Posted on 19/08/2026 by Charlotte Frank
If you've built a long career in financial services, it can be frustrating to discover that finding your next role feels very different from when you last changed jobs. Many senior professionals tell us the same thing. They've led teams, delivered complex projects and built decades of experience, yet sending applications through job boards often results in little or no response.
The reality is that the market has changed. Recruitment at a senior level is rarely a numbers game. Success is less about applying for every suitable vacancy and more about being visible to the right people, presenting your experience in the right way and having conversations that uncover opportunities before they're advertised.
Here are six approaches we regularly recommend to experienced professionals looking for their next move.
1. Don't Rely on Job Boards Alone
Job boards still have their place, but we'd rarely suggest they become your primary strategy if you're looking for a senior financial services position. Many leadership appointments are filled through recommendations, executive search firms or existing networks long before they're advertised publicly.
One of the first questions we ask candidates is, "Who have you spoken to recently?" Surprisingly often, the answer is "not many people." Former colleagues, clients and managers already know how you work. They're far more valuable than sending another application into an online portal alongside hundreds of other CVs.
Instead of asking people if they know of any jobs, reconnect to exchange ideas, discuss what's happening in the market and understand the challenges businesses are currently facing. Those conversations often lead to opportunities naturally.
2. Focus on Conversations Rather Than Applications
At a senior level, relationships matter. Rather than spending hours tailoring applications for every vacancy you see, invest time speaking to people who understand your sector. That might be a recruiter who specialises in your market, a former colleague now working elsewhere or someone leading a business you'd genuinely like to join.
The aim isn't to ask for a job. It's to understand where organisations are investing, what problems they're trying to solve and where your experience could genuinely make a difference. The best opportunities often begin with a conversation rather than a job advert.
3. Be Open to Different Ways of Working
One of the biggest shifts we've seen in recent years is the growing demand for experienced professionals who don't necessarily want a traditional permanent position. Many organisations are looking for specialist expertise without adding permanent headcount.
That has created opportunities in areas such as:
Fractional leadership roles
Interim management
Consulting assignments
Advisory and board positions
Project-based transformation work
For many professionals, these roles offer more flexibility while allowing them to continue doing work they enjoy and making a meaningful impact.
4. Don't Avoid the "Overqualified" Conversation
Being described as "overqualified" can feel frustrating, but in our experience it's rarely your experience that's the concern. Hiring managers are often asking themselves different questions; Will this person stay? Will they enjoy the role? Are they genuinely interested, or is this simply a stopgap? Answer those questions before they're asked.
Explain why this role makes sense for you now. Perhaps you're looking to mentor the next generation, work in a different type of organisation or focus on the parts of the job you enjoy most. When employers understand your motivation, concerns about being "overqualified" often disappear.
5. Show Your Recent Experiences
One mistake we regularly see is candidates spending too much time talking about achievements from 15 or 20 years ago. Your experience matters, but employers are equally interested in what you've accomplished recently.
Think about the projects you've delivered over the last few years; Have you improved a process? Led a business through change? Introduced new technology? Reduced costs? Improved client outcomes? Supported digital transformation or adopted AI tools? Those examples demonstrate that you're still evolving alongside the industry rather than relying solely on your past achievements.
6. Stay Visible Within Your Industry
You don't need to post on LinkedIn every day to remain visible. Visibility is about staying connected to your market. Attend industry events. Meet former colleagues for coffee. Join professional discussions. Share an opinion when you have something worthwhile to add.
The more connected you remain, the more likely you are to hear about opportunities before they reach the wider market. In financial services, introductions and recommendations still carry significant weight.
Experience Is Still Your Greatest Asset
One thing hasn't changed. Businesses still value experienced professionals who can solve problems, build relationships and make sound commercial decisions. The challenge isn't proving you have experience. It's making sure the right people understand the value that experience brings today.
A focused network, a clear message and the willingness to have meaningful conversations will almost always achieve more than submitting dozens of online applications.
If you're considering your next move in financial services and would like to discuss the current market, we'd be happy to have a confidential conversation. Email me at sm@charlottefrank.com.