Achieve better engagement on your FinTech job applications

In 2021, 68% of businesses are prioritising recruiting candidates directly to their companies.

However, this is not always best for the jobseeker and their candidate experience. In some cases, the disruption in the economy, caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and the increased volume of job applications has led to an absence of feedback during the recruitment process.

I speak with many people who feel frustrated due to the shortage of responses and lack of meaningful feedback, both from recruiters and direct applications and interviews. Below we have detailed a great strategy on how you can achieve better engagement from organisations after applying for a vacancy.

Make yourself known  

If I was to ask any hiring manager, “what are the top three qualities you look for in a candidate?”

Most of them would say:

• A positive attitude towards work
• A good cultural fit for the business and the team
• Someone who is keen to get stuck in to a project or business

So, before you apply for a role, identify the business’ website and social media pages and ascertain the business culture and think about what you can contribute.

Next, find the relevant hiring manager or a person from the talent acquisition team. Send them a message on why you would like to work there and why you believe you are a good fit for the role. Use Glassdoor, LinkedIn and relevant FinTech articles to inform your message. Look at what they are working on and ask yourself - how could I add value? You don't need to cover every point, but make sure it is relevant and appropriate.

This tactic will show that you have a positive can-do attitude, you are passionate about your work and you’re engaged with their business. This will increase the likelihood of them meaningfully engaging with you in the application process.

Ensure your CV is the best it can be

Producing a stand-out CV could be a whole article on its own! But we do have some straightforward tips for you to get started:

• Always use job descriptions to tailor your CV for the role you are applying for. Use the job description to cover off relevant experience, key achievements and highlight your essential skills.
• Job applications are not a numbers game. To increase the chances of hiring managers engaging with you, focus on producing a high quality application as opposed to a high volume application.
• Make sure your CV is easily readable. Time is precious to hiring managers, meaning most CV’s are reviewed promptly, so make sure it is formatted appropriately and you have checked the document thoroughly for any mistakes.
• You should clearly bullet point main details and key achievements. This means that essential factors are not missed.

 Credibility- it’s a powerful thing!

CVs, applications and interviews are an opportunity where you can demonstrate the skills you have. Anybody can say they are an expert in something, but how many people go far enough to prove it? 

Ensure you're prepared for the interview

Again, this is something I could spend some time going into detail explaining. However, a few key points would be:

• What’s their innovation?
• Who are their competitors?
• When were they founded?
• Who is conducting the interview?
• What is their background?

You may be asked directly what research have you conducted. So, if you can demonstrate knowledge on their market, you will be showing initiative and where you can add value.

Close the interview like a Pro

Every interview ends with your chance to ask questions. People always remember a good closing question!

This gives you the opportunity to gather all the information you need to make a decision on whether you are interested in the role. Ask what you need to, but take this as an opportunity to build rapport. If they haven’t covered it already, ask them:

• How long have they worked for the business?
• How have they found it, compared to their previous employer?

Rapport is a key tool in your arsenal, we all want to work with people we find pleasant. I would also prepare other questions including: challenges they face in the role currently, what are the key factors they are looking for from this person? 

Follow up

In the wise words from my mum: "manners cost nothing".

Following an interview, an email thanking the hiring manager for their time, the positives you have taken away and why you think you’re a good fit for the role is a nice touch that will make them remember you.

It is key to remember you are representing your own brand. You should make an effort to leave a positive impression; one impression can be a hundred impressions. The FinTech community is small and people talk.

I have plenty more tips and tricks up my sleeve, so feel free to contact me for advice on how to secure your next FinTech role and keep an eye on our website, we have new vacancies coming in daily!