Unlocking Hidden Talent: Key Takeaways from the "Untapped" Webinar
The financial services sector doesn't have a pipeline problem—it has a perspective problem. Rigid recruitment systems routinely filter out highly capable professionals simply because their CVs lack a linear finance background.
On July 7th, Patricia Callan moderated Untapped: The Blueprint for Career Transitioners in Financial Services in collaboration with IFS Skillnet. Our panel shared a practical blueprint for integrating non-traditional talent:
- Rethinking the Job Spec: Paul Daly (Fexco) warned that automated AI screening and traditional frameworks risk failing the industry. He urged companies to challenge intimidating, legacy language in job descriptions that block talented applicants. Updating these specs stops the auto-rejection of "transitioners" and prioritizes raw drive and cognitive resilience. After all, product knowledge is teachable; attitude and adaptability are not.
- Transferable Skills & Diverse Perspectives: Margus Laissaar (Navy to finance) advised candidates to focus on what they do have, illustrating how military skills—like planning, incident management, and risk assessment—map seamlessly to financial operations. Andrea Campbell (beauty industry returner) proved that non-linear paths bring fresh perspectives. Despite the hurdles common to returners, her advice to transitioners is clear: be brave, be authentic, and never underestimate the skills gained during wider career journeys or career breaks.
Building Supportive Frameworks: Spotting talent is just step one. To help cross-sector hires thrive, companies must deploy targeted on-the-job training, clear onboarding blueprints, and flexible working arrangements.
The Bottom Line Career transitioners are an untapped reservoir of unique skills. Looking beyond the traditional finance degree builds a more agile, resilient workforce.
Resources & Next Steps
Skills Framework: Visit the webiste to explore the newly developed FSI framework, which maps out roles and career pathways across sectors including such as retail banking, funds, and insurance, with more to follow soon including aircraft leasing.
Reactivate Returners Programme: IFS Skillnet has launched the third iteration of this excellent, 100% funded programme to help people returning from career breaks rebuild confidence and refine CVs. Learn more here
Members can catch the full discussion using the link below: