GUEST COMMENT: How to escape the job you took in desperation in 2009
The worst of the financial crisis happened nearly three years ago. But for some people it isn't over. For some people, its repercussions are felt every day, in the form of a job far below their pay or experience grade.
In the dark days of 2009, people took jobs for the sale of CV continuity. They took jobs to pay the bills. Some front office people moved into the middle office. Now they're stuck there.
If you're one of these people, it's an unfortunate truth that recruiters aren't obliged to look favourably on your CV. They can afford to be picky. If they want a left-handed German-speaking Product Controller with an ACA who plays classical piano in their spare time, they can probably find one. The odds are stacked against you.
There's no magic ticket to help you regain your former glory, However, the following may help.
1) Extract relevant skills & experience from your 'stepping stone' role
Take a step back and figure out what transferrable experience might exist in your current job which can enhance the skill set you'll need in your ideal job.
You might be surprised.
For example, project management skills are relevant to M&A processes, amongst other areas. If you've had to maintain a database, parlay that into sales skills, since marketers often need to keep track of huge client lists in a way that maximizes their pitching success.
2) Emphasise that you WORKED through the downturn
Employers often want to make sure candidates can "suck it up" and do things that might otherwise be considered distasteful.
And let's be honest here, finance is known for people who are too full of themselves to do things "below their station". Demonstrate your work ethic and show that you don't have hang-ups about rolling up your sleeves.
3) Stay in the mix
Meet people and network assiduously. Make it clear that you're just doing this job temporarily and have more solid permanent aspirations. Remind people of your background and prior experience and engage as much as possible with other people outside your direct team.
4) Keep up to speed with friends who still work in your chosen area
These contacts will help keep your finger on the pulse of the industry you used to work in and will tell you if there are any hiring catalysts on the horizon.
Teams spinning out, strategic decisions to expand into your career sector by big integrated banks and financial services companies - all of this news flow is best sourced by switched-on professionals who are already behind the kimono.
I've known people whose CV's didn't necessarily distinguish themselves but who simply got their first, didn't screw up majorly in their interviews and were hired for simply being at the top of the CV pile.
The author is a former corporate financier who is now working in private equity.
