Your First 90 Days: A Practical Guide to Landing Your First Banking Job

Month 1: Building Your Foundation

The first 30 days are all about preparation. This is where you'll lay the groundwork for a successful job search by understanding your own strengths, crafting a compelling personal brand, and gaining a deep understanding of the banking industry.

Self-Assessment: Know Thyself

Before you start applying for jobs, take some time for introspection. What are your strengths and weaknesses? What are you passionate about? What are your long-term career goals? Answering these questions will help you identify the banking roles that are the best fit for you and tailor your application materials accordingly.

Craft Your Narrative: Resume and LinkedIn

Your resume and LinkedIn profile are your personal marketing documents. They should tell a compelling story about who you are, what you've accomplished, and what you can bring to a potential employer. Focus on quantifiable achievements and use action verbs to describe your experience. Make sure your LinkedIn profile is complete, professional, and aligned with your resume.

Research the Landscape: Understand the Industry

The banking industry is vast and diverse. There are many different sectors, each with its own unique culture, career paths, and skill requirements. Take the time to research the different areas of banking, such as:

• Retail Banking: The most visible part of the industry, dealing directly with consumers.
• Commercial Banking: Focused on providing services to businesses.
• Investment Banking: Involves raising capital for corporations, governments, and other entities.
• Wealth Management: Providing financial planning and investment advice to high-net-worth individuals.

Understanding the nuances of each sector will help you target your job search and have more informed conversations with networking contacts and interviewers.

Month 2: Gaining an Edge

With a solid foundation in place, it's time to start building your competitive advantage. This month is all about acquiring new skills, expanding your professional network, and positioning yourself as a top candidate.

Supercharge Your Skills: The Power of Certifications

In a crowded job market, professional certifications can be a powerful differentiator. They demonstrate your commitment to the industry and provide you with specialized knowledge that can make you a more attractive candidate. The American Bankers Association (ABA) offers a wide range of certificate programs that are highly respected in the industry.

Here are a few ABA certifications that are particularly relevant for entry-level professionals:

Network Like a Pro: Build Meaningful Connections

Networking is a critical component of any successful job search, but it's especially important in the banking industry. Building genuine relationships with professionals in your target field can provide you with invaluable insights, advice, and even job leads. Here are a few tips for effective networking:

• Informational Interviews: Reach out to banking professionals on LinkedIn or through your alumni network and ask for a brief informational interview. This is a great way to learn about their career path, get advice, and expand your network.
• Email Etiquette: When reaching out to potential contacts, always be professional and concise. Personalize your message and explain why you're interested in speaking with them. And remember, it's often more effective to email someone directly rather than sending a generic LinkedIn connection request.
• Quality over Quantity: Focus on building a small number of meaningful relationships rather than collecting a large number of superficial connections. Take the time to get to know people and follow up with them periodically.

Month 3: The Final Push

The last 30 days are all about execution. This is where you'll put all your preparation to the test and make a final push to land your first banking job.

Ace the Interview: Prepare for Success

Acing your interviews is the final hurdle in the job search process. The key to a successful interview is preparation. Research the bank and the specific role you're interviewing for, and be prepared to answer common interview questions, such as:

• "Why are you interested in a career in banking?"
• "What do you know about our bank?"
• "Walk me through your resume."

Practice your answers out loud and be prepared to provide specific examples of your skills and accomplishments. And don't forget to prepare a few questions of your own to ask the interviewer. This shows that you're engaged and genuinely interested in the role.

Know Your Worth: Understanding Salary Expectations

Salary is an important consideration in any job offer. It's important to have a realistic understanding of entry-level banking salaries in your target market. According to Glassdoor, the average salary for an entry-level banker in the United States is around a competitive annual pay range for beginners in the field. However, this can vary significantly depending on the specific role, location, and type of institution. For example, an entry‑level investment banker can expect to earn significantly more, with compensation often falling within a notably higher starting range.

The Road Ahead

Landing your first banking job is a challenging but achievable goal. By following this 90-day plan, you can approach your job search with confidence, purpose, and a clear strategy for

success. Remember to stay persistent, be adaptable, and never stop learning. Your dream job in banking is within reach.

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