In this issue:

🔎 Exclusive Recruiter Insights: LinkedIn tips for career seekers & hiring managers

📄 Latest Resources from the Blog: Balancing cultural fit and technical expertise, choosing the right insurance recruiting firm

📌 Featured Career Opportunities

📰 Industry News

💡 Associate Spotlight: Denise Decker

🔗 Connect With Your Recruiter

🔎 Exclusive Recruiter Insights

LinkedIn is one of the best resources available for both professionals looking for their next opportunity and those looking to hire their next superstar. We’ve all used this tool for years, but what separates a successful outreach from just more useless spam? Here are a few pro tips I’ve picked up after years on LinkedIn.

Tips for career seekers:

• Find the right contacts. The trick with LinkedIn is knowing who to connect with. Start by making a list of hiring managers in your industry. Use the search bar to find specific contacts for your specialty.

• Personalize your message. When you hit ‘connect,’ go beyond the general request to tailor the message to the person. A little effort goes a long way in making a memorable first impression. Tell them why you want to connect and what you bring to the table.

• Don’t be afraid to ask for help! Most people are happy to help and if they’re not the right person, simply ask who to speak with. Ask if they know of other similar firms who are hiring or people who may have ideas for you!

Tips for hiring managers:

• Search for passive candidates. Instead of sifting through a mountain of applications, actively search for and directly message potential candidates. Yes, this takes time, but the quality of candidates you’ll find makes it worthwhile. If these people aren’t interested, ask them if they know of others in their professional circles who might be interested in a conversation.

• Just be human. When messaging candidates, make sure you don’t come across as an automated bot. Make it obvious that you’re a real, actual person and people are much more likely to respond. All of us immediately dismiss messages that seem impersonal or automated!

• Write compelling job posts. Think outside the box when it comes to job descriptions. Highlight what makes your company unique. Drop the cliches about ‘being a family’ and sell your story. What truly sets your team apart? Why should they want to join you? Why are you still at your current firm after X years?

➡️ The bottom line is: Whether you’re job hunting or talent scouting, LinkedIn can be a powerful tool. Make your connections count – and if you want to dig deeper into the LinkedIn strategies I’ve learned over the years, just reach out. 👋🏼

📄 Latest Resources From the Blog

Balancing Cultural Fit and Technical Expertise

From Financial Recruiters International

The conversation around cultural fit has matured over the years as business leaders strive to hire people who align with company values, work style, and communication preferences, while also bringing diverse perspectives to the team.

Prioritizing cultural fit builds cohesive teams that not only perform better but also stick around longer. Research shows that employees who share values with their colleagues are less likely to voluntarily leave.

Let’s be clear: Cultural fit doesn’t mean sameness. It's about harmony. Embracing diversity of thought, experience, and skills enriches team dynamics, fostering innovation and effective decision-making.

Modern hiring strategies include consideration for cultural fit and culture add — that is, reflecting on the unique ways a candidate can contribute to your organization’s culture.

Even the most skilled professional can struggle in an environment where they don’t “fit.” By blending cultural alignment with technical expertise, companies forge robust teams that thrive and exceed business goals.

Assessing cultural fit is just one element of our proven, meticulous recruiting process at Financial Recruiters International. Learn about the full method here:

Building Stronger Financial Teams: Our Approach to Finding the Perfect Fit >

Thinking about hiring a firm to help fill your next insurance executive role?

Look for a recruiting firm that:

☑️ Knows the industry. They specialize in insurance and know the ins and outs.

☑️ Has a strong track record. They have a history of successful hires in positions similar to the one you’re filling.

☑️ Offers personalized service. They adapt their process to your specific needs.

The right partner can find an exceptional fit in a fraction of the time it takes to do it on your own. Read more about hiring a top commercial insurance recruiting firm. >

📌 Featured Career Opportunities

We’re currently recruiting for more than 30 roles in fiduciary services, including:

• Trust Officer

• Financial Advisor

• Portfolio Manager

• Wealth Advisor

• Commercial Underwriting Manager

• …many, many more

The full list of career opportunities, including locations and next steps, is exclusively available to Connective Services subscribers.

📰 Industry News

McKinsey Estimates Advisor Shortage of 100,000 by 2034

McKinsey projects a shortage of 100,000 financial advisors by 2034 due to low recruitment rates and high retirement numbers. To meet rising demand, the industry must enhance productivity and step up to attract fresh talent. More on addressing this challenge from WealthManagement.com >

💡 Associate Spotlight

“Yes, I’m thinking of one right away. One of my most challenging yet fulfilling placements involved months of diligent work and countless late-night calls. It was a long, winding process with at least 10 rounds of interviews. At times, it felt like a never-ending search. But I held my ground, determined to find the perfect match. Eventually, perseverance paid off, and the candidate was placed in a role that truly matched his skills and aspirations.

A year and a half later, I received a heartfelt message from him. He shared, ‘My wife and I now have time together, quality time. We bought our first home. We now feel comfortable that she is able to quit her job and we are going to start a family.’ Messages like these are the reason I do what I do. It’s not about filling positions; it’s about transforming lives.”

📣 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.

🔗 Connect With Your Recruiter

👋🏼 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.