service.
8. Learn To “Speak Finance”
Nearly every career field has its own unique language. That includes industry buzz phrases – which are important as well. But you should also focus on the big picture. Researching financial news on what’s going on in the finance world can make it easier for you to understand the big picture, and project that understanding to an interviewer.
If you’re applying in a competitive market, supercharging your interview skills will help you get noticed and land a job.
Benefits Of A Finance Career
There are many benefits to a career in finance, but here are some major ones:
- Multiple career opportunities
- High pay
- Job- and financial-security (compared with many other occupations)
- Educational advancement
- Career flexibility
- Specialized training
- Balanced lifestyle – career experience can benefit your personal life
- Challenging career with plenty of advancement opportunities
Best Places To Find Finance Jobs
Online Job Posting Sites
Start searching for finance jobs on online job posting sites. Our favorite is ZipRecruiter.
ZipRecruiter is most likely the number one platform when it comes to job hunting, particularly for specializations like finance. It provides you with a customized profile to build with your resume, allowing for employers to get a closer look at who you are and what you have to offer. It also gives you access to more than 100 of the most popular job boards. Not only is it free for job seekers, but it allows you to find the most opportunities for your career.
For more information, check out our ZipRecruiter review.
Discover Your Dream Job Find jobs near you and apply with 1 click! New jobs posted daily.
Niche Financial Sites
Niche financial sites are also a great place to source finance jobs. On these niche financial job posting sites, you will only find financial positions.
eFinancialCareers is a site specializing in positions in finance and technology. Job listings can range from asset managers and actuaries to business analysts and investment bankers. Job seekers in North America, Europe, the Middle East, and the Asia-Pacific region all have access to the listings on eFinancialCareers. It may be a good choice if you’re looking for an overseas position in finance.
FinancialJobBank is another site specializing in finance jobs, but more that are U.S.-based. It offers job listings including both entry-level positions as well as advanced positions. Much like ZipRecruiter, career profiles can be created to better your chances at having an employer reach out to you based on your specific skills. The site also provides a blog including tips for getting the right job and creating a cover letter.
Company Websites
If you want to work for a specific company, head to their website directly. Most companies have career pages where you can view the current job openings. It can also be beneficial to apply for roles directly on company sites as you may avoid some applicant tracking systems.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it hard to find a job in finance?
Given the large number of finance related positions, there are many opportunities that many other careers don’t have. For example, you can choose to go into banking, investment firms, financial analysis, and many other positions. But you will need relevant education and as much related experiences as possible.
How do I get into the finance industry with no experience?
A degree in finance or a related major can certainly open a lot of doors. But you can also take specific industry courses, attend financial boot camps, participate in financial activities and trading simulators, and work with mentors. All are useful tools to better your chance at getting into the finance world.
Is a career in finance worth it?
Yes! Not only does it expand your overall career opportunity range, but it also enables you to grow your knowledge on economics, investing, and all things related to money. It’s a field that also offers considerable benefit in your personal life. But as you gain experience, more opportunities open up, enhancing your future career potential.
How do I choose a position in finance?
Start by reviewing your skills and experience. Are there any that stand out as personal favorites? If so, it may be a natural option to pursue. If you have no experience, research different positions in finance to see what interests you, as well as the companies you may wish to work for. Once you decide on a specific financial career, you can enroll in specific courses to better your knowledge within the position you want to obtain.
The Bottom Line
Finance is one of the broadest major career categories there is. It can be a bit confusing at times, but that also means there are plenty of opportunities. Choose the one that will be the best fit for you and make the best use of your talents.
Once you decide on a specialization, start with ZipRecruiter for the fastest results!
