You may feel that it's almost impossible to get a job in the financial services sector especially when we are still faced with limited if not negative growth and the worst economic crisis in the lifetime of those seeking employment.

The investment banking industry is particularly hard hit with all the bad press globally. The irony is that it is this very financial sector that needs to play a lead role during the recovery process and it is definitely playing its part.

Do not be overly discouraged by the poor employment and labor statistics currently being reported in the US and Central Europe. There are a few straightforward things you can do to make sure you stand out from the others to help you get a job in banking during the global credit crunch.

Attention To Detail

In the world of investment banking attention to detail is paramount. Getting a ob in this highly paid financial sector means your attention to detail has to be second to none. That starts with your resume and cover letter.

In today's world of the internet mobile phones and text message there may well be little emphasis placed on spelling and grammar. Well don't be fooled. Before you submit any document, whether it's your resume or CV or cover letter, check and double check your spelling and grammar.

I can tell you that after many years of interviewing and recruiting candidates for blue chip organizations the selection process starts with your written application. When faced with any number of resumes and cover letters the HR department or department manager need to determine who to interview. A poorly presented document immediately suggests a lack of attention to detail and I can assure you in the world of investment banking that applicant will be rejected.

Writing Your Resume.

In the context of this article I am going to assume that you fully appreciate the need to research as much as you can about the banking company or companies to which you wish to apply for specific job opportunities.

I make this point because each resume and cover letter should be tailored to the needs of that one company. Far too many job seekers submit a generic CV and then wonder why they have not been considered.

Your resume needs to reflect how your experience, expertise, and skills set will be in demand by the banking company and how and why you are the right person for the job. How do you do that?

Some years ago I was introduced to a technique called "The Star" technique.

Knowing what skills the company is looking for you can write your resume by matching the skills needed and demonstrating the value can bring to the organization by:

S: Describing a given Situation.

T: What Tasks you were assigned.

A: What Actions you performed.

R: What the beneficial Results were.

This is a great way of using real facts and real examples that demonstrate you are the best candidate for the job.

Networking

This last point actually refers more to what you need to do or not do before you leave your current employment. Regardless of whether your position of employment is in the banking or financial sector always, always leave it on a high note and in a friendly manner. That may seem difficult at the time but, you can never tell when your present company or people within it can be extremely useful in helping you land that next top job.

Stay in touch with work colleagues and those with whom you came in contact. Continue to show that you are genuinely interested in them and their careers.

I am not suggesting that you blatantly ask these people for a job. However, by keeping in touch with them, they may very well prove helpful in the future either by highlighting potential job opportunities or by simply offering professional guidance.

How to get a job in banking during the global credit crunch is not unlike applying for a place at one of the top ranking universities. Being good isn't good enough. You have to be exceptional.

There are fewer job opportunities within the banking and finance industry at the moment but they do exist. To succeed you need to stand out and that starts with how you conduct yourself and how you present yourself.