Financial services recruiters think that there will be mass movement of financial advisors between firms in the coming year. So if you’re thinking about making a move, you’re going to have some company.
Planning the transition from your initial investigation of target firms all the way through the process of severing your ties with your previous firm is essential if you want to avoid the snags that can delay or even halt the process.
Is your resume positioned to catch a recruiter’s eye?
Fins, a Wall Street Journal affiliated financial jobs site, has some advice for experienced advisors who are looking to make a transition between firms.
Specifics are essential. Use your resume to give recruiters an inside perspective on your business and the skill-sets you leverage for success. Show them how you go about generating revenue for your firm by giving them concrete numbers to spark their interest.
But don’t get so carried away with details that recruiters lose sight of why you are effective. Provide them with a summary paragraph that encapsulates the ideas and figures that define who you are as an advisor.
Despite the importance of demonstrating your success, don’t stop there. Recruiters also want to see that you are engaged in relationship-building activities that cement your current client relationships and bring new business to your firm. Include details about your nonprofit and volunteer activities, industry association memberships and speaking engagements.
Use your resume to demonstrate your skill at building long-term relationships. This shouldn’t be just a few bullet points with general language about your considerable relationship-building skills. Tell a story that gives recruiters a clear picture of your modus operandi by reflecting—in a concise way—on your ability to building strong client relationships.
But despite the importance of building yourself up in the eyes of the recruiter, don’t exaggerate.
If you get the call, how are you going to manage the transition?