Professional Associations (and the Right Recruiter) Can Open Doors in Accounting & Finance
Finance associations play a critical role in the global financial landscape. These organizations, comprising professionals from various sectors of the finance industry, aim to foster collaboration, uphold ethical standards, and promote continuous learning. Along with professional associations, the right recruiter, like PrideStaff Financial, can further open doors to exclusive roles and employer connections you may not find on your own.
Start By Choosing the Right Association
There are many professional associations for financial professionals, ranging from broad and general to niche and specialized, such as the American Finance Association, the Association for Financial Professionals, the Financial Planning Association, and the National Association of Personal Financial Advisors. To choose the right association for you, consider your goals, needs, and preferences. Do you want to connect with your peers in your current or desired industry? Do you want to learn new skills, obtain certifications, or access research? Do you prefer online or in-person events, local or national chapters, or large or small groups? Do you want to be involved in community outreach? These questions help you navigate where to start.
Don’t Set It and Then Forget It
Once you join an association, don’t just pay the dues and forget about it. First off, memberships are typically expensive, and while some organizations offer to reimburse, just paying to join and then not proactively participating does nothing to benefit you. Try to engage with the members, both online and offline. You can do this by attending webinars, workshops, conferences, or social events organized by the association. You can also join online forums, groups, or newsletters where you can ask questions, share insights, or offer help. When you interact with other members, be genuine, respectful, and curious. Don’t just pitch yourself, but try to build rapport and trust.
Build Lasting Relationships
You can use a professional association to build a network of lasting relationships by leveraging the benefits that come with the membership. You can take advantage of the educational, career, or financial resources that the association provides. You can also seek advice, feedback, or referrals from other members who have similar or complementary goals, challenges, or experiences. Get creatively involved by supporting and celebrating the achievements of other members and expressing your gratitude and appreciation for their help. By leveraging the benefits, you can create value for yourself and others and strengthen your bonds with your network.
The Right Recruiter
The right recruiter can provide valuable insider perspectives on potential employers and interviewers that go beyond the scope of a job description or Google search. They are also invaluable at helping candidates prepare more thoroughly for the application and interview process. Recruiters like PrideStaff Financial offer support throughout the entire hiring journey, providing constructive feedback on interview performance, helping candidates refine their presentation skills, and addressing any weaknesses. Recruiters have intimate knowledge of the industry, getting exclusive role opportunities before they are publicly posted.
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