The commercial industry presents competitive but rewarding career opportunities for aspiring commercial professionals.
As technology, working practices and client demands evolve, commercial employers are looking for stand-out candidates who can thrive in this changing environment. Partnering with a specialist recruiter can provide invaluable expertise, connections and insights when navigating this complex industry as a candidate. By showcasing your skills and qualifications, tailoring your approach and staying up-to-date on industry needs, your recruiter can help you succeed in landing a commercial career.
Get Relevant Experience:
Gaining practical experience whilst at University is invaluable when landing a commercial career. Seek out any work experience you can; holiday schemes, business internships, professional opportunities or part-time positions to build your skills. Working at commercial businesses gives you industry insights and strengthens your CV.
These roles allow you to apply your commercial knowledge, conduct research, draft documents, interact with clients and more. This hands-on experience demonstrates commitment to employers.
Work closely with your recruiter to identify and apply for the best positions to quickly develop your practical abilities and commercial awareness.
Network and Make Connections:
Many commercial jobs come through personal referrals and recommendations. Attend industry events, join professional associations on LinkedIn and grow your personal network. Follow leading businesses or trending business professionals on social media and engage with their content. Introduce yourself to people on LinkedIn to learn about their career journeys. Nurturing connections provides access to unadvertised opportunities that can help in landing a commercial career.
Ask your recruiter for introductions to their network of contacts. Attend recruiter-hosted events to meet top professionals and hear their career journey insights.
Target Your Applications:
Quality matters far more than quantity. Thoroughly research companies with your recruiter and only apply to roles that closely match your experience, interests and goals. Follow up promptly after applying to reiterate your enthusiasm and fit. Create your own targeted shortlist of ideal companies to methodically work through. Take time crafting bespoke, strong applications.
Avoid mass generic applications!
Work with your recruiter to customise your CV, cover letters and application forms to perfectly align with each employer’s culture and needs.
Showcase Your Skills Online:
Demonstrate your unique personal brand and skill by using social media platforms. This will raise your profile and assist with landing a commercial career.
Consider Specialist
Qualifications:
Pursuing niche professional area qualifications can provide a competitive advantage when seeking professional roles. Discuss with recruiters which specialist qualifications are in highest demand in the current market and tailor your focus accordingly. Completing select courses shows commitment to fast-growing commercial specialisms. This enables targeting relevant job opportunities where you can progress quickly.
Prepare for Interviews and Assessments:
Your recruiter will have insider knowledge on exactly what employers will look for in different selection stages. Reflect on your motivations, strengths, weaknesses and alignment with company values. Review commonly asked competency, technical, commercial awareness and scenario-based questions. Prepare intelligent questions to ask employers. Polish your communication style, body language and overall performance.
Remain Flexible and Open-Minded:
When starting out, consider roles at smaller companies, generalist positions or commercial-adjacent careers to gain valuable experience as you work towards your ideal role long-term. Be open to alternative career structures.
Starting your professional journey in an available job allows you to transition or specialise later.
Keep an open and resilient perspective on potential career development paths.
With expert guidance from a specialist commercial recruiter, focused preparation, perseverance and a genuine passion for the professionalism…
…you can achieve your dream of landing a thriving career. Begin laying the foundations early, actively build your skills and network, target applications strategically, and thoroughly prepare. Continually develop yourself to adapt to the changing industry and recruiter priorities.
Absorb all the learnings you can.
An exciting, challenging and rewarding commercial career awaits.
Top Tips on Landing a Commercial Career
