Revealed What Banking Finance candidates really want from employers

Revealed What Banking Finance candidates really want from employers by Michael Cheary Looking for a career in Banking Finance?We recently attended the Talent Leaders Connect event on Banking, Financial Fintech, and revealed some key stats about jobseekers in the finance industry â€" and what they’re looking for when it comes to finding the right role.To help you learn more about what to expect and what’s really on offer, here are some of the key things we found Banking Finance candidates want from employers:Higher salaries It may come as no surprise that graduate salaries offered in the banking and finance industry consistently rank above national averages.However, whilst the actual number is around £2500 more than the all-sector average ( £29,145 vs. £26,546), it isn’t always enough to attract the best candidates.In fact, for the first time in five years ‘expected salary’ outstripped actual starting salaries offered by employers working in finance.And, in spite of the fact that salaries have seen a minimal dip during this time period, graduate expectations continue to rise â€" asking for 27% more than they did five years ago.A faster interview processOK, so jobseekers in many industries will be hoping for a higher salary.Unfortunately though, for many businesses this might not be a practical solution. Especially with no clear indication of how our finances will fare in a post-Brexit Britain.However, how professionally a company handles the recruitment process also plays a part in leaving a positive impression â€" especially when it comes to punctuality.85% of the Banking Finance candidates we surveyed suggested that they expected to be interviewed within a fortnight of making an application.Comparing this to the national average of 78% only further highlights that, in a highly competitive industry, employers need to act fast if they want to guarantee they don’t miss out on the right people for the role.A level playing field  A fairer recruitment process also consistently came up form candidates as a desirable quality for potential employers.Recognising the need for change, the ‘Big Four’ accountancy firms are updating the way they target graduate talent.Some of the new practices they’ve introduced include flexible interviewing (e.g. one-day assessments, video and group interviews), and ‘blind CVs’, which take non skills-based factors such as your name and the name of the university you’ve attended out of the hiring decision.They’re also working on removing the barrier for academic qualifications, with higher grade A levels no longer being seen as pre-requisites. Something which has been a legacy item in the industry for some time.In short, it’s becoming more about attitude and mindset than educational achievement and background â€" something which could have a huge impact when it comes to improving the office environment, not to mention retention rates.Ensuring their recruitment drive is as progressive is the best way to reach the top talenttl;drThe five top tak eaways from the data are:Starting salaries for banking and finance graduates are 10% higher than the all-sector averageExpected salaries amongst candidates are higher than actual salaries on offer â€" for the first time in five years85% expect to be interviewed within two weeks of making an applicationThe ‘Big Four’ are evolving the way they recruit â€" focussing on a better candidate fit, rather than qualificationsStill searching for roles in banking, finance fintech? View all available jobs now.Find a job What Where Search JobsSign up for more Career AdviceSign up for moreCareer Advice Please enter a valid email addressmessage hereBy clicking Submit you agree to the terms and conditions applicable to our service and acknowledge that your personal data will be used in accordance with our privacy policy and you will receive emails and communications about jobs and career related topics. Features What job suits me?