This month, we break down the question “Tell me about yourself” and give you the tools to answer it. “Tell me about yourself” is called an icebreaker question for a reason! Here are the ways you can steer the interview in your favour by answering this first question. Why do interviewers ask this question? Candidates can get frustrated with this […]

We sat down with Milly, a criminology student entering her second year at Oxford Brookes University, to hear how she navigated the professional environment and applied the skills she gained from her studies. Hello, Milly! What interested you about taking a work experience position at Aldrich & Co? I felt I had to get as much experience as possible before […]

This week, we check in with Amy Rolfe. Amy joined us between school terms to find out what a week of work looks like. She told us what she learned over the week and what a professional environment taught her about her future ambitions. Hello Amy! What interested you about work experience at Aldrich & Co? I wanted to expand […]

Jonny Matthews was in our 2025 summer cohort at Aldrich & Co, and we sat down with him to talk about why getting an internship was so important to him, the barriers faced by Gen Z in entering the workplace, and the advice he would give to his peers who might be wondering how to get started in a professional […]

We checked in with the team to find out where they get their information on everything in London, from the best networking conferences to the most reliable events calendars. Our favourite ways to keep up with events in London Emily Aldrich, our CEO and Managing Director, most often goes by word of mouth. She keeps a special note on her […]

Now, more than ever, supervisors need to step up and ensure early-career workers still develop the insights and skills essential for long-term growth. The problem of using AI to take over admin tasks We like the idea of using AI to augment our work and make us more efficient. But when so-called “menial” tasks are handed to artificial intelligence, early-career […]

In this article, we look into how you can encourage a work-life balance within your company, no matter how fast-paced it is, to ensure that your employees keep on giving their all. Define the terms of a “work-life balance” Every workplace has different needs. A work-life balance doesn’t need to be about hours; it can also mean flexibility, autonomy, relaxation […]

You’re often dealing with high-profile clients and a fast-paced environment that requires juggling international time zones, not to mention public transport delays and the general chaos of working in a metropolis! On top of this, in large corporations with lots of expectations, it can sometimes feel like you’re running on a hamster wheel without getting anything done. Here’s how you […]

ESG is considered the successor to CSR or corporate social responsibility, as it includes a wider remit of policies. Many of these concern governance: The broad picture of a company’s ethos. This is the focus of our final article on ESG, with thanks once again to Sophie Boyce, who provided us with considerable help and advice in helping us write […]

Many people feel that passions need to take a back seat when you work full time, especially when you have other responsibilities like childcare. But your interests deserve care and attention. This article explores how to foster your passions while employed, giving you back the drive and motivation to succeed across all walks of life. How to reconnect with your […]

We check in again with Sophie Boyce, Associate at a leading Wealth Manager in the City, for her deep insight into the three investing principles of ESG. Last month, we wrote about the importance of implementing ESG at work and focused on the first environmental factor: Read part one of “How to implement ESG at work, Part 1: Environmental” here. […]

More and more, we are headhunting candidates with professional backgrounds that defy conventional wisdom about how to get ahead in finance and banking. In this article, we explore the unconventional career path. How can you use your unique experience to get your dream job? What does an ‘unconventional career path’ mean? Career paths in the professional services once followed a […]

In our previous article, we explained in detail why ESG strategies are so essential for a company’s success. Now we are starting a three-part series on how to implement each principle of ESG at work from today. In Part 1 of how to implement ESG at work, we look into the environmental principle. Go to our first article: Why ESG […]

In this article, part of our long-running series on how to prepare for popular interview questions, we explore the question “What motivates you at work?” and how to answer it. Interviewers aren’t just looking to see if you know the industry and understand what the role requires of you. They are also interested to find out what kind of employee […]

We can help you find a clear path to applying for a job and getting an interview, even when you don’t fulfil all the requirements on paper.  Pick up the phone If you see a job spec for a role you would love to have, we recommend first talking to the relevant recruiter. If the job doesn’t have a designated […]

We receive many CVs and cover letters written by AI. We also understand that many recruiters, companies, and platforms are starting to implement AI in their activities. In this article, we explore why using AI as part of the application process could work against you. We also discuss what you can do to increase your chances of getting seen among […]

Remember that we have a growing list of investigating the finance and banking industry’s most popular interview questions. Go here for more answers: Why should we hire you? What are you looking for in a new position? What’s your leadership style? Common interview questions: What even the best candidates forget! How to answer behavioural interview questions How to respond at […]

We are a recruiter for professional services in London’s vibrant finance and banking sector, and we often get several new candidates in the new year, all looking for this change. But is a job in finance ultimately right for them, and have they thought about what they need to be satisfied at work? To decide, we recommend weighing the pros […]

As an extra bonus, you can apply many of these tips, with some differences, to in-person interviews! Be prepared to wait As with in-person interviews, it is good practice to arrive early. We recommend 15 minutes for in-person interviews. For virtual interviews, keep it to five minutes. Many conferencing platforms have a virtual waiting room. Seeing you ready and prepared, […]

This article walks you through all the additional details you need to think about when designing a business card to attract a recruiter’s attention. Think about your branding Find a style, colour and font that best aligns with your industry and target audience. A bold, colourful layout might be a great fit for a creative designer, but a financial advisor […]

So, how can a candidate ensure that they give a great impression at remote interviews? In this article, the first in our series on remote interviews, we detail how to set up your space and prepare to make a great first impression. Candidates must treat remote interviews exactly as they would an in-person interview. Preparation is of utmost importance. Read […]

We believe that the following approach will help anyone to achieve their career goals after a long work break. Be open to alternative pathways The world of work has changed a great deal in the last 25+ years. You may need to reframe how you can get ahead. The good news is that recruiters and companies expect employees to bring […]

Some think that business cards are old news, for people in more senior roles, or that no one uses them anymore. But a business card can be such an important tool for your career. Let’s explore the benefits of printed business cards.   How business cards can set you apart The business card is an essential piece of kit in your […]

Quiz: Am I ready for a new role? We have so many great candidates eager for a new professional challenge. But how many of these candidates are actually ready to move on? Are they moving too quickly? And what about those people who have been ready for some time to move on but never find the nerve to send an […]

In this article, we explore where you can start such a programme and how you can continue to manage and monitor it to ensure that your company continues to foster in-house talent. Why is having an L&D programme so important? Learning and development programmes help you to develop your employees’ skills. You should expect to support every person you hire […]

Fortify the ‘essentials’ Associate roles are demanding and competitive, and expectations for associates are high, especially in private equity. You will need to do more than perform well in your day-to-day. To stand the best chances of success, you must commit to a regular and balanced programme of skill development, networking, mentorship, and industry awareness. This is what we recommend […]

“I am a financial analyst, and I always get feedback from my superiors that I need to improve my communication skills. I know what I’m doing, but I find it hard explaining it to senior people. If I want to get promoted, I’ve been told I’m going to have to improve the way I communicate, so what can I do?”  […]

Why interviewers ask the question “Why should we hire you?” Every interview question has a clear purpose, and the best interviewers come to the table with a clear idea as to what they do and don’t want to hear in an answer. In the case of this question, an interviewer wants to assess how much you understand the job, what […]

We only need to think of Patagonia and its commitment to creating sustainable products and establishing fair labour practices to see what a huge positive impact this has also had on the company’s perception. Plenty more big brands have come to show solid commitments to ESG, from Microsoft’s decision to be carbon negative by 2030 to Warby Parker, which ships […]

Some might make the mistake of disregarding or not adequately preparing for the questions that come up time and again. Don’t let this be you! The question “Why do you want to work here?” is almost always used for good reason. They are checking to see if you are a good fit for the company. How to answer “Why do […]

What business coaching can do By focusing on structured guidance, business coaching can support our personal and professional development. Not everyone can clearly see the path to success or what path might appeal to them.   Coaching sessions help you identify and achieve specific goals. They will show you the challenges of your ambitions and what you need to overcome […]

What professional profiles need to have Professional profiles that showcase a solid personal brand must have the following: If you are also creating or updating your profile on LinkedIn, you should include in this list: Keep consistent across your professional profiles One of the biggest reasons candidates can prevent themselves from getting an interview is because of inconsistencies in their […]

Yet, many of our candidates still also worry about what to wear to their interview. Does the old adage “dress for the job you want” still have legs? And how can candidates ensure they avoid wardrobe gaffs? We check in with Beverly Osemwenkhae, an NYC/London personal stylist and Founder of ProjectBee Wardrobe Consulting, which offers consulting and courses to help […]

