Finding a job in London

CFA General
#1

Hi Guys, I’m a recent graduate with a Finance degree from an average b-school, nothing major. I’m heading to London and I simply want to secure work as quickly as possible. I’m not overly concerned with what kind of work I do, but I would prefer that it be finance related and if it could count toward my CFA all the better. Currently I’m in Italy, and I’ve made a million applications for all kinds of jobs, and I have had no luck. I decided to head out there in September to start job hunting thinking that perhaps recruiters did not want to bother with applicants from outside the UK. I’m worried about being in London for too long without work, so I was hoping someone could give me a tips about how to land a job fast! Any good recruitment agencies? Any types of positions that hire frequently. Thanks for the help

#2

My tip: get a temp job first in finance while you look for the job you really want. With a foot in the door, and accruing experience, you will open up a million more options. A typical job hunt lasts 6 months. This will help expedite it. It will show your potential employers your desire on top of the fact that you are willing to move country. And of course it will bring in some money. Basically, it should help you fast track the next move. There are hundreds of agencies, just google it. One I know of is Michael Page - they work with all the IBs. I got my first real job through them. Good luck.

#3

Also have a look at: http://cfauk.efinancialcareers.co.uk/ http://www.myjobcaddy.com/

#4

Thanks, I’ll check out Michael Page. Is there a lot of temp work in Finance though? I thought all temp jobs were receptionist and data entry work?

#5

You’ve gotta start somewhere. Stick to the temp jobs that at least relate somewhat to finance (accounting temp work may be a stretch, but it still helps to pay the bills). Do you have internship experience? Any contacts in Finance? Any contacts at all in the UK? Try to use any and all of those relationships to make a connection in the UK. I wish you good luck, and remember to enjoy the time you have overseas to the fullest.

#6

Speaking of temping in London, I know a guy who started as a temp at a BB (back office role, but on the trading floor) and within 2 months managed to leverage that experience into multiple BB FT offers, including one from the place where he temped. They were so keen on having him stay that they granted his request to be hired for trading. So now he’s a trader. Anything can happen.

#7

For contract and permanent finance roles, check out Robert Walters. They have a big presence in London.

#8

mcthorp: no, no and no hehehe. All I have is an EU passport that is begging to be exploited. My only financial experience is 1 year volunteering as Treasurer for a NPO (budgeting, reporting, managing cash, small org 3/4 Million $ budget). BishBosh: Thanks, I’ll check out Robert Walters.

#9

I’m guessing you people looking for work in London all have EU or UK passports rights? Anyone have any idea how difficult it is to get sponsored to work in the UK? I’m assuming impossible now since the market sucks…???

#10

http://www.bia.homeoffice.gov.uk/workingintheuk/ for those who wants a visa, I made mine in 5 weeks, no need sponsors and GBP750.

#11

lilylla Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- > http://www.bia.homeoffice.gov.uk/workingintheuk/ > > for those who wants a visa, I made mine in 5 > weeks, no need sponsors and GBP750. What category you applied under?? Highly skilled workers does not covers accountign/finance. Thanks

#12

I think for someone who isn’t sponsored and doesn’t fall under the a special visa they have for former colonies (South AFrica, Australia, etc), then it’s pretty much a no go unless someone sponsors you…

#13

Yup, I’m fully dual, Canada / EU. It’s the best thing that happened to me aside from life itself. It was either Europe, or Toronto. hmm tough decision… :wink: hehehe kidding guys

#14

anishcandy Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- > lilylla Wrote: > -------------------------------------------------- > ----- > > > http://www.bia.homeoffice.gov.uk/workingintheuk/ > > > > for those who wants a visa, I made mine in 5 > > weeks, no need sponsors and GBP750. > > > What category you applied under?? Highly skilled > workers does not covers accountign/finance. > > Thanks It is called Tier 1 - General (at that time HSMP closed). For any occupation as long as you score enough (>95 points)

#15

Thanks