Connective Services Issue 6

Asking for a raise, 2025 recruiting trends + share your feedback

Kevin Sailor
President and CEO

Happy new year! We rolled right into 2025 and are already working hard to find those perfect fits between candidates and hiring managers.

Of course, a new year means performance reviews and bonuses — so it’s the perfect time to ask for a raise. Below, Rita shares her best advice for both sides of the table.

Then, we’ve got 2025 recruiting trends, career opportunities, and more.

P.S. My goal is to provide value to you in every single issue of this newsletter. What would you like to see more of in 2025? Let me know by answering four quick questions on this feedback form.

In this issue:

🔎 Exclusive Recruiter Insights: Asking for a raise with confidence

📄 Latest Resources from the Blog: Financial recruiting trends for 2025, tips for building a family office team

💡 Associate Spotlight: Greg McDowell

🔎 Exclusive Recruiter Insights

Bonus season: Asking for a raise with confidence

By Rita Brannam
Executive Search & Talent Acquisition Team Lead
Find me on LinkedIn

As the calendar turns and bonus season approaches, it's the perfect time to consider your next career move: a raise. 💸 Timing your raise request with bonus season can make a big difference in your positioning. Here's how to navigate this crucial conversation with poise and purpose.

Tips for employees:

  • Evaluate your performance. Start by reflecting on your contributions over the past year. What achievements stand out? Contextualize your request with these accomplishments to show your value.

  • Research market standards. Arm yourself with industry benchmarks. Knowing the going rate for your role helps show that your request is both reasonable and informed.

  • Prepare your pitch. Tell a story that highlights your successes, backed by data and examples. Be ready to address potential objections with professionalism and openness.

Reminders for managers:

  • Set clear expectations. Transparency in performance reviews and salary evaluations builds trust and clarity for a constructive discussion.

  • Encourage open dialogue. Create a culture where employees feel comfortable discussing their compensation. This openness supports growth and helps you retain top talent.

  • Align raises with company goals. Ensure that salary increases reflect broader team and company objectives. Raises should be seen as fair and connected to the company’s success.

Timing and preparation are your allies in these discussions. Whether you're an employee or manager, view the raise conversation as a chance for mutual growth. And remember, if your raise request isn't met, it might be a signal to explore new opportunities that better match your professional aspirations.

Already looking for your next opportunity? Let's connect to talk about your options.

📄 Latest Resources From the Blog

From Financial Recruiters International

In 2025 and beyond, changes in financial recruitment will be driven by technology and specialized roles. Here are the key trends we see on the horizon and how to navigate them:

  • AI and automation: AI tools like HireVue enhance recruitment by streamlining resume reviews and improving candidate matching, although a balance with human judgment is essential to avoid overlooking unique talents.

  • Soft skills: As vital as technical abilities, soft skills like adaptability and communication are crucial for success in finance, driving demand for professionals who can navigate complex environments effectively.

  • Specialized skills: Emerging roles in data analysis, cybersecurity, and ESG investing require continuous learning and certifications to stay competitive in the financial sector.

  • Remote work impact: With 60% of professionals favoring remote or hybrid models, flexibility is key for employers and offers career advancement opportunities for candidates without geographical constraints.

Adaptation and continuous upskilling are critical for both employers and candidates. Read about these four trends in detail here: Navigating the Financial Recruitment Landscape >

3 Hiring Tips to Build an Elite Family Office Team

From Alexander Raymond

Building a successful team for a family office involves unique challenges due to their specialized focus on managing multi-generational wealth, legacy planning, and philanthropy. Here are three tips to guide family offices in recruiting top talent:

  1. Understand your unique needs. Family offices require professionals skilled in estate planning, tax strategy, and investment oversight. Key qualities include discretion, versatility, and tailored expertise in navigating complex financial landscapes.

  2. Identify core roles essential for success. Critical positions include estate planners adept at wealth transfer, tax strategists familiar with international laws, and investment professionals with a strategic vision for asset management.

  3. Weigh the benefits of specialized recruitment firms. Working with a recruitment firm offers access to niche talent that aligns with the family's values, ensuring a cohesive team dynamic. These agencies streamline hiring, saving time and resources by tapping into vast networks of qualified candidates.

Collaborating with a recruitment firm specializing in family offices can help you build a team for lasting success.

We’re currently recruiting for the below roles. See the perfect fit? Contact the recruiter listed.

Director of Wealth and Retirement Strategy

(CFA, CFP)
Wichita
Recruiter: Denise Decker
[email protected]

President of Trust and Wealth

(JD, CFA, CFP, CTFA)
Central Texas
Recruiter: Greg McDowell
[email protected]

Trust Officer

Youngstown, OH
Recruiter: Denise Decker
[email protected]

Wealth Advisor

(CFA, CFP, CWS)
Vero Beach, FL
Recruiter: Christie Burgess
[email protected]

Wealth Advisor/
Relationship Manager

Space Coast, FL
Recruiter: Erin Keller
[email protected]

Portfolio Manager

Fort Wayne
Recruiter: Christie Burgess
[email protected]

Financial Planner

(CFP, CFA)
Pittsburgh
Recruiter: Jacob Aubel
[email protected]

Trust Officer

South Pittsburgh
Recruiter: Jacob Aubel
[email protected]

Wealth Manager

Pittsburgh
Recruiter: Jacob Aubel
[email protected]

Trust Legal Counsel

New Orleans and Houston
Recruiter: Greg McDowell
[email protected]

Trust Legal Counsel

Louisiana
Recruiter: Greg McDowell
[email protected]

Regional Trust Manager

Indianapolis
Recruiter: Christie Burgess
[email protected]

Estate Planning Attorney

North Chicago
Recruiter: Christie Burgess
[email protected]

Commercial Lines Account Executive

Atlanta
Recruiter: Christie Burgess
[email protected]

Commercial Underwriting Manager

Midwest
Recruiter: Greg McDowell
[email protected]

Loss Control

CT and MA
Recruiter: Greg McDowell
[email protected]

Loss Control

Dallas-Fort Worth
Recruiter: Christie Burgess
[email protected]

Premium Audit

Richmond, VA
Recruiter: Greg McDowell
[email protected]

Premium Audit

Maryland
Recruiter: Greg McDowell
[email protected]

Private Banker

Tallahassee
Recruiter: Jacob Aubel
[email protected]

🎈 Just For Fun

📰 Industry News

Retiring wealth managers keeping M&A market hot, study shows

A wave of retirements among wealth managers is significantly impacting the M&A market in the RIA industry, with 37% of advisors planning to retire within the next decade. This trend is driven by demographic shifts and rising RIA valuations, highlighting the demand for expert advisory services and succession planning. Read the analysis from InvestmentNews.com >

📣 How Are We Doing?

Is the info in this newsletter helpful? What would you like to see more or less of? Please take a minute to give your feedback. Your input helps me ensure I’m providing value for you in every single issue.

💡 Associate Spotlight

Get to know our team: Q&A with Greg McDowell

What do you enjoy most about your role as a recruiter?

“I really enjoy having a positive impact on someone's life and career. I get to help candidates into better career placements where they’re treated more professionally and compensated at a higher level. This improves their quality of life to the point where, for example, their kids can now go to a better school. That gives me a feeling of gratification.

I also love solving problems for my hiring managers by bringing them the best possible candidate. As a recruiter, I get to have a profound impact on both parties. That’s what motivates me to be the best I can at what I do. It’s not about me, it’s about the people I work with.”

🔗 Connect With Your Recruiter

Greg McDowell

Executive Search Team Lead

Denise Decker

Executive Search Team Lead

Christie Burgess

Executive Search Team Lead

Jacob Aubel

Executive Recruiter

Rita Brannam

Executive Search Team Lead

👋🏼 About Connective Services

Connective Services is a newsletter brought to you by Financial Recruiters International and Alexander Raymond. Both firms are full-cycle recruiting companies connecting fiduciary services organizations with highly skilled candidates. Financial Recruiters International serves the financial sector while Alexander Raymond specializes in insurance and contract staffing.