If you have tried all of our advice and still find your motivation hasn’t changed, we will help you take the next steps in this second part. Get objective when you want a new job Train yourself to think objectively about the benefits your job has given you. Looking back will help you to reflect on what genuinely matters to […]

In this article, we explore what needs to happen when your mood towards work takes a downturn, and how you can start to feel more positive about your career. Pay attention to how you feel Many people feel that they need to grit their teeth and endure the day of work, in order to enjoy the weekend. As recruiters for […]

What business coaches do Business coaches are there to give you personalised guidance and support over a defined period of time. You will emerge from your sessions with strategies and techniques to better tackle your work tasks and goals. Who needs a business coach? Business coaching is particularly helpful for people who face distinct challenges in their work or career. […]

Tasks can add up. It is important to keep track of how they impact your overall career progression and ensure individual items don’t get forgotten in the process. Stick to one or two methods for prioritising tasks So many options are available for organising tasks that switching from one to the other can end up a job in itself. App […]

So, you have found firm’s key players, understood the company’s goals, and started to set realistic, measurable objectives. Here is how to sail through the remainder of those first three months in your new role. Keep track of your progress If you read the first part of our First 90-Days Plan, you will already have forged your path to identifying […]

We think that 90 days is a good length of time to plan your strategy for success at work. Ninety days is roughly three months, which often equates to a probationary period in many firms. The first few months are your moment to shine and set the stage for the rest of your time at the company! This is Part […]

In this article, we walk through all the ways you can set yourself up for a great creative role, even if you’ve spent much of your working life in the corporate world. Learn how to be a good storyteller Storytelling is a real art, and it takes practice. If you’re already regularly giving public presentations, you’re already well on your […]

Here are our tips to help you navigate the challenges of the workplace without burning out. Know that taking care of yourself is incredibly personal, what works for you may not work for another person. That being said, the general principles below will hopefully guide you towards better approaches to handle your stress at work. Set clear boundaries for self-care […]

Become a lifelong learner for an Investor Relations job Continuous learning is key to staying relevant in this dynamic field. In fact, no matter the field, we always recommend getting recognized for learning achievements throughout your career as a way to get ahead. Get certified in Investor Relations There is no single approach to a career in investor relations, and […]

Aldrich & Co’s overview of the 2024 finance job market Finance still feels like a candidate-driven market to us. Many candidates can specify the number of days they are prepared to go into the office. Several jobs are either advertised as hybrid or employers are flexible to remote working roles for exceptional (and we must emphasise that word!) candidates. Advice from […]

Lists are an important way to help you see at a glance how much work you have on your plate each day. In addition, they can help you to block out time in your calendar to ensure you meet your deadlines. When you become more confident, you can even start to review the dependencies between tasks and prioritise more effectively. […]

However, being able to manage multiple projects takes skill. Conflicting deadlines, scant resources, and your health can be at risk if you juggle multiple projects. Here’s how you can take responsibility and keep tasks moving, all while keeping yourself happy and healthy. Prioritise your multiple projects every day You should always keep a task list by your side to help […]

Taking care of your physical health and well-being should always be a part of your career journey; we see so many people at the top of their game running out of steam because they thought they could manage everything without taking a breather. Don’t make the same mistake as them; the human body is an excellent machine, but even the […]

Meaningful connections are all the more important in a competitive city like London, where the right people might even open doors. This guide will help you to establish meaningful connections and secure them.    Attend business events for connections in London It is so important to be visible in business. This means attending conferences, industry talks and meet-ups that are […]

If you’re worrying about how productive you are and how to set achievable goals, here are our practical tips and tricks to help you be more productive at work. What does “work productivity” mean? Understanding what your managers and colleagues mean by “productive” can be difficult. In a business context, productivity refers to the quality of your work, how often […]

1. Make a list—and keep managing it Yes, a list is essential to manage your time and keep ahead. Make sure both tasks and deadlines go into your list—most people only manage one! We recommend using digital over physical lists because you can prioritise and reorder your list as you go. You can also hyperlink and copy/paste information to individual […]

Nevertheless, anyone looking to move to a new city should consider certain factors beforehand. Here are our tips to help you decide whether it is better for you to relocate to London or stay put. Research the job market before relocating to London If you already know the type of roles you want, look up how many similar roles might […]

