6 Tips for Young Professionals: Your start in the financial sector

6 tips for Young Professionals starting in the financial sector

The financial sector is challenging and full of opportunities for ambitious young professionals. A strong start in this sector requires successfully navigating the job application process. Young Financials provides you with the best tips to kickstart your career. Want to know more? Keep reading!

1. Preparation: know the company and the sector

Prepare thoroughly, as employers expect you to have done your homework. Go beyond basic information on the company website; delve into the latest trends in the financial sector and look for recent news articles relevant to the company you’re applying to. This will show that you are well-prepared and genuinely interested. Also, prepare at least four targeted, specific questions about the company. For example: “How is the company responding to the latest technological developments in the financial sector?”
Tip: Need inspiration for engaging questions? Use AI tools like ChatGPT to help you brainstorm.

2. Stand out with a personal introduction

Start your introduction with a personal story that truly reflects who you are—something that makes you unique and directly relevant to the role. Personal stories are more memorable and help you stand out from other candidates.
Tip: Share what sparked your passion for finance. Why did you choose your specific degree, minor, or specialisation? What appealed to you?

3. Case or scenario questions: keep asking questions

With case and scenario questions, it’s important to ask questions during the conversation and explain your thought process step by step. This not only demonstrates your problem-solving skills but also creates an interactive dialogue that engages the interviewer. Stay flexible and adjust your ideas while you receive new information from the interviewer. This demonstrates your ability to adapt quickly and consider different viewpoints.
Tip: Practise explaining your thought process out loud. Pick a case or scenario (you can use AI tools to create a simulation) and take the time to verbalise each step as if explaining it to someone else.

4. Make your interview a real conversation

This may sound obvious, but during the interview, maintain good eye contact to show that you’re listening and engaged. This helps to keep the conversation natural and prevents it from becoming a simple Q&A session. Take your time to think carefully about your responses, even if it results in a brief silence. A well-thought-out answer leaves a better impression than a rushed reply. Avoid vague answers and provide clear, concrete examples.
Rather than saying, “I’m good at teamwork,” describe a situation where you demonstrated this skill, what your contribution was, and what the outcome was. For instance, explain how you successfully collaborated on a project, what your contribution was, and what the outcome was.
Tip: Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to keep your answer concise and to the point.

5. (Online) interviews and posture

Nowadays, many interviews are conducted online. Although this might seem straightforward, there are common pitfalls: always ensure that you have a stable internet connection, sit directly in front of the camera, and adopt an active posture. Also, pay attention to your surroundings: choose a quiet background with no distractions.
Tip: Check in advance to make sure that your camera, microphone, and internet connection are all working properly.
If you’re attending the interview in person, ensure that you arrive on time, dress appropriately for the company culture, and bring a printed copy of your CV.

6. Use of LinkedIn

A strong online presence is essential when applying for jobs. Make sure your LinkedIn profile aligns with your CV, featuring a professional photo, a strong headline, and a clear description of your skills and ambitions. Active networking is also crucial: connect with people in your field, follow companies you’d like to work for, and engage in discussions on topics that interest you.
Tip: Enable the “Open to Work” feature. This discreetly signals that you are open to new opportunities, increasing your visibility with recruiters.