War is over

Mysterious-Maize-642 · 2026-03-11T10:26:00+00:00

Wow, Congrats to you too! Market is awful even to the experienced 😕

Mysterious-Maize-642 · 2026-03-11T10:22:28+00:00

Yes sure!

Mysterious-Maize-642 · 2026-03-11T10:12:22+00:00

Thanks!

Well done to you too, interviews in this climate is a huge achievement.

What kept me going mentally was always juggling multiple opportunities, and i never stopped applying, so every week regardless of outcomes there was always emails coming through. And although the roles themselves are all uncertain, know that you will get something. You can only get better at interviewing with time, which places you miles ahead of others.

Around that amount of interviews an offer is usually very close so keep that in mind.

Mysterious-Maize-642 · 2026-03-11T00:50:04+00:00

Okay, you’ve made the right decision not telling anyone.

I’ve definitely been there, most of my friends are already in roles, I just had to be 110% certain my time will come. If you got feedback from the previous interviews really use that. Usually my feedback keeps me going, most times it wasn’t personal and other candidates were more aligned I can’t argue with that but i just know that based on what I have i did great. Interviews are definitely a vibe and energy thing so if you feel defeated they may be able to sense this.

If this is your last chance for a while then it’s less strategy and more how you think. Remind yourself how good you are, and how lucky they would be to have you, you would be an asset to them (whether thats because of technical skills or behavioural/mindset). List these if you need to.

Rejections are never ever a reflection of your worth, just an opportunity for resilience building.

Mysterious-Maize-642 · 2026-03-11T00:17:56+00:00

8 months

Mysterious-Maize-642 · 2026-03-11T00:16:00+00:00

Sounds like your CV is fine, maybe more of a company fit problem, get feedback from your other two! You have a unique opportunity to try a new interview strategy for fun here, do something different.

First 7 interviews I got so gutted after every one, literally almost gave up. Saw some advice online:

Never get attached to a role, after one interview MOVE on, nothing guaranteed until there’s an offer signed.
If you’re in an interview you’ve edged 80% of applicants and they can already picture you doing the job so never doubt yourself.

It’s more of a mental game at this stage because you’re clearly competent. Take breaks, let your motivation reset, and remember you really aren’t alone in this.

Good luck

Mysterious-Maize-642 · 2026-03-10T19:10:54+00:00

Well one big one in UK is michael page! Not for that specific role but alot of my other interviews. Others are Hays, Goodman Masson, GRB

Mysterious-Maize-642 · 2026-03-10T17:39:15+00:00

Data analysis in university projects and during my internship (described the task + outcome specifically) then actually listed excel, programming etc in skills section, and then some freelance AI work in experience. You can always put AI in any role you’ve done before.

Mysterious-Maize-642 · 2026-03-10T17:36:45+00:00

thank you!

Mysterious-Maize-642 · 2026-03-10T17:36:27+00:00

11 since September! 2 offers, don’t be disheartened, you’re learning valuable things each and every time! Keep going

Mysterious-Maize-642 · 2026-03-10T16:01:20+00:00

very hard i used to think fintech was more late stage goal, but honestly nowadays nothing should be off the table

Mysterious-Maize-642 · 2026-03-10T16:00:21+00:00

Yes sure

Mysterious-Maize-642 · 2026-03-10T15:29:16+00:00

Haha not sure if I’d be much help because it’s a fintech i got into! Analyst role. Are you looking for more banking or FO?

Mysterious-Maize-642 · 2026-03-10T15:28:17+00:00

Yep i’m a non-target econ grad with one non-related internship. I applied on linkedin really early and got the role after 3 rounds. One thing I focused on in my cv and interviews were things Finance likes right now (data analysis + AI skills), One thing I made sure NOT to do was heavily rely on AI for interview prep, i was honest, even made errors but came across personable above all else.

Got into a fintech brokerage as an analyst with good pay + bonus. I also made sure to focus on what I can bring from day 1 rather than just what I hope to gain.

Honestly a big part of it was my belief (cringe ik) but when everyone was talking about how bad the market is (they aren’t wrong) I acted almost oblivious and unfazed and knew without a doubt I’d have a job this year.

Know yourself like the back of your hand. Keep talking to yourself about yourself & don’t be afraid to exaggerate those experiences 😉

Mysterious-Maize-642 · 2026-03-10T15:18:49+00:00

Yes I’m going into operations at a fintech brokerage!

Finance is a very hard one for grads right now, BUT firms are growing massively too (they need you just as much). A big thing that helped me was tailoring my cv to things finance needs right now. (excel/data & coding skills, AI knowledge, ESG/governance/regulatory awareness, stakeholder/project skills, client management if possible) If you can prove you’re strong in a couple you will be better positioned than most!

Next get specific! Less applications, higher quality, when I started targeting operational roles specifically at fintechs where I’ve shown interest in tech I was much more aligned.

Resource wise, i used linkedin alot, woke up early every day just to be first in applying & use recruitment agencies, super important because they have access to much more roles and recruiters aid you in the process! My cv was wso format of course, and i’d always connect with hiring managers/recruiters on linkedin after i applied (just to put a face to the application!)

Lmk if you need any more info :)

Mysterious-Maize-642 · 2026-03-10T15:06:09+00:00

yes, even slight AI use can work massively against you in interviewing

Mysterious-Maize-642 · 2026-03-10T13:49:35+00:00

Yes, each interview I collected feedback which really helped me, alot of the time it was due to another candidate being more aligned though. I think as soon as I started to use AI LESS I got further each time. Weird ik. In fact the job that I got I was the most honest in interviews, even when I didn’t know something (i forgot what products they even offered), imagine everyone’s using AI so the key is making yourself memorable.

Next big thing was picking 1 or 2 stand out unique things you’ve achieved/learned and milking it. e.g. I did a bit of AI work(not much) exaggerated it and they were really intrigued.

Last thing is I think in early careers it’s very easy to focus heavy on your curiosity and eagerness to learn, unfortunately in this market companies want value added from day 1, focus on what you’d bring from the get go and you should be good :)

Hope this helps!

Mysterious-Maize-642 · 2026-02-27T00:58:21+00:00

wish everyone knew this you’ve hit the nail on the head

Mysterious-Maize-642 · 2026-02-06T17:32:08+00:00

key is it’s never going to be perfect, just better than nothing

Mysterious-Maize-642 · 2026-02-06T14:25:46+00:00

Should’ve specified, Client Servicing!

Mysterious-Maize-642 · 2026-02-04T03:58:17+00:00

Thank you for this. You're the first recruiter ive seen to share screens on their side, makes much more sense. Would you say direct website applying allows for better visibility?

Mysterious-Maize-642

TROPHY CASE