The best ways to enhance your reputation When you have a good reputation, you become seen as more trustworthy and credible to others. People want to work with – and buy from – trustworthy people. So, how can you get started?   1. Listen to your colleagues Sometimes, when people want to establish themselves, they do so by asserting themselves […]

Why is it important to maintain a work-life balance? A healthy balance between work and personal life reduces stress, prevents burnout, and promotes overall well-being. By balancing your work and personal life, you can dedicate more time to nurturing personal relationships that will make you happier, more content—and ready to start the work day.   This last factor is essential. […]

Think about what you want. Are your salary expectations closely linked to your overall happiness, or do you need a healthy benefits package?  How to determine your salary range A lot of factors go into determining a range for your salary expectations that best fits your skills and experience. We recommend looking at the market rate for your current job […]

When employees feel supported, they are more motivated to give their best. A sense of belonging promotes a positive work culture, improving employee engagement and reducing turnover rates. Furthermore, a supportive environment encourages better mental health and work-life balance, ultimately enhancing overall well-being. So, by prioritising employee well-being and satisfaction, supportive environments encourage higher levels of engagement and retention. Here’s […]

What are behavioural interview questions? Unlike traditional questions that may be more theoretical, behavioural interview questions ask candidates to give specific examples from their work history that demonstrate how they approach a business challenge. Some examples of behavioural interview questions include: How to predict which behavioural questions you’ll be asked Behavioural questions are great ways for recruiters to gauge a […]

This is part of our growing series on interview questions. Read our first article on answering the question “What’s your leadership style?” How to structure your answer to “What are you looking for in a new position?” Every candidate should expect this question, so we have developed a structure for the ideal answer: Do your research when answering the question […]

Finance institutions in the City of London primarily use recruiters to get the best candidates. Some companies have in-house recruitment teams, but many more hire external, private recruitment firms like Aldrich & Co.  Recruitment in the finance & banking industries is a smaller world than you may think! To maintain strong relationships with our clients, we have to be selective […]

How can you write company values that are sincere? How to assess your current company values Company values need to start from the C-suite. They should then extend to the rest of the company so organically—if you find yourself having to force feed your values to your teams at every meeting, you might need to go back to the drawing […]

Career and personal development are both huge commitments, and the train won’t keep moving unless you put in the right fuel. Nevertheless, an investment doesn’t need to mean making a major financial or time commitment! Sometimes, it is the small changes in your life that can improve your future in the long run. Ensuring that you read a book every […]

Don’t let this question frighten you! It’s such an interesting one to be posed, and with a little thinking, everyone can answer it! Who will be asked this question? You might think that this question is restricted to CEOs, but this isn’t the case. If your role is given any kind of responsibility, expect to be asked this question. All […]

The biggest problems that we see in candidates’ applications are: I haven’t included a cover letter – should I write one? In this Digital Age, many applications are now being processed by automated software. Keep in mind that this won’t always be the case, and that many companies do prefer to have human involvement at least some point, if not […]

Consider how to move up the ladder within your company Before you look elsewhere, we recommend developing your career within a firm before hopping to another company. If a company offers you enough career progression, you can forge great relationships and a strong understanding of the business, helping you to move forward. Improve the breadth as well as depth of […]

If you’re in doubt about whether or not to accept a job offer, ask yourself why you’re feeling this way. Do you feel you lack the confidence to take on the new challenge? Do you worry you might have oversold your skills at the interview, or perhaps even glossed over some requirements that you will now have to meet? By […]

We always recommend that our candidates ask employers who know them well and who they believe will give them a good reference. But what if you don’t remember them well enough or can’t find a positive word to write? And even if you do know and like your employee, how can you show them off in the best possible light? […]

The Aldrich & Co team spends every day speaking to people who are looking to find their next job. New candidates come to our offices with various levels of self-confidence. Much of this confidence, or lack of it, stems from their previous experiences. Everyone has the potential to be a superstar, and we think we are pretty good at spotting where […]

But do you need a coach or a therapist? What are the key differences between them? And how can you ensure that you choose the right person for you?   Coach or therapist: Answer this one question Ask yourself what you believe you are struggling to get done. Are you clear about what you want out of work, but don’t […]

