Finding a Job as a Financial Planner

Knowing who you are is key to finding the right job fit. A self-assessment includes taking a close look at these areas:

Values: Know ahead of time what is important to you, so you will recognize if your own values align with those of a prospective employer.
Interests: Take a close look at what your interests are and how a job can connect with those interests so you will enjoy your work. 
Skills: Recognize what you are good at, what skills you bring to a job, and how to build on those skills.
Personality: Assess whether you are an introvert or extrovert, logical versus intuitive, flexible versus methodical, team-oriented versus solitary, so you can decide if a specific work setting is right for you.

The employment landscape in financial services is extremely broad—take the time to do some research to narrow your focus. It’s important to understand the different business models in the industry and how firms incorporate financial planning into their business. Identify companies that match what you are looking for and create a list of job titles you believe match your qualifications and align with your interests.

Use opportunities such as career fairs, networking, or just browsing job listings in the field to get a sense of positions, titles and responsibilities as well as the skills and experience employers are looking for.

Create a polished, succinct resume and tailor it to reflect the job research you’ve done. A cover letter can further align your qualifications to the responsibilities outlined in a job posting. Also, build your own personal brand using social media with a focus on LinkedIn. Make the small investment in a professional photo. And be sure to review and update your profile on a regular basis.