This week, we’re taking a deeper look at this critical role in finance & banking and what kind of person might be the best fit for the part. What Investor Relations Analysts do You will be expected to provide support across all activities and sometimes even manage internal and external stakeholders. As much of your work will have you communicating with […]

The temptation is to believe that the more rigorous the better. While this is true, it’s essential that companies are meaningful about their process. Holding multiple interviews gives you a better picture of the candidate Multiple interviews can offer great opportunities for both parties. For candidates, it’s the chance to meet more people, ask more questions, and ensure they feel […]

Here are our tips to help explore what this means in practice. Help your employees feel that they can make a difference At Aldrich & Co, we ensure everyone feels comfortable with taking ownership of their role. By giving them responsibility, we are helping them to shape their role and the projects it affects. Creativity isn’t just the domain for […]

Cover letters are the broccoli of the job application world. Everyone has to do them, but everyone dreads them. This month, we’ll explain how you can write a cover letter to “wow” the recruiters for your dream role in communications. Don’t experiment with cover letter writing We often find that people overthink their writing. Our recommendation for everything you send […]

To be a truly exceptional employer, it isn’t enough to be great at finding new recruits. You must also establish a strategy for building talent within your company. But why should this be the case? Why isn’t it enough to have a plan just for hiring external candidates? In this article, we explain why finding talent within your company is […]

What is your role, and what are you expected to do? As an HR consultant, I provide support to HR teams and executives. This can include guidance on HR team restructure, upskilling, board level decisions, improvements to systems, and cultural engagement.   What kind of people do you work with on a daily basis?  I’ve worked for large global investment banks […]

It is rarely the case that a part-time job will mean exactly half the work. Part-time jobs often demand a balancing act from both employee and employer. Think about what you are offering, and where you can be flexible.

Some graduates might be wondering how they can start writing a CV. This problem is especially acute with young people, who might not have had anything more than a Saturday job to this point. But the truth is that you’ve done a lot of work over the last few years of university, whether paid or not! All these experiences deserve […]

Try your best to sit back and celebrate this hard-earned success. It’s often tempting to look at your peers and measure yourself up against the ones who already have a job in the bag, or an internship at a great corporation, or a contract job working for a hot new start-up. You might start to feel that you’re falling behind […]

What are the key skills for an Executive Assistant? EAs tend to work with highly intelligent and exceptionally demanding people — people who work long hours and expect their assistants to keep pace. You are going to need a lot of patience and the attitude and flexibility to work outside regular hours (and at both ends of the day!) As […]

But what goes into a great job description? Here are some ways to set your description apart from other hiring companies.   A great job description should be accurate One of the most common problems our candidates face is that companies ask for a lot more than they need. Getting a great candidate doesn’t need to mean getting a candidate […]

“The people I worked with were nice, but I got very bored very, very quickly. I feel like I’m not making the right decisions when it comes to applying for jobs. Sometimes job specs read like copy-paste jobs and I can’t tell the difference between them, which I guess must lead to my eventual dissatisfaction. I don’t want to make […]

How to build a great team Don’t hire an entire team in one go It’s difficult to build a team around your weaknesses, and mistakes will be made! Instead, build slowly, and work on establishing firm foundations with the people you hire early on before you move on to finding the next ones. Test out different methods of communication Don’t dismiss […]

Should you apply to a job when you’re overqualified? How relevant is it to the job you want? Is the role at all close to what you want to be doing? If it is in the same industry, or it offers a route to a position that you feel more suited for, it might still be a good idea to […]

But rejecting a candidate might also be an opportunity for a company, too. An opportunity, of course, only if you take the right steps and act with grace. Remember: You never know where the person you are rejecting is going to end up. They may be on the other side of the desk one day! Why it’s important to give […]

Your people are your greatest asset, so how can you as an employer look after a new recruit remotely? Give them a warm welcome  Bringing on a remote employee takes real rigour. Your starting communications with your new hire must be clear, and they should know who to contact when they need assistance. Don’t forget to introduce these employees to […]

Fearing the Great Resignation, many companies took action to avoid resignations of key talent. Reactions ranged from investment banks providing five-figure bonuses for their analysts to businesses offering unlimited remote or flexible working options for their employees. Such adjustments to employee benefits were designed as much to attract talent – the competition for which has never been fiercer – as to […]

Since 2019, the days of Zoom-first (sometimes even Zoom-only) interviews have been commonplace, even expected, for companies seeking new talent. We have seen how this levels the playing field for candidates who might have found it tricky to have an in-person interview. And yet many talented people continue to immediately discount job hunting in other regions because they think employers […]

Make sure your LinkedIn profile is pristine Work on your profile exactly as you would treat your CV. This means: Don’t stop at listing your work experience. Add a summary of your main responsibilities and achievements that were specific to each role. Follow LinkedIn’s profile guidelines, as well. Whether or not your CV includes a personal bio (and we recommend […]

The fastest way to find talent If your company has a big name, we recommend setting up a link to job specs on your website. Join Us buttons work exceptionally well on the front page. Even if you aren’t such a big name, give candidates the option to add their name to your jobs mailing list. If you’re visible at […]

Clare has been busy launching her book, so we were thrilled to book her for this interview! Here, she talks with us about photography’s power to document and inspire, and how it feels juggling creative projects with work managing private finances.   Tell us about your work as a London photographer, specifically London in lockdown. You can see the switch […]

But if you’re looking to find a role mid-career, you haven’t picked an easy field. You’ll find stiff competition from people who have been in the business for a long time. So, how can you stand a fighting chance? Ask yourself these questions: 1. Are you good at writing? You’ll need unparalleled skills in both written and verbal communication; sometimes, […]

This is the fourth in our series on the GROW method. You’ve been through each of the steps in the GROW method. You’re almost done! Here’s how you can tackle the very last step: Will.   (Psst! Forgot to read the first three articles? You’ll find them in our list of career guides! And if you don’t know what the […]

Obstacles take time to identify. But if you don’t find and tackle them, then it will become difficult to move forward in your career. We’ve devised a guide to help you acknowledge what might be obstructing you from getting to that crucial next stage. (Psst! We’ve written all about the GROW method and how it can help your career in […]

Today, we speak to our past Aldrich & Co candidates Sophia Everitt and Amelia Tulloch. Sophia and Amelia first met at secondary school, and they have remained great friends ever since. They have also been colleagues for a large part of their friendship, working first at Goldman Sachs in London and then at Aravis Capital. This is Sophia’s second interview […]

“I feel like I’ve been interviewing for a load of jobs recently, and everyone tells me that’s a good position to be in but it feels pretty frustrating to be invited but not to get past that one last hurdle. It feels like I’m “always the bridesmaid, never the bride”! “I’m not sure what I’m doing wrong at the interview […]

Larger organisations often have built-in career plans, which can lead to a truly rewarding future within the firm. If you’ve been invited to a promotion interview at your company, here is how you can ace it! Six simple ways to set yourself up for a great interview for a job promotion. 1. Read the room – before you’re in it! […]

Sometimes the questions that seem easiest on the surface end up being the most difficult to answer. “What are your goals?” ranks high among them! Setting goals might be daunting, but it can also be exciting to look into the horizon. It’s a time to think, and it’s a time where you might really be able to change something in […]

We’ve all seen them: CVs with typos, CVs that don’t have any contact details on them, CVs with formatting that seems to dance to the beat of its own drum. We asked our fantastic team about the CV blunders for finance positions that make their toes curl – we aggregated our favourites below! Fussy or in-your-face designs “Those overcomplicated, Adobe-designed […]

The hiring process should be equitable, and many companies in the finance sector are working at equalising the playing field with Returnships – programmes in which people can return to work after a break where they might have raised a family or cared for loved ones.   Want to get back to work after a period of leave but struggle […]

Most of us will try to second-guess what our interviewers might ask us. Whatever the interview is for, you can put your money on it starting with the age-old question that isn’t technically a question: “Tell me about yourself.” It may seem a simple request, but what is a recruiter actually looking for in your answer? Avoid preparing for it […]

The pandemic has led many of us to re-evaluate everything about our lives. Understandably, this includes where and how we spend our time each day. We’ve been so inspired by candidates who have come to us having thought deeply about what gets them out of bed in the morning. But there comes a time when even the most motivated people […]

Negative feedback is a double-edged sword. Our kneejerk reaction to it might be embarrassment that we’ve been doing something wrong – and that our colleagues know about it. It’s natural to have these feelings. What’s important is that we understand criticism can help us to grow. When we get feedback, any feedback, we have an opportunity to strengthen our weaknesses because […]